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Annual Reports and
Financial Statements
2015
RELX Group is a world-leading provider of
information and analytics for professional and
business customers across industries.
We help scientists make new discoveries, lawyers
win cases, doctors save lives and insurance
companies offer customers lower prices. We save
taxpayers and consumers money by preventing fraud
and help executives forge commercial relationships
with their clients.
In short, we enable our customers to make better
decisions, get better results and be more productive.
RELX PLC is a London listed holding company which owns 52.9 percent of RELX Group.
RELX NV is an Amsterdam listed holding company which owns 47.1 percent of RELX Group.
Forward-looking statements
The Reports and Financial Statements 2015 contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section
21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes
to differ materially from those currently being anticipated. The terms “estimate”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “expect”, “should be”, “will be”, “believe”, “trends” 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 competitive factors in the industries in which the Group operates; demand for the Group’s products and services; exchange rate fluctuations; general economic and
business conditions; legislative, fiscal, tax and regulatory developments and political risks; the availability of third-party content and data; breaches of our data security
systems and interruptions in our information technology systems; changes in law and legal interpretations affecting the Group’s intellectual property rights and other risks
referenced from time to time in the filings of the Group with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contents
1
Overview*
2
3
4
2015 Financial highlights
Chairman’s statement
Chief Executive Officer’s report
Business review*
8
14
20
28
34
41
RELX Group business overview
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Corporate Responsibility
Financial review*
54
60 Principal risks
Chief Financial Officer’s report
Board Directors
Governance
64
66 RELX Group Business Leaders
68
69
76
77
91
Chairman's introduction to Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance
Report of the Nominations Committee
Directors' Remuneration Report
Report of the Audit Committees
Financial statements
and other information
94
147
Consolidated Financial Statements
RELX PLC Annual Report
and Financial Statements
RELX NV Annual Report
and Financial Statements
Summary financial
information in euros
157
168
169 Summary financial information
in US dollars
171 Shareholder information
175 2016 financial calendar
176
Principal operating locations
* Comprises the Strategic Report in accordance with The (UK)
Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report)
Regulations 2013.
Get more information online
A pdf of the full Annual Report and further
information about the Group and our
businesses can be found online at our
website: www.relx.com
Overview RELX GroupOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
2
2015 Financial highlights
§ Underlying revenue up 3%
§ Underlying adjusted operating profit up 5%
§ Adjusted EPS up 7% to 60.5p (56.3p); up 20% to €0.835 (€0.698); up 8% constant currency
§ Reported EPS 46.4p (43.0p) for RELX PLC; €0.682 (€0.568) for RELX NV
§ Full-year dividend up 14% to 29.7p for RELX PLC and up 5% to €0.403 for RELX NV
§ Strong financial position and cash conversion; leverage 2.2x EBITDA, pensions and lease
adjusted (1.8x unadjusted)
RELX Group
REVENUE
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
€m
£m
€m
Underlying growth +3%
Underlying growth +5%
5,773
5,971
1,739
1,822
8,240
7,159
2,514
2,156
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
Parent companies
RELX PLC
Adjusted EPS
pence
Growth +7%
56.3
60.5
RELX NV
Dividend
pence
Growth +14%
Adjusted EPS
€
Dividend
€
Growth +20%
Growth +5%
0.835
0.698
26.0
29.7
0.383
0.403
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
2014
2015
RELX Group encompasses RELX PLC, RELX NV, RELX Group plc and its subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. The corporate structure is set out on page 68.
RELX Group uses adjusted and underlying figures as additional performance measures. Adjusted figures primarily exclude the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and other
items related to acquisitions and disposals, and the associated deferred tax movements. Reconciliations between the reported and adjusted figures are set out on pages 56, 58, 102
and 116. Underlying growth rates are calculated at constant currencies, and exclude the results of acquisitions and disposals made in both the year and prior year and of assets held for
sale. Underlying revenue growth rates also exclude the effects of exhibition cycling. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2014 full-year average and hedge exchange rates.
RELX NV comparative earnings and dividends per share have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the bonus issue of shares declared on 30 June 2015.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Overview Chairman's statement
3
Chairman’s statement
Adjusted cash flow conversion was 94%, down from 96% in 2014,
with capital expenditure at 5.1% of revenues.
Share buybacks
During the year, we bought back shares worth £500m. In 2016, we
intend to deploy a total of £700m on share buybacks. By February,
£100m of this year’s total had already been completed, leaving a
further £600m to be deployed during the year.
Corporate structure and corporate entity names
Following approval at the Annual General Meetings of the parent
companies in April, we simplified the corporate structure and
changed the names of the companies.
On 1 July, Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV changed their
names to RELX PLC and RELX NV respectively. At the same time,
the Reed Elsevier R shares, through which Reed Elsevier PLC
held a 5.8% indirect interest in Reed Elsevier NV, were cancelled.
RELX PLC and RELX NV now have 52.9% and 47.1% direct equity
interests in RELX Group plc respectively.
The equalisation ratio between RELX PLC and RELX NV shares
was adjusted such that one ordinary share of RELX PLC now
confers equivalent economic interests to one ordinary share of
RELX NV. Both ADRs were adjusted as well such that one ADR
represents one ordinary share in the respective parent company.
These measures simplified our structure, clarified the economic
interest of parent company shareholders, and increased
transparency to shareholders. They also allow us to produce
consolidated accounts for the first time. The shorter, more
modern name reflects the transformation of the company to
a technology, content and analytics driven business while
maintaining the link with its proud heritage.
Board alignment and succession
After simplifying our corporate structure, we aligned membership
of the Boards by appointing Marike van Lier Lels as a Non-Executive
Director of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc. Marike has served as a
Non-Executive Director of RELX NV since 2010.
We continue the process of progressively refreshing the Boards.
Lisa Hook and Robert Polet will retire as Non-Executive Directors
after 10 and 9 years of service respectively following the AGMs
in April 2016. After a search by external consultants, Carol Mills
and Robert MacLeod will join the Boards in April 2016, subject to
shareholder approval. Carol has nearly 30 years' experience in
technology companies including extensive US Board experience.
Robert is Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Matthey, the FTSE 100
speciality chemicals company and global leader in sustainable
technologies. I would like to thank Lisa and Robert for their
advice and help over many years and welcome Carol and Robert
to RELX Group.
Corporate responsibility
Good governance is critical to our business. As the foundation for
all we do, it is central to our corporate responsibility and future
success. Accordingly, we set and meet relevant objectives,
including in 2015, new communication campaigns to ensure that
employees at RELX Group understand our compliance policies
and what they mean in action. In the year ahead, aligned with our
focus on data privacy and security, we will develop plans to
address impending EU General Data Protection Regulations.
Anthony Habgood
Chairman
Anthony Habgood
Chairman
RELX Group continued to execute
well on its financial and strategic
priorities in 2015. During the year,
we simplified our corporate
structure, increased transparency
to shareholders and changed
our name.
Growth of underlying revenues was +3%. Underlying adjusted
operating profits grew +5%, with the improvement in profitability
reflecting a combination of underlying revenue growth, process
innovation and portfolio development. Adjusted operating profits
increased +5% to £1,822m expressed in sterling, and increased
+17% to €2,514m expressed in euros.
Adjusted earnings per share grew +7% to 60.5p for RELX PLC,
and +20% to €0.835 for RELX NV. Reported earnings per share
increased +8% to 46.4p for RELX PLC, and +20% to €0.682 for
RELX NV.
Dividends
The Boards are recommending final dividends of 22.3p for RELX PLC
and €0.288 for RELX NV, up respectively 17% and 1% against the
prior year. This brings the total dividends for the year to 29.7p for
RELX PLC, up 14% and €0.403 for RELX NV, up 5%. The differing
growth rates for the two parent companies reflect movements in
the sterling-euro exchange rate between dividend announcement
dates and, for the final dividends, the abolition of the tax credit
applicable to UK dividends as announced by the UK government and
effective from April 2016. As a result, future dividends will be the
same value for each RELX PLC and RELX NV share, removing the
one remaining difference between the economics of the two shares.
Balance sheet
Net debt was £3.8bn/€5.1bn on 31 December 2015, compared
with £3.5bn/€4.6bn last year. Net debt/EBITDA on a pensions and
lease adjusted basis for 2015 was 2.2x, down from 2.3x last year;
and on an unadjusted basis, it was 1.8x, up from 1.7x last year.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 4
Chief Executive Officer’s report
Strategic direction
Our strategy is unchanged. Our objective is to deliver improved
outcomes for professional and business customers across
industries, to help them make better decisions, get better
results and be more productive. We do this by leveraging a
deep understanding of our customers to develop increasingly
sophisticated information-based analytics and decision tools
which combine content and data with analytics and technology in
global platforms. These solutions often account for about 1% of
our customers’ total cost base but can have a significant and
positive impact on the economics of the remaining 99%.
We aim to build leading positions in long-term global growth
markets and leverage our skills, assets and resources across
RELX Group, both to build solutions for our customers and to
pursue cost efficiencies.
During the year we continued to make progress in this strategic
direction. We are systematically migrating all of our businesses
across RELX Group towards electronic decision tools, adding
broader datasets, embedding more sophisticated analytics
and leveraging more powerful technology, primarily through
organic development.
We are transforming our core business, building out new products
and expanding into higher growth adjacencies and geographies.
We are supplementing this organic development with selective
acquisitions of targeted data sets and analytics, and assets in
high-growth markets that support our organic growth strategies,
and are natural additions to our existing businesses.
By focusing on evolving the fundamentals of our business we
believe that, over time, we are improving our business profile and
the quality of our earnings. This is leading to more predictable
revenues through a better asset mix and geographic balance; a
higher growth profile by expanding in higher growth segments,
exiting from structurally challenged businesses and gradually
reducing the drag from print format declines; and improved
returns by focusing on organic development with strong
cash generation.
Erik Engstrom
Chief Executive Officer
We achieved good underlying
revenue growth in 2015 and
continued to generate underlying
operating profit growth ahead
of revenue growth through
continuous innovation. Our
number one priority remains
the organic development of
increasingly sophisticated
information-based analytics
and decision tools that deliver
enhanced value to our customers.
UNDERLYING REVENUE GROWTH*
UNDERLYING ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT GROWTH
+3%
+3%
+3%
+3%
+3%
+5%
+6%
+5%
+5%
+5%
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* Excluding cycling effects.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Overview Chief Executive Officer’s report
5
2015 progress
In 2015 we made further strategic and operational progress, and
continued to evolve our business profile. Our preferred formats,
electronic and face-to-face, now generate 85% of our total
revenues, growing in mid-single digits.
Our number one priority remained the organic development
of increasingly sophisticated information-based analytics and
decision tools.
We continued to focus our acquisitions on select, targeted data
sets and analytics, and assets in high growth markets that
support our organic growth strategies. We completed 19 small
transactions, for a total consideration of £171m, slightly lower
than the average over the past few years. We also completed the
disposal of a number of small, non-strategic assets for £73m.
With a strong balance sheet and an inherently cash-generative
business, the strategic priority order for using our cash is
unchanged. First to invest in the organic development of our
businesses to drive underlying revenue growth; second to support
our organic growth strategy with targeted acquisitions; third to
grow dividends predictably, broadly in line with EPS growth; fourth
to maintain our leverage in a comfortable range; and finally use
any remaining cash to buy back shares. As part of this we bought
back shares for £500m in 2015, and announced £700m in
buy-backs for 2016.
During the year we modernised and simplified our corporate
structure, to increase transparency for shareholders.
Financial performance
Our positive financial performance continued throughout 2015,
with underlying revenue and profit growth across all four business
areas. Underlying revenue growth was 3%. Underlying operating
profit growth was 5%, and earnings per share at constant
currencies grew 8%.
Key business trends in our Scientific, Technical & Medical
business remained positive. Primary research saw strong
growth in usage and in article submissions. We saw continued
good growth in database and tools and in electronic reference
across segments.
Growth at Risk & Business Analytics accelerated with strong
growth across all key segments. There was good take up of new
products and services and expansion into adjacent verticals.
Legal underlying revenue growth was maintained. Continued
growth in online revenues was again largely offset by further print
declines. Roll-out, adoption and usage of the new platform and
applications continued to progress well.
Exhibitions achieved strong underlying revenue growth
of 5%, albeit slightly below 2014, reflecting the macro
economic environment.
