RELX
Annual Report 2002

Plain-text annual report

140350 FC/BC 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 1 www.reedelsevier.com Indispensable global information Science & Medical Legal Education Business R e e d E l s e v i e r A N N U A L R E P O R T S A N D F I N A N C A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 0 0 2 CHEMWEB>BIOMEDNET>BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA>EVOLVE>MDL INFORMATION SYSTEMS>SCIRUS>EXCERPTA MEDICA>THE LANCET>ELSEVIER>GRAY’S ANATOMY>SCIENCEDIRECT> I ACADEMIC PRESS >CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE >L’ANNEE BIOLOGIQUE >MOSBY>WB SAUNDERS >BRAIN RESEARCH >ONCOLOGY TODAY >TETRAHEDRON LETTERS >VASCULAR SURGERY>SCIRUS >PDXMD>CELL >JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY>NEUROSCIENCE >THE LANGUAGE OF MEDICINE>ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HUMAN BRAIN >VIRTUAL CLINICAL EXCURSION>EMBASE> EI>CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS>POLYMER>NEURON>JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A>ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA>MD CONSULT>AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY>COMPUTER NETWORKS >DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY>FEBS LETTERS>HOMEOPATHY>NEUROIMAGE>PHYSICA A>SPEECH COMMUNICATION>WATER RESEARCH>ZEOLITES>MATERIALS TODAY>RISKWISE>BUTTERWORTHS TOLLEY> MATTHEW BENDER >SHEPARD’S IN PRINT>MARTINDALE HUBBELL >LEXISNEXIS AT LEXIS.COM >MALAYAN LAW JOURNAL>LEXISNEXIS AT NEXIS.COM >CONOSUR>LEXPOLONICA>NIMMER ON COPYRIGHT>DEPALMA>MBO VERLAG>COLLIER>LITEC>PEOPLEWISE>EDITIONS DU JURIS CLASSEUR> ECLIPSE>MEALEY PUBLICATIONS>LEXISNEXIS COUNTRY ANALYSIS>CHECKCITE>LEXISONE>THE ADVERTISING RED BOOKS>HALSBURY’S LAWS >DICTIONARY OF CORPORATE AFFILIATIONS >ORAC VERLAG>FACTLANE>LEGISOFT>INFOLIB>LE BOTTIN ADMINISTRATIF>CARTER ON CONTRACT> AUSTRALIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FORMS AND PRECEDENTS >LE BOTTIN DE COMMUNE ET DE L’INTERCOMMUNALITE >LA SEMAINE JURIDIQUE >POLY GESTION AVOCAT>LAWNOW>LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER>AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION LAW>BUTTERWORTHS COMPANY LAW CASES> Reed Elsevier A N N U A L R E P O R T S A N D F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 0 0 2 For the Reed Elsevier Combined Businesses, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV LA DOCUMENTATION ORGANIQUE >TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW >LEGAL EXPRESS >LAW IN CONTEXT >BUTTERWORTHS CORE TEXTS >E-MARKETPLACE >LEGAL EXPRESS >LAWCOMMERCE >NATIONAL FRAUD CENTER>LEXISNEXIS LITIGATION SUPPORT BY DOLPHINSEARCH>RIGBY>HEINEMANN>HARCOURT SCHOOLS PUBLISHERS>GINN>GREENWOOD>HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON> STECK-VAUGHN>THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CORPORATION>WECHSLER TEST>HI.COM.AU>WECHSLER INTELLIGENCE SERIES>STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TEST>HARCOURT EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT >ILOLI>METRO SERIES>ALLEZ VIENS>HORIZONS>TROPHIES>WISC>TREASURY OF LITERATURE>VAMOS DE FIESTA >MATH ADVANTAGE>STORIES IN TIME>HARCOURT CIENCIAS>YOUR HEALTH> ART EXPRESS>HEINEMANN EXPLORE>MYPRIMARY.CO.UK>EASYTEACH>HEINEMANN LIBRARY>DARTMATHS>PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS>HARCOURT INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY>VEN CONMIGO >ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE>GO.HRW.COM>HOLT RESEARCHER>HOLT SCIENCE SPECTRUM>ESTRADO>HOLT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY>MODERN CHEMISTRY>KOMM MITT>HOLT ONLINE SCIENCE> SELF IMAGE PROFILES >BOEHM-3 PRESCHOOL >WILSON SYNTAX SCREENING TESTING >SELF IMAGE PROFILES >THE WHALE RIDER >BARRIE PUBLISHING >CNI.COM >FARMERS WEEKLY >SCIENCE BY INVESTIGATION>ELECTRONIC DESIGN NEWS>RESTAURANTS & INSTITUTIONS>BROADCASTING & CABLE>COMPUTER WEEKLY>COMMUNITY CARE>ESTATES GAZETTE>MARDEV> MIPCOM>BIZZ>FEM BUSINESS>WORLD TRAVEL MARKET>MIDEM>BATIMAT>BOOKEXPO>INFOSECURITY>ZIBB.NL >VARIETY>STRATEGIES>NEW SCIENTIST>DOCTOR>KELLY’S DIRECTORIES>RATI.COM >TOTALJOBS.COM>KOMPASS>CMD>BANKERS ALMANAC>AUSTRALIAN DOCTOR>ELSEVIER THEMA>HOTELYMPIA>KELLYSEARCH>DESIGN NEWS>BOERDERIJ>PLAYTHINGS>E-LOGIC>TRACOM> PUBLISHERS WEEKLY >FURNITURE TODAY >MULTICHANNEL NEWS >INTERIOR DESIGN >BUILDINGTEAM.COM >WIRELESS WEEK >ELSEVIER >BELEGGERS BELANGEN >PACKAGING DIGEST >SURGICAL PRODUCTS>IL BAGNO>INSTALLATORE ITALIANO>TECNO>FINESTRA>VETRO>TC NEWS>BLU & ROSSO>ARCHITEKTUR>VIE DE FAMILLE>CODE CIVIL>ARTE Y CEMENTO>PISCINAS> 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page IFC1 Contents 01 Financial highlights 02 Review of operations and financial performance 12 Structure and corporate governance 16 Directors’ remuneration report Reed Elsevier combined financial statements 26 Accounting policies 28 Combined financial statements 32 Notes to the combined financial statements 54 Independent auditors’ report Reed Elsevier PLC annual report and financial statements 56 Financial highlights 57 Directors’ report 59 Accounting policies 60 Financial statements 64 Notes to the financial statements 70 Independent auditors’ report Reed Elsevier NV annual report and financial statements 72 Five year financial summary 73 The Supervisory Board’s report 73 The Executive Board’s report 74 Financial statements 77 Accounting policies 78 Notes to the financial statements 81 Auditors’ report 81 Other information Additional information for US investors 84 Reed Elsevier combined businesses 89 Reed Elsevier PLC 91 Reed Elsevier NV 93 Principal operating locations In April 2002, Reed International P.L.C. changed its name to Reed Elsevier PLC and Elsevier NV changed its name to Reed Elsevier NV. The operating company that owns the publishing and information businesses, previously named Reed Elsevier plc, changed its name to Reed Elsevier Group plc. This document contains Annual Reports information and the Financial Statements in respect of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses and the two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. This, together with the separate summary document Reed Elsevier Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements 2002, forms the Annual Reports and Financial Statements of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV for the year ended 31 December 2002 and the two documents should be read together. 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 1 Financial highlights Results for the year ended 31 December REED ELSEVIER COMBINED TURNOVER ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT ADJUSTED OPERATING CASH FLOW ADJUSTED PRE-TAX PROFIT m 3 6 1 , 3 £ m 0 9 3 , 3 £ m 8 6 7 , 3 £ m 0 6 5 , 4 £ m 0 2 0 , 5 £ m 3 1 8 £ m 2 9 7 £ m 3 9 7 £ m 0 9 9 £ m 3 3 1 , 1 £ m 8 0 8 £ m 0 8 7 £ m 5 7 7 £ m 6 0 0 , 1 £ m 0 1 0 , 1 £ m 3 7 7 £ m 0 1 7 £ m 0 9 6 £ m 8 4 8 £ m 7 2 9 £ 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 m 8 0 7 , 4 € m 3 5 1 , 5 € m 0 8 1 , 6 € m 2 4 3 , 7 € m 2 8 9 , 7 € m 0 1 2 , 1 € m 4 0 2 , 1 € m 1 0 3 . 1 € m 4 9 5 , 1 € m 1 0 8 , 1 € m 3 0 2 , 1 € m 6 8 1 , 1 € m 1 7 2 , 1 € m 0 2 6 , 1 € m 6 0 6 , 1 € m 0 5 1 , 1 € m 9 7 0 , 1 € m 2 3 1 , 1 € m 5 6 3 , 1 € m 4 7 4 , 1 € £ sterling € euro 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 Results for the year ended 31 December PARENT COMPANIES REED ELSEVIER PLC Adjusted earnings per share REED ELSEVIER PLC Full year dividend REED ELSEVIER NV Adjusted earnings per share REED ELSEVIER NV Full year dividend p 0 4 . 6 2 p 0 4 . 4 2 p 0 3 . 3 2 p 0 1 . 6 2 p 0 5 . 8 2 p 0 0 . 5 1 p 0 0 . 0 1 p 0 0 . 0 1 p 0 5 . 0 1 p 0 2 . 1 1 0 6 . 0 € 7 5 . 0 € 9 5 . 0 € 4 6 . 0 € 9 6 . 0 € 9 3 . 0 € 7 2 . 0 € 8 2 . 0 € 0 3 . 0 € 0 3 . 0 € 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 The financial highlights refer to ‘adjusted’ profit and cash flow figures. These figures are used by the Reed Elsevier businesses as additional performance measures and are stated before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects. A reconciliation between the reported figures and adjusted figures is provided in the notes to the financial statements. Adjusted pre-tax profit is presented for total operations; other highlights relate to continuing operations, which exclude the consumer publishing businesses sold in 1998. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 1 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 2 Review of operations and financial performance This review provides a commentary on the operating and financial performance of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses for the year ended 31 December 2002. In addition, it describes other financial aspects of the combined businesses including treasury policies. The review also includes information on the financial performance and dividends of the parent companies and on the finance activities of the Elsevier Reed Finance BV group. The combined financial statements encompass the businesses of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, together with their parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV (the “Reed Elsevier combined businesses” or “Reed Elsevier”). Financial information is presented in both sterling and euros. REVIEW OF OPERATIONS Turnover Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total Adjusted operating profit Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total 2002 £m 1,295 1,349 993 1,383 5,020 429 287 183 234 1,133 2001 £m 1,024 1,330 579 1,627 4,560 344 267 132 247 990 2002 €m 2,059 2,145 1,579 2,199 7,982 682 456 291 372 1,801 2001 €m 1,649 2,141 932 2,620 7,342 554 430 212 398 1,594 % change at constant currencies 29% 5% 78% –14% 13% 26% 10% 45% –4% 17% Adjusted figures are used by Reed Elsevier as additional performance measures and are stated before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. The Review of Operations refers to adjusted operating profit performance. Adjusted figures are used by Reed Elsevier as additional performance measures and are stated before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. Reported operating results, including amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, are discussed further below in the Financial Review, and are reconciled to the adjusted figures in the notes to the combined financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage movements in the following commentary refer to constant currency rates, using 2001 full year average rates, and are stated before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS The Reed Elsevier Annual Reports & Financial Statements 2002 contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and actual results and events could differ materially from those currently being anticipated as reflected in such forward looking statements. The terms ‘expect’, ‘should be’, ‘will be’, and similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Factors which may cause future outcomes to differ from those foreseen in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions and business conditions in Reed Elsevier’s markets; exchange rate fluctuations; customers’ acceptance of its products and services; the actions of competitors; legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments; changes in law and legal interpretation affecting Reed Elsevier’s intellectual property rights; and the impact of technological change. 2 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 3 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE SCIENCE & MEDICAL Turnover Elsevier Science & Technology Health Sciences Adjusted operating profit Operating margin 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m % change at constant currencies 746 549 1,295 429 33.1% 664 360 1,024 344 33.6% 1,186 873 2,059 682 33.1% 1,069 580 1,649 554 33.6% 14% 57% 29% 26% –0.5pts The Science & Medical business, now branded Elsevier, has had another very successful year. Strong subscription renewals, growing online sales and a successful medical book publishing programme have delivered revenue growth ahead of the market. The successful integration of the Harcourt STM business and tight cost control has delivered double digit underlying profit growth. Revenue and adjusted operating profits increased by 29% and 26% respectively at constant exchange rates, or, underlying, by 6% and 11% including the Harcourt STM business on a proforma basis. Both the Science & Technology and Health Sciences divisions saw underlying revenue growth of 6%. In Science & Technology, this was driven by strong subscription renewals, both for print journals and ScienceDirect, and growing online sales, including newly introduced backfiles and subject collections. Migration to e-only contracts is accelerating, which, whilst generating lower revenue than a combined print and electronic sale, has a positive impact on operational efficiency and provides a good platform for the sale of new electronic services. In Health Sciences, underlying revenue growth was driven by a successful medical book publishing programme, with strong new publishing and increased demand from the expanding healthcare professions. The online service, MD Consult, saw good growth with a 15% increase in subscribers and expanded content. The Excerpta Medica sponsored communications business serving the pharmaceutical industry also performed well. The integration of the Harcourt STM businesses within Elsevier is now mostly complete. Publishing operations have been unified, journal production centralised and the Harcourt IDEAL online service migrated to ScienceDirect. Journal distribution has been integrated and warehousing capacity is being rationalised. Offices have been consolidated internationally. Book production and distribution systems will be integrated over the coming year. The annual cost savings target of US$40 million will be exceeded, with close to that amount realised in 2002. More than half of this has been reinvested in new product development. Operating margins, at 33.1%, are 0.5 percentage points lower than in the prior year, reflecting the inclusion of the lower margin Harcourt STM business for a full year. The underlying margin improvement on a proforma basis was 1.5 percentage points, including in the Health Sciences business as action is taken to improve the efficiency of the acquired business. The Elsevier business is making good progress against its strategic priorities. We continue to expand our content and make more of it available electronically. During 2002, the number of articles available on the ScienceDirect web service increased from 1.8 million to 3.3 million from new publishing, the progressive loading of backfiles and migration from the IDEAL platform. Additional content came from continued strong publishing in our journals and a very successful medical publishing programme, as well as acquisitions. We acquired Hanley & Belfus, a leading US publisher in the medical student market, and recently established a strong position in Germany through the acquisition of the STM businesses of Holtzbrinck, including Urban & Fischer, a leading medical publisher. ScienceDirect saw strong growth in the year, with the number of articles downloaded up 70% to 86 million. The percentage of subscribers by value now taking ScienceDirect is 72%, up 6 percentage points in the year with most major customers now taking the service. The majority of those not taking ScienceDirect are able to access web editions of journals as part of their core subscriptions, but without the retrieval, linking and other functionalities of ScienceDirect. The outlook for the Science & Medical business is good. Although academic institutional and corporate budgets are under pressure, Elsevier continues to see strong subscription renewals and is driving increased demand through new content and online services, adding value and productivity to existing customers and widening distribution. Further margin improvement is expected from increasing operational efficiency, particularly in the Health Sciences business. Turnover by business Elsevier Turnover £ STERLING Turnover € EURO m 2 2 6 £ m 2 5 6 £ m 3 9 6 £ m 4 2 0 , 1 £ m 5 9 2 , 1 £ m 6 2 9 € m 1 9 9 € m 7 3 1 , 1 € m 9 4 6 , 1 € m 9 5 0 , 2 € Science & Technology £746m/€1,186m Health Sciences £549m/€873m 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 3 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 4 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE LEGAL Turnover LexisNexis North America International Adjusted operating profit Operating margin The Legal business, now branded LexisNexis, has had a successful year, outperforming the market and making good progress in improving margins. Continued investment has been made in new online services and geographic expansion. Revenues and adjusted operating profits increased by 5% and 10% respectively at constant exchange rates, or 4% and 11% excluding acquisitions and disposals. LexisNexis North America saw underlying revenue growth of 4%, a very satisfactory result given the pressure in some markets from the economic slowdown, particularly in the corporate sector. Outside the US, International sales growth was 3% held back by the difficult conditions in the corporate sector and Latin America. Operating margins were up 1.2 percentage points to 21.3%, with good operational gearing and improving cost efficiency in part offset by additional investment in new online services and development in Courtlink, the fast growing electronic court access and filing company acquired in 2001. In US Legal markets, revenues grew by 4%. Online revenue growth was 8%, with continued strong growth in online usage and increasing penetration of the small law firm market. Print and CD sales were flat as the market moves online. The legal directories business again performed well with strong renewals and 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m % change at constant currencies 1,056 293 1,349 287 21.3% 1,041 289 1,330 267 20.1% 1,679 466 2,145 456 21.3% 1,676 465 2,141 430 20.1% 6% 3% 5% 10% 1.2pts services, and are expanding the electronic filing and court access services acquired with Courtlink. We also continue to expand internationally through internal development and acquisition, and the building of our global online delivery platform. The acquisition of Quicklaw gave us the leading position in online legal information in Canada, and MBO Verlag provides an important step up in developing our business in Germany. The organisational structure, management and resources are in place to deliver on our strategy and continue the growth momentum in the business. The outlook for the LexisNexis business is good, despite the pressure of the economic slowdown on legal markets. Product innovation and the gains in customer productivity offered by our growing online services are stimulating continued growth. The focus on increasing operational efficiency is expected to deliver further margin improvement whilst investment levels are maintained. expanded web services. In US Corporate and Federal markets, revenues increased by 5% with strong growth in risk solutions services more than compensating for the impact of the economic slowdown on the corporate business information market. Underlying operating profit growth at LexisNexis North America was 15%, reflecting the good progress on cost efficiency. The LexisNexis International businesses outside North America saw revenues and adjusted operating profits up 3% and 4% respectively. Online sales grew strongly in all major markets, partly offset by the migration from print and CD product. Underlying sales growth of 3% was held back by weakness in demand from corporate customers and in Latin America. Underlying operating profits grew more slowly at 1% reflecting investment in new online services and expansion of the business in Germany. In part this investment has been funded by rationalisation of editorial and production processes within Europe during the second half of the year. LexisNexis is continuing to expand its content and online services as well as pushing into new markets. In the US, we have progressively expanded our coverage of annotated codes for individual states and are well advanced in developing modern summaries of all federal and state cases. We continue to add to the functionality of our online Turnover by business LexisNexis Turnover £ STERLING Turnover € EURO North America £1,056m/€1,679m International £293m/€466m m 8 4 9 £ m 7 8 0 , 1 £ m 1 0 2 , 1 £ m 0 3 3 , 1 £ m 9 4 3 , 1 £ m 1 1 4 , 1 € m 2 5 6 , 1 € m 0 7 9 , 1 € m 1 4 1 , 2 € m 5 4 1 , 2 € 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 4 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 5 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE EDUCATION Turnover Harcourt Education US Schools & Testing International Adjusted operating profit Operating margin 2002 £m 846 147 993 2001 £m 440 139 579 183 18.4% 132 22.8% 2002 €m 1,345 234 1,579 291 18.4% 2001 €m 708 224 932 212 22.8% % change at constant currencies 100% 8% 78% 45% –4.4pts The Education business, now branded Harcourt Education, has performed well to deliver underlying growth in a difficult schools market. The Harcourt US Education and Testing businesses acquired in July 2001 have made a good contribution and have been integrated with Reed Elsevier’s other education businesses to become a leading global business in the English speaking schools market. The Harcourt US K-12 schools business again significantly outperformed the market. Revenues and adjusted operating profits increased substantially with a full year contribution from the acquired Harcourt businesses. Underlying growth in revenues and operating profits was 2% and 4% respectively at constant exchange rates including the acquired Harcourt businesses on a proforma basis. The Harcourt US K-12 schools business performed well against a market estimated to be some 5% lower, delivering revenues marginally ahead of the prior year. This market decline is a reflection of the weaker adoptions cycle in 2002 compounded by more cautious spending by US states, with budgets under pressure and deferral of spend in anticipation of the increased funding allocated by the federal government. Adjusted operating profits were up 4% before other acquisitions driven by greater cost efficiency across the supply chain and operating infrastructure, as well as from integration of the supplemental businesses. Operating margins were lower at 18.4% due to the effect of including the acquired Harcourt businesses for a full year with their seasonally low first half margin. Underlying margins on a proforma basis improved by 0.5 percentage points despite the low revenue growth, due to the greater cost efficiency. The integration savings are higher than initially targeted and have financed additional investment in electronic learning. Harcourt Education’s significant outperformance of the US K-12 market has been driven by strong new publishing against available adoption opportunities and good growth in sales of the backlist and in open territories particularly in the elementary schools market. We won the highest overall market share of 2002 state adoption revenues despite the disappointment of not participating in California elementary reading. The elementary school business was particularly successful in Florida reading, California math, and in science and social studies across a number of states. In secondary, the science and literature and language arts programmes again performed well. The Harcourt Testing businesses saw underlying revenues 8% ahead, driven by good growth from new and existing state contracts and successful new educational and clinical assessment publishing. Operating margins increased through significant process improvements following relocation of the business to new facilities in the prior year, and underlying operating profits were 25% higher. The Harcourt Education International business saw flat revenues, before acquisitions. Strong growth from successful new publishing in the UK secondary schools market was offset by a weaker UK primary schools market, following a strong prior year of significant curriculum change, and lower academic publishing sales. The Global Library business grew well with an expanded sales and marketing organisation. Underlying operating profits in the International business were 10% lower, due to the flat sales and investment in new publishing and sales and marketing. Harcourt Education remains focused on delivering market leading textbook programmes and we are continuing to invest in expanding our curriculum range and in electronic learning resources. In Testing we have now launched a major new edition of the Stanford Achievement Test series which combines the power of well established norm referencing tests with the flexibility to adapt to individual state criteria. Our online testing capabilities are developing well and positioned for market growth. In 2003, the US schools market is expected to see some recovery despite continuing state budget pressures through the benefit of additional federal funding and more state adoption revenues available. We have strong publishing programmes across our businesses to address these opportunities. In Testing, revenue growth will be held back by the non-renewal of the California state testing contract but this will have only a limited impact on planned profit growth. Our cost savings programmes and continuing integration benefits should deliver further margin improvement whilst we continue to increase investment in new publishing and electronic learning. The longer term growth opportunities in Harcourt Education remain very attractive. Turnover by business Harcourt Education Turnover £ STERLING Turnover € EURO m 9 5 1 £ m 1 8 1 £ m 2 0 2 £ m 9 7 5 £ m 3 9 9 £ m 7 3 2 € m 5 7 2 € m 1 3 3 € m 2 3 9 € m 9 7 5 , 1 € US Schools & Testing £846m/€1,345m International £147m/€234m 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 5 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 6 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE BUSINESS Turnover Reed Business Information US UK Continental Europe Reed Exhibitions Other Adjusted operating profit Operating margin 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m % change at constant currencies 438 241 256 425 23 1,383 234 16.9% 593 260 263 446 65 1,627 247 15.2% 696 383 407 676 37 2,199 372 16.9% 955 419 423 718 105 2,620 398 15.2% –23% –7% –4% –4% –14% –4% 1.7pts The Business division, now branded Reed Business, had another year of significant outperformance in a very difficult market, through building share, managing yields, and action to further reduce costs. The sector and geographic spread of the business, its market leading positions and revenue mix helped mitigate the weakness in advertising markets. Underlying revenues were 6% lower than in the prior year reflecting persistent weak advertising markets worldwide, although the rate of decline year on year slowed significantly in the second half. The US business was most affected, whilst, in Europe, subscription revenues to an extent mitigated the advertising decline. The Exhibitions business, although affected by late cycle pressures in its markets, saw revenues only slightly lower than the prior year. Underlying operating profits increased by 2% as a result of the cost actions taken across the businesses. Reported revenues and adjusted operating profits at constant exchange rates were down 14% and 4% respectively reflecting the sale of the travel publishing businesses and other non-core businesses in 2001. In the US, Reed Business Information saw revenues, excluding disposals, 12% lower than the prior year. Magazine advertising markets in general remained depressed, although the rate of decline slowed considerably across the year. Improvement in some markets, most notably Entertainment, and growth in Construction data subscription services was more than offset by declines in Manufacturing, Electronics and Telecoms. Despite the revenue decline, underlying operating profits have risen by 15% reflecting the significant action taken to reduce costs, both as a response to the current market environment and as part of a longer term drive to improve US margins. In the UK, Reed Business Information revenues, excluding disposals, were 6% lower with reductions in display and recruitment advertising, particularly in the Technology and Air Transport sectors. The Agricultural titles recovered from the low point last year during the foot and mouth crisis and the Social Services sector performed strongly. Online revenues grew over 20% with the continuing success of subscription services and online directories. Cost actions restricted the decline in underlying profits to 4%, representing a small improvement in operating margin. In Continental Europe, Reed Business Information saw revenues, excluding acquisitions and disposals, down 2%, whilst underlying operating profits were 6% ahead. Strong market share gains and the resilience of subscription income mitigated to a large extent the decline in advertising markets. Performance in individual sectors was mixed, with the Hospitality, Regulatory and HR sectors in the Netherlands performing particularly well, whereas there were significant declines in Management titles and Training serving the SME market. The operations in Belgium were closed with the pan European Electronics titles relocated to France. Operating margins improved through continuing action to reduce costs. At Reed Exhibitions, underlying revenues were 1% lower, excluding acquisitions and disposals, whereas operating profits were held to the level of the prior year with some benefit from the cycling of non-annual shows and through tight cost management. Growth in Asia Pacific and in the majority of the North American shows was offset by weakness Turnover by business Reed Business Turnover £ STERLING Turnover € EURO US £438m/€696m UK £241m/€383m Continental Europe £256m/€407m Reed Exhibitions £425m/€676m Other £23m/€37m m 4 3 4 , 1 £ m 0 7 4 , 1 £ m 2 7 6 , 1 £ m 7 2 6 , 1 £ m 3 8 3 , 1 £ m 4 3 1 , 2 € m 5 3 2 , 2 € m 2 4 7 , 2 € m 0 2 6 , 2 € m 9 9 1 , 2 € 98 99 00 01 02 98 99 00 01 02 6 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 7 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE in the US manufacturing sector and in Europe particularly in the international shows. The resilience of the Exhibitions business is a reflection of the market leading positions of our shows and the sector and geographic spread of the business, and we continue to launch new shows exploiting proven concepts across markets. The outlook for Reed Business in 2003 remains uncertain, with a global economic recovery elusive. A modest decline in underlying revenues might be expected, absent any further marked deterioration in economic conditions, given the drift in advertising markets and the net adverse impact this year of the cycling of non-annual exhibitions. Some further improvement in margins, from tight cost control and the actions taken in 2002, should help mitigate the effect on profitability. The outlook in the longer term remains positive. As economic conditions improve, the business should benefit significantly from the market share gains achieved and gearing off a lower cost base. FINANCIAL REVIEW REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Reported figures Turnover Operating profit Profit before taxation Net borrowings Adjusted figures Operating profit Operating margin Profit before taxation Operating cash flow Operating cash flow conversion Interest cover (times) 2002 £m 5,020 507 289 2,732 1,133 23% 927 1,010 89% 5.5 2001 £m 4,560 391 275 3,229 990 22% 848 1,006 102% 7.0 2002 €m 7,982 806 460 4,180 1,801 23% 1,474 1,606 89% 5.5 Change at constant currencies % 13% 29% 2% 17% 1pt 11% 2% 2001 €m 7,342 630 442 5,296 1,594 22% 1,365 1,620 102% 7.0 Adjusted figures, which exclude the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, are used by Reed Elsevier as additional performance measures. A reconciliation between the reported and adjusted figures is provided in note 10 to the combined financial statements. REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Profit & Loss The reported profit before tax for the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, after the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, was £289m/€460m, which compares with a reported profit of £275m/€442m in 2001. The increase reflects higher underlying operating profits, less the full year effect of financing and goodwill and intangible asset amortisation of the Harcourt businesses, acquired in July 2001, as well as dilution from other 2001 acquisitions and disposals. The reported attributable profit of £181m/€288m increased against a reported attributable profit of £126m/€202m in 2001 and includes exceptional prior year tax credits. Turnover increased by 10% expressed in sterling to £5,020m, by 9% expressed in euros to €7,982m, and by 13% at constant exchange rates. This included a £1,269m/€2,018m full year contribution from the acquired Harcourt businesses. Underlying revenue growth, including the Harcourt acquired businesses on a proforma basis, was 1% at constant exchange rates, or 4% before taking into account the decline in Business division revenues driven by the global economic slowdown. The acquired Harcourt businesses saw proforma revenue growth of 4% over 2001, with 6% in Science & Medical and 2% in Education, a strong performance against the market. Adjusted operating profits, excluding the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, were up 14% expressed in sterling at £1,133m, up 13% expressed in euros at €1,801m, and up 17% at constant exchange rates. This included a £277m/€440m full year contribution from the acquired Harcourt businesses. Underlying adjusted operating profit growth, including the Harcourt acquired businesses on a proforma basis, was 8%, or 9% excluding the Business division. The acquired Harcourt businesses saw proforma adjusted operating profit growth of approximately 10%, with 14% in Science & Medical and 6% in Education. Adjusted operating margins improved by 0.9 percentage points to 22.6%. Dilution of the margin from the lower margin of the acquired businesses and the impact of disposals was more than offset by an underlying improvement of 1.5 percentage points reflecting the cost actions taken and the benefits of the Harcourt integration. The amortisation charge for intangible assets and goodwill amounted to REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 7 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 8 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE £527m/€838m, up £26m/€32m on the prior year, including a full year’s amortisation of the acquired Harcourt assets partly offset by currency translation effects. The average remaining useful life of goodwill and intangible assets at 31 December 2002 was 25 years. Exceptional items showed a pre-tax charge of £111m/€176m, comprising, £57m/€90m of Harcourt and other acquisition integration and related costs, £42m/€67m in respect of restructuring actions taken principally in response to the global economic slowdown, and a £12m/€19m net loss on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments. During 2002, over 1,500 positions have been eliminated through restructuring, most particularly within the Business division. Additionally, over 400 positions were eliminated in the year in the Harcourt integration process. After a tax credit of £122m/€194m arising on the exceptional costs and in respect of prior year disposals, exceptional items showed a post-tax gain of £11m/€18m. This compares with a net post-tax exceptional credit of £9m/€13m in 2001. Net interest expense, at £206m/€327m, was £64m/€98m higher than in the prior year, reflecting a full year’s financing cost for the Harcourt acquisition, in part offset by the benefit of the 2001 free cash flow, lower interest rates and currency translation. Net interest cover on an adjusted basis was 5.5 times. Adjusted profits before tax, before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, at £927m/€1,474m, were up 9% expressed in sterling and up 8% expressed in euros. At constant exchange rates, adjusted profits before tax were up 11%. The slightly lower growth at reported rates reflects currency translation effects from the year on year US dollar weakness. Dilution from acquisitions other than Harcourt and from disposals made in 2001 was 3% reflecting the investment at Classroom Connect and Courtlink and the loss of contribution from the travel publishing and other businesses sold. This was offset by the effect of including a full twelve months of the acquired Harcourt businesses. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was unchanged at 26.3%. The adjusted profit attributable to shareholders of £682m/€1,084m was up 9% expressed in sterling, 8% expressed in euros, and 11% at constant exchange rates. Cash flows and debt Adjusted operating cash flow, before exceptional items, was £1,010m/€1,606m representing an 89% conversion rate of adjusted operating profits into cash. This compares with a conversion rate in 2001 of 102% which was significantly flattered by the seasonality of the acquired Harcourt businesses which strongly favours the second half. Excluding the acquired Harcourt businesses, the conversion rate was approximately 93%, up 8 percentage points on the prior year, reflecting tight management of working capital and capital expenditure. Capital expenditure in the year amounted to £179m/€285m and depreciation was £136m/€216m, both similar to the prior year. Free cash flow – after interest, taxation and dividends but before acquisition spend and exceptional receipts and payments – was £378m/€601m, compared to £459m/€738m in 2001 which benefited from the seasonal weighting of the Harcourt cashflows to the post-acquisition period. Net exceptional cash inflows of £7m/€11m include £106m/€169m proceeds from disposals of businesses and fixed asset investments and £20m/€32m of reduced tax payments, less exceptional acquisition related and restructuring payments of £119m/€190m. In 2002, acquisitions were made for a total consideration of £99m/€157m, including £9m/€14m deferred to future years and after taking account of net cash acquired of £4m/€6m. An amount of £101m/€161m was capitalised as goodwill and intangible assets. Deferred consideration paid in respect of prior year acquisitions and payment of change of control and other non operating liabilities assumed on the acquisition of Harcourt totalled £94m/€150m. The 2002 acquisitions contributed £5m/€8m to adjusted operating profit in the year and added £3m/€5m to operating cash flow. Net borrowings at 31 December 2002 were £2,732m/€4,180m, a decrease of £497m in sterling and €1,116m in euros since 31 December 2001, reflecting the free cash flow less acquisition spend, and favourable exchange translation effects from a weaker US dollar. Gross borrowings at 31 December 2002 amounted to £3,302m/€5,052m, denominated mostly in US dollars, and were partly offset by cash balances totalling £570m/€872m invested in short term deposits and marketable securities. A total of 74% of Reed Elsevier’s gross borrowings were at fixed rates, including £1,415m/€2,165m of floating rate debt fixed through the use of interest rate derivatives, and had a weighted average interest coupon of 6.4% and an average remaining life of 7.4 years. TREASURY POLICIES The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have requested that Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV have due regard to the best interests of Reed Elsevier PLC and Turnover by business segment Turnover by geographical market Turnover by source Science & Medical 26% Legal 27% Education 20% Business 27% North America 64% United Kingdom 11% The Netherlands 4% Rest of Europe 13% Rest of World 8% Subscriptions 38% Circulation 30% Advertising 14% Exhibitions 9% Other 9% 8 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 9 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Reed Elsevier NV shareholders in the formulation of treasury policies. Financial instruments are used to finance the Reed Elsevier business and to hedge transactions. Reed Elsevier’s businesses do not enter into speculative transactions. The main risks faced by Reed Elsevier are liquidity risk, interest rate risk and foreign currency risk. The boards of the parent companies agree overall policy guidelines for managing each of these risks and the boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Finance SA agree policies (in conformity with parent company guidelines) for their respective business and treasury centres. These policies are summarised below and remained broadly unchanged during 2002. Funding Reed Elsevier develops and maintains a range of borrowing facilities and debt programmes to fund its requirements, at short notice and at competitive rates. The significance of Reed Elsevier Group plc’s US operations means that the majority of debt is denominated in US dollars and is raised in the US debt markets. A mixture of short term and long term debt is utilised and Reed Elsevier maintains a maturity profile to facilitate refinancing. Reed Elsevier’s policy is that no more than US$1,000m of long term debt should mature in any 12-month period. In addition, minimum levels of net debt with maturities over three years and five years are specified, depending on the level of the total borrowings and the level of interest cover. After taking account of the maturity of committed bank facilities that back short term borrowings, at 31 December 2002, 15% of debt after utilising available cash resources matures in December of the first year, nil in the second year, 19% in the third year, 29% in the fourth and fifth years, 23% in five to ten years, and 14% beyond ten years. At 31 December 2002, Reed Elsevier had access to US$3,500m (2001: US$3,500m) of committed bank facilities, of which US$101m was drawn. These facilities principally provide back up for short term debt but also security of funding for future acquisition spend in the event that commercial paper markets are not available. Of the total committed facilities, US$2,860m expires in December of 2003 (2001: US$360m within one year), US$nil (2001: US$2,500m) within one to two years, and US$640m (2001: US$640m) within two to three years. Arrangements are in hand to put in place appropriate facilities to replace those expiring in December 2003. Interest rate exposure management Reed Elsevier’s interest rate exposure management policy is aimed at reducing the exposure of the combined businesses to changes in interest rates. The proportion of interest expense that is fixed on net debt is determined by reference to the level of net interest cover. Reed Elsevier uses fixed rate term debt, interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and a range of interest rate options to manage the exposure. Interest rate derivatives are used only to hedge an underlying risk and no net market positions are held. At 31 December 2002, approximately 95% of Reed Elsevier’s net debt was denominated in US dollars on which approximately 80% of forecast net interest expense was fixed or capped for the next three years. This fixed or capped percentage reduces thereafter over time, with all interest rate derivatives and approximately two thirds of fixed rate term debt having matured by the end of 2009 and 2011 respectively. At 31 December 2002, fixed rate term debt (not swapped back to floating rate) amounted to US$1.6bn and had a weighted average life remaining of 14.3 years (31 December 2001: 19.7 years) and a weighted average interest coupon of 7.0%. Interest rate derivatives in place at 31 December 2002 which fix or cap the interest cost on an additional US$2.1bn (2001: US$2.0bn) of variable rate US dollar debt, have a weighted average maturity of 2.2 years (2001: 2.6 years) and a weighted average interest rate of 5.9%. Foreign currency exposure management Translation exposures arise on the earnings and net assets of business operations in countries other than those of the parent companies. These exposures are hedged, to a significant extent, by a policy of denominating borrowings in currencies where significant translation exposures exist, most notably US dollars. Currency exposures on transactions denominated in a foreign currency are required to be hedged using forward contracts. In addition, recurring transactions and future investment exposures may be hedged, within defined limits, in advance of becoming contractual. The precise policy differs according to the commercial situation of the individual businesses. Expected future net cash flows may be covered for sales expected for up to the next 12 months (50 months for Elsevier science and medical subscription businesses up to limits staggered by duration). Cover takes the form of foreign exchange forward contracts. At the year-end, the amount of outstanding foreign exchange cover in respect of future transactions was £0.7bn/ €1.1bn. Use of adjusted operating cash flow Currency profile – 2002 adjusted pre-tax profit Free cash flow after dividends £378m/€601m Taxation £154m/€245m Dividends £273m/€434m Net interest £205m/€326m Sterling 21% US Dollar 44% Euro 30% Other 5% Currency profile – 2002 net cash/borrowings m 9 8 2 € m 9 8 1 £ 0 r a l l o D S U g n i l r e t S o r u E r e h t O m 1 4 £ m 3 6 € m 9 5 2 £ m 6 9 3 € m 1 2 6 , 2 £ m 0 1 0 , 4 € REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 9 500 0 -500 -1000 -1500 -2000 -2500 -3000 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 10 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE European Economic and Monetary Union On 1 January 2002, the euro fully replaced the local currencies of the 12 European countries now participating in European Economic and Monetary Union (“EMU”). The Netherlands is a participant; the United Kingdom is not. The implications for Reed Elsevier businesses have been low relative to many other multinational European companies. This is because Reed Elsevier’s businesses principally price in the local currency of the country in which they operate and have limited cross border trade, with the significant exception of the Science & Medical business, which already published global prices. As a result, the most significant issue arising was the timing of euro based marketing and invoicing and the transfer to euro denominated business and financial systems. In this respect, during 2002, Reed Elsevier businesses were able to accommodate the euro without significant difficulty. ELSEVIER REED FINANCE BV Structure Elsevier Reed Finance BV, the Dutch resident parent company of the Elsevier Reed Finance BV group (“ERF”), is directly owned by Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. ERF provides treasury, finance and insurance services to the Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses through its subsidiaries in Switzerland: Elsevier Finance SA (“EFSA”), Elsevier Properties SA (“EPSA”) and Elsevier Risks SA (“ERSA”). These three Swiss companies are organised under one Swiss holding company, which is in turn owned by Elsevier Reed Finance BV. Activities EFSA, EPSA and ERSA each focus on their own specific area of expertise. EFSA is the principal treasury centre for the combined businesses. It is responsible for all aspects of treasury advice and support for Reed Elsevier Group plc’s businesses operating in Continental Europe, South America, the Pacific Rim and certain other territories, and undertakes foreign exchange and derivatives dealing services for the whole of Reed Elsevier. EFSA also arranges or directly provides Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses with financing for acquisitions and product development and manages cash pools and investments on their behalf. EPSA is responsible for the exploitation of tangible and intangible property rights whilst ERSA is responsible for insurance activities relating to risk retention. Major Developments During the year, net additional loans were made to Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses in the US of US$319m and in Europe of €56m to finance acquisitions and other investments. EFSA continued to diversify its sources of funding in 2002 with an additional US$250m of term debt raised through bilateral term loans and private placements. EFSA continued to advise Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses on the treasury implications of the introduction of the euro and all euro transfer programmes progressed according to plan, with no major issues arising following the conversion in January 2002. EFSA also organised bank tenders in several European and Asian countries and implemented cash-pooling arrangements. EFSA provided specialist advice concerning the management of interest exposures and also advised Reed Elsevier Group plc companies in Europe on the establishment of collection mechanisms for payments arising from internet services. The volume of foreign exchange dealt by EFSA during 2002 amounted to approximately US$1.3bn equivalent. The average balance of cash under management, on behalf of Reed Elsevier Group plc and its parent companies, was approximately US$0.4bn. Liabilities and assets At the end of 2002, 90% (2001: 91%) of ERF’s gross assets were held in US dollars and 10% (2001: 9%) in euros, including US$7.1bn (2001: US$6.8bn) and €0.8bn (2001: €0.7bn) in loans to Reed Elsevier Group plc subsidiaries. Loans made to Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses are funded from equity, long term debt of US$0.6bn and short term debt of US$1.5bn backed by committed bank facilities. Term debt is derived from a Swiss domestic public bond issue, bilaterial term loans and private placements. Short term debt is primarily derived from euro and US commercial paper programmes. 10 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 IFC_11Reed 27/2/03 8:39 pm Page 11 REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE PARENT COMPANIES Reported profit attributable Adjusted profit attributable Average exchange rate €:£ Reported earnings per share Adjusted earnings per share Dividend per share Reed Elsevier PLC Reed Elsevier NV 2002 £m 89 361 1.59 7.0p 28.5p 11.2p 2001 £m 61 330 1.61 4.8p 26.1p 10.5p % change 9% 9% 7% 2002 €m 144 542 1.59 €0.18 €0.69 €0.30 2001 €m 101 503 1.61 €0.13 €0.64 €0.30 % change 8% 8% – The results of Reed Elsevier PLC reflect its shareholders’ 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. The results of Reed Elsevier NV reflect its shareholders’ 50% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. The respective economic interests of the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders take account of Reed Elsevier PLC’s 5.8% interest in Reed Elsevier NV. Both parent companies equity account for their respective interests in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. Adjusted figures, excluding the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, are presented as additional performance measures and are reconciled to the reported figures in the notes to the respective financial statements. PARENT COMPANIES Profit and loss account Adjusted earnings per share, measured before the effect of amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, for Reed Elsevier PLC were 28.5p, up 9% on the previous year, and for Reed Elsevier NV were €0.69, an increase of 8%. The difference in percentage change is entirely attributable to the impact of currency movements on the translation of reported results. At constant rates of exchange, the adjusted earnings per share of both companies would have shown an increase of 11% over the previous year. After their share of the charge in respect of goodwill and intangible asset amortisation and of the exceptional items credit, the reported earnings per share of Reed Elsevier PLC after tax credit equalisation and Reed Elsevier NV were 7.0p and €0.18 respectively, compared to 4.8p and €0.13 in 2001. Dividends Dividends to Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders are equalised at the gross level, including the benefit of the UK attributable tax credit of 10% received by certain Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders. The exchange rate used for each dividend calculation – as defined in the Reed Elsevier merger agreement – is the spot euro/sterling exchange rate, averaged over a period of five business days commencing with the tenth business day before the announcement of the proposed dividend. The board of Reed Elsevier PLC has proposed a final dividend of 8.0p, giving a total dividend of 11.2p for the year, up 7% on 2001. The boards of Reed Elsevier NV, in accordance with the dividend equalisation arrangements, have proposed a final dividend of €0.21. This results in a total dividend of €0.30 for the year, the same as in 2001. The difference in percentage growth is attributable to the strengthening of the euro relative to sterling since the prior year dividend declaration dates. Dividend cover for Reed Elsevier PLC, using adjusted earnings before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, was 2.5 times, and for Reed Elsevier NV was 2.3 times. Measured for the combined businesses on a similar basis, dividend cover was 2.4 times compared with 2.3 times in 2001. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 11 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 12 Structure and Corporate Governance STRUCTURE Corporate structure Reed Elsevier came into existence in January 1993, when Reed Elsevier PLC (previously named Reed International P.L.C.) and Reed Elsevier NV (previously named Elsevier NV) contributed their businesses to two jointly owned companies, Reed Elsevier Group plc (previously named Reed Elsevier plc), a UK registered company which owns the publishing and information businesses, and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, a Dutch registered company which owns the financing activities. Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have retained their separate legal and national identities and are publicly held companies. Reed Elsevier PLC’s securities are listed in London and New York, and Reed Elsevier NV’s securities are listed in Amsterdam and New York. Equalisation arrangements Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV each hold a 50% interest in Reed Elsevier Group plc. Reed Elsevier PLC holds a 39% interest in Elsevier Reed Finance BV, with Reed Elsevier NV holding a 61% interest. Reed Elsevier PLC additionally holds an indirect equity interest in Reed Elsevier NV, reflecting the arrangements entered into between the two companies at the time of the merger, which determined the equalisation ratio whereby one Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share is, in broad terms, intended to confer equivalent economic interests to 1.538 Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares. The equalisation ratio is subject to change to reflect share splits and similar events that affect the number of outstanding ordinary shares of either Reed Elsevier PLC or Reed Elsevier NV. Under the equalisation arrangements, Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders have a 52.9% economic interest in Reed Elsevier, and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders (other than Reed Elsevier PLC) have a 47.1% economic interest in Reed Elsevier. Holders of ordinary shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV enjoy substantially equivalent dividend and capital rights with respect to their ordinary shares. The boards of both Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have agreed, except in exceptional circumstances, to recommend equivalent gross dividends (including, with respect to the dividend on Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares, the associated UK tax credit), based on the equalisation ratio. A Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share pays dividends in sterling and is subject to UK tax law with respect to dividend and capital rights. A Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share pays dividends in euros and is subject to Dutch tax law with respect to dividend and capital rights. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Compliance with codes of best practice The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV support the principles of corporate governance set out in the Combined Code – the Principles of Good Governance and Code of Best Practice, issued by the UK Financial Services Authority (“the Combined Code”), and corporate governance best practice in The Netherlands such as the recommendations of the Peters Committee. The boards have implemented standards of corporate governance and disclosure policies applicable to companies listed on the stock exchanges of the United Kingdom and The Netherlands. The effect of this is that an obligation applying to one will, where practicable and not in conflict, also be observed by the other. Reed Elsevier PLC, which has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, has complied throughout the period under review with the provisions of Section 1 of the Combined Code. Reed Elsevier NV which has its primary listing on Euronext in Amsterdam, has complied throughout the period under review with the listing rules of Euronext in Amsterdam, and best custom and practice appropriate to internationally focused Dutch companies, such as recommended by the Peters Committee. The ways in which the relevant principles of corporate governance are applied and complied with within Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV are described below. During the period under review the boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV established a joint Corporate Governance Committee with responsibility for reviewing ongoing developments and best practice in corporate governance. Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV participate in regular dialogue with institutional shareholders, and presentations on the Reed Elsevier combined businesses are made after the announcement of the interim and full year results. A trading update is provided at the respective Annual General Meetings of the two companies, and near the end of the financial year. The Annual General Meetings provide an opportunity for the boards to communicate with individual shareholders. The Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, the Chairmen of the board committees and other directors are available to answer questions from shareholders. The interim and annual results announcements and presentations, together with other important announcements concerning Reed Elsevier, are made available on the Reed Elsevier website (www.reedelsevier.com). BOARDS The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV each comprise a balance of executive and non-executive directors who bring a wide range of skills and experience to the deliberations of the boards. During the year the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV boards each met four times, the board of Elsevier Reed Finance BV met three times, and the board of Reed Elsevier Group plc met six times. The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier Group plc are harmonised. Subject to approval by the respective shareholders, all the directors of Reed Elsevier Group plc are also directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and of Reed Elsevier NV. No individual may be appointed to the boards of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV or Reed Elsevier Group plc unless recommended by the joint Nominations Committee, although the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders maintain their rights to appoint individuals to their respective boards, in accordance with the provisions of the Articles of Association of those companies. On appointment, directors receive training appropriate to their level of previous experience. All directors have access to the services of the respective company secretaries and may take independent professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, at the relevant company’s expense. The boards consider all of the non-executive directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV to be independent, with the exception of Steven Perrick, who is a partner in Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, an international firm of advisers which provides legal advice to Reed Elsevier. All Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV directors are subject to retirement at least every three years, and are able then to make themselves 12 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 13 STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE available for re-election by shareholders at the respective Annual General Meetings. As a general rule, non-executive directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and members of the Reed Elsevier NV supervisory board serve on the respective board for a maximum period of ten years. Reed Elsevier PLC The Reed Elsevier PLC board consists of five executive directors: Crispin Davis (Chief Executive Officer), Mark Armour (Chief Financial Officer), Gerard van de Aast, Derk Haank and Andrew Prozes, and six non-executive directors: Morris Tabaksblat (Chairman), John Brock, Roelof Nelissen, Steven Perrick, Lord Sharman and Rolf Stomberg (senior independent non-executive director). At the Reed Elsevier PLC Annual General Meeting to be held on 8 April 2003, Mark Armour, Roelof Nelissen, Steven Perrick and Andrew Prozes will retire by rotation as directors. Being eligible, Mark Armour and Andrew Prozes will offer themselves for re- election. Roelof Nelissen and Steven Perrick will not be seeking re-election. At the Annual General Meeting resolutions will also be submitted proposing the appointment of Patrick Tierney as an executive director, and Mark Elliott, Cees van Lede and David Reid as non-executive directors. Reed Elsevier NV Reed Elsevier NV has a two-tier board structure comprising a supervisory board of seven members, all of whom are non-executives, and an executive board of five members. The members of the supervisory board are Morris Tabaksblat (Chairman), Dien de Boer-Kruyt, John Brock, Roelof Nelissen, Steven Perrick, Lord Sharman and Rolf Stomberg. The executive board comprises Crispin Davis (Chief Executive Officer), Mark Armour (Chief Financial Officer), Gerard van de Aast, Derk Haank and Andrew Prozes. At the Reed Elsevier NV Annual General Meeting to be held on 9 April 2003, Dien de Boer-Kruyt, Roelof Nelissen and Steven Perrick will retire by rotation as members of the supervisory board, and Mark Armour and Andrew Prozes will retire by rotation as members of the executive board. Being eligible, Mark Armour, Dien de Boer-Kruyt and Andrew Prozes will offer themselves for re- election. Roelof Nelissen and Steven Perrick will not be seeking re-election. At the Annual General Meeting resolutions will also be submitted proposing the appointment of Patrick Tierney as a member of the executive board and Mark Elliott, Cees van Lede and David Reid as members of the supervisory board. Biographical information in respect of Dien de Boer-Kruyt, the member of the Reed Elsevier NV supervisory board who does not serve on the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier Group plc boards, appears on page 11 of the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements. Reed Elsevier Group plc The Reed Elsevier Group plc board consists of five executive directors and six non-executive directors. Biographical information in respect of the members of the board appears on pages 10 and 11 of the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements. Elsevier Reed Finance BV The supervisory board of Elsevier Reed Finance BV comprises Roelof Nelissen (Chairman), Mark Armour, Dien de Boer-Kruyt and Steven Perrick, with the management board consisting of Willem Boellaard and Jacques Billy. Appointments to the supervisory and management boards are made by the shareholders, in accordance with the company’s Articles of Association. COMMITTEES Audit Committees Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier Group plc have established Audit Committees which comprise only non-executive directors, the majority of whom are independent. The committees, which meet regularly, are chaired by Lord Sharman, the other members being John Brock, Steven Perrick, Rolf Stomberg and Roelof Nelissen. Messrs Brock and Stomberg were appointed to the committees in December 2002. The committees are responsible for reviewing matters relating to the financial affairs of the respective companies, internal control policies and the internal and external audit programmes. This includes, for example, reviewing accounting policies, compliance with accounting standards and other statutory requirements, and matters relating to risk management and the effectiveness of internal controls. The committees are also responsible for the selection of auditors, and making an annual assessment of the effectiveness of the audit and the auditors’ independence, prior to making a recommendation to the boards in respect of the reappointment of the auditors. The committees approve the fees for the audit and, in addition, now pre-approve the provision of all non-audit services by the auditors. The amounts paid to the auditors both for audit and non-audit services, together with a description of the services provided, appears on page 38. The director of internal audit and senior representatives of the external auditors attend meetings of the committees. Corporate Governance Committee Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have established a joint Corporate Governance Committee, wholly comprising non-executive directors, the majority of whom are independent. The Committee is chaired by Morris Tabaksblat, the other members being Dien de Boer-Kruyt, John Brock, Roelof Nelissen, Steven Perrick, Lord Sharman and Rolf Stomberg. In addition to reviewing ongoing developments and best practice in corporate governance, the Committee is also responsible for recommending the structure and operation of the various committees of the boards and the qualifications and criteria for membership of each committee, including the independence of members of the boards. The Committee met during the period under review to assess the performance of individual directors and the functioning and constitution of the boards. Nominations Committee Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have established a joint Nominations Committee, comprising a majority of non-executive directors. The Committee is chaired by Morris Tabaksblat, the other members being Crispin Davis, Steven Perrick and Rolf Stomberg. The committee meets regularly and its terms of reference include assuring board succession and making recommendations to the boards of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier Group plc concerning the appointment or reappointment of directors to, and the retirement of directors from, those boards. In conjunction with the Chairman of the Reed Elsevier Group plc Remuneration Committee and external consultants, the committee is also responsible for developing proposals for the remuneration and fees for new directors. Remuneration Committee Reed Elsevier Group plc has established a Remuneration Committee which comprises only independent non- executive directors. The committee, which meets regularly, is chaired by Rolf Stomberg, the other members being John Brock and Roelof Nelissen. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 13 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 14 STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The committee is responsible for recommending to the board the remuneration in all its forms of executive directors of Reed Elsevier Group plc, and provides advice to the Chief Executive Officer on the remuneration of executives at a senior level below the board. The fees of non-executive directors are determined by each of the boards as a whole. A Directors’ Remuneration Report, which has been approved by the boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, appears on pages 16 to 23. This report also serves as disclosure of the directors’ remuneration and interests in shares of the two parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. Strategy Committee Reed Elsevier Group plc has established a Strategy Committee, comprising a majority of independent non-executive directors. The Committee is chaired by Morris Tabaksblat, the other members being Crispin Davis, John Brock and Lord Sharman. The committee meets regularly and its terms of reference include reviewing the major features of the strategy proposed by the Chief Executive Officer, and subsequently recommending the proposed strategy to the board. The committee is also responsible for reviewing any acquisition or investment, which would have major strategic or structural implications for Reed Elsevier Group plc. INTERNAL CONTROL Parent companies The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV exercise independent supervisory roles over the activities and systems of internal control of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV. They approve the strategies and annual budgets of each company, and receive regular reports on their operations, including their treasury and risk management activities. The boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have each adopted a schedule of matters which are required to be brought to them for decision. Major transactions proposed by the boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc or Elsevier Reed Finance BV require the approval of the boards of both Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV Audit Committees meet on a regular basis to review the systems of internal control of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV. and recruitment and retention of personnel. The major strategic risks facing the Reed Elsevier Group plc businesses are considered by the Strategy Committee. Litigation and other legal and regulatory matters are managed by legal directors in Europe and the United States. The Reed Elsevier Group plc Audit Committee receives regular reports on the management of material risks and reviews these reports with executive management. The Audit Committee also receives regular reports from both internal and external auditors on internal control matters. In addition, each Business Group is required, at the end of the financial year, to review the effectiveness of its internal controls and report its findings on a detailed basis to the management of Reed Elsevier Group plc. These reports are summarised and, as part of the annual review of effectiveness, submitted to the Audit Committee of Reed Elsevier Group plc. The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports to the board on any significant internal control matters arising. Elsevier Reed Finance BV Elsevier Reed Finance BV has established policy guidelines, which are applied for all Elsevier Reed Finance BV companies. The boards of Elsevier Reed Finance BV have adopted schedules of matters that are required to be brought to them for decision. Procedures are in place for monitoring the activities of the finance group, including a comprehensive treasury reporting system. The major risks affecting the finance group have been identified and evaluated and are subject to regular review. The controls in place to manage these risks and the level of residual risk accepted are monitored by the boards. The internal control system of Elsevier Reed Finance BV is reviewed each year by its external auditors. Annual review As part of the year end procedures, the boards of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV have reviewed the effectiveness of the systems of internal control during the last financial year. Operating companies The board of Reed Elsevier Group plc is responsible for the system of internal control of the Reed Elsevier publishing and information businesses, while the boards of Elsevier Reed Finance BV are responsible for the system of internal control in respect of the finance group activities. The boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV are also responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of their system of internal control. The objective of these systems is to manage, rather than eliminate, the risk of failure to achieve business objectives. Accordingly, they can only provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss. The boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV have implemented an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by their respective businesses. This process has been in place throughout the year ended 31 December 2002 and up to the date of the approvals of the Annual Reports and Financial Statements. Reed Elsevier Group plc Reed Elsevier Group plc has an established framework of procedures and internal controls, which is set out in a group Policies and Procedures Manual, and with which the management of each business is required to comply. Group businesses are required to maintain systems of internal control, which are appropriate to the nature and scale of their activities and address all significant operational and financial risks that they face. The board of Reed Elsevier Group plc has adopted a schedule of matters that are required to be brought to it for decision. Each business group has identified and evaluated its major risks, the controls in place to manage those risks and the level of residual risk accepted. Risk management and control procedures are embedded into the operations of the business and include the monitoring of progress in areas for improvement that come to management and board attention. The major risks identified include business continuity, protection of IT systems and data, challenges to intellectual property rights, management of strategic and operational change, evaluation and integration of acquisitions, 14 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 15 STRUCTURE AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The directors of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV are required to prepare financial statements as at the end of each financial period, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs, and of the profit or loss, of the respective companies and their subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. They are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records, for safeguarding assets, and for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. The directors are also responsible for selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them on a consistent basis, making judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable. Applicable accounting standards have been followed and the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements, which are the responsibility of the directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, are prepared using accounting policies which comply with both UK and Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. US CERTIFICATIONS As required by section 302 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act and by related rules issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Reed Elsevier PLC and of Reed Elsevier NV certify in the respective Annual Reports 2002 on Form 20-F filed with the Commission that they are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures and that they have: • designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to Reed Elsevier is made known to them; • evaluated the effectiveness of Reed Elsevier’s disclosure controls and procedures; • based on their evaluation, disclosed to the Audit Committees and the external auditors all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of disclosure controls and procedures and any frauds, whether or not material, that involve management or other employees who have a significant role in Reed Elsevier internal controls; and • presented in the Annual Reports on Form 20-F their conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures. A Disclosure Committee, comprising the company secretaries of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV and other senior Reed Elsevier managers, has been established to provide assurance to the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer regarding their certifications. GOING CONCERN The directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, having made appropriate enquiries, consider that adequate resources exist for the combined businesses to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 15 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 16 Directors’ Remuneration Report This report has been prepared by the Remuneration Committee (the “Committee”) of Reed Elsevier Group plc and approved by the boards of Reed Elsevier Group plc, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The report complies with the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002. Information relating to the emoluments of the directors on pages 18 to 20 and directors’ interests in share options on pages 21 and 22 has been audited. REMUNERATION COMMITTEE The Committee is responsible for recommending to the boards the remuneration (in all its forms), and the terms of the service contracts and all other terms and conditions of employment of the executive directors, and for providing advice to the Chief Executive Officer on major policy issues affecting the remuneration of executives at a senior level below the board. The Committee is chaired by Rolf Stomberg and throughout 2002 consisted wholly of independent non-executive directors: John Brock, Roelof Nelissen and Rolf Stomberg. The Committee has appointed Towers Perrin, an external consultancy which has wide experience of executive remuneration in multinational companies, to advise in developing its performance-related remuneration policy. Towers Perrin also provides actuarial and other Human Resources consultancy services direct to some Reed Elsevier companies. In addition to Towers Perrin, the following provided material advice or services to the Committee during the year: Jean-Luc Augustin, Human Resources Director; Christopher Thomas, Director, Compensation and Benefits; and Crispin Davis, Chief Executive Officer. COMPLIANCE WITH THE BEST PRACTICE PROVISIONS The Committee has complied with Schedule A of the Combined Code – the Principles of Good Governance and Code of Best Practice, issued by the UK Financial Services Authority (the “Combined Code”), during 2002. In relation to disclosure of directors’ remuneration, Reed Elsevier PLC, a UK company listed on the London Stock Exchange, has complied with Schedule B of the Combined Code. REMUNERATION POLICY The remuneration policy, which also applies to the 2003 financial year and future years, is as follows: In determining its policy on senior executive remuneration, including that of the directors, the Committee’s principal objectives are to attract, retain and motivate people of the highest calibre and experience needed to shape and execute the strategy and deliver shareholder value in the context of an ever more competitive and increasingly global employment market. The Committee also has regard to, and balances as far as is practicable, the following objectives: (i) to ensure that it maintains a competitive package of pay and benefits, commensurate with comparable packages available within other leading multinational companies operating in global markets; (ii) to provide a consistent approach towards senior executives, including the directors, irrespective of geographical location; (iii) to ensure that it encourages enhanced performance by directors and fairly recognises the contribution of individual directors to the attainment of the results of Reed Elsevier, whilst also encouraging a team approach which will work towards achieving the long term strategic objectives of Reed Elsevier; and (iv) to link reward to individual directors’ performance and company performance so as to align the interests of the directors with the shareholders of the parent companies. In order to meet the above objectives, the remuneration of executive directors comprises a balance between “fixed” remuneration and “variable performance-related” incentives. The policy is that target performance-related incentives for executive directors should equate to approximately 70% of total remuneration. Remuneration consists of the following elements: • • • • • • Base salary, which is based on comparable positions in leading multinational businesses of similar size and complexity. Salaries are reviewed annually by the Committee. A variable annual cash bonus, based on achievement of stretching revenue, profit and cash driven targets and individual performance-related targets. Targets are set at the beginning of the year by the Committee. Effective from January 2003 the Committee has adopted a policy of common levels for both annual and longer term incentives for executive directors, reflecting the global nature of the role of each director. As a consequence, from 2003 the annual bonus payable to a director will be 72% of basic salary at target and 90% at maximum. A bonus investment plan, introduced in 2002, under which directors and other senior executives are able to have up to one half of their annual bonus paid in Reed Elsevier PLC/Reed Elsevier NV shares. Subject to remaining in employment, at the end of a three year period, the participants will be awarded an equivalent number of Reed Elsevier PLC/Reed Elsevier NV shares. Share options, where the directors and other senior executives are granted options annually over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV at the market price at the date of grant. The Committee approves the grant of any option and sets performance conditions attaching to options. A longer term incentive arrangement (“LTIP”) under which a one-off grant of options of between 10 and 20 times salary was made during 2000 to 40 senior executives. The options were granted at market value at the date of grant, and are exercisable after five years, subject to the achievement of highly demanding performance conditions. Post-retirement benefits, which comprise only pensions, where different retirement schemes apply depending on local competitive market practice, length of service and age of the director. The only element of remuneration that is pensionable is base salary. 16 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 17 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT At the forthcoming Annual General Meetings of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV authority will be sought to implement a new longer term incentive compensation structure for directors and other executives. Subject to approval by shareholders, the new structure will be available for use with effect from 2004. The first part of the proposal relates to a new share option scheme for approximately 1,300 participants, to replace the present scheme which was introduced in 1993. This scheme would grant options annually over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV at market value, with the level of shares capable of being granted determined by earnings per share growth in the three years prior to grant. The second part of the proposal relates to a new LTIP for approximately 40 senior executives, including directors, who can most directly affect the performance of Reed Elsevier. Awards under the LTIP would consist of a conditional award of shares and the grant of ten year options at market value, split approximately equally based on implied values. Participation would be dependent on individual performance and the accumulation of a shareholding in Reed Elsevier PLC and/or Reed Elsevier NV in accordance with company guidelines. The exercise of LTIP awards would be subject to the achievement of demanding earnings per share targets. A detailed explanation of the proposal and the reasons for the new longer term incentive structure is set out in the respective Notice of Annual General Meeting of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN The graphs below show the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV total shareholder return performance, assuming dividends were reinvested. The top two graphs compare the Reed Elsevier PLC performance with the performance achieved by the FTSE 100, of which Reed Elsevier PLC is a member, and the Reed Elsevier NV performance with the performance achieved by the Amsterdam Stock Exchange (“AEX”) Index, of which Reed Elsevier NV is a member, for the three years 2000-2002. This period reflects the implementation of the new strategy, announced in February 2000, by the current management team. The other two graphs show the performance over the five years 1998–2002. For the three year period since 1 January 2000, the total shareholder return for Reed Elsevier PLC was 43%, significantly outperforming the FTSE 100 which saw a negative return of 35%. For Reed Elsevier NV, the total shareholder return in the same three year period was 22%, also significantly outperforming the AEX Index which saw a negative return of 43%. Reed Elsevier PLC total shareholder return v FTSE 100 2000–2002 Reed Elsevier NV total shareholder return v AEX Index 2000–2002 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 Reed Elsevier PLC FTSE 100 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 Reed Elsevier NV AEX Index Dec 99 Dec 00 Dec 01 Dec 02 Dec 99 Dec 00 Dec 01 Dec 02 Reed Elsevier PLC total shareholder return v FTSE 100 1998–2002 Reed Elsevier NV total shareholder return v AEX Index 1998–2002 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 FTSE 100 Reed Elsevier PLC 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 AEX Index Reed Elsevier NV Dec 97 Dec 98 Dec 99 Dec 00 Dec 01 Dec 02 Dec 97 Dec 98 Dec 99 Dec 00 Dec 01 Dec 02 The total shareholder return set out above is calculated on the basis of the average share price in the 30 trading days prior to the respective year ends and on the assumption that dividends were reinvested. Source: FTSE International Source: Datastream REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 17 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 18 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT SERVICE CONTRACTS Each of the executive directors has a service contract, the notice periods of which are described below: M H Armour was appointed a director in July 1996. His service contract, which is dated 7 October 1996, is subject to English law and provides for a notice period of twenty-four months, which reflects the normal practice at the time of his appointment. C H L Davis was appointed a director in September 1999. His service contract, which is dated 19 July 1999, is subject to English law and provides for a notice period of twelve months. D J Haank was appointed a director in November 1999. His service contract, which is dated 15 November 1999, is subject to Dutch law and provides for six months’ notice and, in the event of termination without cause by the company, eighteen months’ salary and employer’s pension contributions would be payable by way of liquidated damages. A Prozes was appointed a director in August 2000. His service contract, which is dated 5 July 2000, is subject to New York law and provides that, in the event of termination without cause by the company, twelve months’ base salary would be payable. G J A van de Aast was appointed a director in December 2000. His service contract, which is dated 15 November 2000, is subject to English law and provides for a notice period of twelve months. The notice periods in respect of individual directors have been reviewed by the Committee. The Committee believes that as a general rule for future contracts, the notice period should be twelve months, and that the directors should, subject to practice within the country in which the director is based, be required to mitigate their damages in the event of termination. The Committee will, however, have regard to local market conditions so as to ensure that the terms offered are appropriate to recruit and retain key executives operating in a global business. EXTERNAL APPOINTMENTS Executive directors may, subject to the approval of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, serve as non-executive directors on the boards of up to two non-associated companies and may retain remuneration arising from such non-executive directorships. The Committee believes that Reed Elsevier can benefit from the broader experience gained by executive directors in such appointments. REMUNERATION OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS The remuneration of the non-executive directors is determined by the boards with the aid of external professional advice. Non-executive directors receive an annual fee and are reimbursed expenses incurred in attending meetings. They do not receive any performance related bonuses, pension provisions, share options or other forms of benefit. The non-executive directors do not have contracts of service. EMOLUMENTS OF THE DIRECTORS The emoluments of the directors of Reed Elsevier Group plc (including any entitlement to fees or emoluments from either Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV or Elsevier Reed Finance BV) were as follows: (a) Aggregate emoluments Salaries and fees Benefits Annual performance-related bonuses Pension contributions Pension to former director Total £000 €000 2002 2001 2002 2001 3,009 91 1,453 267 231 5,051 2,790 75 1,056 218 241 4,380 4,784 145 2,310 425 368 8,032 4,492 121 1,700 351 388 7,052 No compensation payments have been made for loss of office or termination in 2001 and 2002. 18 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 19 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (b) Individual emoluments of executive directors M H Armour C H L Davis D J Haank A Prozes G J A van de Aast Salary Benefits 444,000 891,000 368,158 593,333 348,000 23,127 30,043 11,001 10,287 16,674 £ Bonus Total 2001 Salary Benefits Bonus Total 2001 € 222,000 598,423 689,127 445,500 1,366,543 1,145,657 487,562 563,240 184,081 944,564 427,200 1,030,820 394,286 538,674 174,000 705,960 36,772 1,416,690 47,768 585,372 17,492 943,400 16,357 553,320 26,512 352,980 1,095,712 963,461 708,345 2,172,803 1,844,508 784,976 895,552 292,688 679,248 1,639,005 1,520,749 634,801 856,492 276,660 Total 2,644,491 91,132 1,452,781 4,188,404 3,570,492 4,204,742 144,901 2,309,921 6,659,564 5,748,495 Benefits include the provision of a company car, medical insurance and life assurance. C H L Davis was the highest paid director in 2002. He had no gains on the exercise of share options. (c) Pensions The Committee reviews the pension arrangements for the executive directors to ensure that the benefits provided are consistent with those provided by other multinational companies in its principal countries of operation. The policy for executive directors based in the United Kingdom is to provide pension benefits at a normal retirement age of 60, equivalent to two thirds of base salary in the 12 months prior to retirement, provided they have completed 20 years’ service with Reed Elsevier or at an accrual rate of 1/30th of pensionable salary per annum if employment is for less than 20 years. The target pension for C H L Davis at normal retirement age of 60 is 45% of base salary in the 12 months prior to retirement. In 1989, the Inland Revenue introduced a cap on the amount of pension that can be provided from an approved pension scheme. M H Armour’s, G J A van de Aast’s and C H L Davis’s pension benefits will be provided from a combination of the Reed Elsevier Pension Scheme and the company’s unapproved, unfunded pension arrangements. D J Haank is a member of the Dutch pension scheme, and his pension at normal retirement age of 60 will be up to 70% of his final annual salary. The target pension for A Prozes, a US based director, is US$300,000 per annum, which becomes payable on retirement only if he completes a minimum of seven years’ service. This pension has no associated contingent benefits for a spouse or dependents, and will be reduced in amount by the value of any other retirement benefits payable by the company or any former employer, other than those attributable to employee contributions. The pension arrangements for all the directors include life assurance cover whilst in employment, an entitlement to a pension in the event of ill health or disability and, except in the case of A Prozes, a spouse’s and/or dependents’ pension on death. The increase in the transfer value of the directors’ pensions, after deduction of contributions, is shown below: M H Armour C H L Davis D J Haank A Prozes G J A van de Aast M H Armour C H L Davis D J Haank A Prozes G J A van de Aast Transfer value of accrued pension 1 January 2002 Transfer value of accrued pension 31 December 2002 Increase in transfer value during the period less directors’ contributions 1,038,761 1,233,292 1,366,599 – 113,891 1,036,652 1,779,585 1,353,976 – 191,063 (5,012) 543,391 (12,623) – 74,270 Accrued annual pension as at 31 December 2002 Increase in accrued annual pension during the period Transfer value of increase after deduction of directors’ contributions 117,136 140,015 146,814 – 24,185 21,486 50,904 25,982 – 12,432 181,377 636,158 239,619 – 94,659 £ € Transfer value of accrued pension 1 January 2002 Transfer value of accrued pension 31 December 2002 Increase in transfer value during the period less directors’ contributions Accrued annual pension as at 31 December 2002 Increase in accrued annual pension during the period 1,651,630 1,960,934 2,172,892 – 181,087 1,648,277 2,829,540 2,152,822 – 303,790 (7,969) 863,992 (20,070) – 118,089 186,246 222,624 233,435 – 38,454 34,163 80,937 41,312 – 19,767 Transfer value of increase after deduction of directors’ contributions 288,389 1,011,491 380,994 – 150,508 The transfer value in respect of individual directors represents a liability in respect of directors’ pensions entitlement, and is not an amount paid or payable to the director. The movement in transfer values during the year includes a restatement of the transfer values based on the methodologies prescribed by the UK Directors’ Remuneration Report Regulations 2002. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 19 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 20 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT (d) Individual emoluments of non-executive directors J F Brock R J Nelissen S Perrick Lord Sharman (from 1 January 2002) R W H Stomberg M Tabaksblat D G C Webster (until 9 April 2002) Total £ € 2002 2001 2002 2001 35,849 35,849 35,849 35,849 35,849 176,101 8,962 35,404 35,404 35,404 – 35,404 173,913 35,404 57,000 57,000 57,000 57,000 57,000 280,000 14,250 57,000 57,000 57,000 – 57,000 280,000 57,000 364,308 350,933 579,250 565,000 G J de Boer-Kruyt, a member of the supervisory board of Reed Elsevier NV, received emoluments of £13,522/€21,500 during the year (2001: £13,354/€21,500). SHARE OPTIONS Options over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have been granted to executive directors under the Reed Elsevier Group plc Executive Share Option Scheme, in which executive directors and other senior executives participate. The scheme grants options at the market price at the time of grant, which are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of grant. Since 1999 all executive share options have been granted subject to the performance condition that the compound growth in the average of the Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV adjusted EPS (i.e. before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and UK tax credit equalisation) in the three years immediately preceding vesting must exceed the compound growth in the average of the UK and Dutch retail price indices by a minimum of 6%. The terms of the Reed Elsevier Group plc option schemes were approved by the shareholders of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV in 1993. Under arrangements operating until 1999, options to subscribe for Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shares have been granted to Dutch based executive directors and other senior executives. Prior to 1999 options were granted at the market price at the time of the grant and were exercisable for a period up to five years from the date of grant. Following the introduction of new tax laws in the Netherlands, the Committee decided that Dutch based executive directors and senior executives granted options during 1999 could elect to take either a five year option at an option exercise price representing a premium of 26% to the market price, or a ten year option at market price, or a combination of both. No grants under such arrangements have been made since 1999, as all executive share options have been awarded through the Reed Elsevier Group plc Executive Share Option Scheme since that date. Options over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have been granted under the Reed Elsevier Group plc Senior Executive Long Term Incentive Scheme (“LTIP”). Implementation of the LTIP was approved by shareholders of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV at their respective Annual General Meetings in April 2000. The terms of the LTIP permitted a one off grant of options to be made to executive directors and a limited number of key executives during the year 2000. Grants were made to key executives responsible for reshaping the business, executing the strategy for growth announced in February 2000 and producing a sustainable improvement in shareholder value. All grants under the LTIP were approved by the Committee, and the grant to any one individual ranged from 10 to a maximum value of 20 times salary. Participants in the LTIP are required to build up a significant personal shareholding in Reed Elsevier PLC and/or Reed Elsevier NV. At executive director level, the requirement is that they should own shares equivalent to 11⁄2 times salary, to be acquired over a reasonable period. An option under the LTIP may only be exercised during the period 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2005, and then only if the performance targets noted below have been satisfied. These targets were chosen at the inception of the LTIP in 2000 in order to provide an appropriate balance between operational focus and producing a sustainable improvement in shareholder value over a five year period. The first performance condition requires the achievement of 20% per annum compound total shareholder return (“TSR”) over three years from a base point of 436.5p for a Reed Elsevier PLC share and €10.73 for a Reed Elsevier NV share, being the respective share prices on 2 May 2000. In the event that the required TSR is not achieved in the first test period of 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2003, the TSR test and performance period will be extended by 1 year and, in the event of TSR not being achieved during such extended period, the TSR test and performance period will be extended by a further six months to 30 June 2005. The TSR growth requirement over any such extended performance period will be correspondingly increased by 20% per annum. The second performance condition requires executive directors to achieve individual performance targets. If the required TSR and individual performance targets are not achieved, the entire option will lapse. Options have also been granted over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC under the Reed Elsevier Group plc UK SAYE Option Scheme, in which all eligible UK employees are invited to participate. The SAYE Scheme grants options at a maximum discount of 20% to the market price at the time of grant, and are normally exercisable after the expiry of three or five years from the date of grant. No performance targets attach to options granted under this scheme as it is an all employee scheme. Details of options held by directors in the ordinary shares of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV as at 31 December 2002, and movements during the period are shown below: 20 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 21 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT Over shares in Reed Elsevier PLC M H Armour – Executive Scheme Granted during the year 1 January 2002 59,600(i) 30,000(i) 52,000 66,900 33,600 88,202 62,974 – LTIP – SAYE Scheme 882,016 3,924 74,000 Option price 400.75p 585.25p 565.75p 523.00p 537.50p 436.50p 659.00p 600.00p 436.50p 430.00p Exercised during the year 20,000(ii) Market price at exercise date 633.50p 31 December 2002 Exercisable from Exercisable until 39,600 26 Apr 1998 26 Apr 2005 30,000 23 Apr 1999 23 Apr 2006 52,000 21 Apr 2000 21 Apr 2007 66,900 17 Aug 2001 17 Aug 2008 33,600 21 Feb 2003 19 Apr 2009 88,202 2 May 2010 62,974 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 74,000 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 1 Aug 2004 31 Jan 2005 2 May 2003 882,016 3,924 1,279,216 74,000 20,000 1,333,216 Total C H L Davis – Executive Scheme 160,599 80,300 80,300 171,821 122,914 – LTIP – Nil cost options – SAYE Scheme 1,718,213 535,332 5,019 Total D J Haank – Executive Scheme – LTIP 2,874,498 18,498(i) 18,497(i) 51,368 51,110 513,680 653,153 Total A Prozes – Executive Scheme 188,281 83,785 – LTIP – Nil cost options 941,406 20,168 20,170 467.00p 467.00p 467.00p 436.50p 659.00p 600.00p 436.50p Nil 336.20p 677.25p 537.50p 436.50p 659.00p 600.00p 436.50p 566.00p 659.00p 600.00p 566.00p Nil Nil 148,500 148,500 59,843 59,843 103,722 20,168(ii) 570.00p 2 May 2003 160,599 21 Feb 2003 1 Sept 2009 80,300 1 Sept 2003 1 Sept 2009 80,300 1 Sept 2004 1 Sept 2009 171,821 2 May 2010 122,914 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 148,500 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 535,332 2 Sept 2002 2 Sept 2003 1 Aug 2005 31 Jan 2006 5,019 1,718,213 3,022,998 2 May 2003 18,498 19 Apr 1999 19 Apr 2004 18,497 19 Apr 1999 19 Apr 2009 51,368 2 May 2010 51,110 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 59,843 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 513,680 712,996 188,281 9 Aug 2003 9 Aug 2010 83,785 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 103,722 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 941,406 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 – 20,170 9 Aug 2003 9 Aug 2004 Total 1,253,810 103,722 20,168 1,337,364 G J A van de Aast – Executive Scheme 50,940 49,317 – LTIP Total 509,404 609,661 58,000 58,000 638.00p 659.00p 600.00p 638.00p (i) Option granted prior to appointment as a director (ii) Retained an interest in all of the shares No options lapsed unexercised during the year. 1 Dec 2003 50,940 1 Dec 2010 49,317 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 58,000 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 509,404 667,661 The middle market price of a Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share during the year was in the range 487.5p to 695.5p and at 31 December 2002 was 532p. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 21 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 22 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT Over shares in Reed Elsevier NV M H Armour – Executive Scheme – LTIP Total C H L Davis – Executive Scheme 1 January 2002 20,244 61,726 44,882 617,256 744,108 95,774 47,888 47,888 120,245 87,601 – LTIP – Nil cost options 1,202,446 319,250 Total D J Haank – Executive Scheme 1,921,092 30,000(i) 30,000(i) 10,926(i) 10,925(i) 35,949 36,426 Granted during the year 51,926 51,926 104,204 104,204 41,993 – LTIP – Convertible Debentures 359,485 3,920(iii) 517,631 41,993 Total A Prozes Total – Executive Scheme 131,062 59,714 – LTIP – Nil cost options 655,310 14,040 14,040 874,166 G J A van de Aast – Executive Scheme 35,866 35,148 – LTIP Total 358,658 429,672 72,783 72,783 40,699 40,699 Option price €13.55 €10.73 €14.75 €13.94 €10.73 €12.00 €12.00 €12.00 €10.73 €14.75 €13.94 €10.73 Nil €14.11 €15.25 €17.07 €13.55 €10.73 €14.75 €13.94 €10.73 €17.48 €13.60 €14.75 €13.94 €13.60 Nil Nil €14.87 €14.75 €13.94 €14.87 Exercised during the year Market price at exercise date 31 December 2002 Exercisable from Exercisable until 2 May 2003 20,244 21 Feb 2003 19 Apr 2009 61,726 2 May 2010 44,882 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 51,926 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 617,256 796,034 120,245 95,774 21 Feb 2003 1 Sept 2009 47,888 1 Sept 2003 1 Sept 2009 47,888 1 Sept 2004 1 Sept 2009 2 May 2010 87,601 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 104,204 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 319,250 2 Sept 2002 2 Sept 2003 2 May 2003 1,202,446 30,000(ii) €15.93 – 2,025,296 30,000 24 Mar 1998 24 Mar 2003 10,926 19 Apr 1999 19 Apr 2004 10,925 19 Apr 1999 19 Apr 2009 35,949 2 May 2010 36,426 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 41,993 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 2 May 2003 359,485 30,000 – 525,704 131,062 9 Aug 2003 9 Aug 2010 59,714 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 72,783 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 655,310 – 14,040 9 Aug 2003 9 Aug 2004 14,040(iv) €12.57 14,040 932,909 1 Dec 2003 1 Dec 2010 35,866 35,148 23 Feb 2004 23 Feb 2011 40,699 22 Feb 2005 22 Feb 2012 1 Jan 2005 31 Dec 2005 358,658 470,371 (i) Option granted prior to appointment as a director (ii) Retained an interest in 3,000 shares (iii) Option lapsed unexercised during the year (iv) Retained an interest in all of the shares The market price of a Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share during the year was in the range €10.86 to €16.01 and at 31 December 2002 was €11.65. The aggregate notional pre-tax gain made by the directors on the exercise of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV share options during the year was £306,843/€487,880. There have been no changes in the options held by directors over Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares since 31 December 2002. 22 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp12-23 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 23 DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION REPORT INTERESTS IN SHARES The interests of the directors of Reed Elsevier Group plc in the issued share capital of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV at the beginning and end of the year are shown below: M H Armour J F Brock C H L Davis D J Haank R J Nelissen S Perrick A Prozes Lord Sharman R W H Stomberg M Tabaksblat G J A van de Aast Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares 1 January 2002 31 December 2002 Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares 31 December 2002 1 January 2002 2,500 3,000 22,500 3,000 74,071 115,571 – – – – – – 2,500 – 51,953 28,880 5,000 972 2,500 – 81,553 31,880 5,000 4,000 43,329 63,497 30,360 44,400 – – – – – – – – – – 8,000 7,500 – – 8,000 12,500 G J de Boer-Kruyt held no shares in Reed Elsevier PLC or Reed Elsevier NV as at 1 January or 31 December 2002. Any ordinary shares required to fulfil entitlements under nil cost share option grants are provided by the Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) from market purchases. As a potential beneficiary under the EBT, each executive director is deemed to be interested in all the shares held by the EBT which, at 31 December 2002, amounted to 2,840,047 Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and 1,554,381 Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares. There have been no changes in the interests of the directors in the share capital of Reed Elsevier PLC or Reed Elsevier NV since 31 December 2002. Approved by the board of Reed Elsevier Group plc on 19 February 2003 Rolf Stomberg Chairman of the Remuneration Committee Approved by the board of Reed Elsevier PLC on 19 February 2003 Approved by the combined board of Reed Elsevier NV on 19 February 2003 Rolf Stomberg Non-executive director Rolf Stomberg Member of the supervisory board REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 23 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 24 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 25 Combined financial statements REED ELSEVIER COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 26 Accounting policies 28 Combined profit and loss account 29 Combined cash flow statement 30 Combined balance sheet 31 Combined statement of total recognised gains and losses 31 Combined shareholders’ funds reconciliation 32 Notes to the combined financial statements 54 Independent Auditors’ report 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 26 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Accounting policies Basis of preparation The equalisation agreement between Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV has the effect that their shareholders can be regarded as having the interests of a single economic group. The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements (“the combined financial statements”) represent the combined interests of both sets of shareholders and encompass the businesses of Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV and their respective subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, together with the parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV (“the combined businesses”). These financial statements are presented under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable UK and Dutch Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). These financial statements form part of the statutory information to be provided by Reed Elsevier NV, but are not for a legal entity and do not include all the information required to be disclosed by a company in its financial statements under the UK Companies Act 1985 or Dutch Civil Code. Additional information is given in the annual reports and financial statements of the parent companies set out on pages 56 to 81. A list of principal businesses is set out on page 93. In addition to the figures required to be reported by applicable accounting standards, adjusted profit and operating cash flow figures have been presented as additional performance measures. Adjusted profit is shown before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. Adjusted operating cash flow is measured after dividends from joint ventures, tangible fixed asset spend and proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets, but before exceptional payments and proceeds. Foreign exchange translation The combined financial statements are presented in both pounds sterling and euros. Balance sheet items are translated at year end exchange rates and profit and loss account items are translated at average exchange rates. Exchange translation differences on foreign equity investments and the related foreign currency net borrowings and on differences between balance sheet and profit and loss account rates are taken to reserves. Transactions entered into in foreign currencies are recorded at the exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction. The results of hedging transactions for profit and loss amounts in foreign currency are accounted for in the profit and loss account to match the underlying transaction. The principal exchange rates used are set out in note 27. Turnover Turnover represents the invoiced value of sales less anticipated returns on transactions completed by performance, excluding customer sales taxes and sales between the combined businesses. Sales are recognised for the various revenue sources as follows: subscriptions – over the period of the subscription; circulation – on despatch; advertising – on publication or period of online display; exhibitions – on exhibition date; educational testing contracts – on performance against delivery milestones. Development spend Development spend incurred on the launch of new products or services is expensed to the profit and loss account as incurred. The cost of developing application infrastructure and product delivery platforms is capitalised as a tangible fixed asset and written off over the estimated useful life. Pensions The expected costs of pensions in respect of defined benefit pension schemes are charged to the profit and loss account so as to spread the cost over the service lives of employees in the schemes. Actuarial surpluses and deficits are allocated over the average expected remaining service lives of employees. Pension costs are assessed in accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries. For defined contribution schemes, the profit and loss account charge represents contributions made. Taxation Deferred taxation is provided in full for timing differences using the liability method. No provision is made for tax which would become payable on the distribution of retained profits by foreign subsidiaries, associates or joint ventures, unless there is an intention to distribute such retained earnings giving rise to a charge. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that they are considered recoverable in the short term. Deferred taxation balances are not discounted. Goodwill and intangible assets On the acquisition of a subsidiary, associate, joint venture or business, the purchase consideration is allocated between the underlying net tangible and intangible assets on a fair value basis, with any excess purchase consideration representing goodwill. Acquired goodwill and intangible assets are capitalised and amortised systematically over their estimated useful lives up to a maximum of 40 years, subject to annual impairment review. For the majority of acquired goodwill and intangible assets, the maximum estimated useful life is 20 years, which is the rebuttable presumption under UK and Dutch GAAP. In view of the longevity of the goodwill and intangible assets relating to the Harcourt publishing business acquired in July 2001, and of certain previously acquired goodwill and intangible assets within science and medical publishing, similar in nature to the Harcourt assets, this presumption has been rebutted in respect of these assets and a maximum estimated useful life of 40 years determined. The longevity of these assets is evidenced by their long established and well regarded brands and imprints, and their characteristically stable market positions. Intangible assets comprise publishing rights and titles, databases, exhibition rights and other intangible assets, which are stated at fair value on acquisition and are not subsequently revalued. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation. No depreciation is provided on freehold land. Freehold buildings and long leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives up to a maximum of 50 years. Short leases are written off over the duration of 26 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 27 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Accounting policies (continued) the lease. Plant, equipment and computer systems are depreciated on a straight line basis at rates from 5%–33%. Investments Fixed asset investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for under the gross equity and equity methods respectively. Other fixed asset investments are stated at cost, less provision, if appropriate, for any impairment in value. Short term investments are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Inventories and pre-publication costs Inventories and pre-publication costs are stated at the lower of cost, including appropriate attributable overheads, and estimated net realisable value. Pre- publication costs, representing costs incurred in the origination of content prior to publication, are expensed systematically over the economic lives of the related products, generally up to five years. Finance leases Assets held under leases which confer rights and obligations similar to those attaching to owned assets are capitalised as tangible fixed assets and the corresponding liability to pay rentals is shown net of interest in the accounts as obligations under finance leases. The capitalised values of the assets are written off on a straight line basis over the shorter of the periods of the leases or the useful lives of the assets concerned. The interest element of the lease payments is allocated so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge. Operating leases Operating lease rentals are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the period of the leases. Financial instruments Payments and receipts on interest rate hedges are accounted for on an accruals basis over the lives of the hedges and included respectively within interest payable and interest receivable in the profit and loss account. Gains and losses on foreign exchange hedges, other than in relation to net currency borrowings hedging equity investments, are recognised in the profit and loss account on maturity of the underlying transaction. Gains and losses on net currency borrowings hedging equity investments are taken to reserves. Gains and losses arising on hedging instruments that are closed out due to the cessation of the underlying exposure are taken directly to the profit and loss account. Currency swap agreements are valued at exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date with net gains and losses being included within short term investments or borrowings. Interest payable and receivable arising from the swap is accounted for on an accruals basis over the life of the swap. Finance costs associated with debt issuances are charged to the profit and loss account over the life of the related borrowings. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 27 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 28 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Combined profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Turnover Including share of turnover of joint ventures Less: share of turnover of joint ventures Continuing operations before acquisitions Acquisitions Cost of sales Gross profit Operating expenses Before amortisation and exceptional items Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Operating profit (before joint ventures) Continuing operations before acquisitions Acquisitions Share of operating profit of joint ventures Operating profit including joint ventures Non operating exceptional items Net (loss)/profit on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments Profit on ordinary activities before interest Net interest expense Profit on ordinary activities before taxation Tax on profit on ordinary activities Profit on ordinary activities after taxation Minority interests Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Retained loss taken to combined reserves Adjusted figures Adjusted operating profit Adjusted profit before tax Adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Note 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 5,094 (74) 5,020 5,001 19 (1,794) 3,226 (2,736) (2,113) (524) (99) 490 504 (14) 17 507 (12) 495 (206) 289 (107) 182 (1) 181 (282) (101) 2002 £m 1,133 927 682 4,627 (67) 4,560 4,560 – (1,611) 2,949 (2,570) (1,974) (498) (98) 379 379 – 12 391 26 417 (142) 275 (148) 127 (1) 126 (269) (143) 2001 £m 990 848 624 8,099 (117) 7,982 7,952 30 (2,852) 5,130 (4,351) (3,361) (833) (157) 779 801 (22) 27 806 (19) 787 (327) 460 (171) 289 (1) 288 (448) (160) 7,449 (107) 7,342 7,342 – (2,594) 4,748 (4,138) (3,178) (802) (158) 610 610 – 20 630 41 671 (229) 442 (238) 204 (2) 202 (432) (230) 2002 €m 1,801 1,474 1,084 2001 €m 1,594 1,365 1,005 1 2 2 6 1,5 6 7 8 26 9 Note 1,10 10 10 Adjusted figures, which exclude the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, are presented as additional performance measures, and are reconciled to the reported figures in note 10 to the combined financial statements. 28 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 29 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Combined cash flow statement For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net cash inflow from operating activities before exceptional items Payments relating to exceptional items charged to operating profit Net cash inflow from operating activities Note 11 6 2002 £m 1,154 (119) 1,035 2001 £m 1,163 (97) 1,066 2002 €m 1,835 (190) 1,645 2001 €m 1,873 (156) 1,717 Dividends received from joint ventures 15 13 12 21 19 Interest and similar income received Interest and similar charges paid Returns on investments and servicing of finance Taxation before exceptional items Exceptional items Taxation Purchase of tangible fixed assets Purchase of fixed asset investments Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets Exceptional proceeds from disposal of fixed asset investments Capital expenditure and financial investment Acquisitions Exceptional net (costs)/proceeds from disposal of businesses Acquisitions and disposals Equity dividends paid to shareholders of the parent companies Cash inflow/(outflow) before changes in short term investments and financing (Increase)/decrease in short term investments Financing Increase in cash 25 (230) (205) (154) 20 (134) (163) (9) 6 118 (48) (184) (12) (196) 113 (227) (114) (178) 141 (37) (175) (59) 6 – (228) (2,236) 96 (2,140) 40 (366) (326) (245) 32 (213) (259) (14) 9 188 (76) (293) (19) (312) 181 (365) (184) (287) 227 (60) (282) (95) 10 – (367) (3,599) 154 (3,445) (273) (255) (434) (411) 192 (55) (65) 72 (1,696) 1,169 537 10 305 (88) (103) 114 (2,731) 1,882 865 16 6 11 6 11 11 11 Short term investments include deposits of under one year if the maturity or notice period exceeds 24 hours, commercial paper investments and interest bearing securities that can be realised without significant loss at short notice. Adjusted figures Adjusted operating cash flow Adjusted operating cash flow conversion Note 10 2002 £m 1,010 89% 2001 £m 1,006 102% 2002 €m 1,606 89% 2001 €m 1,620 102% Reed Elsevier businesses focus on adjusted operating cash flow as a key cash flow measure. Adjusted operating cash flow is measured after dividends from joint ventures, tangible fixed asset spend and proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets but before exceptional payments and proceeds, and is reconciled to the reported figures in note 10 to the combined financial statements. Adjusted operating cash flow conversion expresses adjusted operating cash flow as a percentage of adjusted operating profit. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 29 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 30 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Combined balance sheet As at 31 December 2002 Fixed assets Goodwill and intangible assets Tangible fixed assets Investments Investments in joint ventures: Share of gross assets Share of gross liabilities Share of net assets Other investments Current assets Inventories and pre-publication costs Debtors – amounts falling due within one year Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year Cash and short term investments Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges Minority interests Net assets Capital and reserves Combined share capitals Combined share premium accounts Combined reserves Combined shareholders’ funds Note 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 26 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 5,814 484 140 6,723 489 241 8,895 741 214 11,026 802 395 132 (70) 62 78 121 (55) 66 175 202 (107) 95 119 198 (90) 108 287 6,438 7,453 9,850 12,223 500 923 321 570 488 999 463 435 765 1,412 491 872 801 1,638 759 713 2,314 (3,629) 2,385 (4,134) 3,540 (5,552) 3,911 (6,780) (1,315) (1,749) (2,012) (2,869) 5,123 (2,270) (187) (7) 5,704 (2,502) (280) (5) 7,838 (3,473) (286) (11) 9,354 (4,103) (459) (8) 2,659 2,917 4,068 4,784 187 1,708 764 2,659 184 1,629 1,104 2,917 286 2,613 1,169 4,068 302 2,672 1,810 4,784 Approved by the boards of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV, 19 February 2003. 30 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 31 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Combined statement of total recognised gains and losses For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Exchange translation differences Total recognised gains and losses for the year Combined shareholders’ funds reconciliation For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences Net decrease in combined shareholders’ funds Combined shareholders’ funds at 1 January Combined shareholders’ funds at 31 December 2002 £m 181 (187) (6) 2002 £m 181 (282) 30 (187) (258) 2,917 2,659 2001 £m 126 (3) 123 2001 £m 126 (269) 22 (3) (124) 3,041 2,917 2002 €m 288 (604) (316) 2002 €m 288 (448) 48 (604) (716) 4,784 4,068 2001 €m 202 83 285 2001 €m 202 (432) 35 83 (112) 4,896 4,784 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 31 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 32 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 Segment analysis Business segment Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total Geographical origin North America United Kingdom The Netherlands Rest of Europe Rest of world Total Business segment Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total Geographical origin North America United Kingdom The Netherlands Rest of Europe Rest of world Total Turnover 2002 £m 2001 £m Operating profit 2002 £m 2001 £m Adjusted operating profit 2002 £m 2001 £m Capital employed 2002 £m 2001 £m 1,295 1,349 993 1,383 5,020 3,158 782 419 456 205 5,020 1,024 1,330 579 1,627 4,560 2,695 795 416 445 209 4,560 294 61 102 50 507 142 129 153 55 28 507 210 59 95 27 391 47 154 129 51 10 391 429 287 183 234 1,133 616 190 169 119 39 1,133 344 267 132 247 990 482 207 163 108 30 990 1,372 2,197 1,756 839 6,164 1,506 2,512 1,921 1,075 7,014 5,190 500 (22) 475 21 6,021 553 (53) 460 33 6,164 7,014 Turnover 2002 €m 2001 €m Operating profit 2002 €m 2001 €m Adjusted operating profit 2002 €m 2001 €m Capital employed 2002 €m 2001 €m 2,059 2,145 1,579 2,199 7,982 5,021 1,243 666 725 327 7,982 1,649 2,141 932 2,620 7,342 4,339 1,280 670 716 337 7,342 467 97 162 80 806 226 205 243 87 45 806 338 95 153 44 630 76 248 208 82 16 630 682 456 291 372 554 430 212 398 2,099 3,361 2,687 1,284 2,470 4,120 3,150 1,763 1,801 1,594 9,431 11,503 979 302 269 189 62 776 333 262 174 49 7,941 765 (34) 727 32 9,874 907 (87) 754 55 1,801 1,594 9,431 11,503 Adjusted operating profit is presented as an additional performance measure and is shown after share of operating profit of joint ventures and before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. Turnover is analysed before the £74m/€117m (2001: £67m/€107m) share of joint ventures’ turnover, of which £17m/€27m (2001: £17m/€27m) relates to the Legal segment, principally to Giuffrè, and £57m/€90m (2001: £50m/€80m) relates to the Business segment, principally to exhibition joint ventures. Share of operating profit in joint ventures of £17m/€27m (2001: £12m/€20m) comprises £5m/€8m (2001: £3m/€5m) relating to the Legal segment and £12m/€19m (2001: £9m/€15m) relating to the Business segment. 32 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 33 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 Segment analysis (continued) Analysis of turnover by geographical market North America United Kingdom The Netherlands Rest of Europe Rest of world Total Reconciliation of capital employed to combined shareholders’ funds Capital employed Taxation Dividends and net interest Net borrowings Minority interests Combined shareholders’ funds Business segment Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total Business segment Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 3,209 551 209 638 413 5,020 2,765 557 224 587 427 4,560 5,102 876 332 1,014 658 7,982 4,452 897 361 945 687 7,342 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 6,164 (528) (238) (2,732) (7) 7,014 (634) (229) (3,229) (5) 9,431 (809) (363) (4,180) (11) 11,503 (1,041) (374) (5,296) (8) 2,659 2,917 4,068 4,784 Amortisation Capital expenditure 2002 £m 101 197 71 158 527 2001 £m 106 191 35 169 501 2002 £m 2001 £m 36 84 20 39 35 89 14 40 179 178 Depreciation 2002 £m 2001 £m 27 62 13 34 23 62 7 40 136 132 Depreciation Amortisation Capital expenditure 2002 €m 43 99 21 53 216 2001 €m 37 100 11 65 213 2002 €m 161 313 113 251 838 2001 €m 171 308 56 272 807 2002 €m 57 134 32 62 285 2001 €m 56 143 23 65 287 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 33 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 34 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2 Cost of sales and operating expenses Before Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets £m amortisation and exceptional items £m Exceptional items £m 1,786 8 1,794 1,115 2 1,117 992 4 996 2,107 6 2,113 – – – – – – 507 17 524 507 17 524 – – – – – – 97 2 99 97 2 99 Before Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets €m amortisation and exceptional items €m Exceptional items €m 2,839 13 2,852 1,773 3 1,776 1,579 6 1,585 3,352 9 3,361 – – – – – – 806 27 833 806 27 833 – – – – – – 154 3 157 154 3 157 2002 Total £m 1,786 8 1,794 1,115 2 1,117 1,596 23 1,619 2,711 25 2,736 2002 Total €m 2,839 13 2,852 1,773 3 1,776 2,539 36 2,575 4,312 39 4,351 Before Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets £m amortisation and exceptional items £m Exceptional items £m 1,611 – 1,611 1,028 – 1,028 946 – 946 1,974 – 1,974 – – – – – – 498 – 498 498 – 498 – – – – – – 98 – 98 98 – 98 Before Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets €m amortisation and exceptional items €m Exceptional items €m 2,594 – 2,594 1,655 – 1,655 1,523 – 1,523 3,178 – 3,178 – – – – – – 802 – 802 802 – 802 – – – – – – 158 – 158 158 – 158 2001 Total £m 1,611 – 1,611 1,028 – 1,028 1,542 – 1,542 2,570 – 2,570 2001 Total €m 2,594 – 2,594 1,655 – 1,655 2,483 – 2,483 4,138 – 4,138 Cost of sales Continuing operations Acquisitions Total Distribution and selling costs Continuing operations Acquisitions Administrative expenses Continuing operations Acquisitions Operating expenses Continuing operations Acquisitions Total Cost of sales Continuing operations Acquisitions Total Distribution and selling costs Continuing operations Acquisitions Administrative expenses Continuing operations Acquisitions Operating expenses Continuing operations Acquisitions Total 34 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 35 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3 Personnel Number of people employed Business segment Science & Medical Legal Education Business Total Geographical location North America United Kingdom The Netherlands Rest of Europe Rest of world Total At 31 December Average during the year 2002 2001 2002 2001 6,400 13,300 5,600 10,800 6,200 13,300 5,600 11,900 6,400 13,300 5,800 11,300 5,200 12,700 3,400 13,300 36,100 37,000 36,800 34,600 20,700 6,000 2,800 3,800 2,800 21,400 6,200 2,900 3,800 2,700 21,300 6,100 2,800 3,800 2,800 18,900 6,100 3,000 3,700 2,900 36,100 37,000 36,800 34,600 4 Pension schemes A number of pension schemes are operated around the world. The major schemes are of the defined benefit type with assets held in separate trustee administered funds. The two largest schemes, which cover the majority of employees, are in the UK and US. The main UK scheme was subject to a valuation by Watson Wyatt Partners as at 5 April 2000. The scheme is valued formally every three years, the next valuation being as at 5 April 2003. The main US scheme is valued annually and was subject to a valuation by Towers Perrin as at 1 January 2002. The principal valuation assumptions for the main UK scheme were: Actuarial method Annual rate of return on investments Annual increase in total pensionable remuneration Annual increase in present and future pensions in payment Projected unit method 6.6% 5.0% 3.0% The principal valuation assumptions used for the US scheme were a rate of return on investments of 8%, increase in pensionable remuneration of 4.5%, and increase in present and future pensions in payment of 3%. The actuarial values placed on scheme assets as at their last valuation date were sufficient to cover 121% and 103% of the benefits that had accrued to members of the main UK and US schemes, respectively. Actuarial surpluses are spread as a level amount over the average remaining service lives of current employees. The market values of the schemes’ assets at the valuation dates, excluding assets held in respect of members’ additional voluntary contributions, were £1,723m/€2,826m, and £216m/€330m in respect of the UK and US schemes, respectively. Assessments for accounting purposes in respect of other funded schemes, including the Netherlands scheme, have been carried out by external qualified actuaries using prospective benefit methods. The principal actuarial assumptions adopted in the assessments of these other schemes are that, over the long term, investment returns will marginally exceed the annual increase in pensionable remuneration and in present and future pensions. The actuarial value of assets of the schemes approximated to the aggregate benefits that had accrued to members, after allowing for expected future increases in pensionable remuneration and pensions in course of payment. The assets of the Netherlands scheme as at 31 December 2002 were sufficient to cover 109% of the actuarial value placed on the benefits that had accrued to the members of the scheme at that date. The liabilities in respect of unfunded schemes have been determined by actuaries and provided for within creditors. At 31 December 2002, these amounted to £52m/€80m (2001: £49m/€80m). The net pension charge was £59m/€94m (2001: £39m/€63m). Pension contributions made in the year amounted to £47m/€75m (2001: £39m/€63m). The net SSAP24 charge on the main UK scheme comprises a regular cost of £27m/€43m (2001: £24m/€39m), offset by amortisation of the net actuarial surplus of £24m/€38m (2001: £24m/€39m). Based on the advice of the scheme actuaries at the time of the last formal valuation in 2000, and with the agreement of the scheme trustees, no employer contributions are currently being made to the main UK scheme. A prepayment of £125m/€191m (2001: £128m/€210m) is included in debtors falling due after more than one year, representing the excess of the pension credit to the profit and loss account since 1988 over the amounts funded to the main UK scheme. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 35 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 36 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4 Pension schemes (continued) Pension costs are accounted for in accordance with the UK accounting standard, SSAP24. A new UK financial reporting standard, FRS17: Retirement Benefits, will, with effect from the 2005 financial year, introduce new accounting policies in respect of pension arrangements. FRS17 also requires additional information to be disclosed in the intervening period based on methodologies set out in the standard which are different from those used by the scheme actuaries in determining funding arrangements. The assumed rates of return on scheme assets, the fair value of those assets and the present value of the scheme liabilities based on the methodologies and presentation prescribed by FRS17 were as follows: Assumed rate of return on assets 9.0% 4.5% 3.8% Assumed rate of return on assets 7.2% 5.0% 4.0% 2002 Equities Bonds Other Total fair value of assets Present value of scheme liabilities Net surplus/(deficit) Related deferred tax Net pension asset/(liability) 2001 Equities Bonds Other Total fair value of assets Present value of scheme liabilities Net surplus Related deferred tax Net pension asset Main UK Scheme Assumed rate of €m return on assets Aggregate of Schemes £m €m £m 825 487 45 1,262 745 69 9.0% 4.9% 3.8% 1,068 670 53 1,634 1,025 81 1,791 (1,928) 2,740 (2,950) (137) 50 (87) (210) 77 (133) 1,357 (1,305) 2,076 (1,996) 52 (16) 36 80 (25) 55 Main UK Scheme Aggregate of Schemes £m 991 502 73 1,566 (1,316) 250 (75) 175 Assumed rate of €m return on assets £m €m 1,625 823 120 2,568 (2,158) 410 (123) 287 7.7% 5.5% 4.0% 1,267 721 81 2,069 (1,872) 197 (57) 140 2,078 1,182 133 3,393 (3,070) 323 (93) 230 At 31 December 2002, the aggregate net deficit in respect of the defined benefit schemes under FRS17 comprised £66m/€101m (2001: net surplus £263m/€431m) in respect of funded schemes and liabilities of £71m/€109m (2001: £66m/€108m) in respect of unfunded schemes, of which £52m/€80m (2001: £49m/€80m) is provided for within creditors under SSAP 24. The movement in the net surplus/(deficit) during the year was as follows: Net surplus in schemes at beginning of the year Movement in the year: Total operating charge Contributions Other finance income Actuarial loss Exchange translation differences Net surplus/(deficit) in schemes at end of the year Main UK Scheme £m 250 (34) – 25 (189) – 52 €m 410 (54) – 40 (301) (15) 80 Aggregate of Schemes €m £m 197 323 (75) 22 30 (322) 11 (137) (119) 35 48 (512) 15 (210) 36 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 37 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4 Pension schemes (continued) The principal assumptions made in valuing pension scheme liabilities for the purposes of FRS17 were: Inflation Rate of increase in salaries Rate of increase in pensions in payment Discount rate Main UK Scheme 2002 2001 2.3% 4.3% 2.3% 5.7% 2.5% 4.5% 2.5% 5.5% Aggregate of Schemes 2002 2.5% 4.2% 2.5% 5.9% 2001 2.5% 4.4% 2.5% 5.9% The combined profit and loss reserves as at 31 December 2002 of £764m/€1,169m (2001: £1,104m/€1,810m) would have been £623m/€953m (2001: £1,154m/€1,892m) had the accounting requirements of FRS17 applied in the 2002 and 2001 financial years. The operating charge, the amount credited to other finance income and the amount recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses in the 2002 financial year based on the methodologies and presentation prescribed by FRS17 would have been as follows: Main UK Scheme £m €m Aggregate of Schemes €m £m Charged to operating profit Current service cost Past service cost Total operating charge Credited to other finance income Expected return on pension scheme assets Interest on pension scheme liabilities Net return Amounts recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses Actual return less expected return on pension scheme assets Experience losses arising on the scheme liabilities Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of the scheme liabilities Actuarial loss (34) – (34) 97 (72) 25 (254) (21) 86 (189) (54) – (54) 154 (114) 40 (404) (33) 136 (301) (75) – (75) 137 (107) 30 (119) – (119) 218 (170) 48 (352) (13) (560) (21) 43 69 (322) (512) The difference between the expected and actual return on scheme assets represented 19% and 20% of scheme assets of the main UK scheme and of the aggregate of schemes respectively. The experience losses arising on the scheme liabilities represented 2% and 1% of the present value of scheme liabilities of the main UK scheme and of the aggregate of schemes respectively. The total actuarial loss arising in 2002 under FRS17, that would have been recognised in the statement of total recognised gains and losses, represents 14% and 17% of the present value of the scheme liabilities of the main UK scheme and of the aggregate of schemes respectively. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 37 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 38 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 5 Operating profit Operating profit is stated after the following: Hire of plant and machinery Other operating lease rentals Depreciation (including £6m/€10m (2001: £4m/€6m) in respect of assets held under finance leases) Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets in joint ventures Total amortisation Staff costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Pensions Total staff costs Auditors’ remuneration For audit services For non audit services Note 4 2002 £m 12 87 136 524 3 527 1,277 127 59 1,463 2.3 3.6 2001 £m 7 87 132 498 3 501 1,207 119 39 1,365 2.5 3.4 2002 €m 19 138 216 833 5 838 2,030 202 94 2,326 3.7 5.7 2001 €m 11 140 213 802 4 806 1,943 192 63 2,198 4.0 5.5 Auditors’ remuneration for non audit services comprises £0.7m/€1.1m (2001: £1.3m/€2.1m) for audit related services, £1.4m/€2.2m (2001: £1.4m/€2.3m) for due diligence and other acquisition related services, £0.7m/€1.1m (2001: £0.6m/€1.0m) for tax compliance and advisory work, and £0.8m/€1.3m (2001: £0.1m/€0.1m) for other services. Included in auditors’ remuneration for non audit services is £0.7m/€1.1m (2001: £1.0m/€1.6m) paid to Deloitte & Touche and its associates in the UK. Information on directors’ remuneration, share options, longer term incentive plans, pension contributions and entitlements is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 23. 6 Exceptional items Reorganisation costs Acquisition related costs Charged to operating profit Net (loss)/profit on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments Exceptional charge before tax Net tax credit Total exceptional credit Note (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) 2002 £m (42) (57) (99) (12) (111) 122 11 2001 £m (35) (63) (98) 26 (72) 81 9 2002 €m (67) (90) (157) (19) (176) 194 18 2001 €m (56) (102) (158) 41 (117) 130 13 (i) Reorganisation costs relate to employee severances, including the elimination of over 1,500 positions in 2002, principally in the Business and Legal segments. (ii) Acquisition related costs include employee severance and property rationalisation costs arising on the integration and rationalisation of Harcourt and other recent acquisitions. (iii) The net loss on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments relates to the sale and closure of businesses in the Business segment, partly offset by a net gain on disposal of fixed asset investments, comprising a £21m/€33m profit on sale of investments acquired on the acquisition of Harcourt General, Inc, less a £17m/€27m loss on other fixed asset investments. (iv) The net tax credit in 2002 arises principally in respect of prior year disposals. Cash flows in respect of exceptional items were as follows: Reorganisation costs Acquisition related costs Other Exceptional operating cash outflow Net proceeds from disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments Exceptional cash outflow before tax Exceptional tax cash inflow Total exceptional cash inflow 38 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 2002 £m (56) (63) – (119) 106 (13) 20 7 2001 £m (41) (51) (5) (97) 96 (1) 141 140 2002 €m (89) (101) – (190) 169 (21) 32 11 2001 €m (66) (82) (8) (156) 154 (2) 227 225 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 39 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7 Net interest expense Interest receivable and similar income Interest payable and similar charges Promissory notes and bank loans Other loans Other interest and similar charges Total Interest cover (times) 2002 £m 24 (76) (152) (2) (206) 5.5 2001 £m 107 (102) (90) (57) (142) 7.0 Interest cover is calculated as the number of times adjusted operating profit is greater than the net interest expense. 8 Tax on profit on ordinary activities Current tax United Kingdom The Netherlands Rest of world Total current tax Deferred tax Origination and reversal of timing differences Changes in recoverable amounts of deferred tax assets Sub-total Share of tax attributable to joint ventures Total 2002 £m (6) 62 (14) 42 58 – 100 7 107 2001 £m 62 79 81 222 25 (104) 143 5 148 2002 €m 38 (120) (242) (3) (327) 5.5 2002 €m (10) 99 (22) 67 92 – 159 12 171 2001 €m 172 (164) (145) (92) (229) 7.0 2001 €m 100 127 130 357 40 (167) 230 8 238 The tax charge for the year as a proportion of profit before tax was increased due to non tax-deductible amortisation and reduced by exceptional tax credits arising on prior year disposals. A reconciliation of the notional current tax charge based on average standard rates of tax (weighted in proportion to accounting profits) to the actual current tax charge is set out below: Profit on ordinary activities before tax Tax at average standard rates Net impact of amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Prior year disposals Permanent differences and other items Reversal of timing differences Current tax charge 9 Equity dividends paid and proposed Reed Elsevier PLC Reed Elsevier NV Total 2002 £m 289 79 109 (100) 12 (58) 42 2002 £m 143 139 282 2001 £m 275 62 119 – 66 (25) 222 2001 £m 132 137 269 2002 €m 460 126 173 (159) 19 (92) 67 2002 €m 227 221 448 2001 €m 442 100 192 – 106 (41) 357 2001 €m 211 221 432 Dividends comprise a total dividend for Reed Elsevier PLC of 11.2p (2001: 10.5p) per ordinary share and a total dividend for Reed Elsevier NV of €0.30 (2001: €0.30) per ordinary share. Dividends paid to Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders are equalised at the gross level inclusive of the UK tax credit of 10% received by certain Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 39 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 40 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10 Adjusted figures Adjusted profit and cash flow figures are used by the Reed Elsevier businesses as additional performance measures. The adjusted figures are stated before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, and are derived as follows: Operating profit including joint ventures Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Reorganisation costs Acquisition related costs Adjusted operating profit Profit before tax Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Reorganisation costs Acquisition related costs Net loss/(profit) on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments Adjusted profit before tax Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Reorganisation costs Acquisition related costs Net profit on disposal of businesses and fixed asset investments Adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Net cash inflow from operating activities Dividends received from joint ventures Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets Payments in relation to exceptional items charged to operating profit Adjusted operating cash flow 2002 £m 507 527 42 57 1,133 289 527 42 57 12 927 2001 £m 391 501 35 63 990 275 501 35 63 (26) 848 2002 €m 806 838 67 90 2001 €m 630 806 56 102 1,801 1,594 460 838 67 90 19 442 806 56 102 (41) 1,474 1,365 181 126 288 202 512 32 43 (86) 682 1,035 13 (163) 6 119 1,010 507 3 33 (45) 624 1,066 12 (175) 6 97 1,006 814 51 68 (137) 816 5 54 (72) 1,084 1,005 1,645 21 (259) 9 190 1,606 1,717 19 (282) 10 156 1,620 40 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 41 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11 Cash flow statement Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities Operating profit (before joint ventures) Exceptional charges to operating profit Operating profit before exceptional items Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Depreciation Total non cash items Increase in inventories and pre-publication costs (Increase)/decrease in debtors Decrease in creditors Movement in working capital Net cash inflow from operating activities before exceptional items Payments relating to exceptional items charged to operating profit Net cash inflow from operating activities Acquisitions Purchase of businesses Net proceeds from on-sale of Harcourt Higher Education and Corporate & Professional Services businesses Payment of Harcourt change of control and other non operating liabilities assumed Deferred consideration of prior year acquisitions Total Financing Net movement in promissory notes and bank loans Repayment of other loans Issuance of other loans Repayment of finance leases Issue of ordinary shares Total Note 6 6 Note 12 2002 £m 490 99 589 524 136 660 (51) (12) (32) (95) 2001 £m 379 98 477 498 132 630 (48) 156 (52) 56 2002 €m 779 157 936 833 216 2001 €m 610 158 768 802 213 1,049 1,015 (81) (19) (50) (150) (77) 251 (84) 90 1,154 (119) 1,035 1,163 (97) 1,066 1,835 (190) 1,645 1,873 (156) 1,717 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m (90) (3,222) (143) (5,187) – 1,185 – 1,908 (76) (18) (156) (43) (184) (2,236) 2002 £m (74) (173) 162 (10) (95) 30 (65) 2001 £m (454) (84) 1,069 (5) 526 11 537 (121) (29) (293) 2002 €m (118) (275) 258 (16) (151) 48 (103) (251) (69) (3,599) 2001 €m (731) (135) 1,721 (8) 847 18 865 The issuance of other loans in 2002 relates to term debt raised by a subsidiary of Elsevier Reed Finance BV. The repayment of other loans in 2002 relates to US$150m of Public Notes which matured in the year and the repurchase of Public Notes with a nominal value of US$110m. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 41 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 42 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 11 Cash flow statement (continued) Reconciliation of net borrowings Net borrowings at 1 January Increase in cash Increase/(decrease) in short term investments Decrease/(increase) in borrowings Change in net borrowings resulting from cash flows Borrowings in acquired businesses Inception of finance leases Exchange translation differences Net borrowings at 31 December Net borrowings at 1 January Increase in cash Increase/(decrease) in short term investments Decrease/(increase) in borrowings Change in net borrowings resulting from cash flows Borrowings in acquired businesses Inception of finance leases Exchange translation differences Net borrowings at 31 December Cash £m 96 72 – – 72 – – 1 Short term investments £m Borrowings £m 2002 £m 339 (3,664) (3,229) – 55 – 55 – – 7 – – 95 95 – (16) 283 72 55 95 222 – (16) 291 169 401 (3,302) (2,732) Cash €m 157 114 – – 114 – – (12) 259 Short term investments €m Borrowings €m 2002 €m 556 (6,009) (5,296) – 88 – 88 – – (31) – – 151 151 – (25) 831 114 88 151 353 – (25) 788 613 (5,052) (4,180) 2001 £m (433) 10 (1,169) (526) (1,685) (1,042) (3) (66) (3,229) 2001 €m (697) 16 (1,882) (847) (2,713) (1,677) (5) (204) (5,296) Net borrowings comprise cash and short term investments, loan capital, finance leases, promissory notes and bank and other loans, and are analysed further in notes 19 to 22. 42 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 43 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 Acquisitions During the year a number of acquisitions were made for a total consideration amounting to £99m/€157m, after taking account of net cash acquired of £4m/€6m. The most significant were MBO Verlag and Quicklaw Inc., in the Legal segment. The net assets of the businesses acquired are incorporated at their fair value to the combined businesses. The fair values of the consideration given and the assets and liabilities acquired are summerised below: Goodwill Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Net assets acquired Consideration (after taking account of £4m net cash acquired) Less: deferred to future years Net cash flow Goodwill Intangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Net assets acquired Consideration (after taking account of €6m net cash acquired) Less: deferred to future years Net cash flow Book value on acquisition £m Fair value adjustments £m – – 2 22 (12) 12 37 64 – (13) (1) 87 Book value on acquisition €m Fair value adjustments €m – – 3 35 (19) 19 59 102 – (21) (2) 138 Fair value £m 37 64 2 9 (13) 99 99 (9) 90 Fair value €m 59 102 3 14 (21) 157 157 (14) 143 The fair value adjustments in relation to the acquisitions made in 2002 relate principally to the valuation of intangible assets and the restatement of current assets to conform with Reed Elsevier accounting policies in relation to cost capitalisation. Goodwill represents the excess of the consideration over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired. The businesses acquired in 2002 contributed £19m/€30m to turnover, £5m/€8m to adjusted operating profit, before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, and £3m/€5m to net cash inflow from operating activities for the part year under Reed Elsevier ownership. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 43 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 44 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 13 Goodwill and intangible assets Cost At 1 January 2002 Acquisitions Disposal of businesses Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Accumulated amortisation At 1 January 2002 Disposal of businesses Charge for the year Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Net book amount At 1 January 2002 At 31 December 2002 Goodwill £m Intangible assets £m Total £m Goodwill €m Intangible assets €m Total €m 4,835 37 (2) (343) 4,573 64 (12) (314) 9,408 101 (14) (657) 7,929 59 (3) (1,059) 7,500 102 (19) (987) 15,429 161 (22) (2,046) 4,527 4,311 8,838 6,926 6,596 13,522 1,478 (2) 342 (101) 1,207 (12) 182 (70) 2,685 (14) 524 (171) 2,424 (3) 544 (338) 1,979 (19) 289 (249) 4,403 (22) 833 (587) 1,717 1,307 3,024 2,627 2,000 4,627 3,357 2,810 3,366 3,004 6,723 5,814 5,505 4,299 5,521 4,596 11,026 8,895 At 31 December 2002, the weighted average remaining estimated useful life of goodwill and intangible assets was 25 years (2001: 26 years). 14 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 January 2002 Acquisitions Capital expenditure Disposals Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Accumulated depreciation At 1 January 2002 Disposals Charge for the year Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Net book amount At 1 January 2002 At 31 December 2002 Land and buildings £m Computer systems, plant and equipment £m Land and buildings €m Computer systems, plant and equipment €m Total £m 1,182 2 179 (67) (72) 969 2 174 (67) (60) 1,018 1,224 618 (45) 128 (38) 663 693 (45) 136 (44) 740 213 – 5 – (12) 206 75 – 8 (6) 77 Total €m 1,938 3 285 (107) (246) 1,589 3 277 (107) (204) 1,558 1,873 1,013 (72) 203 (130) 1,136 (72) 216 (148) 1,014 1,132 349 – 8 – (42) 315 123 – 13 (18) 118 138 129 351 355 489 484 226 197 576 544 802 741 At 31 December 2002 and 2001, all assets were included at cost. No depreciation was provided on freehold land. The net book amount of tangible fixed assets includes £24m/€37m (2001: £16m/€26m) in respect of assets held under finance leases. 44 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 45 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 15 Fixed asset investments At 1 January 2002 Share of attributable profit Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Dividends received from joint ventures Additions Transfers/disposals Provided Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Investments in joint ventures £m Other investments £m 66 13 (3) (13) – (2) – 1 62 175 – – – 9 (83) (14) (9) 78 Total £m 241 13 (3) (13) 9 (85) (14) (8) 140 Investments in joint ventures €m Other investments €m 108 20 (5) (21) – (3) – (4) 95 287 – – – 14 (132) (22) (28) 119 Total €m 395 20 (5) (21) 14 (135) (22) (32) 214 The principal joint venture at 31 December 2002 is Giuffrè (an Italian legal publisher in which Reed Elsevier has a 40% shareholding). The cost and net book amount of goodwill and intangible assets in joint ventures were £36m/€55m and £21m/€32m respectively (2001: £37m/€61m and £24m/€39m). At 31 December 2002, the Reed Elsevier Group plc Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) held 2,840,047 (2001: 2,416,207) Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares and 1,554,381 (2001: 1,412,194) Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares at a book amount of £19m/€29m. The aggregate market value at 31 December 2002 was £27m/€41m (2001: £25m/€41m). The EBT purchases Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shares which, at the Trustee’s discretion, can be used in respect of the exercise of executive share options. Details of the share option schemes are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 23. 16 Inventories and pre-publication costs Raw materials Pre-publication costs Finished goods Total 17 Debtors – amounts falling due within one year Trade debtors Amounts owed by joint ventures Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income Total 18 Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year Trade debtors Pension prepayment Prepayments, accrued income and other debtors Deferred taxation assets Total Note 4 24 2002 £m 15 306 179 500 2002 £m 743 – 73 107 923 2002 £m 9 125 26 161 321 2001 £m 18 283 187 488 2001 £m 760 2 98 139 999 2001 £m 5 128 86 244 463 2002 €m 23 468 274 765 2002 €m 1,137 – 111 164 1,412 2002 €m 14 191 40 246 491 2001 €m 30 464 307 801 2001 €m 1,246 3 161 228 1,638 2001 €m 8 210 141 400 759 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 45 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 46 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 19 Cash and short term investments Cash at bank and in hand Short term investments Total 2002 £m 169 401 570 2001 £m 96 339 435 2002 €m 259 613 872 2001 €m 157 556 713 Short term investments include deposits of under one year if the maturity or notice period exceeds 24 hours, commercial paper investments and interest bearing securities that can be realised without significant loss at short notice. 20 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Borrowings Promissory notes and bank loans Other loans Obligations under finance leases Trade creditors Other creditors Taxation Proposed dividends Accruals and deferred income Total Note 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 23 1,279 80 8 1,367 251 165 328 205 1,313 3,629 1,443 108 5 1,556 246 330 429 190 1,383 4,134 1,957 122 12 2,091 384 252 502 314 2,009 5,552 2,367 177 8 2,552 403 541 704 312 2,268 6,780 21 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Borrowings Loans repayable: Within one to two years Within two to five years After five years Obligations under finance leases Other creditors Taxation Accruals and deferred income Total Note 23 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 2 903 1,016 14 1,935 15 269 51 2,270 91 506 1,500 11 2,108 21 331 42 2,502 3 1,382 1,554 22 2,961 22 412 78 3,473 149 830 2,460 18 3,457 34 543 69 4,103 46 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 47 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 Financial instruments Details of the objectives, policies and strategies pursued by Reed Elsevier in relation to financial instruments are set out in the Review of Operations and Financial Performance on pages 2 to 11. For the purpose of the disclosures which follow in this note, short term debtors and creditors have been excluded, as permitted under FRS13: Derivatives and Other Financial Instruments. Currency and interest rate profile of financial liabilities The currency and interest rate profile of the aggregate financial liabilities of £3,391m/€5,188m (2001: £3,848m/€6,310m), after taking account of interest rate and currency derivatives, is set out below: 2002 US dollar Sterling Euro Other currencies Total 2001 US dollar Sterling Euro Other currencies Total Floating rate financial liabilities £m Fixed rate financial liabilities £m Floating rate financial liabilities €m Fixed rate financial liabilities €m Fixed rate financial liabilities Weighted average interest rate Weighted average duration (years) 478 19 363 81 941 2,307 – 143 – 2,450 731 29 555 124 1,439 3,530 – 219 – 3,749 6.5% – 5.6% – 6.4% 7.6 – 4.3 – 7.4 Floating rate financial liabilities £m Fixed rate financial liabilities £m Floating rate financial liabilities €m Fixed rate financial liabilities €m Fixed rate financial liabilities Weighted average interest rate Weighted average duration (years) 629 22 268 88 1,007 2,703 – 138 – 2,841 1,032 36 440 143 1,651 4,433 – 226 – 4,659 6.8% – 5.6% – 6.8% 10.7 – 5.2 – 10.5 Included within fixed rate financial liabilities as at 31 December 2002 are £78m/€119m (2001: £105m/€172m) of US dollar term debt and £281m/€430m (2001: £397m/€651m) of interest rate swaps and FRAs denominated principally in US dollars that mature within one year. Currency and interest rate profile of financial assets The currency and interest rate profile of the aggregate financial assets of £668m/€1,022m (2001: £616m/€1,010m), after taking account of interest rate swaps, is set out below: 2002 US dollar Sterling Euro Other currencies Total Floating rate financial assets £m Non interest bearing financial assets £m Floating rate financial assets €m Non interest bearing financial assets €m 81 207 246 36 570 67 17 7 7 98 124 317 376 55 872 102 26 11 11 150 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 47 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 48 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 Financial instruments (continued) 2001 US dollar Sterling Euro Other currencies Total Floating rate financial assets £m Non interest bearing financial assets £m Floating rate financial assets €m Non interest bearing financial assets €m 87 74 244 30 435 147 24 6 4 181 143 121 400 49 713 241 39 10 7 297 At 31 December 2002, there were interest rate floors in place with a principal amount totalling £150m/€230m (2001: £nil/€nil) denominated in sterling that mature within one year. Floating rate interest rates payable on US commercial paper are based on US dollar commercial paper rates. Other financial assets and liabilities bear interest by reference to LIBOR or other national LIBOR equivalent interest rates. Included within non interest bearing financial assets are £78m/€119m (2001: £175m/€287m) of investments denominated principally in sterling and US dollars which have no maturity date. Forward starting interest rate derivatives At 31 December 2002, agreements totalling £187m/€286m (2001: £357m/€585m) were in place to enter into interest rate swaps, interest rate options and interest rate floors at future dates. Of these, individual swap agreements totalling £125m/€191m (2001: £207m/€339m) were to fix the interest expense on US dollar borrowings commencing in 2003 for periods of 18 months, at a weighted average interest rate of 4.2%. In addition, interest rate options totalling £62m/€95m (2001: £nil/€nil) were to fix the interest expense on US dollar borrowings commencing in 2003 for a period of 21 months, at rates of between 3.2% and 4.5%. There were no agreements in place to enter into interest rate floors at future dates (2001: £150m/€246m). At 31 December 2002, forward rate agreements totalling £780m/€1,193m (2001: £276m/€453m) were in place. These comprised a succession of agreements to fix the interest expense on short term US dollar borrowings commencing in 2003 for progressive periods of up to three months, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.4%. Maturity profile of financial liabilities The maturity profile of financial liabilities at 31 December comprised: Repayable: Within one year Within one to two years Within two to five years After five years Total 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 1,367 35 944 1,045 3,391 1,598 149 557 1,544 3,848 2,091 53 1,445 1,599 5,188 2,621 244 914 2,531 6,310 Financial liabilities repayable within one year include US commercial paper and euro commercial paper. Short term borrowings are supported by committed facilities and by centrally managed cash and short term investments. As at 31 December 2002, a total of £2,188m/€3,348m (2001: £2,413m/€3,957m) of committed facilities were available, of which £63m/€96m (2001: £418m/€686m) was drawn and is included in financial liabilities repayable within one year. Of the total committed facilities, £1,788m/€2,736m (2001: £248m/€407m) matures within one year, £nil/€nil (2001: £1,724m/€2,827m) within one to two years, and £400m/€612m (2001: £441m/€723m) within two to three years. Secured borrowings under finance leases were £22m/€34m (2001: £16m/€26m). Currency exposure The business policy is to hedge all significant transaction exposures on monetary assets and liabilities fully and consequently there are no material currency exposures that would give rise to gains and losses in the profit and loss account in the functional currencies of the operating units. 