EARNINGS PER SHARE GROWTH
Constant currency
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL
+8%
+7%
+6%
+10%
+8%
11.2%
11.7%*
12.1%
12.8%
12.7%
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* 2012 ROIC restated for IAS19.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
6
Corporate responsibility
Good management of our non-financial risks and opportunities
is essential to our success. To ensure we concentrate on the most
material issues, we surveyed stakeholders, including customers
and peers. They said the biggest impact we can have on society is
through our unique contributions, including universal sustainable
access to information, promotion of the rule of law and access
to justice. Accordingly, in the fifth year of the RELX Group
Environmental Challenge, we provided access to the environmental
content on ScienceDirect to help applicants develop proposals that
address water and sanitation challenges in the developing world.
Availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation
is one of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). To coincide with their launch in 2015, we produced
Sustainability Science in a Global Landscape, which looks at
research underpinning the SDGs to help policy makers and others
address gaps. We will be creating an SDG Resource Centre in 2016
to share relevant insights from across our portfolio.
We know that a satisfied, high-performing workforce is critical to
our future growth. In 2015, colleagues told us how they feel about
RELX Group and I was pleased that the highest percentage in our
history feel we employ strong, ethical principles in our business
practices and that we treat them with respect and fairness.
We know we have more to do and in the year ahead, we will expand
employee resource groups; they build inclusion, giving us strength
through diversity in all its forms.
Outlook
Trends in the early part of 2016 are consistent with 2015 across our
business, and we are confident that, by continuing to execute on
our strategy, we will deliver another year of underlying revenue,
profit and earnings growth in 2016.
Erik Engstrom
Chief Executive Officer
REVENUE BY FORMAT
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
REVENUE BY TYPE
£5,971m
15%
15%
£5,971m
20%
Electronic
Face-to-face
Print/Other
54%
North America
Europe
Rest of World
£5,971m
2%
Subscriptions
Transactional
Advertising
70%
26%
46%
52%
Revenue by format
Electronic
Face-to-face
Print
15%
15%
70%
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review RELX Group
7
Business
review
In this section
8
RELX Group business overview
14 Scientific, Technical & Medical
20 Risk & Business Analytics
28 Legal
34 Exhibitions
41 Corporate Responsibility
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 8
RELX Group business overview
RELX Group is a global provider
of information and analytics
for professional and business
customers across industries.
Our goal is to help our customers make better decisions, get better
results and be more productive. We do this by leveraging a deep
understanding of our customers to create innovative solutions
which combine content and data with analytics and technology
in global platforms. These solutions often account for about
1% of our customers’ total cost base but can have a significant
and positive impact on the economics of the remaining 99%.
The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has
offices in about 40 countries. It employs approximately 30,000
people of whom half are in North America.
We operate in four major market segments: Scientific, Technical
& Medical; Risk & Business Analytics; Legal; and Exhibitions.
RELX Group financial summary
REPORTED FIGURES
For the year ended 31 December
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net margin
Net borrowings
ADJUSTED FIGURES
For the year ended 31 December
Operating profit
Operating margin
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net margin
Cash flow
Cash flow conversion
Return on invested capital
Parent companies
Adjusted earnings per share
Reported earnings per share
Ordinary dividend per share
2015
£m
5,971
1,497
1,312
1,008
16.9%
3,782
2015
£m
1,822
30.5%
1,669
1,275
21.4%
1,712
94%
12.7%
£
2014
£m
5,773
1,402
1,229
955
16.5%
3,550
£
2014
£m
1,739
30.1%
1,592
1,213
21.0%
1,662
96%
12.8%
Change
+3%
+7%
+7%
Change
+5%
+5%
+5%
+3%
2015
€m
8,240
2,066
1,811
1,391
16.9%
5,144
2015
€m
2,514
30.5%
2,303
1,760
21.4%
2,363
94%
12.7%
€
2014
€m
7,159
1,738
1,523
1,184
16.5%
4,579
€
2014
€m
2,156
30.1%
1,974
1,504
21.0%
2,061
96%
12.8%
Change at
constant
currencies
Change
underlying
+2%
+3%
Change
+15%
+19%
+19%
Change
underlying
+5%
Change at
constant
currencies
+5%
+6%
+6%
+3%
Change
+17%
+17%
+17%
+15%
RELX PLC
RELX NV
2015
60.5p
46.4p
29.7p
2014
Change
2015
2014
Change
56.3p
43.0p
26.0p
+7% €0.835
+8% €0.682
+14% €0.403
€0.698
€0.568
€0.383
+20%
+20%
+5%
Change at
constant
currencies
+8%
RELX PLC and RELX NV are separate, publicly held entities. RELX PLC’s ordinary shares are listed in London and New York, and RELX NV’s ordinary shares are listed in Amsterdam
and New York. In New York the listings are in the form of American Depositary Shares (ADSs), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). RELX PLC and RELX NV jointly
own RELX Group plc, which, with effect from February 2015, holds all the Group’s operating businesses and financing activities. With effect from 1 July 2015, following a bonus issue
of shares in RELX NV, one RELX PLC ordinary share confers an equivalent economic interest to one RELX NV ordinary share. RELX PLC, RELX NV, RELX Group plc and its
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are together known as “the Group”.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review RELX Group
9
Market segments*
Scientific, Technical & Medical helps customers advance science and improve healthcare by
providing world-class information and analytical solutions that enable them to make critical
decisions, enhance productivity and improve outcomes.
Risk & Business Analytics provides solutions and decision tools that combine public and
industry-specific content with advanced technology and analytics. These solutions assist business
and government customers in evaluating and predicting risk, making more informed decisions,
reducing fraud and enhancing operational efficiency.
Segment Position
Global #1
Key verticals #1
Legal is a leading provider of information and analytics to professionals in legal, corporate,
government and non-profit organisations.
US #2
Outside US #1 or 2
Exhibitions organises over 500 exhibitions a year, attracting more than 7m attendees. The events,
and information tools provided, help exhibitors generate billions of dollars of revenues while
boosting the local economies where the events are hosted.
Global #1
* For additional information regarding revenue from our business activities and geographical markets, see market segments section starting on page 13.
Financial summary by market segment
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Unallocated items
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
2,070
1,601
1,443
857
5,971
Change
underlying*
+2%
+7%
+1%
+5%
+3%
2015
£m
760
575
274
217
(4)
1,822
Change
underlying*
+3%
+7%
+7%
+2%
+5%
*RELX Group uses adjusted and underlying figures as additional performance measures. Adjusted figures primarily exclude the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and other
items related to acquisitions and disposals, and the associated deferred tax movements. Reconciliations between the reported and adjusted figures are set out on pages 56, 58, 102
and 116. Underlying growth rates are calculated at constant currencies, and exclude the results of acquisitions and disposals made in both the year and prior year and of assets held for
sale. Underlying revenue growth rates also exclude the effects of exhibition cycling. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2014 full-year average and hedge exchange rates.
REVENUE
£5,971m
14%
35%
24%
Scientific,
Technical
& Medical
Risk &
Business
Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£1,822m
12%
15%
27%
31%
42%
Scientific,
Technical
& Medical
Risk &
Business
Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
10
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Harnessing
the power of
big data across
RELX Group:
HPCC Systems
The Group’s open source big data
technology, known as HPCC Systems
(High Performance Computing
Cluster), allows users to leverage
structured and unstructured data,
opening up huge possibilities for
our customers. It powers all of the
LexisNexis Risk Solutions’ operations
and other businesses across the
company are also capitalising on
its capabilities.
81%
more readers clicking on
recommended articles
in ScienceDirect
Librarian using the ScienceDirect platform at Leeds University
ScienceDirect Advanced
Recommender
Elsevier’s ScienceDirect platform hosts over 13m full-text science,
technology and medical articles. When researchers view an article
on ScienceDirect, the Recommender provides links to other articles that
might be of interest based on the researcher’s online search behaviour.
The Recommender was recently made even more effective by using
the power of HPCC Systems to apply a new algorithm and integrate
the product with Scopus, Elsevier’s citation and abstract database.
The number of readers clicking on recommended articles has almost
doubled as a result. By integrating these online platforms and databases,
citation information can also be used on top of measuring reading
behaviour to make even more accurate recommendations to the
readers on ScienceDirect.
Ever since we changed our approach and
implemented HPCC Systems, nearly twice as many
readers have been clicking on the recommended
articles section on the ScienceDirect article page.
That, together with first-hand user feedback,
makes us confident that researchers are noticing
the difference and liking it.
Craig Scott
Head of Product Management Capabilities
& Innovation, Elsevier
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review RELX Group
11
$500m
cost savings across
the US by using NAC
Mississippi State Capitol Building
National Accuracy
Clearinghouse (NAC)
The National Accuracy Clearinghouse (NAC) shares data about
federal food stamp programme enrollees to ensure that participants
do not fraudulently receive benefits in two or more states. Led by
Mississippi, it is a growing consortium of five states including
Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana. The NAC taps into a wealth
of identity data and leading analytics by leveraging HPCC Systems to
compare information about applicants in one member state with
data about programme recipients in the other member states,
in near real-time. Using the NAC has resulted in cost savings of
$500m nationwide.
The success of the NAC to date has been
overwhelming and when implemented nationwide
the NAC is estimated to save millions.
Joel T. Savell
NAC Project Director, Mississippi
Department of Human Services
Business review RELX Group 12
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review RELX Group
13
Market
segments
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Business review RELX Group
14
Scientific, Technical & Medical
In Scientific, Technical & Medical
markets, we provide information,
analytics and tools to help
customers make decisions
that improve scientific and
healthcare outcomes.
§§ We enhance the quality of research output by organising
the review, editing and dissemination of 16% of the world’s
scientific articles
§§ ScienceDirect, the world’s largest database of
peer-reviewed primary scientific and medical research,
has 12m monthly users
§§ Scopus is the most extensive abstract and citation
database of research literature in the world, with over
60m information records from 5,000 publishers
§§ SciVal offers insights into the research performance of
6,000 research institutions and 220 countries worldwide
§§ ClinicalKey, the flagship clinical reference platform,
is accessed by more than 3,500 institutions
Elsevier is the world’s leading provider of scientific, technical and
medical information serving scientists, health professionals and
students worldwide. Its objective is to help its customers advance
science and improve healthcare by providing world-class content,
analytics and decision tools that enable them to make critical
decisions, enhance productivity and improve outcomes.
Revenues for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £2,070m,
compared to £2,048m in 2014 and £2,126m in 2013. Elsevier is a
global business with principal operations in Amsterdam, Beijing,
Boston, Chennai, Delhi, London, Madrid, Munich, New York,
Oxford, Paris, Philadelphia, Rio de Janeiro, St Louis, San Diego,
Singapore and Tokyo. It has 7,200 employees.
Elsevier serves customers in over 170 countries. In 2015, 41% of
revenue by destination was derived from North America, 27%
from Europe and the remaining 32% from the rest of the world.
Subscription sales generated 69% of revenue, transactional
sales 29% and advertising 2%.
Elsevier serves the needs of scientific, technical and medical
markets by organising the review, editing and disseminating of
primary research, reference and education content, as well as
by providing a range of database and decision tools. Elsevier’s
customers are scientists, academic institutions, educators,
research leaders and administrators, medical researchers,
doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and students, as well
as hospitals, research institutions, health insurers, managed
healthcare organisations, research-intensive corporations and
governments. All of these customers rely on Elsevier to provide
high-quality content and critical information for making scientific
and medical decisions; review, edit, disseminate and preserve
research findings; and create innovative tools to help focus
research strategies, increase research effectiveness, improve
medical outcomes, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare and
healthcare education.
In the primary research market during 2015, over 1.3m research
papers were submitted to Elsevier. Over 17,000 editors managed
the peer review and selection of these papers, resulting in the
publication of 400,000 articles in approximately 2,500 journals,
many of which are the foremost publications in their field and a
primary point of reference for new research. This content was
accessed by around 12m people, with close to 900m full-text article
downloads last year. Elsevier’s journals are primarily produced
and delivered through the ScienceDirect platform, the world’s
largest database of scientific and medical research, hosting over
13m pieces of content, and 30,000 e-books. Flagship journals
include Cell and The Lancet families of titles.
In 2015, Elsevier launched 73 new subscription and author-pays
journals, including a new open access cross-discipline title,
Heliyon, and expanded the Cell Press collection, adding titles
such as Trends in Cancer and Cell Systems.
Elsevier is also a global leader in scientific, technical and
medical reference markets, providing authoritative and current
professional reference content. While reference has traditionally
been provided in print, Elsevier has been a leader in driving the
shift from print to electronic. Flagship titles include works such
as Gray’s Anatomy, Nelson’s Pediatrics and Netter’s Atlas of
Human Anatomy.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Business review Scientific, Technical & Medical
15
Elsevier’s flagship clinical reference platform, ClinicalKey,
provides physicians with access to leading Elsevier and
third-party reference and evidence-based medical content in
a single, fully integrated site. ClinicalKey is growing strongly,
and is currently accessed by more than 3,500 institutions.
In medical education, Elsevier serves students of medicine,
nursing and allied health professions through print and electronic
books, as well as electronic solutions. For example, HESI, an
online testing and remediation solution designed to help students
of nursing and allied health professions, conducted over 750,000
tests in 2015.
Elsevier’s products provide a range of tools and solutions for
professionals in the scientific, technical and medical fields.
Customers include academic and corporate researchers,
research administrators and healthcare professionals.
For academic and corporate researchers, significant products
include Scopus, Reaxys and Knovel. Scopus, the largest abstract
and citation database of peer-reviewed literature with over 60m
records from more than 21,000 journals and 5,000 international
publishers, allows researchers to track, analyse and visualise the
world’s research output. Reaxys supports the early stages of drug
development in the pharmaceutical industry, exploratory chemistry
research in academia, and product development in industries
such as chemicals and oil & gas. Knovel is a decision support
tool for engineers that helps them to select the right materials,
a mission-critical use case in product development across
chemicals, oil & gas and other engineering-focused industries.
Elsevier serves academic and government research
administrators through its Elsevier Research Intelligence suite
of products. Leveraging bibliometric data from Scopus and other
data types, SciVal is a decision tool that helps institutions to
establish, execute and evaluate research strategies. Pure is
a comprehensive research information management system
which enables evidence-based research management decisions,
promotes collaboration, simplifies administration and optimises
impact. Our Analytical Services team provides accurate, unbiased
analysis on research performance by combining high-quality data
sources with technical and research metrics expertise. SciVal
Funding assists researchers and institutions in identifying grants
that are most relevant in their research areas.
For healthcare professionals, Elsevier develops products to
deliver patient-specific solutions at the point of care to improve
patient outcomes. Its clinical solutions include ExitCare which
provides patient education and discharge information and
CPM Resource Center, which provides a data-driven framework
to support nurses in undertaking procedures.
Market opportunities
Scientific, technical and medical information markets have
good long-term growth characteristics. The importance of
research and development to economic performance and
competitive positioning is well understood by governments,
academic institutions and corporations. This is reflected in the
long-term growth in research and development spend and in the
number of researchers worldwide. Growth in health markets
is driven by ageing populations in developed markets, rising
prosperity in developing markets and the increasing focus
on improving medical outcomes and efficiency. Given that a
significant proportion of scientific research and healthcare
is funded directly or indirectly by governments, spending is
influenced by governmental budgetary considerations. The
commitment to research and health provision does, however,
remain high, even in more difficult budgetary environments.
Premier life sciences journal with the
highest impact factor in biochemistry
and molecular biology
The leading suite of preparation, testing and
remediation resources that generate actionable
data to prepare nursing and health profession
students for success in pursuing degrees, passing
licensure exams and starting their careers
One of the world’s leading medical journals
since 1823
Ready-to-use tools to analyse the world of
research, and establish, execute and evaluate
the best strategies for research organisations
The world’s largest database of scientific
and medical research articles
The world’s largest abstract and citation
database of peer-reviewed literature
features tools to track, analyse and
visualise scholarly research
Combines leading reference and
evidence-based medical content into its
fully integrated clinical insight engine
An innovative research management and
social collaboration platform
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 16
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Strategic priorities
Elsevier’s strategic goal is to lead the way in providing information
solutions that advance science, technology and health. To achieve
this, Elsevier creates solutions that reflect deep insight into the
way its users work and the outcomes they are seeking to achieve;
strives for excellence in content, service and execution; constantly
adapts and revitalises its products, business models and
technology; and leverages its institutional skills, assets and
resources to promote innovation and efficiency.
Elsevier’s strategic priorities are to continue to increase content
volume and quality; expand content coverage, building out
integrated solutions and decision tools combining Elsevier,
third-party and customer data; increase content utility, using
“Smart Content” to enable new e-solutions; combine content
with analytics and technology, focused on measurably improving
productivity and outcomes for customers; and continue to drive
operational efficiency and effectiveness.
In the primary research market, Elsevier aims to grow volume
through new journal launches, expansion of author-pays journals
and growth from emerging markets; enhance quality by building
on our premium brands; and add value to core platforms by
implementing new capabilities such as advanced
recommendations on ScienceDirect and social collaboration
through Mendeley.
In clinical reference markets, priorities are to expand content
coverage and ensure consistent and seamless linking of content
assets across products.
Business model, distribution channels and competition
Science and medical research is principally disseminated on
a paid subscription basis to the research facilities of academic
institutions, governments and corporations, and, in the case
of medical and healthcare journals, to individual practitioners
and medical society members. For the past decade content has
been provided free or at very low cost in over 100 countries and
territories in the developing world through Research4Life,
a United Nations partnership initiative. For a number of journals,
advertising and promotional income represents a small
proportion of revenues, predominantly from pharmaceutical
companies in healthcare titles.
Over the past 15 years alternative payment models for the
dissemination of research such as author-pays or author’s-
funder-pays have emerged. While it is expected that paid
subscription will remain the primary distribution model,
Elsevier has long invested in alternative business models to
address the needs of customers and researchers. Over 1,700
of Elsevier’s journals now offer the option of funding publication
and distribution via a sponsored article fee. In addition, Elsevier
now produces around 170 stand-alone author-pays open
access journals.
Electronic products, such as ScienceDirect, Scopus and
ClinicalKey, are generally sold direct to customers through
a dedicated sales force that has offices around the world.
Subscription agents sometimes facilitate the sales and
administrative process for remaining print sales. Reference and
educational content is sold directly to institutions and individuals
and accessed on Elsevier platforms. Sometimes it is still sold
in printed book form through retailers, wholesalers or directly
to end users.
Competition within science and medical reference content
is generally on a title-by-title and product-by-product basis.
Competition in research and reference products is typically with
learned societies and professional information providers, such
as Springer Nature, Thomson Reuters and Wolters Kluwer.
Decision tools face similar competition, as well as from software
companies and internal solutions developed by customers.
REVENUE BY FORMAT
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
£2,070m
£2,070m
Print
23%
Face-to-face
1%
Electronic
76%
Rest of world
32%
Europe 27%
North America
41%
Business review Scientific, Technical & Medical
17
2015 financial performance
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
2,070
760
2014
£m
2,048
762
Underlying
growth
+2%
+3%
Acquisitions/
disposals
0%
+1%
Currency
effects
-1%
-4%
Total
growth
+1%
0%
Key business trends remained positive in 2015, with underlying
profit growth slightly exceeding underlying revenue growth.
We saw continued good growth in databases & tools,
as well as in electronic reference and education products.
Underlying revenue growth was +2%. The difference between
the reported and underlying growth rates primarily reflects
the impact of exchange rate movements. Underlying operating
costs grew 1%.
Underlying adjusted operating profit growth of +3% was slightly
ahead of revenue growth, driving margin expansion before
currency effects. The reported margin was slightly lower, reflecting
the adverse effects of exchange rate movements in the period.
In primary research, strong growth in usage and article
submissions to subscription journals continued. In 2015 we
launched a total of 73 new journals, bringing our total journal
count to approximately 2,500, of which around 170 are
stand-alone author-pays open access journals.
Print book declines continued in line with the prior year.
Print pharma promotion revenue stabilised during the year.
2016 outlook
Our customer environment remains largely unchanged. Overall
we expect another year of modest underlying revenue growth,
with underlying operating profit growth continuing to exceed
underlying revenue growth.
REVENUE
£m
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
Underlying growth +2%
2,048
2,070
Underlying growth +3%
762
760
2014
2015
2014
2015
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 18
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Elsevier:
changing the communication
and use of science
Dr Bradford Hesse is a leader at the National
Institutes of Health’s National Cancer
Institute in the US, and one of the world’s
leading experts on oncology informatics.
He has authored or co-authored more than
170 publications and has worked with
Elsevier for the past 10 years.
Dr Hesse saw a need for a publication about how large-scale
information systems could be used to support clinical applications of
cancer research. The e-book would have to address multidisciplinary
audiences – technologists as well as clinicians.
He chose to collaborate with Elsevier because he knew that its
editors had a deep understanding of both communities, as well as the
technological expertise to help him achieve his objectives. Elsevier also
offered practical support through the use of advanced technology tools
to enhance and ease the editing process, as well as measure the impact
of the research. His e-book, called Oncology Informatics: Using Health
Information Technology to Improve Processes and Outcomes in Cancer,
will be issued by Elsevier in 2016.
Elsevier’s cutting edge expertise and undaunted commitment
have been invaluable as we prepare to publish my work.
It knows how to reach a multidisciplinary audience and has
provided me with both the technology and personal support
I needed every step of the way.
Dr. Bradford Hesse
Chief, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch
at the National Cancer Institute, one of the institutes within the
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Dr Bradford Hesse, Chief, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute (one of the institutes within the National Institutes of Health)
Business review Scientific, Technical & Medical
19
About Elsevier e-books
Unlike traditional paper books or early PDF versions
of print, Elsevier e-books are technology-laden,
with features such as the ability to search and
download individual chapters. Users can also
download individual figures, tables and datasets
as well as entire e-books for use on mobile devices.
Readers can also link out to other web content
and articles.
National Cancer Institute building, Maryland
Dr Bradford Hesse, Chief, Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch at the National Cancer Institute (one of the institutes within the National Institutes of Health)
20
Risk & Business Analytics
In Risk & Business Analytics
we provide information-based
analytics and decision tools that
enable customers to evaluate
and manage risk.
§ 70% of car owners in the US have lower premiums thanks
to Risk Solutions products.
§ Accuity helps banks and financial institutions by providing
Anti-Money Laundering solutions.
§ Tax Refund Investigative Solution (TRIS) has saved taxpayers
in 8 US states over $500m.
§ eCrash cuts the average time it takes to file a traffic accident
report from 60 minutes to 19, reducing the threat to life for
police officers at the scene.
§ More than 800,000 unique visitors per month rely on
Flightglobal to deliver the latest news and most reliable data
on the aviation industry.
Risk & Business Analytics is a leading provider of solutions that
combine public and industry-specific information with analytics
and decision tools. These solutions assist customers in evaluating
and predicting risk, making more informed decisions, and
enhancing operational efficiency. It serves customers in over
170 countries.
Revenues for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £1,601m,
compared with £1,439m in 2014 and £1,480m in 2013. Risk &
Business Analytics has principal operations in Georgia, Florida,
Illinois and Ohio in the US and London, Amsterdam and Shanghai.
It has 7,600 employees.
In 2015, 76% of revenue came from North America, 19% from
Europe and the remaining 5% from the rest of the world. In 2015,
35% of revenues were derived from subscription sales, 62% from
transactional sales and 3% from advertising. Electronic sales
accounted for 89% of Risk & Business Analytics’ revenue.
Risk & Business Analytics is organised around market-facing
industry/sector groups: Insurance Solutions, Business Services,
Government Solutions, Health Care Solutions, as well as Major
Data Services (including banking, energy and chemicals, human
resources) and Other Brands and Services.
Insurance Solutions, the largest segment, provides
comprehensive data, analytics and decision tools for personal,
commercial and life insurance carriers in the US to improve
critical aspects of their business, from customer acquisition and
underwriting to claims handling. Information solutions, including
the most comprehensive US personal loss history database,
C.L.U.E., help insurers assess risks and provide important inputs
to pricing and underwriting insurance policies. Additional key
products include LexisNexis Data Prefill, which provides
information on potential and existing customers directly into
the insurance workstream including mobile platforms, and
LexisNexis Current Carrier, which identifies current or previous
insurance coverage details as well as any lapses in coverage.
In the US, Insurance Solutions remains focused on delivering
innovative decision tools to insurers. We have continued expansion
of driving behaviour products to include two new states in 2015.
These products aggregate state-specific court data to provide
insurers with vital traffic violation information for use in
underwriting. We are advancing our strategy to drive more
consistency and efficiency in the claims workstream through our
innovative solution suite, Claims Compass. In addition, we have
launched our Risk Classifier solution, which uses public and motor
vehicle records and predictive modelling to allow life insurers to
better understand risk and improve underwriting efficiency.
Insurance Solutions also continues to make progress in
international markets. In the UK, the contributory No Claims
Discount (NCD) module, which automates verification of
consumers’ claims history, has achieved data contribution from
over 80% of the UK auto insurance sector. In China, the Genilex
joint venture is delivering key vehicle data to auto insurers and is
exploring opportunities to add more analytics solutions.
Business Services provides financial institutions with risk
management, identity management, fraud detection and
prevention, credit risk decisioning and compliance solutions.