48 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 49 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 Financial instruments (continued) Fair values of financial assets and liabilities The notional amount, book value and fair value of financial instruments are as follows: Primary financial instruments held or issued to finance operations Investments Cash Short term investments Other financial assets Short term borrowings and current portion of long term borrowings Long term borrowings Other financial liabilities Provisions Derivative financial instruments held to manage interest rate and currency exposure Interest rate swaps Interest rate options Interest rate floors Forward rate agreements Forward foreign exchange contracts Total financial instruments Notional amount £m Book value £m Fair value £m Notional amount £m Book value £m Fair value £m 2002 2001 78 169 401 20 78 169 400 20 (1,367) (1,935) (18) (71) (1,374) (2,043) (18) (71) 175 96 339 6 175 96 338 6 (1,556) (2,108) (22) (162) (1,555) (2,104) (22) (162) (2,723) (2,839) (3,232) (3,228) 729 686 150 968 246 (9) (4) – – – (73) (65) – (1) 8 2,779 2,779 (13) (131) (2,736) (2,970) 1,233 690 275 276 917 3,391 3,391 (9) (4) – – – (13) (43) (48) 1 – (2) (92) (3,245) (3,320) REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 49 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 50 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 Financial instruments (continued) Primary financial instruments held or issued to finance operations Investments Cash Short term investments Other financial assets Short term borrowings and current portion of long term borrowings Long term borrowings Other financial liabilities Provisions Derivative financial instruments held to manage interest rate and currency exposure Interest rate swaps Interest rate options Interest rate floors Forward rate agreements Forward foreign exchange contracts Total financial instruments Notional amount €m Book value €m Fair value €m Notional amount €m Book value €m Fair value €m 2002 2001 119 259 613 31 119 259 612 31 (2,091) (2,961) (27) (109) (2,102) (3,127) (27) (109) 287 157 556 10 287 157 554 10 (2,552) (3,457) (36) (265) (2,550) (3,451) (36) (265) (4,166) (4,344) (5,300) (5,294) 1,115 1,050 230 1,481 376 4,252 4,252 (14) (6) – – – (20) (112) (99) – (2) 13 (200) (4,186) (4,544) 2,022 1,132 451 453 1,503 5,561 5,561 (15) (7) – – – (22) (71) (79) 2 – (3) (151) (5,322) (5,445) The amounts shown as the book value of derivative financial instruments represent accruals or deferred income arising from these financial instruments. The fair value of long term debt has been based on current market rates offered to Reed Elsevier for debt of the same remaining maturities. The fair values for interest rate swaps, interest rate options and forward rate agreements represent the replacement cost calculated using market rates of interest at 31 December 2002 and 2001. The fair values of all other items have been calculated by discounting expected future cash flows at market rates. Hedges The unrecognised and deferred gains and losses on financial instruments used for hedging purposes as at 31 December 2002, and before taking into account gains and losses arising in the year and included in the profit and loss account, are derived as follows: On hedges at 1 January 2002 Arising in previous years included in 2002 profit and loss account Arising in previous years not included in 2002 profit and loss account Arising in 2002 not included in 2002 profit and loss account On hedges at 31 December 2002 Of which: Expected to be included in 2003 profit and loss account Expected to be included in 2004 profit and loss account or later Unrecognised Gains £m Losses £m 3 (3) – 8 8 8 – (82) 36 (46) (80) (126) (49) (77) Deferred Gains £m 28 (15) 13 45 58 30 28 Losses £m (22) 14 (8) (7) (15) (8) (7) 50 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 51 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 22 Financial instruments (continued) On hedges at 1 January 2002 Arising in previous years included in 2002 profit and loss account Arising in previous years not included in 2002 profit and loss account Arising in 2002 not included in 2002 profit and loss account On hedges at 31 December 2002 Of which: Expected to be included in 2003 profit and loss account Expected to be included in 2004 profit and loss account or later 23 Obligations under leases Future finance lease obligations are: Repayable: Within one year Within one to two years Within two to five years After five years Less: interest charges allocated to future periods Total Obligations falling due within one year Obligations falling due after more than one year 20 21 Total Annual commitments under operating leases are: On leases expiring: Within one year Within two to five years After five years Total Unrecognised Gains €m Losses €m 5 (5) – 12 12 12 – (134) 61 (73) (120) (193) (75) (118) Deferred Gains €m 46 (25) 21 68 89 46 43 Losses €m (36) 23 (13) (10) (23) (12) (11) Note 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 9 6 3 7 (3) 22 8 14 22 2002 £m 7 37 59 103 7 3 2 9 (5) 16 5 11 16 2001 £m 19 41 63 123 14 9 5 11 (5) 34 12 22 34 2002 €m 11 57 90 158 11 5 3 15 (8) 26 8 18 26 2001 €m 31 67 104 202 Of the above annual commitments, £99m/€152m relates to land and buildings (2001: £119m/€195m) and £4m/€6m to other leases (2001: £4m/€7m). REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 51 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 52 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 24 Provisions for liabilities and charges At 1 January 2002 Transfers Provided Utilised Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 At 1 January 2002 Transfers Provided Utilised Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Deferred taxation liabilities £m 118 (50) 34 (3) (7) 92 Deferred taxation liabilities €m 194 (80) 54 (5) (22) 141 Surplus property £m Lease guarantees £m 76 – – (5) (8) 63 86 – – (49) (5) 32 Surplus property €m Lease guarantees €m 125 – – (8) (21) 96 140 – – (78) (13) 49 Total £m 280 (50) 34 (57) (20) 187 Total €m 459 (80) 54 (91) (56) 286 The surplus property provision relates to lease obligations for various periods up to 2012 and represents estimated sub-lease shortfalls. The provision for lease guarantees represents amounts provided in respect of guarantees given by Harcourt General, Inc in favour of a former subsidiary, GC Companies, Inc. for certain property leases for various periods up to 2016. The net provision for deferred taxation comprises: Deferred taxation liabilities Excess of tax allowances over related amortisation Pension prepayment Short term timing differences Deferred taxation assets Excess of amortisation over related tax allowances Short term timing differences Tax losses carried forward Total Net provision at 1 January Acquisitions Transfers Deferred tax charge/(credit) in profit and loss account Exchange translation differences Net provision at 31 December Note 18 8 2002 £m 46 35 11 92 (8) (151) (2) (161) (69) (126) – (12) 58 11 (69) 2001 £m 41 38 39 118 (6) (201) (37) (244) (126) 37 8 (96) (79) 4 (126) 2002 €m 70 54 17 141 (12) (231) (3) (246) (105) (206) – (19) 92 28 (105) 2001 €m 67 62 65 194 (10) (330) (60) (400) (206) 60 13 (155) (127) 3 (206) 52 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp24-53 27/2/03 8:41 pm Page 53 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 25 Contingent liabilities There are contingent liabilities amounting to £3m/€5m (2001: £7m/€11m) in respect of borrowings of former subsidiaries and £118m/€181m (2001: £143m/€235m) in respect of lease guarantees, in excess of provided amounts, given by Harcourt General, Inc in favour of GC Companies, Inc. (see note 24). 26 Combined shareholders’ funds At 1 January 2002 Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 At 1 January 2002 Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 Combined share capitals £m 184 – – 1 2 187 Combined share capitals €m 302 – – 2 (18) 286 Combined share premium accounts £m 1,629 – – 29 50 1,708 Combined share premium accounts €m 2,672 – – 46 (105) 2,613 Combined reserves £m 1,104 181 (282) – (239) 764 Combined reserves €m 1,810 288 (448) – (481) 1,169 Total £m 2,917 181 (282) 30 (187) 2,659 Total €m 4,784 288 (448) 48 (604) 4,068 Combined share capital excludes the shares of Reed Elsevier NV held by Reed Elsevier PLC. Combined reserves include a £4m/€6m (2001: £4m/€7m) capital redemption reserve following the redemption of non equity shares in Reed Elsevier PLC in 1999. 27 Exchange rates The following exchange rates have been applied in preparing the combined financial statements: Euro to sterling US dollars to sterling Euro to US dollars US dollars to euro Profit and loss 2002 2001 Balance sheet 2002 2001 1.59 1.50 1.06 0.94 1.61 1.44 1.12 0.89 1.53 1.60 0.96 1.05 1.64 1.45 1.13 0.88 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 53 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 54 COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent auditors’ report to the members of Reed Elsevier PLC and shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV We have audited the combined financial statements of Reed Elsevier PLC, Reed Elsevier NV, Reed Elsevier Group plc, Elsevier Reed Finance BV and their respective subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures (together “the combined businesses’’) for the year ended 31 December 2002 which comprise the profit and loss account, the cash flow statement, the balance sheet, the statement of total recognised gains and losses, the shareholders’ funds reconciliation and the related notes 1 to 27. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the parts of the directors’ remuneration report presented in the Annual Reports and Financial Statements (“the Remuneration Report”) that are described as having been audited. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the members of Reed Elsevier PLC and shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV and the members of Reed Elsevier PLC and shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors As described in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the directors of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom and Dutch accounting standards. They are also responsible for the preparation of the other information contained in the Annual Report and Financial Statements including the Remuneration Report. Our responsibilities, as independent auditors of the combined financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited, are set out in auditing standards generally accepted in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and by our respective professions’ ethical guidance. We report to you our opinion as to whether the combined financial statements give a true and fair view. We read the other information contained in the Annual Reports and Financial Statements, as described in the contents section, and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the combined financial statements. We are not required to consider whether the boards’ statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the combined businesses’ corporate governance procedures or their risk and control procedures. Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the combined financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the combined financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited. Opinion In our opinion: • the combined financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the combined businesses as at 31 December 2002, and of their profits for the year then ended; and • the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the United Kingdom Companies Act 1985 and also complies with the legal requirements for financial statements as included in Part 9, Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code. Deloitte & Touche Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors London 19 February 2003 Deloitte & Touche Accountants Amsterdam 19 February 2003 54 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 55 Reed Elsevier PLC (formerly Reed International P.L.C.) REED ELSEVIER PLC ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 56 Financial highlights 57 Directors’ report 59 Accounting policies 60 Financial statements 64 Notes to the financial statements 70 Independent Auditors’ report 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 56 REED ELSEVIER PLC Financial highlights For the years ended 31 December PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Reported profit before tax Reported profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders Adjusted profit before tax Adjusted profit attributable to shareholders PER SHARE INFORMATION Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share Adjusted earnings per ordinary share Net dividend per ordinary share Dividend cover Ordinary share prices – high – low Market capitalisation (£m) 1998 £m 552 408 409 302 35.7p 26.4p 15.0p 1.7 716p 428p 5,379 1999 £m 57 (33) 376 279 (2.9)p 24.4p 10.0p 2.4 630p 344p 5,310 2000 £m 102 17 365 270 1.5p 23.3p 10.0p 2.1 700p 391p 8,837 2001 £m 146 67 449 330 5.3p 26.1p 10.5p 2.5 700p 493p 7,210 2002 £m 153 96 490 361 7.6p 28.5p 11.2p 2.5 696p 488p 6,748 (i) All amounts presented are based on the 52.9% share of Reed Elsevier combined profits attributable to the Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders (see note 9 to the financial statements). The statutory profit for Reed Elsevier PLC includes the impact of sharing the UK tax credit with Reed Elsevier NV as a reduction in reported profits. On this basis, the consolidated profit before tax, attributable profit and basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2002 are £146m, £89m and 7.0p respectively. (ii) Adjusted figures are shown before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, and equalisation adjustments. The Reed Elsevier businesses focus on adjusted profit and cash flow as additional performance measures. These are reconciled to the reported figures in note 9 to the financial statements. (iii) Dividend cover is calculated as the number of times adjusted profit attributable to shareholders, after taking account of the sharing of the UK tax credit with Reed Elsevier NV, covers the annual dividend. (iv) Share prices quoted are the closing mid-price. Market capitalisation is at the year end date. 56 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 57 REED ELSEVIER PLC REED ELSEVIER PLC Directors’ report The directors present their report, together with the financial statements of the company, for the year ended 31 December 2002. On 19 April 2002, the name of the company was changed from Reed International P.L.C. to Reed Elsevier PLC. Also in April 2002, Elsevier NV changed its name to Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier plc changed its name to Reed Elsevier Group plc. As a consequence of the merger of the company’s businesses with those of Reed Elsevier NV in 1993, described on page 12, the shareholders of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV can be regarded as having the interests of a single economic group. The Reed Elsevier combined financial statements represent the combined interests of both sets of shareholders and encompass the businesses of Reed Elsevier Group plc, Elsevier Reed Finance BV and their respective subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, together with the parent companies, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV (“the combined businesses” or “Reed Elsevier”). This directors’ report and the financial statements of the company should be read in conjunction with the combined financial statements and other reports set out on pages 2 to 54, as well as the Report of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer in the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements. Principal activities The company is a holding company and its principal investments are its direct 50% shareholding in Reed Elsevier Group plc and its 39% shareholding in Elsevier Reed Finance BV, which are engaged in publishing and information activities and financing activities, respectively. The remaining shareholdings in these two companies are held by Reed Elsevier NV. Reed Elsevier PLC also has an indirect equity interest in Reed Elsevier NV. Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV have retained their separate legal identities and are publicly held companies. Reed Elsevier PLC’s securities are listed in London and New York and Reed Elsevier NV’s securities are listed in Amsterdam and New York. Financial statement presentation The consolidated financial statements of Reed Elsevier PLC include the 52.9% economic interest that shareholders have under the equalisation arrangements in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, accounted for on a gross equity basis. Under the terms of the merger agreement, dividends paid to Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders are equalised at the gross level inclusive of the UK tax credit received by certain Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders. Because of the tax credit, Reed Elsevier PLC normally requires less cash to fund its net dividend than Reed Elsevier NV does to fund its gross dividend. An adjustment is, therefore, required in the statutory profit and loss account of Reed Elsevier PLC to share this tax benefit between the two sets of shareholders in accordance with the equalisation agreement. The equalisation adjustment arises on dividends paid by Reed Elsevier PLC to its shareholders and it reduces the statutory attributable earnings of the company by 47.1% of the total amount of the tax credit, which in 2002 was £7m (2001: £6m). In addition to the reported figures, adjusted profit figures are presented as additional performance measures. These exclude the tax credit equalisation adjustment, the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items and provide a basis for performance comparison that is not dependent on the choice of method of adoption of FRS10 in accounting for goodwill and intangible assets. Profit and loss account The company’s share of the operating profits of Reed Elsevier was £262m, up from £202m in 2001, reflecting strong performances in the Science & Medical and Legal divisions and a full year contribution from the Harcourt businesses acquired in July 2001. The Business division saw continued weakness as a result of the global economic downturn. The company’s share of the charge for amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets was £279m, up £14m from 2001, reflecting a full year charge in respect of the Harcourt businesses partly offset by currency translation effects. The company’s share of the operating exceptional items was £52m (2001: £52m), principally comprising its share of integration costs relating to Harcourt and other acquisitions and the cost of restructuring actions taken particularly in the Business division in response to the worsening economic environment. The profit for the year also includes a £6m share of losses on disposals of businesses and fixed asset investments. The reported attributable profit for Reed Elsevier PLC was £89m (2001: £61m). The adjusted profit attributable to shareholders – before the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items – was £361m (2001: £330m). Adjusted earnings per share increased 9% to 28.5p (2001: 26.1p). Including the effect of the tax credit equalisation as well as the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items, the basic earnings per share was 7.0p (2001: 4.8p). Balance sheet The balance sheet of Reed Elsevier PLC reflects the shareholders’ 52.9% economic interest in the net assets of Reed Elsevier, which at 31 December 2002 amounted to £1,407m (2001: £1,543m). The £136m decrease in net assets principally reflects the company’s share in the attributable profits of Reed Elsevier, less dividends paid and proposed and exchange translation effects. Dividends The board is recommending a final dividend of 8.0p per ordinary share to be paid on 2 May 2003 to shareholders on the Register on 11 April 2003 which, when added to the interim dividend already paid on 9 September 2002 amounting to 3.2p per ordinary share, makes the total dividend for the year 11.2p (2001: 10.5p). The total dividend on the ordinary shares for the financial year will amount to £143m (2001: £132m), leaving a retained loss of £54m (2001: £71m). REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 57 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 58 REED ELSEVIER PLC REED ELSEVIER PLC Directors’ report (continued) Directors The following served as directors during the year: M Tabaksblat (Chairman) CHL Davis (Chief Executive Officer) MH Armour (Chief Financial Officer) G J A van de Aast JF Brock DJ Haank RJ Nelissen S Perrick A Prozes Lord Sharman of Redlynch OBE (appointed 1 January 2002) RWH Stomberg (senior independent non-executive director) DGC Webster (resigned 9 April 2002) Brief biographical details of the directors at the date of this Report are given on pages 10 and 11 of the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements. Messrs R J Nelissen, M H Armour, S Perrick and A Prozes will retire by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Being eligible, Messrs Armour and Prozes, will each offer themselves for re-election. Messrs Nelissen and Perrick will not be seeking re-election. At the Annual General Meeting resolutions will also be submitted proposing the appointment of Patrick Tierney as an executive director, and Mark Elliott, Cees van Lede and David Reid as non-executive directors. The notice period applicable to the service contracts of Messrs Armour and Prozes is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 18. Patrick Tierney’s contract provides that, in the event of termination without cause by the company prior to October 2003, twenty- four months salary would be payable, reducing to twelve months thereafter. Messrs Elliott, van Lede and Reid do not have service contracts. Details of directors’ remuneration and their interests in the share capital of the company are provided in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 23. Share capital During the period 3,497,381 ordinary shares in the company were issued in connection with the following share option schemes: 701,962 under a UK SAYE share option scheme at prices between 336.2p and 500p per share. 2,795,419 under Executive share option schemes at prices between 321.75p and 659p per share. At 18 February 2003, the company had received notification of the following substantial interests in the company’s issued ordinary share capital: T Rowe Price Associates, Inc 52,034,364 shares 4.10% Prudential plc 44,799,836 shares 3.53% Legal & General Investment Management Ltd 44,174,343 shares 3.48% Oechsle International Advisors, LLC 42,907,149 shares 3.38% Barclays PLC 39,600,622 shares 3.12% FMR Corporation 38,112,708 shares 3.00% At the 2002 Annual General Meeting a resolution was passed to extend the authority given to the company to purchase up to 10% of its ordinary shares by market purchase. At 31 December 2002, this authority remained unutilised. A resolution to further extend the authority is to be put to the 2003 Annual General Meeting. Charitable and political donations Reed Elsevier companies made donations during the year for charitable purposes amounting to £1.2m of which £46,000 was in the United Kingdom. In the United States, Reed Elsevier companies contributed £93,000 to political parties. There were no donations made in the European Union for political purposes. Statement of directors’ responsibilities The directors are required by English company law to prepare financial statements for each financial period, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group, and of the profit or loss for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the directors ensure that suitable accounting policies, consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates, have been used, and accounting standards have been followed. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the law. The directors have general responsibility for taking reasonable steps to safeguard the assets of the group and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities. Corporate governance The company has complied throughout the period under review with the provisions of Section 1 of the Combined Code – the Principles of Good Governance and Code of Best Practice, issued by the UK Financial Services Authority (“the Combined Code”). Details of how the provisions of the Combined Code have been applied and the directors’ statement on internal control are set out in the Structure and Corporate Governance report on pages 12 to 15. Going concern After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements. Payments to suppliers Reed Elsevier companies agree terms and conditions for business transactions with suppliers and payment is made on these terms. The average time taken to pay suppliers was between 30 and 45 days. Auditors Resolutions for the reappointment of Deloitte & Touche as auditors of the company and authorising the directors to fix their remuneration will be submitted to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. By order of the board Registered Office 25 Victoria Street Stephen J Cowden London Secretary SW1H 0EX 19 February 2003 58 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 59 REED ELSEVIER PLC COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS > NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Accounting policies Basis of preparation These statutory financial statements report the profit and loss account, cash flow and financial position of Reed Elsevier PLC, and have been prepared in accordance with UK generally accepted accounting principles. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts shown in the financial statements are in millions of pounds. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The basis of the merger of the businesses of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV is set out on page 12. As permitted by section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account. Determination of profit The Reed Elsevier PLC share of the Reed Elsevier combined results has been calculated on the basis of the 52.9% economic interest of the Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, after taking account of results arising in Reed Elsevier PLC and its subsidiary undertakings. Dividends paid to Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV shareholders are equalised at the gross level inclusive of the UK tax credit received by certain Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders. In the financial statements, an adjustment is required to equalise the benefit of the tax credit between the two sets of shareholders in accordance with the equalisation agreement. This equalisation adjustment arises on dividends paid by Reed Elsevier PLC to its shareholders and reduces the attributable earnings of the company by 47.1% of the total amount of the tax credit. The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the combined financial statements are set out on pages 26 and 27. Basis of valuation of assets and liabilities Reed Elsevier PLC’s 52.9% economic interest in the net assets of the combined businesses has been shown on the balance sheet as interests in joint ventures, net of the assets and liabilities reported as part of Reed Elsevier PLC and its subsidiaries. Joint ventures are accounted for using the gross equity method. In the parent company accounts, investments are stated at cost, less provision, if appropriate, for any impairment in value. Foreign exchange translation Profit and loss items are translated at average exchange rates. In the consolidated balance sheet, assets and liabilities are translated at rates ruling at the balance sheet date or contracted rates where applicable. The gains or losses relating to the retranslation of Reed Elsevier PLC’s 52.9% economic interest in the net assets of the combined businesses are taken directly to reserves. Taxation Deferred taxation is provided in full for timing differences using the liability method. No provision is made for tax which might become payable on the distribution of retained profits by foreign subsidiaries or joint ventures unless there is an intention to distribute such retained earnings giving rise to a charge. Deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that they are considered recoverable in the short term. Deferred taxation balances are not discounted. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 59 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 60 REED ELSEVIER PLC Consolidated profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Turnover Including share of turnover of joint ventures Less: share of turnover of joint ventures Administrative expenses Operating loss (before joint ventures) Share of operating profit of joint ventures Before amortisation and exceptional items Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Operating profit including joint ventures Share of non operating exceptional items of joint ventures Net interest income/(expense) Group Share of net interest of joint ventures Profit on ordinary activities before taxation Tax on profit on ordinary activities UK corporation tax Share of tax of joint ventures Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Retained loss taken to reserves Adjusted figures Adjusted profit before tax Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Adjusted figures, which exclude the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, are presented as additional performance measures, and are reconciled to the reported figures in note 9 to the financial statements. Earnings per ordinary share (“EPS”) Basic EPS Diluted EPS EPS based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted EPS The above amounts derive from continuing activities. Note 10 10 10 10 2002 pence 7.0 7.0 7.6 28.5 60 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 Note 2002 £m 2001 £m 2,656 (2,656) 2,412 (2,412) – (1) (1) 593 (279) (52) 262 261 (6) (6) 3 (112) (109) 146 (57) (1) (56) 89 (143) (54) 2002 £m 490 361 3 1 6 7 8 Note 9 9 – (1) (1) 519 (265) (52) 202 201 14 14 12 (87) (75) 140 (79) (3) (76) 61 (132) (71) 2001 £m 449 330 2001 pence 4.8 4.8 5.3 26.1 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 61 REED ELSEVIER PLC Consolidated cash flow statement For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net cash outflow from operating activities Dividends received from Reed Elsevier Group plc Interest received Returns on investments and servicing of finance Taxation Fixed asset investments Acquisitions and disposals Equity dividends paid Note 11 Cash inflow/(outflow) before changes in short term investments and financing Decrease in short term investments Issue of ordinary shares Increase in net funding balances to Reed Elsevier Group plc group 11 Financing Change in net cash 2002 £m – 135 3 3 2001 £m (3) 127 13 13 (1) (3) – – (406) (406) (135) (126) 2 – 16 (18) (2) – (398) 431 10 (43) (33) – Short term investments include deposits of under one year if the maturity or notice period exceeds 24 hours, commercial paper investments and interest bearing securities that can be realised without significant loss at short notice. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 61 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 62 REED ELSEVIER PLC Balance sheets As at 31 December 2002 Fixed assets Investment in joint ventures: Share of gross assets Share of gross liabilities Share of net assets Investments Current assets Debtors Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Net assets Capital and reserves Called up share capital Share premium account Capital redemption reserve Profit and loss reserve Shareholders’ funds Note Consolidated 2002 £m 2001 £m Company 2002 £m 2001 £m 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 19 19 4,666 (3,683) 983 – 5,241 (4,113) 1,128 – 983 1,128 573 573 (113) 460 1,443 (36) 1,407 159 951 4 293 555 555 (104) 451 1,579 (36) 1,543 158 936 4 445 – – – 1,411 1,411 573 573 (190) 383 1,794 (36) 1,758 159 951 4 644 – – – 1,411 1,411 555 555 (181) 374 1,785 (36) 1,749 158 936 4 651 1,407 1,543 1,758 1,749 The financial statements were approved by the board of directors, 19 February 2003. M Tabaksblat Chairman MH Armour Chief Financial Officer 62 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 63 REED ELSEVIER PLC Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Exchange translation differences Total recognised gains and losses for the year Recognised gains and losses include losses of £3m (2001: gains of £65m) in respect of joint ventures. 2002 £m 89 (98) (9) 2001 £m 61 (2) 59 Reconciliation of shareholders’ funds For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences Equalisation adjustments Net (decrease)/increase in shareholders’ funds Shareholders’ funds at 1 January Shareholders’ funds at 31 December Consolidated 2002 £m 2001 £m 89 (143) 16 (98) – (136) 1,543 1,407 61 (132) 10 (2) (3) (66) 1,609 1,543 Company 2002 £m 136 (143) 16 – – 9 1,749 1,758 2001 £m 136 (132) 10 – – 14 1,735 1,749 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 63 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 64 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 Income from interests in joint ventures Share of operating profit before amortisation and exceptional items (based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses) Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings Items consolidated within Reed Elsevier PLC group Note 2 2002 £m 599 (7) 1 593 2001 £m 524 (6) 1 519 Segmental analysis of the Reed Elsevier combined results is shown in the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements. Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings The equalisation adjustment arises on dividends paid by Reed Elsevier PLC to its shareholders and reduces the earnings of the company by 47.1% of the total amount of the tax credit, as set out in the accounting policies on page 59. Operating loss The operating loss comprises administrative expenses and includes £318,000 (2001: £278,000) paid in the year to Reed Elsevier Group plc under a contract for the services of directors and administrative support. The company has no employees (2001: nil). Auditors’ remuneration Audit fees payable for the group were £23,000 (2001: £23,000). Directors’ emoluments Information on directors’ remuneration, share options, longer term incentive plans, pension contributions and entitlements is set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 23. 2 3 4 5 6 Net interest Interest receivable and similar income On short term investments On loans to Reed Elsevier Group plc group Net interest income 2002 £m 2001 £m – 3 3 11 1 12 64 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 65 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 7 Tax on profit on ordinary activities UK corporation tax Share of tax arising in joint ventures: Before amortisation and exceptional items On amortisation and exceptional items Total UK corporation tax has been provided at 30% (2001: 30%). 2002 £m 1 128 (72) 57 The share of tax arising in joint ventures as a proportion of the share of profit before tax is increased due to non tax-deductible amortisation and reduced due to exceptional tax credits. 8 Dividends Ordinary shares of 12.5 pence each Interim Final (2002 proposed) Total 2002 pence 2001 pence 3.2 8.0 11.2 3.1 7.4 10.5 2002 £m 41 102 143 9 Adjusted figures Adjusted profit and cash flow figures are used as additional performance measures. The adjusted figures are derived as follows: Profit before tax Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings Profit before tax based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted profit before tax Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Basic earnings per ordinary share Effect of tax credit equalisation on distributed earnings Earnings per share based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 2002 £m 146 7 153 279 58 490 89 7 96 271 (6) 361 2002 pence 7.0 0.6 7.6 21.4 (0.5) 28.5 2001 £m 3 116 (40) 79 2001 £m 38 94 132 2001 £m 140 6 146 265 38 449 61 6 67 268 (5) 330 2001 pence 4.8 0.5 5.3 21.2 (0.4) 26.1 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 65 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 66 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 10 Earnings per ordinary share (EPS) Basic EPS Diluted EPS EPS based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted EPS Basic EPS Diluted EPS EPS based on 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted EPS The diluted EPS figures are calculated after taking account of the effect of share options. 11 Cash flow statement Reconciliation of operating loss to net cash outflow from operating activities Operating loss Net movement in debtors and creditors Net cash outflow from operating activities Reconciliation of net funding balances to Reed Elsevier Group plc group At 1 January 2002 Cash flow At 31 December 2002 Note Earnings £m 89 89 96 361 Earnings £m 61 61 67 330 9 9 2002 Weighted average number of shares (millions) 1,264.7 1,270.8 1,264.7 1,264.7 2001 Weighted average number of shares (millions) 1,262.6 1,273.3 1,262.6 1,262.6 2002 £m (1) 1 – EPS pence 7.0 7.0 7.6 28.5 EPS pence 4.8 4.8 5.3 26.1 2001 £m (1) (2) (3) £m 519 18 537 66 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 67 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 12 Fixed asset investments – consolidated investment in joint ventures Share of operating profit Share of non operating exceptional items Share of net interest payable Share of profit before tax Share of taxation Share of profit after tax Dividends received Fixed asset investments Exchange translation differences Equalisation adjustments Net movement in the year At 1 January At 31 December The investment in joint ventures comprises the group’s share at the following amounts of: Fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions Minority interests Total 2002 £m 262 (6) (112) 144 (56) 88 (135) – (98) – (145) 1,128 2001 £m 202 14 (87) 129 (76) 53 (127) 406 (2) (3) 327 801 983 1,128 2002 £m 3,406 1,260 (2,380) (1,201) (99) (3) 983 2001 £m 3,943 1,298 (2,638) (1,324) (148) (3) 1,128 Included within share of current assets and creditors are cash and short term investments of £302m (2001: £230m) and borrowings of £1,747m (2001: £1,938m) respectively. 13 Fixed asset investments – company At 1 January and 31 December 2002 14 Debtors Amounts owed by Reed Elsevier Group plc group Subsidiary undertakings £m 303 Joint ventures £m 1,108 Total £m 1,411 Consolidated 2002 £m 573 2001 £m 555 Company 2002 £m 573 2001 £m 555 Amounts falling due after more than one year are £40m (2001: £40m). These amounts are denominated in sterling and earn interest at a fixed rate of 9.8% (2001: 9.8%) for a duration of five years (2001: six years). At 31 December 2002 these amounts had a fair value of £49m (2001: £49m). 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Proposed dividend Taxation Amounts owed to group undertakings Total Consolidated 2002 £m 2001 £m 1 102 10 – 113 – 94 10 – 104 Company 2002 £m 1 102 10 77 190 2001 £m – 94 10 77 181 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 67 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 68 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 16 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Amounts owed to Reed Elsevier Group plc group Consolidated 2002 £m 36 2001 £m 36 Company 2002 £m 36 2001 £m 36 These amounts are denominated in sterling and earn interest at a fixed rate of 10.5% (2001: 10.5%) for a duration of three years (2001: four years). At 31 December 2002 these amounts had a fair value of £42m (2001: £43m). 17 Called up share capital Authorised Issued and fully paid No. of shares £m 2002 No. of shares Ordinary shares of 12.5p each Unclassified shares of 12.5p each 1,268,374,499 203,078,677 159 1,268,374,499 – 25 Total 184 Details of shares issued under share option schemes are set out in note 18. 2001 No. of shares 1,264,877,118 – £m 159 – 159 £m 158 – 158 18 Share option schemes During the year a total of 3,497,381 ordinary shares in the company, having a nominal value of £0.4m, were allotted in connection with the exercise of share options. The consideration received by the company was £16.3m. Options were granted during the year under the Reed Elsevier Group plc Executive Share Option Scheme to subscribe for 8,772,673 ordinary shares, at prices between 533p and 693p per share. Options were also granted during the year under the Reed Elsevier Group plc SAYE Share Option Scheme to subscribe for 858,783 ordinary shares at a price of 543.2p per share. Options outstanding at 31 December 2002 over the company’s ordinary share capital were: UK and overseas executive share option schemes Senior Executive Long Term Incentive Scheme UK SAYE share option scheme Number of ordinary shares 34,281,203 12,899,138 3,608,839 Range of subscription prices 321.75p – 700p 436.50p – 700p 336.20p – 543.20p Exercisable 2003–2012 2005 2003–2008 The above entitlements are expected, upon exercise, to be met principally by the issue of new ordinary shares. Options to subscribe for 3,343,888 ordinary shares in the company lapsed during the year. Excluded from the above are options which, upon exercise, will be met by the Reed Elsevier Group plc Employee Benefit Trust from shares purchased in the market. These comprise 555,502 nil cost options granted to certain directors and senior executives of Reed Elsevier Group plc, details of which are shown in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 16 to 23, and 2,281,592 options granted at subscription prices ranging between 424p and 677.25p. 19 Reserves At 1 January 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 68 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 Consolidated Share premium account £m Capital redemption reserve £m Profit and loss reserve £m 936 – – 15 – 951 4 – – – – 4 445 89 (143) – (98) 293 Total £m 1,385 89 (143) 15 (98) 1,248 140350 pp54-69 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 69 REED ELSEVIER PLC > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 19 Reserves (continued) At 1 January 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses At 31 December 2002 Company Share premium account £m Capital redemption reserve £m Profit and loss reserve £m 936 – – 15 951 4 – – – 4 651 136 (143) – 644 Total £m 1,591 136 (143) 15 1,599 Reed Elsevier PLC’s share of the revenue reserves of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses is £402m (2001: £582m). 20 Contingent liabilities There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of the Reed Elsevier Group plc group and Elsevier Reed Finance BV group guaranteed by Reed Elsevier PLC as follows: Guaranteed jointly and severally with Reed Elsevier NV 2002 £m 2001 £m 2,934 3,086 Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 22 to the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements on pages 47 to 51. 21 Principal joint ventures The principal joint ventures are: Reed Elsevier Group plc Incorporated and operating in Great Britain 25 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0EX £10,000 ordinary “R” shares £10,000 ordinary “E” shares £100,000 71⁄2% cumulative preference non voting shares Holding company for operating businesses involved in science & medical, legal, educational and business publishing Equivalent to a 50% equity interest Elsevier Reed Finance BV Incorporated in the Netherlands Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands 101 ordinary “R” shares 154 ordinary “E” shares Holding company for financing businesses Equivalent to a 39% equity interest The “E” shares in Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV are owned by Reed Elsevier NV. 22 Principal subsidiary undertakings The principal subsidiary undertaking is: Reed Holding BV Incorporated in the Netherlands Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands 41 ordinary shares % holding 100% – 100% 100% – % holding 100% Reed Holding BV owns 4,679,249 shares of a separate class in Reed Elsevier NV, giving Reed Elsevier PLC a 5.8% indirect equity interest in Reed Elsevier NV. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 69 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 70 REED ELSEVIER PLC Independent auditors’ report to the members of Reed Elsevier PLC We have audited the financial statements of Reed Elsevier PLC for the year ended 31 December 2002 which comprise the profit and loss account, the cash flow statement, the balance sheets, the statement of total recognised gains and losses, the reconciliation of shareholders’ funds and the related notes 1 to 22. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein. We have also audited the information in the parts of the directors’ remuneration report presented in the Annual Reports and Financial Statements (“the Remuneration Report”) that are described as having been audited. This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in accordance with section 235 of the Companies Act 1985. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors As described in the statement of directors’ responsibilities, the company’s directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with applicable United Kingdom law and accounting standards. They are also responsible for the preparation of the other information contained in the Annual Report and Financial Statements including, together with the directors of Reed Elsevier NV, the Remuneration Report. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited in accordance with relevant United Kingdom legal and regulatory requirements and auditing standards. We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and whether the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report is not consistent with the financial statements, if the company has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions with the company and other members of the group is not disclosed. We review whether the corporate governance statement reflects the company’s compliance with the seven provisions of the Combined Code specified for our review by the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and we report if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the board’s statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or form an opinion on the effectiveness of the group’s corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures. We read the directors’ report and the other information contained in the Annual Report for the above year as described in the contents section including the unaudited parts of the Remuneration Report and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with United Kingdom auditing standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the circumstances of the company and the group, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion, we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited. Opinion In our opinion: • the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and the group as at 31 December 2002 and of the profit of the group for the year then ended; and • the financial statements and the parts of the Remuneration Report described as having been audited have been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. Deloitte & Touche Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors London 19 February 2003 70 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 71 Reed Elsevier NV (formerly Elsevier NV) REED ELSEVIER NV ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 72 Five year financial summary 73 The Supervisory Board’s report 73 The Executive Board’s report 74 Financial statements 77 Accounting policies 78 Notes to the financial statements 81 Auditors’ report 81 Other information 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 72 REED ELSEVIER NV Five year financial summary (in €m, unless otherwise indicated) PROFIT Reported profit/(loss) attributable Adjusted profit attributable PER SHARE INFORMATION (in €) Reported EPS Adjusted EPS Cash dividend per ordinary share Pay-out Share price, high Share price, low Share price, closing OTHER DATA Average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Number of shares outstanding at year end (in millions) Market capitalisation Price/earnings ratio Note 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 (ii) (ii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) 574 425 (48) 401 27 419 101 503 144 542 0.81 0.60 0.39 66% 17.83 9.94 11.93 708 708 8,447 20 (0.07) 0.57 0.27 47% 15.25 8.95 11.86 708 709 8,409 21 0.04 0.59 0.28 47% 16.07 9.30 15.66 0.13 0.64 0.30 47% 15.66 10.92 13.28 715 776 12,152 27 780 784 10,412 21 0.18 0.69 0.30 43% 16.01 10.86 11.65 783 785 9,145 17 (i) Financial information for 1998 has been calculated on the basis of the official exchange rate of Dfl 2.20371 to one euro. Percentage changes and financial ratios have been calculated using historic Dutch guilder figures and may be affected by rounding. (ii) Adjusted profit attributable and adjusted EPS are stated before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects. These are reconciled to the reported figures in note 3 to the financial statements. (iii) Per share information has been calculated using the average number of shares outstanding, taking into account that the R-shares can be converted into ten ordinary shares. (iv) Pay-out is the cash dividend as a percentage of adjusted EPS, before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects. (v) The closing price is the final quotation at year end on the Stockmarket of Euronext Amsterdam N.V. for ordinary shares. (vi) The number of shares outstanding at year end include the R-shares, assuming that they have been converted into ten ordinary shares. (vii) Market capitalisation is the number of shares outstanding at year end multiplied by the closing price. (viii) The price/earnings ratio is the closing share price divided by adjusted EPS, before amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects. 72 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 73 REED ELSEVIER NV Boards Supervisory Board M Tabaksblat, Chairman GJ de Boer-Kruyt JF Brock RJ Nelissen S Perrick Lord Sharman of Redlynch OBE RWH Stomberg Executive Board CHL Davis, Chairman MH Armour, Chief Financial Officer GJA van de Aast DJ Haank A Prozes The Supervisory Board’s report As required by Article 30 of the Articles of Association, we herewith submit the executive board’s annual report and the financial statements for the financial year ended 31 December 2002 to the shareholders’ meeting for adoption. The financial statements have been examined by Deloitte & Touche Accountants, Amsterdam. We refer to the Report of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer and to the other reports contained within the Reed Elsevier Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements 2002 and the Reed Elsevier Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2002. These reports explain the business results of 2002, the financial state of the company at the end of 2002, and the key strategic issues. The equalisation agreement between Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier PLC has the effect that shareholders can be regarded as having the interests of a single economic group and provides that Reed Elsevier PLC shall declare dividends such that the dividend on one Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share, which shall be payable in euros, will equal 1.538 times the cash dividend, including the related UK tax credit, paid on one Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share. In that context, the combined supervisory and executive board (“the combined board”) determines the amounts of the company’s profit to be distributed and retained. The ordinary shares and the R-shares are entitled to receive distribution in proportion to their nominal value. The combined board may resolve to pay less per R-share, but not less than 1% of the nominal value. Details of dividends are contained in the Review of Operations and Financial Performance on page 11. The company changed its name to Reed Elsevier NV in April 2002. At the Reed Elsevier NV Annual General Meeting to be held on 9 April 2003, Dien de Boer-Kruyt, Roelof Nelissen and Steven Perrick will retire by rotation as members of the supervisory board, and Mark Armour and Andrew Prozes will retire by rotation as members of the executive board. Being eligible, Mark Armour, Dien de Boer-Kruyt and Andrew Prozes will offer themselves for re-election. Roelof Nelissen and Steven Perrick will not be seeking re-election. At the Annual General Meeting resolutions will also be submitted proposing the appointment of Patrick Tierney as a member of the executive board and Mark Elliott, Cees van Lede and David Reid as members of the supervisory board. The supervisory board 19 February 2003 Registered office Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam The Executive Board’s report We refer to the Report of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer and to the other reports contained within the Reed Elsevier Annual Review and Summary Financial Statements 2002 and the Reed Elsevier Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2002. These reports explain the business results of 2002, the financial state of the company at the end of 2002, and the key strategic issues. The profit attributable to the shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV was €144m (2001: €101m). Net assets at 31 December 2002, principally representing the investments in Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, were €2,034m (2001: €2,392m). The executive board 19 February 2003 Registered office Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 73 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 74 REED ELSEVIER NV Profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Turnover Including share of turnover of joint ventures Less: share of turnover of joint ventures Administrative expenses Operating loss (before joint ventures) Share of operating profit of joint ventures Before amortisation and exceptional items Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Operating profit including joint ventures Share of non operating exceptional items of joint ventures Net interest income/(expense) Group Share of net interest of joint ventures Profit on ordinary activities before taxation Tax on profit on ordinary activities Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Retained loss taken to reserves Adjusted figures Adjusted profit before tax Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Adjusted figures, which exclude the amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets, exceptional items and related tax effects, are presented as additional performance measures, and are reconciled to the reported figures in note 3 to the financial statements. Earnings per share (“EPS”) Basic EPS Diluted EPS Adjusted EPS The above amounts derive from continuing activities. Note 3 3 2002 € 0.18 0.18 0.69 74 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 Note 2002 €m 2001 €m 3,991 (3,991) 3,671 (3,671) – (3) (3) 904 (419) (79) 406 403 (9) (9) 7 (171) (164) 230 (86) 144 (221) (77) 2002 €m 737 542 1 2 Note 3 3 – (3) (3) 800 (403) (79) 318 315 20 20 63 (177) (114) 221 (120) 101 (221) (120) 2001 €m 683 503 2001 € 0.13 0.13 0.64 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 75 REED ELSEVIER NV Cash flow statement For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net cash outflow from operating activities Dividends received from joint ventures Interest received Returns on investments and servicing of finance Taxation Investment in joint venture Acquisitions and disposals Equity dividends paid Cash outflow before changes in short term investments and financing Decrease in short term investments Issue of shares, net of expenses Net repayment of debenture loans Decrease/(increase) in funding balances to joint ventures Financing Change in net cash Note 2002 €m – 150 6 6 (3) – – 2001 €m (3) 100 62 62 17 (916) (916) (222) (204) (69) (944) 10 22 (1) 38 59 – 946 92 (1) (93) (2) – Short term investments include deposits of under one year if the maturity or notice period exceeds 24 hours, commercial paper investments and interest bearing securities that can be realised without significant loss at short notice. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 75 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 76 REED ELSEVIER NV Balance sheet After appropriation of profits As at 31 December 2002 Fixed assets Current assets Debtors Short term investments Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions Net assets Share capital issued Paid-in surplus Legal reserves Other reserves Shareholders’ funds Reconciliation of shareholders’ funds For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of shares, net of expenses Exchange translation differences Equalisation adjustments Net decrease in shareholders’ funds Shareholders’ funds at 1 January Shareholders’ funds at 31 December 76 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 Note 4 5 6 7 8 9 2002 €m 2001 €m 2,195 2,506 56 15 71 (167) (96) 2,099 (6) (59) 2,034 47 1,460 78 449 2,034 2002 €m 144 (221) 22 (303) – (358) 2,392 2,034 94 25 119 (169) (50) 2,456 (5) (59) 2,392 47 1,438 387 520 2,392 2001 €m 101 (221) 110 42 (88) (56) 2,448 2,392 In the financial statements of Reed Elsevier NV, balance sheet amounts expressed in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rates effective at the balance sheet date. Currency translation differences arising from the conversion of investments in joint ventures, expressed in foreign currencies, are directly credited or charged to shareholders’ funds. Tax is calculated on profit from Reed Elsevier NV’s own operations, taking into account profit not subject to tax. The difference between the tax charge and tax payable in the short term is included in the provision for deferred tax. This provision is based upon relevant rates, taking into account tax deductible losses, which can be compensated within the foreseeable future. Other assets and liabilities are stated at face value. 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 77 REED ELSEVIER NV Accounting policies Basis of preparation These statutory financial statements report the profit and loss account, cash flow and financial position of Reed Elsevier NV, and have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the Netherlands. Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts shown in the financial statements are in millions of euro. The accounting policies which have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding year are summarised below. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The basis of the merger of the businesses of Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV is set out on page 12. As a consequence of the merger of the company’s businesses with those of Reed Elsevier PLC, described on page 12, the shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV and Reed Elsevier PLC can be regarded as having the interests of a single economic group, enjoying substantially equivalent ordinary dividend and capital rights in the earnings and net assets of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses. Reed Elsevier NV holds a majority interest in Elsevier Reed Finance BV (61%) and is therefore required to prepare consolidated financial statements. However, management believes that a better insight into the financial position and results of Reed Elsevier NV is provided by looking at the investment in the combined businesses in aggregate, as presented in the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements on pages 26 to 53. Therefore, the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements form part of the notes to Reed Elsevier NV’s statutory financial statements. Reed Elsevier NV’s investments in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses are accounted for using the gross equity method, as adjusted for the effects of the equalisation arrangement between Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV. The arrangement lays down the distribution of dividends and net assets in such a way that Reed Elsevier NV’s share in the profit and net assets of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses equals 50%. All settlements accruing to shareholders from the equalisation arrangement are taken directly to reserves. Because the dividend paid to shareholders by Reed Elsevier NV is equivalent to the Reed Elsevier PLC dividend plus the UK tax credit, Reed Elsevier NV normally distributes a higher proportion of the combined profit attributable than Reed Elsevier PLC. Reed Elsevier PLC’s share in this difference in dividend distributions is settled with Reed Elsevier NV and has been credited directly to reserves under equalisation. Reed Elsevier NV can pay a nominal dividend on its R-shares that is lower than the dividend on the ordinary shares. Reed Elsevier PLC will be compensated by direct dividend payments by Reed Elsevier Group plc. Equally, Reed Elsevier NV has the possibility to receive dividends directly from Dutch affiliates. The settlements flowing from these arrangements are also taken directly to reserves under equalisation. Other accounting policies The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the combined financial statements are set out on pages 26 and 27. These include policies in relation to goodwill and intangible assets. Such assets are amortised over their estimated useful economic lives, which due to their longevity, may be for periods in excess of five years. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 77 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 78 REED ELSEVIER NV > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1 Operating loss Operating loss is stated after the gross remuneration for present and former directors of Reed Elsevier NV in respect of services rendered to Reed Elsevier NV and the combined businesses. Fees for members of the supervisory board of Reed Elsevier NV of €0.1m (2001: €0.2m) are included in gross remuneration. In so far as gross remuneration is related to services rendered to Reed Elsevier Group plc and Elsevier Reed Finance BV, it is borne by these companies. 2 Net interest Interest on receivables from joint ventures Other interest Net interest income 2002 €m 3 4 7 3 Adjusted figures Adjusted profit and cash flow figures are used as additional performance measures. The adjusted figures are derived as follows: Profit before tax Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted profit before tax Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Earnings per ordinary share Adjustments: Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Adjusted earnings per ordinary share 4 Fixed assets Investments in joint ventures At 1 January Investment in joint venture Share in profits Dividends received Currency translation Equalisation (see note 9) At 31 December 78 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 2001 €m 6 57 63 2001 €m 221 403 59 683 2002 €m 230 419 88 737 144 101 407 (9) 542 2002 € 0.18 0.52 (0.01) 0.69 2002 €m 2,506 – 142 (150) (303) – 2,195 408 (6) 503 2001 € 0.13 0.52 (0.01) 0.64 2001 €m 1,674 916 62 (100) 42 (88) 2,506 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 79 REED ELSEVIER NV > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4 Fixed assets (continued) The investment in joint ventures comprises the group’s share at the following amounts of: Fixed assets Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions Minority interests Total The investments in joint ventures are: – Reed Elsevier Group plc, London 2002 €m 4,925 1,699 (2,609) (1,731) (84) (5) 2001 €m 6,112 1,837 (3,221) (2,047) (171) (4) 2,195 2,506 – Elsevier Reed Finance BV, Amsterdam In addition, Reed Elsevier NV holds €0.14m par value in shares with special dividend rights in Reed Elsevier Overseas BV and Reed Elsevier Nederland BV, both with registered offices in Amsterdam. These shares are included in the amount shown under investments in joint ventures above. They enable Reed Elsevier NV to receive dividends from companies within the same tax jurisdiction. 5 Debtors Joint ventures Other accounts receivable Total The accounts receivable from joint ventures bear interest. 