These include Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money
Laundering products. The business also provides risk and
identity management solutions for corporate customers in
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Business review Risk & Business Analytics
21
retail, telecommunications and utilities sectors. Receivables
management solutions help debt recovery professionals in the
segmentation, management and collection of consumer and
business debt.
In 2015, Business Services was approved by the Small Business
Financial Exchange, Inc. to be an SBFE Certified Vendor, which
will allow for predictive capabilities combining our extensive
US business and consumer data with SBFE’s business
payment-performance data. Recent partnerships will broaden
the use of alternative data to identify creditworthy individuals
who would otherwise be unlikely to obtain traditional credit.
Business Services also continues to advance its international
strategy with the expansion of its international sales force,
upgrades of Bridger Insight XG, a Bank Secrecy Act and
Anti-Money Laundering solution, the WorldCompliance
heightened risk individuals database, and the launch of a
global version of identity verification solution, Instant Verify.
Government Solutions provides data and analytics to US federal,
state and local law enforcement and government agencies to
help solve criminal and intelligence cases and to identify fraud,
waste and abuse in government programmes. In 2015, the group
partnered with five states to launch the National Accuracy
Clearinghouse (NAC), a cross-state contributory database of
benefits information to identify food assistance fraud in real-time.
During the year, Government Solutions also enhanced its
investigative offering for law enforcement through the acquisition
of Bair Analytics, a provider of crime intelligence analytics.
Health Care Solutions utilises consumer, provider and medical
claims data to deliver leading identity, fraud and clinical analytics
solutions across key stages of the healthcare workflow to enable
intelligent decision-making for payers, providers, life sciences
organisations and pharmacies. Key developments in 2015 include
successfully launching a health insurance fraud detection
consortium in Ohio and quantifying the socio-economic
determinants of health to help inform the population health
programmes of healthcare organisations.
Major Data Services include Accuity, a provider of services
and solutions to the banking and corporate sectors focused on
payment efficiency, Know Your Customer, Anti-Money Laundering
and compliance; ICIS, an information and data service in
chemicals, energy and fertilisers; XpertHR, an online service
providing regulatory guidance, best practices and tools for HR
professionals; and Nextens, a provider of tools and services to
allow tax professionals to work efficiently and give advice to their
customers. During 2014, Accuity completed the acquisition of
FircoSoft, a leading provider of watch list filtering solutions for
financial institutions and corporates and a focus in 2015 has been
to leverage the combination to strengthen customer propositions.
Other Brands and Services include Flightglobal, Proagrica and
Estates Gazette and deliver a mix of high-quality data, decision
tools and high-value news, information and opinion to business
professionals across many industry sectors while also providing
an effective marketing channel for customers. During the year
Adaptris Group, a provider of supply chain integration and data
solutions for the global agriculture industry, was acquired.
Risk & Business Analytics also provides risk-related solutions
to the legal industry through LexisNexis Legal & Professional.
The risk and identity management solutions described above
utilise a comprehensive database of public records and proprietary
information with more than two petabytes of unique data, which
makes it the largest database of its kind in the US market today.
Our market-leading HPCC Systems technology enables Risk &
Business Analytics to provide its customers with highly relevant
decision-making insights and to create new, low-cost solutions
quickly and efficiently. It is also increasingly used across other
Group market segments, including Scientific, Technical & Medical,
Legal and Exhibitions.
In 2015, Risk & Business Analytics continued to reshape its
portfolio, exiting areas not core to its strategy. The divestitures of
Cordell in Australia and the remaining stake in RCD completed the
exit from construction data markets. A number of magazine titles
in the UK and Netherlands were also divested.
LexisNexis Data Prefill
Tool to automate insurance application
process providing critical information
insurers need to quote and underwrite a policy
within direct, online or mobile transactions
C.L.U.E.
Most comprehensive US personal insurance
claims database
National Accuracy
Clearinghouse
Award-winning multi-state contributory
solution that helps resolve duplicate
benefits and identity-based fraud across
food stamp programmes
Payment efficiency solutions, Anti-Money
Laundering and Know Your Customer
services and compliance tools for the banking
and corporate sectors worldwide
Global provider of news, price benchmarks,
data, analytics and research to the energy,
chemical and fertiliser industries
Population Health Monitor
A risk stratification solution powered by
award-winning MEDai Science® that uses
predictive modelling to identify patient-
specific risk drivers allowing physicians,
case/care managers and administrative
managers to improve health outcomes
through proactive care management
Data, news and advisory services for
professionals working in the global
aviation industry
LexisNexis RiskView
A pioneering tool that uses public records and
non-traditional data to accurately assess the
creditworthiness of 53m thin file and no file
individuals – 25m individuals with no credit
history, plus 28m individuals with little
traditional credit history
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 22
Market opportunities
Risk & Business Analytics operates in markets with strong
long-term growth in demand for high-quality analytics based
on industry information and insight including: insurance
underwriting transactions; insurance, healthcare, tax and
entitlement fraud; credit defaults and financial fraud; regulatory
compliance and due diligence requirements surrounding
customer enrolment; security and privacy considerations;
and data and analytics for the banking, energy and chemicals,
human resources and aviation sectors.
In the insurance segment, growth is supported by increasing
transactional activity in the auto, property and life insurance
markets and the increasing adoption by insurance carriers
of more sophisticated data and analytics in the prospecting,
underwriting and claims evaluation processes, to assess
underwriting risk, increase competitiveness and improve
operating cost efficiency. Transactional activity is driven by growth
in insurance quoting and policy switching, as consumers seek
better policy terms. This activity is stimulated by competition
among insurance companies, high levels of carrier advertising,
and rising levels of internet quoting and policy binding.
A number of factors support growth in banking and financial
services markets, including cross-border payments and trade
finance levels, new credit originations, continued high fraud losses,
stringent regulatory compliance requirements and increasing
anti-money laundering fines. In receivables management, demand
is driven mainly by levels of consumer debt and the prospect of
recovering that debt, which is impacted by employment conditions
in the US. In corporate markets, demand is supported by growth in
online retail sales and continued high levels of credit card fraud.
Growth in government markets is driven by the increasing use of
data and analytics to combat criminal activity, fraud and tax evasion,
and to address security issues. The level and timing of demand in
this market is influenced by government funding and revenue
considerations. In healthcare, there are numerous growth drivers
for identity, fraud and clinical analytics solutions including the
expansion of insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act
and the focus on value-based care and better patient outcomes.
Growth in the global energy and chemicals markets is driven by
increasing trade and demand for more sophisticated information
solutions. Risk & Business Analytics’ aviation information
markets are being driven by increases in air traffic and in the
number of aircraft transactions.
Strategic priorities
Risk & Business Analytics’ strategic goal is to help businesses
and governments achieve better outcomes with information
and decision support in its individual markets through better
understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with
individuals, other businesses, transactions and regulations.
By providing the highest quality industry data and decision
tools, we assist customers in understanding their markets and
managing risks efficiently and cost-effectively. To achieve this,
Risk & Business Analytics is focused on: delivering innovative
new products; expanding the range of risk management solutions
across adjacent markets; addressing international opportunities
in selected markets to meet local needs; further growing its data
services businesses and continuing to strengthen its content,
technology and analytical capabilities.
REVENUE BY FORMAT
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
£1,601m
Print 9%
Face-to-face
2%
£1,601m
Rest of world
5%
Europe
19%
Electronic
89%
North
America
76%
GROWTH IN DRIVER BEHAVIOUR TRANSACTIONS
INCREASING KYC DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE VIA ACCUITY
+48%
+20%
2014
2015
2014
2015
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review Risk & Business Analytics
23
Business model, distribution channels and competition
Risk & Business Analytics’ products are for the most part
sold directly, typically on a subscription or transactional basis.
Pricing is predominantly on a transactional basis for insurance
carriers and corporations, and primarily on a subscription basis
for government entities.
In the insurance sector, Verisk sells data and analytics solutions
to insurance carriers but largely addresses different activities.
Principal competitors in business services and government
segments include Thomson Reuters and major credit bureaus,
which in many cases address different activities in these
segments as well.
Major Data Services and Other Brands and Services compete
with a number of information providers on a service and
title-by-title basis including: Platts, Thomson Reuters and IHS
as well as many niche and privately owned competitors.
Across Risk & Business Analytics, transactional and subscription
revenues now account for 97% of the total business with the
remaining 3% derived from advertising.
2015 financial performance
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
1,601
575
2014
£m
1,439
506
Underlying
growth
Acquisitions/
disposals
+7%
+7%
-1%
0%
Currency
effects
+5%
+7%
Total
growth
+11%
+14%
Underlying revenue growth accelerated in 2015, with strong
growth across all key segments. Underlying profit growth
matched underlying revenue growth.
Underlying revenue growth was +7%. The difference between
the reported and underlying growth rates reflects the impact of
exchange rate movements and a minor effect from portfolio
changes. Underlying operating costs grew 7%, in line with revenue.
Underlying adjusted operating profit growth was +7%.
The reported margin expansion reflected a small underlying
improvement together with a benefit from currency effects.
home insurance. The international initiatives continued to progress
well, with strong growth in the UK, albeit from a small base.
In Business Services, growth was driven by demand for identity
authentication and fraud detection solutions across the financial
services and corporate sectors.
The state and local and federal government segments achieved
strong growth, and expansion in healthcare is progressing well.
Major Data Services saw strong underlying revenue growth,
and Other Brands and Services remained stable.
The insurance segment continued to see strong growth, driven
by volume growth in the US auto underwriting business, strong
take-up of new products and services across the insurance
workflow, and expansion in adjacent verticals including life and
2016 outlook
The fundamental growth drivers of Risk & Business Analytics
remain strong. We expect underlying revenue and operating profit
growth trends to continue.
REVENUE
£m
Underlying growth +7%
1,601
1,439
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
Underlying growth +7%
575
506
2014
2015
2014
2015
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 24
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
LexisNexis
Risk Solutions:
helping provide
affordable loans
In 1940, employees of the Hughes Aircraft
Company were spending too much of their
lunchtime driving to downtown Los Angeles
to handle their finances, so they started
a credit union at the plant. 75 years later,
Kinecta Federal credit union is now one of
the leading credit unions in the US, with
more than $3.8bn in assets and serving
over 270,000 member-owners nationwide.
Kinecta acquired Nix Check Cashing in 2007
and changed the name to Nix Neighborhood
Lending in 2014 to reflect the wider array of
consumer financial products and services
offered by Kinecta to underserved
communities in Los Angeles.
Kinecta, along with its wholly owned subsidiary Nix Neighborhood
Lending (Nix), sought to disrupt the US $46bn, short-term lending
industry by giving low-income borrowers an alternative to relying on
high, and in some cases triple-digit, interest rate loans to pay everyday
expenses. Kinecta innovated the “Payday Payoff” loan that eliminates a
consumer’s costly short-term loans and replaces that debt with a much
more affordable installment loan that fully amortises in six to 24 months.
Short-term loan borrowers are vulnerable to small swings in their
income and often do not have traditional credit files; therefore creating
a reliable underwriting system for these borrowers is challenging.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Kinecta worked together to develop a
model to qualify applicants and manage default risk using LexisNexis
Risk Solutions RiskView Score. Since June 2014, Nix has issued over
9,500 loans that have helped thousands of low-income families get out
of high-cost debt and build their credit history.
A Nix branch in the greater Los Angeles area
As a credit union, our fundamental objective is
to serve our members. We saw a great need in
the community to offer a smart and responsible
alternative to payday loans, which snared people
into a cycle of ‘never getting ahead.’ LexisNexis
Risk Solutions is a critical partner for us as
we utilise RiskView to better society at large
by having an expanded view into a borrower’s
creditworthiness, beyond just a traditional credit-
bureau score. With RiskView and the Payday
Payoff loan, we can treat people with respect
as they navigate often confusing financial waters.
Luis Peralta
President of Nix Neighborhood Lending
Business review Risk & Business Analytics
25
9,500
loans issued to help
low-income families
A Nix branch in the greater Los Angeles area
About LexisNexis Risk Solutions RiskView
LexisNexis Risk Solutions RiskView is a suite of
FCRA-regulated credit risk scores and attributes
based on alternative data that leverages hundreds
of data sources, including property records, court
records, professional licences and other public
record data. It is recognised as a tool that enables
financial services companies to expand their
addressable market to include more people in the
financial system while not adding in additional risk
to the financial system.
A Nix teller assisting a customer with a check cashing
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 26
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Flightglobal:
innovation for
key players
in aviation
Bombardier is one of the world’s leading
innovators and manufacturers of
transportation and mobility solutions.
The 70-year-old Montreal-based company
employs 74,000 people with 80 production
and engineering sites in 28 countries.
It generated $20.1bn in revenue in 2014.
Bombardier is a leading provider of aviation solutions with an
award-winning aircraft portfolio. An effective way to enhance this
position is to use the most up-to-date intelligence, analytics and
datasets to make better business decisions. Choosing a data
provider is an important decision that can influence the efficiency
and overall effectiveness of Bombardier’s aerospace professionals.
Bombardier relies on Flightglobal’s Fleets Analyzer. Marketing,
business development, technical and customer service
professionals use the product to gain a complete understanding of
the global aircraft fleet. The quality of the data and market-leading
analysis helps them identify new business opportunities,
understand the event history of individual aircraft and forecast
strategic growth within critical market segments.
The new Bombardier CS300 aircraft displaying at the 2015 Paris air show
About Fleets Analyzer
Fleets Analyzer gives today’s aviation professionals
access to the industry’s most trusted, reliable
and timely aircraft data. The new platform helps
professionals gain a complete understanding of the
global fleet with access to the most comprehensive
aerospace database in the world, refreshed daily,
on one simplified platform.
Business review Risk & Business Analytics
27
350,000
aircraft in
Fleets Analyzer
database
Fleets Analyzer has brought a significant amount of ease
and efficiency to my colleagues at Bombardier. We always
relied upon Flightglobal for the most respected, accurate
fleet data, and now with online access we’re able to move
quickly with a clear understanding of where the real
opportunities are. We have definitely noticed the
difference and have experienced positive change
since migrating our employees to the new platform.
Nicolas Daigle
Manager, Technical Services & Customer Analytics
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft
Nicolas Daigle working with Fleets Analyzer
28
Legal
In Legal markets, we are a leading
global provider of information and
analytical tools to professionals in
legal, corporate, government and
non-profit organisations.
§ MedMal Navigator identifies the ideal experts and locates
full text journal articles for medical malpractice lawyers.
Serving customers in more than 130 countries, LexisNexis
Legal & Professional provides resources and services that
inform decisions, increase productivity and drive new business.
Revenues for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £1,443m,
compared to £1,396m in 2014 and £1,567m in 2013. LexisNexis
Legal & Professional is headquartered in New York and has
principal operations in the New York area, Ohio and North Carolina
in the US, Toronto in Canada, London and Paris in Europe, and
cities in several other countries in Africa and Asia Pacific. It has
10,500 employees worldwide.
By destination, 68% of revenue in 2015 was derived from North
America, 21% from Europe and the remaining 11% from the rest
of the world. In 2015, 79% of the revenue came from subscription
sales and 21% from transactional sales.
§ LexisNexis publishes many of the world’s primary laws.
Almost 4bn people around the world live outside the
protection of the rule of law. We continue our collaboration
with the United Nations to develop the Global Rule of Law
Business Principles.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional is organised in market-facing
groups. These are supported by global shared services
organisations providing platform and product development,
operational and distribution services, and other support
functions.
§ More than 4bn connections within the LexisNexis database
are continually explored and updated to deliver the latest
legal information via computer, tablet or smartphone.
§ TolleyGuidance offers online access to the most up-to-date
UK tax information, combining expert commentary with
practical advice.
In North America, electronic information solutions and innovative
tools from Research Solutions help legal and business
professionals make better informed decisions in the practice of
law and in managing their businesses. Flagship products for legal
research are Lexis.com and Lexis Advance, which provide federal
and state statutes and case law, together with analysis and expert
commentaries from sources such as Matthew Bender and Michie
and the leading citation service Shepard’s, which advises on the
continuing relevance of case law precedents. Research solutions
also include news and business information, ranging from daily
news to company filings, as well as public records information and
analytics. LexisNexis also partners with law schools to provide
services to students as part of their training.
In 2015, LexisNexis continued to release new versions of Lexis
Advance, an innovative web application designed to transform
how legal professionals conduct research. Built on the New Lexis
advanced technology platform, Lexis Advance allows primary
researchers within legal and professional organisations to find
relevant information more easily and efficiently, helping to drive
better outcomes. Future releases will continue to expand content
and outreach and add new innovative tools. LexisNexis employs
lawyers and trained editors with professional legal backgrounds
who review, annotate and update the legal content to help ensure
each document in the collection is current and comprehensive.
This domain expertise combined with the application of the
Group’s big data HPCC Systems technology means LexisNexis is
able to update its entire legal collection faster and more efficiently,
while also identifying and linking content, enabling customers to
identify previously undiscovered relationships between documents.
New analytical tools and content sets are regularly introduced
on Lexis Advance. For example, in 2015 LexisNexis launched
new LexisNexis Practice Pages, which bring together solutions,
authoritative legal and news sources, analysis and insights that
are most relevant to specific practice areas or jurisdictions.
LexisNexis also continued to enhance its web-based practical
guidance product Lexis Practice Advisor, a tailored solution
for attorneys who handle transactional matters. In addition,
LexisNexis released Lexis Advance Quicklaw in the Canadian
market in 2015.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review Legal
29
LexisNexis Business & Litigation Software Solutions provides law
firms with practice management solutions, including time and
billing systems, case management, cost recovery and document
management services. Its litigation software provides lawyers
with a suite of tools covering case preparation to processing and
review to trial preparation. During 2015, LexisNexis released
multiple enhancements for its existing portfolio of products
including CounselLink, PCLaw, Sanction and Firm Manager.
In international markets outside the US, LexisNexis serves
legal, corporate, government, accounting and academic
markets in Europe, Canada, Africa and Asia Pacific with local
and international legal, regulatory and business information.
The most significant businesses are in the UK, France, Australia,
Canada and South Africa.
LexisNexis focuses on providing customers with leading
collections of content and innovative online solutions to help
legal and business professionals make better decisions more
efficiently. Adoption of online information services has grown
strongly and electronic solutions now account for 67% of
revenue outside the US.
In the UK, LexisNexis is a leading legal information provider
offering an unrivalled collection of primary and secondary
legislation, case law, expert commentary, and forms and
precedents. Its extensive portfolio includes a number of leading
brands: Halsbury’s, Tolleys and Butterworths. The content is
delivered through multiple formats – from print to online to
mobile apps and embedded in customers’ work practices.
In 2015, LexisNexis launched a new Public Law module for the
UK LexisPSL product suite which provides lawyers with a single
destination for their practical legal information needs with direct
links to the relevant cases, legislation, precedents, forms,
practical guidance and expert commentary.
In France, LexisNexis is a leading online provider of information
to lawyers, notaries and courts. JurisClasseur and other leading
authoritative content is provided through multiple formats –
lexisnexis.fr, mobile and in print. These content sources are, as in
the UK, being combined with new content and innovative decision
tools to develop practical guidance and practice management
solutions. In 2015, LexisNexis France launched new versions
and additional packages to enhance Lexis 360, the first online
semantic search tool combining legal information, practical
content and results from the web by providing tailored solutions
for the public sector and the accounting markets.
Additional practical guidance solutions were launched in Canada,
South Africa and Australia. Following the continued success of
Lexis Advance in the US, LexisNexis successfully released its
commercial offer of Lexis Advance in Australia in February 2015.
In 2015, LexisNexis Legal & Professional strengthened its
positions in Asia by introducing products created specifically for
legal professionals and practitioners, corporate counsels, legal
researchers and government institutions in markets including
India, China and Japan. New practical guidance modules were
added to offerings in China, Hong Kong and Japan. LexisNexis
also continued investing to broaden offerings in India, Singapore
and other countries in the region.
Market opportunities
Longer-term growth in legal and regulatory markets worldwide
is driven by increasing levels of legislation, regulation, regulatory
complexity and litigation, and an increasing number of lawyers.
Additional market opportunities are presented by the increasing
demand for online information solutions, legal analytics and other
solutions as well as practice management tools that improve the
quality and productivity of research, deliver better legal outcomes
and improve business performance. Notwithstanding this, legal
activity and legal information markets are also influenced by
economic conditions and corporate activity, as has been seen
with the subdued environment in North America and Europe in
the aftermath of the global recession.
LexisNexis® UK flagship legal online product
LexisNexis® UK legal practical
guidance service
Matthew Bender®
Critical analysis, checklists, forms and
practice guides authored by industry experts
covering over 50 major practice areas
Premier citations service
New online legal research tool that
transforms the way legal professionals
conduct research
New resource that offers guidance to help
attorneys handle transactional matters
more efficiently and effectively
Leading legal news provider covering the
entire spectrum of practice areas every
single business day
Lexis®
Unparalleled legal, news and public records
content for legal professionals
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 30
Strategic priorities
LexisNexis Legal & Professional’s strategic goal is to enable
better legal outcomes and be the leading provider of productivity-
enhancing information, analytics and information-based decision
tools in its market. To achieve this, LexisNexis is focused on
introducing next generation products and solutions on the global
New Lexis platform and infrastructure; leveraging New Lexis
globally to continue to drive print-to-electronic migration and
long-term international growth; and upgrading operational
infrastructure, improving process efficiency and gradually
improving margins.
In the US, LexisNexis’ focus is on the continuing development of
next generation legal research and practice solutions. It is also
conducting a major upgrade in operations infrastructure and
customer service and support platforms. This will provide
customers with an integrated and superior experience across
multiple products and solutions. Over the next few years,
progressive product introductions, often based on the New
Lexis platform, leveraging big data HPCC Systems technology,
will combine advanced technology with enriched content,
sophisticated analytics and applications to enable LexisNexis’
customers to make better legal decisions and drive better
outcomes for their organisations and clients.
Outside the US, LexisNexis is focused on growing online
services and developing further high-quality actionable content
and decision tools, including the continuous development of
practical guidance and practice management applications.
In 2016, LexisNexis will continue to expand the New Lexis
platform globally. Additionally, LexisNexis is focusing on the
expansion of its activities in emerging markets.
Business model, distribution channels and competition
LexisNexis Legal & Professional products and services
are generally sold directly to law firms and to corporate,
government, accounting and academic customers on a paid
subscription basis, with subscriptions with law firms often
under multi-year contracts.
Principal competitors for LexisNexis in US legal markets
are Westlaw (Thomson Reuters), CCH (Wolters Kluwer)
and Bloomberg. In news and business information they are
Bloomberg and Factiva (News Corporation). Competitors
in litigation solutions also include software companies.
Significant international competitors include Thomson
Reuters, Wolters Kluwer and Factiva.
REVENUE BY FORMAT
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
£1,443m
Print
20%
Face-to-face
1%
£1,443m
Rest of world
11%
Europe
21%
Electronic
79%
North America
68%
LEXIS ADVANCE CUSTOMER ADOPTION
NUMBER OF LEXIS ADVANCE MOBILE SEARCHES
82%
90%
+31%
2014
2015
2014
2015
Increasing uptake of next generation legal platform.
Increasing use of Lexis Advance via mobile.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Business review Legal
31
2015 financial performance
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
1,443
274
2014
£m
1,396
260
Underlying
growth
Acquisitions/
disposals
+1%
+7%
0%
-2%
Currency
effects
+2%
0%
Total
growth
+3%
+5%
Key trends were unchanged in 2015. Underlying revenue
growth remained modest, with efficiency gains driving strong
underlying operating profit growth and improved margins.
Underlying revenue growth was +1%. The difference between
the reported and underlying growth rates reflects the impact
of exchange rate movements and minor portfolio changes.
Underlying adjusted operating profit growth was +7%, and
underlying costs reduced by 1%. The margin increase of 40
basis points reflects organic process improvement, and the
ongoing decommissioning of systems, partially offset by
small portfolio effects and currency movements.
Electronic revenues, which now account for 79% of the total,
saw continued growth, partially offset by print declines.
US and European markets remained stable but subdued.
In other international markets we continued to see good growth.
The roll-out of new platform releases in the US and
international markets continued, and adoption and usage
rates progressed well.
In 2015 we continued to support underlying growth through
a number of small acquisitions and disposal of some
minor assets.
2016 outlook
Trends in our major customer markets are unchanged,
continuing to limit the scope for underlying revenue growth.
We expect underlying profit growth to remain strong.
REVENUE
£m
Underlying growth +1%
1,396
1,443
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
Underlying growth +7%
260
274
2014
2015
2014
2015
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 32
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Lexis for Microsoft Office:
working faster and better
Nick Critelli of CritelliLaw
Lexis for Microsoft Office has reduced the
amount of time it takes me to assemble legal
documents by about 50%. It helps me to make
order out of chaos by giving me speed, accuracy
and integration. This technology allows me to
work faster and better.
Nick Critelli
Founder and Managing Partner, CritelliLaw, PC
CritelliLaw, PC is a specialist law firm of
American trial lawyers who have also
qualified at the English Bar as barristers.