6 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Proposed dividend Taxation Accounts payable and other debts Total 7 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Debenture loans 2002 €m 50 6 56 2002 €m 156 10 1 167 2002 €m 6 2001 €m 88 6 94 2001 €m 157 11 1 169 2001 €m 5 Debenture loans consist of four convertible personnel debenture loans with a weighted average interest rate of 5.4%. Depending on the conversion terms, the surrender of €227 or €200 par value debenture loans qualifies for the acquisition of 20-50 Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 79 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 80 REED ELSEVIER NV > NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 8 Provisions Deferred taxation Pension Total 9 Shareholders’ funds At 1 January 2001 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of shares, net of expenses Dividends from joint ventures Exchange translation differences Equalisation adjustments At 1 January 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders Equity dividends paid and proposed Issue of shares, net of expenses Dividends from joint ventures Exchange translation differences At 31 December 2002 2002 €m 58 1 59 2001 €m 58 1 59 Share capital issued €m 47 – – – – – – 47 – – – – – 47 Paid-in surplus €m 1,328 – – 110 – – – 1,438 – – 22 – – 1,460 Legal reserves €m Other reserves €m 432 101 – – (100) 42 (88) 387 144 – – (150) (303) 78 641 – (221) – 100 – – 520 – (221) – 150 – 449 Total €m 2,448 101 (221) 110 – 42 (88) 2,392 144 (221) 22 – (303) 2,034 The authorised share capital consists of 2,100m ordinary shares and 30m registered R-shares. As at 31 December 2002, the issued share capital consisted of 738,355,094 (2001: 736,575,369) ordinary shares of €0.06 par value and 4,679,249 (2001: 4,679,249) R-shares of €0.60 par value. The R-shares are held by a subsidiary company of Reed Elsevier PLC. The R-shares are convertible at the election of the holder into ten ordinary shares each. They have otherwise the same rights as the ordinary shares, except that Reed Elsevier NV may pay a lower dividend on the R-shares. Within paid-in surplus, an amount of €1,283m (2001: €1,261m) is free of tax. On 31 December 2002, there were options outstanding for the purchase of 32.7m (2001: 28.4m) shares at an average price of €12.36 (2001: €11.90). The average term of these options is four years (2001: four years). 10 Contingent liabilities There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of the Reed Elsevier Group plc group and the Elsevier Reed Finance BV group guaranteed by Reed Elsevier NV as follows: Guaranteed jointly and severally with Reed Elsevier PLC 2002 €m 2001 €m 4,493 5,061 Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 22 to the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements on pages 47 to 51. The financial statements were signed by the boards of directors, 19 February 2003. M Tabaksblat Chairman MH Armour Chief Financial Officer 80 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp70-81 27/2/03 8:42 pm Page 81 REED ELSEVIER NV Auditors’ report to the shareholders of Reed Elsevier NV We have audited the 2002 financial statements of Reed Elsevier NV, Amsterdam, which comprise the profit and loss account, cash flow statement, reconciliation of shareholders’ funds, balance sheet and the related notes 1 to 10. These financial statements have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein and include the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2002 which comprise the profit and loss account, the balance sheet, the cash flow statement, the statement of total recognised gains and losses, the shareholders’ funds reconciliation and the related notes 1 to 27, having been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein, dated 19 February 2003. The financial statements are the responsibility of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in The Netherlands. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatement. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements of Reed Elsevier NV, which include the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements, give a true and fair view of the financial position of Reed Elsevier NV at 31 December 2002 and of the result and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the Netherlands and comply with the legal requirements for financial statements as included in Part 9, Book 2 of the Netherlands Civil Code. Deloitte & Touche Accountants Amsterdam 19 February 2003 Proposal for allocation of profit Interim dividend on ordinary shares Final dividend on ordinary shares Dividend on R-shares Retained loss 2002 €m 65 156 – (77) 144 2001 €m 64 157 – (120) 101 The combined supervisory and executive board determines the part of the profit to be retained. The profit to be distributed is paid on the ordinary shares and the R-shares in proportion to their nominal value. The combined board may resolve to pay less per R-share, but not less than 1% of the nominal value. The company is bound by the Governing Agreement with Reed Elsevier PLC, which provides that Reed Elsevier NV shall declare dividends such that the dividend on one Reed Elsevier NV ordinary share, which shall be payable in euros, will equal 1.538 times the dividend, including the related UK tax credit, paid on one Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary share. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 81 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 82 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 83 Additional information for US investors ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS 84 Reed Elsevier combined businesses 89 Reed Elsevier PLC 91 Reed Elsevier NV 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 84 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Summary financial information in US dollars Basis of preparation The summary financial information is a simple translation of the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements into US dollars at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under UK and Dutch GAAP as used in the preparation of the Reed Elsevier combined financial statements. It does not represent a restatement under US GAAP which would be different in some significant respects. Exchange rates for translation Sterling Profit and loss and cash flow Balance sheet Euro Profit and loss and cash flow Balance sheet Profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net sales Adjusted operating profit Profit before tax Profit attributable Adjusted profit before tax Adjusted profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders Cash flow statement For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net cash inflow from operating activities Dividends received from joint ventures Returns on investments and servicing of finance Taxation (including US$30m (2001: US$203m) exceptional net inflow) Capital expenditure and financial investment Acquisitions and disposals Equity dividends paid to shareholders of the parent companies Cash inflow/(outflow) before changes in short term investments and financing (Increase)/decrease in short term investments Financing Increase in cash Adjusted operating cash flow Adjusted operating cash flow conversion 84 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 2002 US$ 1.50 1.60 2001 US$ 1.44 1.45 0.943 1.046 0.894 0.884 2002 US$m 7,530 1,700 434 272 1,391 1,023 2002 US$m 1,553 20 (308) (201) (72) (294) (410) 288 (83) (97) 108 1,515 89% 2001 US$m 6,566 1,426 396 181 1,221 899 2001 US$m 1,535 17 (164) (53) (328) (3,082) (367) (2,442) 1,683 773 14 1,449 102% 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 85 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Summary financial information in US dollars (continued) Balance sheet As at 31 December 2002 Goodwill and intangible assets Tangible fixed assets and investments Fixed assets Inventories and pre-publication costs Debtors – amounts falling due within one year Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year Cash and short term investments Current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year Provisions for liabilities and charges Minority interests Net assets 2002 US$m 9,302 999 2001 US$m 9,748 1,059 10,301 10,807 800 1,476 514 912 708 1,448 671 631 3,702 (5,806) 3,458 (5,994) (2,104) (2,536) 8,197 (3,633) (299) (11) 8,271 (3,628) (406) (7) 4,254 4,230 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 85 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 86 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Summary of the principal differences between UK and Dutch GAAP and US GAAP The combined financial statements are prepared in accordance with UK and Dutch GAAP, which differ in certain significant respects from US GAAP. The principal differences that affect net income and combined shareholders’ funds are explained below and their approximate effect is shown on page 88. The Reed Elsevier Annual Report 2002 on Form 20-F provides further information for US investors. Goodwill and intangible assets Under UK and Dutch GAAP, acquired goodwill and intangible assets are capitalised and amortised systematically over their estimated useful lives up to a maximum of 40 years, subject to impairment review. Under US GAAP, acquired goodwill and intangible assets are accounted for in accordance with SFAS141: Business Combinations and SFAS142: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. In accordance with these SFAS, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortised and are subject to annual impairment review, with effect from 1 January 2002, except in respect of acquisitions made after 1 July 2001 for which the effective date under the transitional provisions was 1 July 2001. Other intangible assets are amortised over periods up to 40 years, also subject to impairment review. The gross cost under US GAAP, as at 31 December 2002, of goodwill is £4,553m (2001: £4,860m) and of intangible assets is £5,264m (2001: £5,583m). Accumulated amortisation under US GAAP, as at 31 December 2002, of goodwill is £1,328m (2001: £1,414m) and of intangible assets is £1,352m (2001: £1,131m). Deferred taxation Under UK and Dutch GAAP, the combined businesses provide in full for timing differences using the liability method. Under US GAAP, deferred taxation is provided on all temporary differences under the liability method subject to a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets where applicable, in accordance with SFAS109: Accounting for Income Taxes. The most significant adjustment to apply SFAS109 arises on those acquired intangible assets for which amortisation is not tax deductible. Under the timing difference approach applied under UK and Dutch GAAP, no such liability would be recognised. Pensions Under UK and Dutch GAAP, the combined businesses account for pension costs under the rules set out in SSAP24: Accounting for Pension Costs. Its objectives and principles are broadly in line with SFAS87: Employers’ Accounting for Pensions. However, SSAP24 is less prescriptive in the application of the actuarial methods and assumptions to be applied in the calculation of pension assets, liabilities and costs. Under UK and Dutch GAAP, pension plan assets and liabilities are based on the results of the latest actuarial valuation. Pension assets are valued at the discounted present value determined by expected future income. Liabilities are assessed using the expected rate of return on plan assets. Under US GAAP, plan assets are valued by reference to market-related values at the date of the financial statements. Liabilities are assessed using the rate of return obtainable on fixed or inflation-linked bonds. Stock based compensation Under US GAAP, the combined businesses apply the accounting requirements of APB25: Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations in accounting for stock based compensation. Under APB25 compensatory plans with performance criteria qualify as variable plans, for which total compensation cost must be recalculated each period based on the current share price. The total compensation cost is amortised over the vesting period. Under UK and Dutch GAAP, compensation cost is determined based on a comparison of the exercise price with the share price on the date of grant. Also under US GAAP, SFAS123: Accounting for Stock Based Compensation establishes a fair value based method of computing compensation cost. It encourages the application of this method in the profit and loss account but, where APB25 is applied, the proforma effect on net income must be disclosed. The disclosure only provisions of SFAS123, as amended by SFAS148: Accounting for Stock Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, have been adopted. If compensation costs based on fair value at the grant date had been recognised in the profit and loss account, net income under US GAAP would have been reduced by £36m in 2002 (2001: £22m). 86 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 87 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Derivative instruments Under US GAAP, SFAS133: Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities requires all derivative instruments to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in fair value are accounted for through the profit and loss account or comprehensive income statement, depending on the derivative’s designation and effectiveness as a hedging instrument. Certain derivative instruments used by Reed Elsevier have not been designated as qualifying hedge instruments under SFAS133 and, accordingly, a charge to net income is recorded under US GAAP for the changes in the fair value of those derivative instruments. Under UK and Dutch GAAP, derivative instruments intended as hedges are recorded at appropriate historical cost amounts, with fair values shown as a disclosure item. SFAS133 was effective from 1 January 2001 resulting in a cumulative transition adjustment of £1m loss to US GAAP net income and £86m loss in other comprehensive income in 2001, of which £7m was charged to US GAAP net income in 2002. Equity dividends Under UK and Dutch GAAP, dividends are provided for in the year in respect of which they are proposed by the directors. Under US GAAP, such dividends would not be provided for until they are formally declared by the directors. Available for sale investments Under UK and Dutch GAAP, fixed asset investments (excluding investments in joint ventures) are recorded at historical cost less provision for any impairment in value. Under US GAAP, investments in equity securities with readily determinable fair values are classified as available for sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealised gains or losses reported as a separate component of shareholders’ funds. Acquisition accounting Under UK and Dutch GAAP, severance and integration costs in relation to acquisitions are expensed as incurred and, depending on their size and incidence, these costs may be disclosed as exceptional items charged to operating profit. Under US GAAP, certain integration costs may be provided as part of purchase accounting adjustments on acquisition. Employee Benefit Trust shares Under UK and Dutch GAAP, shares held by the Reed Elsevier Employee Benefit Trust (“EBT”) are classified as fixed asset investments. Under US GAAP, shares held by the EBT are treated as a reduction in shareholders’ funds. Exceptional items Exceptional items are material items within the combined businesses’ ordinary activities which, under UK and Dutch GAAP, are required to be disclosed separately due to their size or incidence. These items do not qualify as extraordinary under US GAAP and are considered a part of operating results. Adjusted earnings In the combined financial statements adjusted profit and cash flow measures are presented as permitted by UK and Dutch GAAP as additional performance measures. US GAAP does not permit the presentation of alternative earnings measures. Short term obligations expected to be refinanced Under US GAAP, where it is expected to refinance short term obligations on a long term basis and this is supported by an ability to consummate the refinancing, such short term obligations should be excluded from current liabilities and shown as long term obligations. Under UK and Dutch GAAP, such obligations can only be excluded from current liabilities where, additionally, the debt and facility are under a single agreement or course of dealing with the same lender or group of lenders. Short term obligations at 31 December 2002 of £1,359m (2001: £1,551m) would be excluded from current liabilities under US GAAP and shown as long term obligations. REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 87 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 88 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER COMBINED BUSINESSES Effects on net income of material differences between UK and Dutch GAAP and US GAAP For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net income under UK and Dutch GAAP US GAAP adjustments: Goodwill and intangible assets Deferred taxation Pensions Stock based compensation Derivative instruments Other items Net income/(loss) under US GAAP 2002 £m 181 223 (50) 56 – (45) – 365 2001 £m 126 (74) (43) 46 (15) (56) (4) (20) 2002 €m 288 355 (80) 89 – (72) – 580 2001 €m 202 (119) (69) 74 (24) (90) (6) (32) Effects on combined shareholders’ funds of material differences between UK and Dutch GAAP and US GAAP As at 31 December 2002 Combined shareholders’ funds under UK and Dutch GAAP US GAAP adjustments: Goodwill and intangible assets Deferred taxation Pensions Derivative instruments Available for sale investments Equity dividends Other items Combined shareholders’ funds under US GAAP 2002 £m 2001 £m 2002 €m 2001 €m 2,659 2,917 4,068 4,784 1,302 (838) 151 (117) 3 205 (21) 3,344 1,151 (860) 132 (79) 36 190 (20) 3,467 1,992 (1,283) 231 (179) 5 314 (32) 1,888 (1,410) 216 (130) 59 312 (33) 5,116 5,686 88 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 89 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER PLC Summary financial information in US dollars Basis of preparation The summary financial information is a simple translation of Reed Elsevier PLC’s consolidated financial statements into US dollars at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under UK GAAP as used in the preparation of the Reed Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements. It does not represent a restatement under US GAAP which would be different in some significant respects. Consolidated profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders: statutory Profit attributable to 52.9% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted profit attributable Amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets Exceptional items Data per American Depositary Share Earnings per American Depositary Share based on 52.9% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted Basic Net dividend per American Depositary Share Consolidated balance sheet As at 31 December 2002 Shareholders’ funds Exchange rates for translation of sterling ($:£1) Profit and loss Balance sheet 2002 US$m 134 542 (407) 9 144 2001 US$m 88 475 (386) 7 96 2002 US$ 2001 US$ $1.71 $0.46 $0.67 $1.50 $0.31 $0.60 2002 US$m 2,251 2001 US$m 2,237 2002 1.50 1.60 2001 1.44 1.45 Adjusted earnings per American Depositary Share is based on Reed Elsevier PLC shareholders’ 52.9% share of the adjusted profit attributable of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, which excludes amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. Adjusted figures are described in note 9 to the Reed Elsevier PLC consolidated financial statements. Reed Elsevier PLC shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and trading is in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), representing four Reed Elsevier PLC ordinary shares of 12.5p each. (CUSIP No. 758205108; trading symbol, RUK; Citibank is the ADS Depositary.) REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 89 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 90 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER PLC Summary of the principal differences between UK and US GAAP Reed Elsevier PLC accounts for its 52.9% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, before the effect of tax credit equalisation, by the gross equity method in conformity with UK GAAP which is similar to the equity method in US GAAP. Using the equity method to present its net income and shareholders’ funds under US GAAP, Reed Elsevier PLC reflects its 52.9% share of the effects of differences between UK and US GAAP relating to the combined businesses as a single reconciling item. The most significant differences relate to the capitalisation and amortisation of goodwill and intangibles, pensions, deferred taxes and derivative financial instruments. A more complete explanation of the accounting policies used by the Reed Elsevier combined businesses and the differences between UK and US GAAP is given on pages 86 and 87. The Reed Elsevier Annual Report 2002 on Form 20-F provides further information for US investors. Effects on net income of material differences between UK and US GAAP For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net income under UK GAAP Impact of US GAAP adjustments to combined financial statements Net income/(loss) under US GAAP Earnings/(loss) per ordinary share under US GAAP 2002 £m 89 97 186 2001 £m 61 (77) (16) 14.7p (1.3)p Effects on shareholders’ funds of material differences between UK and US GAAP As at 31 December 2002 Shareholders’ funds under UK GAAP Impact of US GAAP adjustments to combined financial statements Equity dividends not declared in the period Shareholders’ funds under US GAAP 2002 £m 1,407 259 102 1,768 2001 £m 1,543 197 94 1,834 90 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 91 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER NV Summary financial information in US dollars Basis of preparation The summary financial information is a simple translation of Reed Elsevier NV statutory financial statements into US dollars at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is prepared under Dutch GAAP as used in the preparation of the Reed Elsevier NV statutory financial statements. It does not represent a restatement under US GAAP which would be different in some significant respects. Profit and loss account For the year ended 31 December 2002 Adjusted profit attributable Data per American Depositary Share Earnings per American Depositary Share based on 50% interest in Reed Elsevier combined businesses Adjusted Basic Net dividend per American Depositary Share Balance sheet As at 31 December 2002 Shareholders’ funds Exchange rates for translation of euros (€:$1) Profit and loss Balance sheet 2002 US$m 511 2001 US$m 450 2002 US$m 2001 US$m $1.30 $0.34 $0.57 $1.14 $0.23 $0.540 2002 US$m 2,128 2002 1.060 0.956 2001 US$m 2,115 2001 1.118 1.131 Adjusted earnings per American Depositary Share is based on Reed Elsevier NV’s 50% share of the adjusted profit attributable of the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, which excludes amortisation of goodwill and intangible assets and exceptional items. Adjusted figures are described in note 3 to the Reed Elsevier NV statutory financial statements. Reed Elsevier NV shares are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange and trading is in the form of American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), representing two Reed Elsevier NV ordinary shares of €0.06 each. (CUSIP No. 758204101; trading symbol, ENL; Citibank is the ADS Depositary.) REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 91 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 92 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR US INVESTORS > REED ELSEVIER NV Summary of the principal differences between Dutch and US GAAP Reed Elsevier NV accounts for its 50% economic interest in the Reed Elsevier combined businesses, before the effect of tax credit equalisation, by the equity method in conformity with Dutch GAAP which is similar to the equity method in US GAAP. Using the equity method to present its net income and shareholders’ funds under US GAAP, Reed Elsevier NV reflects its 50% share of the effects of differences between Dutch and US GAAP relating to the combined businesses as a single reconciling item. The most significant differences relate to the capitalisation and amortisation of goodwill and intangibles, pensions, deferred taxes and derivative financial instruments. A more complete explanation of the accounting policies used by the Reed Elsevier combined businesses and the differences between Dutch and US GAAP is given on pages 86 and 87. The Reed Elsevier Annual Report 2002 on Form 20-F provides further information for US investors. Effects on net income of material differences between Dutch and US GAAP For the year ended 31 December 2002 Net income under Dutch GAAP Impact of US GAAP adjustments to combined financial statements Net income/(loss) under US GAAP Earnings/(loss) per share under US GAAP 2002 €m 144 159 2001 €m 101 (106) 303 €0.39 (5) €(0.01) Effects on shareholders’ funds of material differences between Dutch and US GAAP As at 31 December 2002 Shareholders’ funds under Dutch GAAP Impact of US GAAP adjustments to combined financial statements Equity dividends not declared in the period Shareholders’ funds under US GAAP 2002 €m 2,034 368 156 2,558 2001 €m 2,392 294 157 2,843 92 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 92 REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 140350 pp82-93 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 93 PRINCIPAL OPERATING LOCATIONS Reed Elsevier 25 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0EX, UK Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 8420 Fax: +44 (0)20 7227 5799 Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 485 2434 Fax: +31 (0)20 618 0325 125 Park Avenue, 23rd Floor New York, NY 10017, USA Tel: +1 212 309 5498 Fax: +1 212 309 5480 Elsevier Reed Finance BV Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands Tel: +31 (0)20 485 2434 Fax: +31 (0)20 618 0325 Elsevier Elsevier Sara Burgerhartstraat 25 1055 KV Amsterdam, The Netherlands www.elsevier.nl Elsevier The Boulevard, Langford Lane Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, UK www.elsevier.co.uk Elsevier 360 Park Avenue South New York NY10010-1710, USA Elsevier Academic Press 525 B Street, Suite 1900 San Diego, CA 92101-4495, USA www.apnet.com Elsevier Health Sciences 11830 Westline Industrial Drive St. Louis, M063146, USA www.us.elsevierhealth.com Elsevier Health Sciences Independence Square West Suite 300, The Curtis Centre Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399, USA www.us.elsevierhealth.com LexisNexis LexisNexis 9393 Springboro Pike Miamisburg, Ohio 45342, USA www.lexis-nexis.com For further information or contact details, please consult our website: www.reedelsevier.com LexisNexis Martindale Hubbell 121 Chanlon Road New Providence, N107974, USA www.martindale.com LexisNexis Butterworths Tolley Halsbury House, 35 Chancery Lane London WC2A 1EL, UK www.lexis-nexis.co.uk LexisNexis Editions du Juris Chasseur, 141 rue de Javel, 75747 Paris Cedex 15 France Harcourt Education Harcourt School Publishers 6277 Sea Harbor Drive Orlando FL 32819, USA www.harcourtschool.com Holt Rinehart and Winston 10801 N. MoPac Expressway Building 3, Austin, TX 78759-5415, USA www.hrw.com Harcourt Educational Measurement The Psychological Corporation 19500 Bulverde Road San Antonio TX 78259, USA www.hemweb.com www.psychcorp.com Harcourt Supplemental Publishers 1000 Hart Road Barrington Illinois 60010, USA www.steck-vaughn.com www.rigby.com Harcourt Education International Halley Court, Jordan Hill Oxford OX2 8EJ, UK www.harcourteducation.co.uk Reed Business Reed Business Information US 360 Park Avenue South New York NY10010-1710, USA www.reedbusiness.com Reed Business Information UK Quadrant House, The Quadrant Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS, UK www.reedbusiness.co.uk Reed Business Information Netherlands Hanzestraat 1 7006 RH Doetinchem The Netherlands www.reedbusiness.nl Reed Exhibitions Oriel House, 26 The Quadrant Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DL, UK www.reedexpo.com Design: Corporate Edge www.corporateedge.com Print: Pillans & Wilson. ISO 14001 accredited REED ELSEVIER ANNUAL REPORTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2002 93 140350 FC/BC 27/2/03 8:43 pm Page 1 www.reedelsevier.com Indispensable global information Science & Medical Legal Education Business R e e d E l s e v i e r A N N U A L R E P O R T S A N D F I N A N C A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 0 0 2 CHEMWEB>BIOMEDNET>BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA>EVOLVE>MDL INFORMATION SYSTEMS>SCIRUS>EXCERPTA MEDICA>THE LANCET>ELSEVIER>GRAY’S ANATOMY>SCIENCEDIRECT> I ACADEMIC PRESS >CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE >L’ANNEE BIOLOGIQUE >MOSBY>WB SAUNDERS >BRAIN RESEARCH >ONCOLOGY TODAY >TETRAHEDRON LETTERS >VASCULAR SURGERY>SCIRUS >PDXMD>CELL >JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY>NEUROSCIENCE >THE LANGUAGE OF MEDICINE>ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE HUMAN BRAIN >VIRTUAL CLINICAL EXCURSION>EMBASE> EI>CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS>POLYMER>NEURON>JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A>ACTA PSYCHOLOGICA>MD CONSULT>AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY>COMPUTER NETWORKS >DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY>FEBS LETTERS>HOMEOPATHY>NEUROIMAGE>PHYSICA A>SPEECH COMMUNICATION>WATER RESEARCH>ZEOLITES>MATERIALS TODAY>RISKWISE>BUTTERWORTHS TOLLEY> MATTHEW BENDER >SHEPARD’S IN PRINT>MARTINDALE HUBBELL >LEXISNEXIS AT LEXIS.COM >MALAYAN LAW JOURNAL>LEXISNEXIS AT NEXIS.COM >CONOSUR>LEXPOLONICA>NIMMER ON COPYRIGHT>DEPALMA>MBO VERLAG>COLLIER>LITEC>PEOPLEWISE>EDITIONS DU JURIS CLASSEUR> ECLIPSE>MEALEY PUBLICATIONS>LEXISNEXIS COUNTRY ANALYSIS>CHECKCITE>LEXISONE>THE ADVERTISING RED BOOKS>HALSBURY’S LAWS >DICTIONARY OF CORPORATE AFFILIATIONS >ORAC VERLAG>FACTLANE>LEGISOFT>INFOLIB>LE BOTTIN ADMINISTRATIF>CARTER ON CONTRACT> AUSTRALIAN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FORMS AND PRECEDENTS >LE BOTTIN DE COMMUNE ET DE L’INTERCOMMUNALITE >LA SEMAINE JURIDIQUE >POLY GESTION AVOCAT>LAWNOW>LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER>AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION LAW>BUTTERWORTHS COMPANY LAW CASES> Reed Elsevier A N N U A L R E P O R T S A N D F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S 2 0 0 2 For the Reed Elsevier Combined Businesses, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV LA DOCUMENTATION ORGANIQUE >TELECOMMUNICATIONS LAW >LEGAL EXPRESS >LAW IN CONTEXT >BUTTERWORTHS CORE TEXTS >E-MARKETPLACE >LEGAL EXPRESS >LAWCOMMERCE >NATIONAL FRAUD CENTER>LEXISNEXIS LITIGATION SUPPORT BY DOLPHINSEARCH>RIGBY>HEINEMANN>HARCOURT SCHOOLS PUBLISHERS>GINN>GREENWOOD>HOLT, RINEHART AND WINSTON> STECK-VAUGHN>THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CORPORATION>WECHSLER TEST>HI.COM.AU>WECHSLER INTELLIGENCE SERIES>STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TEST>HARCOURT EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT >ILOLI>METRO SERIES>ALLEZ VIENS>HORIZONS>TROPHIES>WISC>TREASURY OF LITERATURE>VAMOS DE FIESTA >MATH ADVANTAGE>STORIES IN TIME>HARCOURT CIENCIAS>YOUR HEALTH> ART EXPRESS>HEINEMANN EXPLORE>MYPRIMARY.CO.UK>EASYTEACH>HEINEMANN LIBRARY>DARTMATHS>PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS>HARCOURT INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY>VEN CONMIGO >ELEMENTS OF LANGUAGE>GO.HRW.COM>HOLT RESEARCHER>HOLT SCIENCE SPECTRUM>ESTRADO>HOLT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY>MODERN CHEMISTRY>KOMM MITT>HOLT ONLINE SCIENCE> SELF IMAGE PROFILES >BOEHM-3 PRESCHOOL >WILSON SYNTAX SCREENING TESTING >SELF IMAGE PROFILES >THE WHALE RIDER >BARRIE PUBLISHING >CNI.COM >FARMERS WEEKLY >SCIENCE BY INVESTIGATION>ELECTRONIC DESIGN NEWS>RESTAURANTS & INSTITUTIONS>BROADCASTING & CABLE>COMPUTER WEEKLY>COMMUNITY CARE>ESTATES GAZETTE>MARDEV> MIPCOM>BIZZ>FEM BUSINESS>WORLD TRAVEL MARKET>MIDEM>BATIMAT>BOOKEXPO>INFOSECURITY>ZIBB.NL >VARIETY>STRATEGIES>NEW SCIENTIST>DOCTOR>KELLY’S DIRECTORIES>RATI.COM >TOTALJOBS.COM>KOMPASS>CMD>BANKERS ALMANAC>AUSTRALIAN DOCTOR>ELSEVIER THEMA>HOTELYMPIA>KELLYSEARCH>DESIGN NEWS>BOERDERIJ>PLAYTHINGS>E-LOGIC>TRACOM> PUBLISHERS WEEKLY >FURNITURE TODAY >MULTICHANNEL NEWS >INTERIOR DESIGN >BUILDINGTEAM.COM >WIRELESS WEEK >ELSEVIER >BELEGGERS BELANGEN >PACKAGING DIGEST >SURGICAL PRODUCTS>IL BAGNO>INSTALLATORE ITALIANO>TECNO>FINESTRA>VETRO>TC NEWS>BLU & ROSSO>ARCHITEKTUR>VIE DE FAMILLE>CODE CIVIL>ARTE Y CEMENTO>PISCINAS> 

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