With offices in Iowa and London, the firm
offers a bespoke service helping other
lawyers prepare and argue international
cases for trial, mediation or arbitration.
Founder Nick Critelli is the first practising
American lawyer since 1919 to be
designated a Master of the Bench at the
Middle Temple, one of the Inns of Court
in London.
As recently as five years ago, CritelliLaw was using a large number
of individual products to draft legal documents. The information
was assembled in a piecemeal fashion that was time-consuming
and inefficient. Since selecting Lexis for Microsoft Office as
its integrated legal drafting tool, the firm has seen exceptional
results in productivity and cost-effectiveness as the seamless
process brings disparate content together in one place. A legal
memorandum, skeleton argument or brief can be drafted at the
same time that it’s being researched. Tasks which used to take
several days are now accomplished in a few hours or less. The
ability for Lexis for Microsoft Office to integrate legal research and
analysis tools while checking citations and preparing appropriate
tables of authorities has also proven critical to the overall quality
of work produced by the firm.
Middle Temple is one of the Inns of Court in London
Business review Legal
33
About Lexis for Microsoft Office
Lexis for Microsoft Office is a drafting and review tool
that helps professionals reduce the time they spend on
drafting or responding to legal documents by running the
tool within Word documents and Outlook emails. It is
combined with content from Lexis Advance to increase
accuracy when accessing forms, researching, checking
citations and quotes and building tables of authorities
as well as easily converting PDFs to Word documents.
50%
less time taken
to assemble legal
documents
Iowa State Law Library, Des Moines
34
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Exhibitions
We operate the world’s leading
exhibitions business, with over 500
events in more than 30 countries.
Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio of events serves 43 industry sectors
across the globe. In 2015, Reed Exhibitions brought together over
7m event participants from around the world, generating billions
of dollars of business, facilitating entry into new markets for its
customers and boosting the local economies where the events
are hosted.
§ Reed Exhibitions’ portfolio of exhibitions and conferences
serves 43 industry sectors across the globe.
§ In 2015, Reed Exhibitions brought together over 7m event
participants, generating billions of dollars of business.
§ Reed Exhibitions facilitates entry into new markets for
customers and boosts local economies where our events
are hosted.
§ We proactively connect participants at our events. Our digital
services enable participants to make new contacts and meet
face-to-face to do business.
Revenues for the year ended 31 December 2015 were £857m
compared to £890m in 2014 and £862m in 2013. Reed Exhibitions
is a global business headquartered in London and has principal
offices in Paris, Vienna, Norwalk (Connecticut), São Paulo,
Mexico City, Abu Dhabi, Moscow, Beijing, Tokyo and Sydney.
Reed Exhibitions has 3,800 employees worldwide.
In 2015, 20% of Reed Exhibitions’ revenue came from North
America, 42% from Europe and the remaining 38% from the rest
of the world on an event location basis.
Reed Exhibitions organises market-leading events which are
relevant to industry needs, where participants from around the
world meet face-to-face to do business, to network and to learn.
Its events encompass a wide range of sectors. They include
construction, cosmetics, electronics, energy and alternative
energy, engineering, entertainment, gifts and jewellery,
healthcare, hospitality, interior design, logistics, manufacturing,
pharmaceuticals, real estate, recreation, security and safety,
transport and travel.
Market opportunities
Growth in the exhibitions market is influenced both by
business-to-business marketing spend and by business
investment. Historically, these have been driven by levels of
corporate profitability, which in turn has followed overall growth
in GDP. Emerging markets and higher growth sectors provide
additional opportunities. Reed Exhibitions’ broad geographical
footprint allows it to effectively and efficiently capture growth
opportunities globally as they emerge.
As some events are held other than annually, growth in any
one year is affected by the cycle of non-annual exhibitions.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Business review Exhibitions
35
Strategic priorities
Reed Exhibitions’ strategic goal is to understand and to respond
to its customers’ evolving needs and objectives better than its
competition through deep knowledge of its customers and the
markets they serve.
In 2015 Reed Exhibitions launched 44 new events. These included
many events which delivered on the strategy of taking sector
expertise, customer relationships and leading brands from one
market and extending them into new geographies using local
operational capability.
Reed Exhibitions delivers a platform for industry communities
to conduct business, to network and to learn through a range
of market-leading events in all major geographic markets and
higher growth sectors, enabling exhibitors to target and reach
new customers quickly and cost-effectively.
One of Reed Exhibitions’ best-known brands, Mipim, which serves
the global real estate industry, built on the successful launch of a
London edition in 2014 with Mipim Japan in Tokyo in 2015. Another
brand, Maison&Objet, continued its geographic expansion strategy
with the launch of Maison&Objet Americas in Miami.
Organic growth will be achieved by continuing to generate greater
customer value through the intelligent application of customer
knowledge and data, by developing new events, and by building
out technology platforms to ensure the rapid deployment of
innovation and best practices across the organisation. Reed
Exhibitions is also shaping its portfolio through a combination of
strategic partnerships and acquisitions in high-growth sectors
and geographies, as well as by withdrawing from markets and
industries with lower growth prospects over the longer-term.
Reed Exhibitions is committed to improving customer solutions
and experience continuously by developing global technology
platforms based on industry databases, digital tools and analytics.
By providing a variety of services, including its integrated web
platform, the company continues to drive up customer satisfaction.
Increasingly, digital and multichannel services such as active
matchmaking are becoming part of the customer expectation
and product offering, enhancing the value delivered through
attendance at the event. Using customer insights, Reed Exhibitions
has developed an innovative product offering which underpins
the value proposition for exhibitors by broadening their options
in terms of the type and location of stand they take and the
channels through which they can address potential buyers.
With the opening of the new mega-venue in Shanghai, three
existing brands were combined and re-launched as The Health
Industry Summit, serving the complete value chain of the rapidly
growing healthcare market in China.
Reed Exhibitions Japan also continued its successful launch
programme, with the highlight being Medical Japan in Osaka
which is positioned to cover the entire healthcare industry.
The business-to-consumer Pop Culture portfolio added again
to its number of events with the launch of PAX South in Texas.
A number of targeted acquisitions and investments were
completed during 2015. These included C-Touch in China
(touchscreen technology and manufacturing), Bar Convent Berlin
(hospitality), ThinkGP in Australia (online medical education),
Jewelers International Showcase (US jewellery industry), CNP in
the US (security industry) and Legend in the UK (retail industry).
Thebe Reed invested in Africa Automation (industrial automation
in South Africa).
MIPIM: The world’s property market
FIBO: A leading international trade show for
fitness, wellness & health
Sino Corrugated Shanghai: A world-
leading corrugated manufacturing show
World Travel Market: Premier global event for
the travel industry
Batimat: A leading international trade-fair for
the building industry
Metalex: ASEAN’s international machine
tool & metalworking technology exhibition
ISC West: International Security Conference
IT Week Spring: Japan’s largest IT show
Salão Duas Rodas: Brazil’s biggest
two-wheel event
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 36
Business model, distribution channels and competition
Over 70% of Exhibitions’ revenue is derived from exhibitor fees,
with the balance primarily consisting of admission charges,
conference fees, sponsorship fees and online and offline
advertising. Exhibition space is sold directly or through local
agents where applicable. Reed Exhibitions often works in
collaboration with trade associations, which use the events to
promote access for members to domestic and export markets,
and with governments, for whom events can provide important
support to stimulate foreign investment and promote regional
and national enterprise. Increasingly, Reed Exhibitions is offering
visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to interact before and after
the show through the use of digital tools such as online directories
and matchmaking and mobile apps.
Reed Exhibitions is the global market leader in a fragmented
industry, holding less than a 10% global market share. Other
international exhibition organisers include UBM, Informa IIR and
some of the larger German Messen, including Messe Frankfurt,
Messe Düsseldorf and Messe Munich. Competition also comes
from industry trade associations and convention centre and
exhibition hall owners.
REVENUE BY FORMAT
REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET*
£857m
Electronic 3%
£857m
Rest of world
38%
Face-to-face
97%
*On an event location basis.
North America
20%
Europe
42%
NUMBER OF EVENT LAUNCHES
EVENTS REVENUES BY SOURCE
44
36
2014
2015
Other 28%
Exhibition
fees 72%
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Business review Exhibitions
37
2015 financial performance
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
857
217
2014
£m
890
217
Underlying
growth
Acquisitions/
disposals
+5%
+2%
+1%
+3%
Currency
effects
-5%
-5%
Total
growth
-4%
0%
Exhibitions achieved strong underlying revenue growth in 2015,
albeit slightly below the prior year, reflecting the macro
economic environment.
China continued to see differentiated growth rates by industry
sector. Revenues in Brazil reflected the general weakness of the
wider economy. Most other markets continued to grow strongly.
Underlying revenue growth was +5%. After portfolio changes and
five percentage points of cycling out effects, constant currency
revenue growth was +1%. The difference between the reported
and constant currency growth rates reflects the impact of
exchange rate movements.
Underlying costs were 1% lower than prior year. Underlying
adjusted operating profit growth was +2%. Margins were higher
year on year, as total profit growth was slightly ahead of total
revenue growth.
Growth in the US was strong, albeit slightly below prior year, and
growth in Europe was moderate, marginally ahead of prior year.
Growth in Japan remained strong, driven by new launches and
strong demand across our events.
We continued to pursue growth opportunities and launched 44
new events and completed 10 small acquisitions, primarily in high
growth geographies and sectors.
2016 outlook
We expect the 2015 underlying growth trends to continue. In 2016
we expect cycling in effects to increase the reported revenue
growth rate by around 3 percentage points.
REVENUE
£m
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
Underlying growth +5%
890
857
Underlying growth +2%
217
217
2014
2015
2014
2015
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 38
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
MIPTV and MIPCOM:
international
markets powering
extraordinary content
Istanbul-based Global Agency is the
world’s leading ‘independent’ distributor
of cutting-edge TV series, formats and
films for global markets, exporting
programmes to more than 100 countries.
The company is committed to acquiring
the highest quality, most original new
content through its partnerships with
leading broadcasters and production
companies in all the major territories.
Forging successful partnerships at
international events has been critical
to the company’s success – and much of
its growth over the past nine years has
been driven by MIPCOM and MIPTV.
Global Agency launched at MIPCOM 2006 with one project, two
employees and a 10 sq m stand. Today the company has 130
projects, 25 employees and a major presence at both MIPCOM
and MIPTV. Networking and brand exposure are the lifeblood of
TV distribution. Global Agency recognises the unique power of
MIPTV and MIPCOM to deliver the global industry’s movers and
shakers, and takes full advantage. At MIPCOM 2015, it secured over
700 face-to-face meetings with key buyers and secured exclusive
sponsorships to promote the Global Agency brand and content, and
support Turkey’s presence as MIPCOM 2015 Country of Honour.
Izzet Pinto, CEO Global Agency, participating in a panel discussion
From day one, the MIP markets have
really helped us to grow our business.
We started out with just one project,
and have become the world’s leading
‘independent’ distributor with over 130
selected projects.
Izzet Pinto
CEO , Global Agency
Business review Exhibitions
39
39
About MIPTV and MIPCOM
Organised by Reed MIDEM, MIPTV and MIPCOM are
the world’s leading markets for TV and digital content.
Every March and October, the industry’s major players
converge on Cannes to discover the hottest companies
and content from around the globe, connect with the TV
industry’s key decision makers and content creators,
stay at the cutting edge of the latest entertainment
trends and sell and acquire the latest and best TV and
online content in every genre.
7,600
participants attended
MIPCOM 2015
MIPCOM 2015, Palais des Festivals, Cannes
40
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 RELX Group Corporate responsibility
41
41
Corporate
responsibility
The Corporate Responsibility Report is
an integral part of our Annual Reports
and Financial Statements. This section
highlights progress on our 2015 corporate
responsibility objectives. You can read the
full 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report at
www.relx.com/go/CRReport
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IN THIS SECTION00Elsevier00LexisNexis Risk Solutions00LexisNexis Legal & Professional00Reed Exhibitions00Reed Business Information00Corporate responsibilityBusiness reviewDest que occusae vel ex explant vendae id etur, quo maximent, consed mo temea commodita similia tiatur simolorRELX Group Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
42
Corporate responsibility
Corporate responsibility (CR)
ensures good management of
risks and opportunities, helps us
attract and retain the best people
and strengthens our corporate
reputation. It means performing
to the highest commercial and
ethical standards and channelling
our knowledge and strengths, as
global leaders in our industries,
to make a difference to society.
Consistent engagement with stakeholders, including
shareholders, employees, governments and communities where
we operate, helps us identify our material corporate responsibility
issues. In addition, in 2015, we retained Carnstone to conduct
an assessment by stakeholders of our key CR issues to ensure
continued alignment with our non-financial objectives. The
Boards of Directors, senior management and the Corporate
Responsibility Forum oversee corresponding objectives and
monitor performance against them.
We concentrate on the contributions we make as a business
and on good management of the material areas that affect
all companies:
1. Our unique contributions
2. Governance
3. People
4. Customers
5. Community
6. Supply chain
7. Environment
1. Our unique contributions
We make a positive impact on society through our unique
knowledge, resources and skills, including universal
sustainable access to information, the advance of science
and health, protection of society, promotion of the rule of law
and justice, and fostering communities.
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Elsevier, the world’s leading provider of scientific, technical and
medical information, plays an important role in advancing human
welfare and economic progress through its science and health
information, which spurs innovation and enables critical decision
making. To broaden access to its content, Elsevier supports
programmes where resources are often scarce. Among them is
Research4Life, a partnership with UN agencies and approximately
200 publishers; we provide core and cutting-edge scientific
information to researchers in more than 100 developing countries.
As a founding partner and the leading contributor, Elsevier
provides over a quarter of the material available in Research4Life,
encompassing approximately 2,500 Elsevier journals and 18,900
e-books. In 2015, there were more than 5m Research4Life article
downloads from ScienceDirect, an increase of 28% from 2014. The
Elsevier Foundation continued to support scientific publishing in
developing countries through Publishers without Borders, which
allows Elsevier content specialists to spend a month working with
researchers in Tanzania to increase their capabilities. During
2015, four more colleagues took part in this initiative. In the year,
Elsevier produced Sustainability Science in a Global Landscape
to coincide with the launch of the UN Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) during the 70th UN General Assembly in September.
It provides critical insights into global research underpinning
the SDGs, including research output, citation impact, research
collaboration and interdisciplinary research, catalysing a more
informed dialogue between academics, civil society and policy
makers on the best ways forward. A key finding is that while
sustainability science is expanding at an annual growth rate of
nearly 8% and attracts 30% more citations than other research
fields on average, it comprises only 3% of global research output.
It also identified opportunities for north–south collaboration as
76% of research is produced by high-income countries, while only
2% comes from low-income countries.
Risk & Business Analytics
Risk & Business Analytics tools and resources help protect
society. Its employees created the Automated Delivery of Alerts
on Missing Children (ADAM) programme, which assists in the safe
recovery of missing children. Since launching in 2000, 155 children
have been located, including 13 in 2015. In the year, LexisNexis
Risk Solutions was selected as the Washington DC Police
Foundation Public Safety Business Partner of the Year for helping
to keep the capital region safe through its data analytics, data
fusion and linking capabilities, which enhance crime investigation
and prevention. LexisNexis Risk Solutions saved five US states
an estimated $500m since June 2014 through fraud prevention
services using its contributory database solutions to stop
participation in more than one state’s Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance (food stamps) programmes. Its Tax Refund
Investigative Solution has averted approximately $500m in
fraudulant tax refunds in 10 US states since its 2012 inception.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 RELX Group Corporate responsibility
4343
ADAM
Programme:
bringing home
missing children
The support NCMEC has received from LexisNexis
over the last 15 years has been invaluable; thanks
to their expertise and technology, there have been
nearly 750 success stories, of which 155 children
were recovered as a direct result of the ADAM
programme alone.
John F. Clark
President and CEO, National Center for
Missing & Exploited Children
A quick response time and a photo
are the most critical elements in the
search for missing children. Over
the last 15 years, LexisNexis Risk
Solutions has addressed this need
through the ADAM programme,
which stands for Automated Delivery
of Alerts on Missing Children and is
named in memory of six-year-old
Adam Walsh, who was kidnapped
and murdered in 1981.
ADAM alerts circulate missing child posters in minutes
– more than 1.6m in 2015 – to police, news media, schools,
businesses, medical centres and other recipients within
a specific geographic search area. Since launching in
2000, 155 children have been located, including 13 in 2015.
ADAM is designated for use by the National Center for
Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the US. Some
120,000 missing child posters are distributed each month,
supporting searches across the US. More than 2.6m
people, including police departments, news media,
hospitals, schools, social services and private companies,
participate in the programme. The colleagues who
support ADAM exemplify the RELX Group values of
innovation, boundarylessness and valuing people.
155
children safely located
since 2000
Using our technology, missing child posters are distributed quickly
Business review Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 44
During 2015, Risk & Business Analytics’ Community Care
launched a knowledge and practice hub on Inform Children to help
social workers tackle child neglect through detailed research.
It provides in-depth information on key topics with research,
advice and interactive practice tools, addressing the need for
greater resources amid cuts in social care spending.
Legal
LexisNexis Legal & Professional promotes the rule of law and
access to justice through its products and services. In the year, it
continued to support legal infrastructure and access to justice in
Myanmar. It also collaborated with the Attorney General’s Office
in the Maldives to consolidate, translate and publish the laws of
the Maldives and make them available in both printed and online
formats to citizens and the international community. During the
year, LexisNexis Legal & Professional and the International
Justice Center for Postgraduate Development at Touro Law Center
partnered on a new programme to help graduate attorneys
support social justice. Participants in postgraduate programmes
gain free one-year access to LexisNexis legal research services,
allowing them to commence pro bono activities while establishing
their first practice. LexisNexis Legal & Professional also
contributed to the UN Global Compact’s (UNGC) Guide for General
Counsel on Corporate Sustainability, which provides practical
guidance to in-house counsel advancing corporate sustainability
issues within their respective organisations, while also reinforcing
the UNGC’s 10 Principles focused on human rights, labour,
environment and anti-corruption.
Exhibitions
Reed Exhibitions’ events help strengthen communities and
support our corporate responsibility focus areas. New York
Comic Con, which attracted 167,000 attendees in 2015, supports
the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit organisation
protecting the rights of comics artists, publishers, retailers,
librarians and fans. The show featured sessions on fighting
censorship. Each year, World Travel Market, Reed Exhibitions’
flagship show for the travel and tourism industry, holds World
Responsible Tourism Day. In 2015, the focus was on climate
change in the lead-up to the UN COP21 climate talks in Paris.
In addition to expert speakers, including Professor of Energy and
Climate Change at the University of Manchester, Kevin Anderson,
the day featured a senior industry debate on the travel industry’s
role in limiting carbon emissions. Reed Exhibitions helped launch
the new Promotional Product Service Institute (PSI) Sustainability
Awards during the year to evaluate PSI members’ in-house
initiatives, products and campaigns for their positive economic,
environmental and social impacts.
Across RELX Group
In 2015, we supported the launch of Business for the Rule of Law,
a global initiative led by the UNGC, which highlights the essential
relationship between the rule of law and sustainable development,
hosting 11 consultations, including in Australia, Canada, India,
Malaysia, Myanmar, South Africa, Uganda, the UK and the US. The
new framework provides a guide to businesses around the world in
taking proactive, voluntary actions to support the rule of law in their
everyday operations and relationships. It encourages businesses
to go beyond compliance with legal minimum requirements.
LexisNexis Legal & Professional, along with the Atlantic Council,
provided the seeds of the initiative, which was introduced in
September 2013 by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
2015 marked the fifth year of the RELX Group Environmental
Challenge and, in addition to awarding two new prizes, past
winners were invited to develop collaboration projects. Among
them CAWST, which was a 2012 winner for its project removing
arsenic from drinking water in Nepal, will be partnering with
Text to Change, which received funding in 2013 to allow citizens
in Uganda to use their mobile phones to notify water utilities of
faulty water points. They will collaborate on a year-long SMS
campaign to disseminate useful information from CAWST’s
water and sanitation training centre in Zambia to community
health workers throughout the region.
Missing People is a UK charity focused on bringing missing
children and adults back together with their families. The
organisation uses Risk & Business Analytics tools, including
Tracesmart, to help in the search. In the year, we joined the UK
National Crime Agency’s Child Rescue Alert Development Board
– supported by partners such as Missing People and Amber Alert
Europe, which works across 14 European countries to protect
endangered missing children – to help spread awareness of a new
mobile text service that notifies police forces and members of the
public when a child goes missing in a certain location. We have
been exploring with Missing People and Amber Alert Europe how
our big data expertise can further their work, including by adapting
the poster alert service used in the US-based ADAM programme.
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Support the
development and
release of Business
for the Rule of Law
framework
Power of Research:
five-year Environmental
Challenge collaboration
project
Big Data for Good:
explore project to find
missing children in
Europe
§§ Launched at United Nations
Global Compact in June 2015
§§ Led 11 global consultations,
including in South Africa,
Uganda, the UK and the US
§§ Co-ordinated World Bank
briefing on the framework
§§ Two new projects under way
between past winners: SMS
campaign for community health
workers in Zambia and an app for
tracking use of Ecofiltro water
filters in Guatemala
§§ Scoping work with Missing
People and Amber Alert Europe
§§ Joined UK National Crime Agency’s
Child Rescue Alert Development
Board to promote missing child
text alert service for citizens and
law enforcement agencies
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 45
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ Universal, sustainable access to information: Establish
process to ensure relief and other agencies gain access to
relevant information during disasters and emergencies
§§ Advance of science and health: Launch of Innovations in
Health Information programme
§§ Protection of society: Assist UNGC in promoting awareness
and support for Business for the Rule of Law
§§ Promotion of the rule of law and access to justice: New tools
and support in the search for missing children with key
partners NCMEC, Missing People and Amber Alert Europe
§§ Fostering communities: Expand reach of World Travel
Market’s World Responsible Tourism Day
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Use our products and expertise to advance the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs), including:
§§ SDG3: Good health and well-being
§§ SDG4: Quality education
§§ SDG10: Reduced inequalities
§§ SDG13: Climate action
Create an SDG Resource Centre
2. Governance
Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the Code) is
disseminated to every employee and sets the standards for our
corporate and individual conduct. In 2015, we revised the Code to
describe our social media policy, include learning aids, increase
interactivity and streamline wording. Among other topics, the
Code continues to address fair competition, anti-bribery, conflicts
of interest, employment practices, data protection and appropriate
use of company property and information. It also encourages
reporting of violations – with an anonymous reporting option –
and prohibits retaliation. The Code incorporates the principles of
the UNGC, particularly stressing our commitment to human rights.
In accordance with the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights, we have considered where and how we operate
and have concluded that there is low human rights risk in our
direct employment activities (for more information on human
rights see “Supply chain” on page 49).
All employees were given required training on the 2015 Code.
This training is part of the compliance curriculum mandated
for new hires and is reissued at regular intervals to ensure full
understanding and acknowledgement of the Code and associated
policies. Mandatory periodic training covers topics on anti-bribery,
competition laws, protecting data and preventing workplace
harassment, suplemented by in-person training for higher-risk roles.
Key elements of the Code and policies are reinforced throughout
the year through general employee materials and messages
targeted to special audiences such as managers and employees in
high-risk roles or locations. In 2015, with a dedicated compliance
communication director, weekly emails and regular articles have
increased readership of compliance and governance materials,
including a popular third series of security awareness videos.
Reports of violations of the Code or related policies are promptly
investigated, with careful tracking and monitoring of violations
and related mitigation and remediation efforts by our Compliance
Group. We train investigators to conduct employee relations,
data security, financial misconduct and other relevant matters.
In 2015, we remained diligent in our ongoing efforts to
ensure compliance with applicable bribery and sanctions
laws. We also released a RELX Group-wide global Electronic
Workplace Policy, expanding on the Code and replacing
separate business policies in order to establish a common
approach to the development and management of corporate
policies. To that end, we also broadened intranet posting of
policies for easier access to translated versions.
As a signatory to the UNGC and its principles, encompassing
labour, environment, anti-corruption and human rights, we
demonstrated leadership in 2015 by serving on the UNGC Advisory
Group for the UK, the UNGC Supply Chain Advisory Group and the
Caring for Climate Steering Group. We were also on the board of
the Alliance for Water Stewardship on behalf of the UNGC CEO
Water Mandate. We played a leadership role in the UNGC’s launch
of Business for the Rule of Law and the Guide for General Counsel
on Corporate Sustainability, and took part in the UNGC’s 15th
anniversary events and the COP21 Caring for Climate Business
Forum. UNGC peers judged our 2015 Communication on Progress,
required of signatories each year, to have attained Advanced Level.
In the year, we also served on the UN Secretary-General’s legal
taskforce helping to consider the post-2015 Sustainable
Development Goals.
We operate in accordance with our Tax Principles, which can
be found at www.relx.com/go/taxprinciples. In 2015, the RELX
Group global business paid £343m in corporate taxes. We are
a responsible corporate taxpayer and conduct our tax affairs to
ensure compliance with all laws and relevant regulations in the
countries in which we operate. The Statement of Investment
Principles for the Reed Elsevier Pension Scheme indicates that the
extent to which social, environmental or ethical issues may have a
financial impact on the portfolio, or may have a detrimental effect
on the strength of the employer covenant, is taken into account
when making investment decisions. CR issues are relevant to
other investment decisions we make. Among our sustainable
investments is Healthline, which helps more than 35m consumers
every month to find, understand and manage healthcare
information, with access to over 1bn web pages.
Business review Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 46
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Establish common
approach to
development and
management of
corporate policies
New communication
campaigns to
supplement formal
compliance training
§§ Established standard approach
for development and issuance
of compliance and data privacy
policies
§§
Improved intranet posting of
compliance policies for easier
access to all translated versions
§§ New weekly emails and regular
articles have increased
readership of compliance and
governance materials
§§
Issued third series of
entertaining security
awareness videos,
Restricted Intelligence
Continue to enhance
trade sanctions
and export controls
compliance procedures
and tools
§§
Issued global policy and various
related compliance tools and
communications to increase
employee awareness and
simplify compliance efforts
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ Develop compliance plan for impending EU General Data
Protection Regulations
§§
Implement enhanced email retention policy for improved
consistency and efficiency
§§ Expand network of global compliance investigators
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Undertake consistent actions that reinforce excellence in
corporate governance and compliance with all applicable
legislation and our principles and policies
3. People
Our approximately 30,000 people are our strength. Our workforce
is 52% female and 48% male, with an average length of service of
eight years. There were 44% female and 56% male managers, and
31% female and 69% male senior operational managers.
Board of Directors
Senior operational
managers*
Female
3
30%
7
Male
70%
137
31%
304
69%
All employees**
15,600
52%
14,400
48%
* Senior operational managers are defined as those managers up to and including
three reporting lines from the CEO
** Full-time equivalent
At year end 2015, women made up 30% of the members of the
RELX Boards. The two Executive Directors on the Boards are
male. The Nominations Committee considers the knowledge,
experience and background of individual Board directors.
The Group’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Statement
(www.relx.com/go/Diversity) articulates our commitment to
a diverse workforce and environment that respects individuals
and their contributions, regardless of gender, race or other
characteristics. Our D&I Strategy is focused on translating the
Statement into practical action. Among its commitments is
maintaining a D&I Advisory Group composed of a senior business
and HR leader from each business unit, supported by a broader
D&I Working Group. We encourage affinity groups, such as
women’s forums and pride groups, which facilitate support,
mentoring and community involvement.
During 2015, we continued to take steps to embed inclusive
leadership as a core management competency, engaging our
heads of talent on a common definition and reviewing our
competency frameworks across the company. We have also
sought advice from outside experts, including at Columbia
Business School.
CEO Erik Engstrom signed the Women’s Empowerment
Principles (WEPs), a UNGC and UN Women initiative designed to
help companies empower women and promote gender equality.
In the year, we mapped our existing practices relative to the WEPs.
Accordingly, Elsevier has begun working towards EDGE gender
equality certification, which has involved employee surveys across
eight countries and an external review of policies and procedures.
In 2015, we undertook our triennial global employee opinion
survey. Globally, 85% of all employees shared their views, the
highest response rate we have achieved to date. Combined results
across the Group showed progress since the last survey in 2012
with increases in employee engagement, net promoter score
(indicating an increased likelihood employees would recommend
working for the company), confidence in the quality of our
products and services, and innovation. Where results showed
areas for improvement, they will be addressed by department,
team and location.
Our employees have the right to a healthy and safe workplace
as outlined in the Group’s Global Health and Safety Policy. We
concentrate on areas of greatest risk – for example, warehouses,
events and exhibitions. However, as a primarily office-based
company, our key impact areas are manual handling, slips, trips
and falls. To reduce our severity rate (lost days per 200,000 hours
worked), we conduct risk assessments and work with a third
party in the US to assign a nurse case manager to each complex
or severe claim. There were 26 lost time reportable cases in the
year (vs 25 in 2014).
In the US, where we have the largest concentration of employees,
the CareConnect and REACH programmes promote workplace
well-being through health screenings, online assessments,
stress awareness training and smoking cessation courses, with
financial incentives for participation. In 2015, several thousand
calls were fielded by CareConnect and nearly 3,000 employees
enrolled in personal health support programmes for assistance
with concerns such as weight loss or diabetes prevention.
Our annual Fit2Win global wellbeing competition encourages
employees to establish fitness teams to compete for cash prizes
for charities of their choice. Across the Group, 95 teams took part
and ran, walked, cycled and swam a total of 111,711 miles/179,781
km, a 25% increase in the total distance and 20% increase in the
number of teams over 2014.
In November 2015, we held a global, week-long diabetes
campaign featuring screenings, webinars, posters and special
events. A total of 70 offices took part, covering 22,000 employees.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 RELX Group Corporate responsibility
4747
Advancing
human rights:
the eyeWitness
to Atrocities app
The eyeWitness to Atrocities app
will be a transformational tool in the
fight for human rights, providing a
solution to the evidentiary challenges
surrounding mobile phone footage.
Mark Ellis
International Bar Association
Executive Director
130+
countries accessed
eyeWitness in 2015
The eyeWitness app is available on all Android-enabled phones
Social media is increasingly a forum for
highlighting human rights abuses, but
without attribution and other necessary
information the content cannot be used
in prosecutions.
Working with the International Bar Association, LexisNexis Legal
& Professional helped launch eyeWitness to Atrocities in 2015, a
mobile phone app that allows citizens to securely and verifiably report
human rights atrocities so that the information can serve as evidence
in law courts. Now, anyone with an Android smartphone – from
journalists and investigators to affected citizens – can download
the free app and contribute to bringing perpetrators to account for
crimes against humanity, including torture and war crimes. The app’s
design is based on rules of evidence in international, regional and
national courts and tribunals. It incorporates features to guarantee
authenticity, facilitate verification and protect confidentiality by
allowing the user to choose whether they wish to submit their report
anonymously. eyeWitness utilises the same technology LexisNexis
Legal & Professional deploys to safeguard sensitive and confidential
material for its clients. It is a tangible example of RELX Group’s
commitment to advancing the rule of law around the world.
Business review Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 48
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Map internal
practice against
the UN Women’s
Empowerment
Principles
Embed inclusive
leadership as a
core management
competency
Targeted wellness
campaign focused on
avoiding/managing
diabetes
§§ Cross-business review; pursuit of
EDGE gender certification
programme
§§ Shared out mapping tool with
WEPs leadership at the UNGC
§§ Cross-business input into inclusive
leadership definition
§§ Engagement of talent managers
on inclusion in competency
frameworks and business
leadership programmes
§§ Insight from experts, including
Columbia Business School
§§ Focus on prevention of type 2
diabetes, primarily at locations
where risk is higher
§§ Campaign focused on small
lifestyle changes with big impact
§§ Global activities on World
Diabetes Day in November
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ Expand diversity and inclusion employee resource groups
§§ Develop pilot mentoring programme
§§ Increase awareness of mental health at work
4. Customers
In 2015, we surveyed more than 475,000 customers through Net
Promoter Score (measuring customer advocacy) and business
dashboard programmes. This allows us to deepen our
understanding of their needs and further drives forward a
customer-centric culture across the Group. Results were
reviewed by the CEO and senior operational managers and
communicated to staff. To aid colleagues who work with
customers, during the year we widened our CR as a Sales Tool
Working Group and continued to incorporate CR into customer-
facing staff training with outreach to key sales and marketing
teams. In addition, we shared our CR focus with key customer
groups including law school students and firms.
Our cross-business Editorial Policy Working Group updated the
Editorial Policy in 2015 for clarity and applicability across
the company. We also added in reference to our commitment to
universal, sustainable access to information. It will be translated
into key languages and rolled out with a message from the Chief
Legal Officer and Company Secretary in 2016.
We advanced our Quality First Principles (QFP) in the year,
completing 23 QFP risk assessments, and identified senior quality
champions for our business units. We consulted externally on the
Principles and the risk assessment methodology that will inform
our thinking as we review them next year in anticipation of the first
QFP internal audits.
We are committed to improving access to our products and
services for all users, regardless of physical ability. Our
Accessibility Policy was developed in 2013 to lead the industry in
providing accessibility solutions to customers with products that
are operable, understandable and robust. In 2015, members of the
Accessibility Working Group logged 120 accessibility projects and
Elsevier’s Global Books Digital Archive fulfilled more than 4,000
disability requests, 65% of them through
AccessText.org, a service it helped establish. Developments in the
year include a new online accessibility course for the benefit of all
employees and a new intranet site dedicated to accessibility.
We also launched a new baseline tool, the tiered model for
accessibility, to prioritise accessibility features in our products in
conjunction with the chief technology officers across the business.
And we developed new compliance templates, including for the
WCAG 2.0 global accessibility guidelines.
Our 2015 CR Forum Stakeholder Session involved over 125
attendees online and in person. It focused on data privacy and
security, and featured a mix of internal and external contributors.
Content was made available on our intranet and viewed by
staff globally.
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Customer engagement:
sharing our CR
expertise webinar
series
§§ CR as a Sales Tool Working
Group widened
§§ Presentations for customers
including legal students and
law firms
§§ 23 QFP risk assessments
completed
§§ Reviewed Principles and
assessment criteria
§§ Network of QFP business
unit contacts named
§§ Tiered product model for
accessibility rolled out and
championed by chief
technology officers
§§ Developed several new
compliance templates,
including for WCAG 2.0
Develop baseline tool to
determine accessibility
requirements for new
and existing sites
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ Expand QFPs beyond content and data to other areas such
as customer support
§§ New CR as a Sales Tool offerings, including video content
§§ Hold 15 accessibility feedback sessions to engage people
with disabilities
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Increase our customer base across our four business units
through active listening and engagement, and a focus on
editorial and quality standards, and accessibility
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Focus on talent development, diversity and inclusion, and
well-being, to ensure a high-performing and satisfied
workforce
Conduct 10 Quality First
Principles (QFP) risk
assessments
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 49
5. Community
6. Supply chain
RE Cares, our global community programme, supports employee
and corporate engagement that makes a positive impact on society
through volunteerism and giving. In addition to local initiatives of
importance to employees, the programme’s core focus is on
education for disadvantaged young people that advances one or more
of our unique contributions as a business. Staff have up to two days’
paid leave per year for their own community work. We donated £3.1m
in cash (including through matching gifts) and the equivalent of
£13.7m in products, services and staff time in 2015. 37% of
employees were engaged in volunteering through RE Cares and
we reached more than 35,000 disadvantaged young people through
time, in-kind and cash donations. In 2015, we developed an impact
measurement tool adapted from LBG, a community investment
network we have been a member of for 10 years, to record and assess
the impact on beneficiaries and employees of our central initiatives.
A network of 212 RE Cares Champions (22 new Champions in 2015)
ensures the vibrancy of our community engagement around the
world. Each September, they hold RE Cares Month to celebrate our
community focus and, in 2015, 80% of locations took part. Among
them, Elsevier Operations organised a Global Day of Caring over
24 hours across seven time zones, while their colleagues in Rio de
Janeiro created a library, with books donated by employees, in a
favela only accessible by gondola lift. During RE Cares Month,
we held our annual global book drive, yielding over 6,000 books for
local and developing world readers, and announced the winners
of the fifth Recognising Those Who Care Awards to highlight the
exceptional contributions to RE Cares of 11 individuals and four RE
Cares teams. Individual winners from across the business travelled
to the Philippines with the Kapatid Kita Mahal Kita Foundation,
a charity partner of our Philippines office over the last four years,
which provides underprivileged children from the Payatas dumpsite
community with scholarships and other educational support.
The trip was led for the fifth time by Youngsuk “YS” Chi, Director
of Corporate Affairs. Among the teams winning for exceptional
community engagement were Risk & Business Analytics in
Skokie, Illinois, which organised 41 volunteer programmes,
collection drives and fundraising efforts over one year.
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
60% of locations taking
part in RE Cares Month
Develop RE Cares impact
measurement tool
§§ 80% of locations took part
§§ Adapted LBG project
assessment template to track
impact criteria
§§ Consultations with RE Cares
Champions and community
partners
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ 60% of RE Cares Champions supporting new global
fundraising partnership
§§ Deploy project assessment template with feedback
on key central initiatives
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Use our unique contributions to advance education for
disadvantaged young people; track the impact of community
investment activities
We require our suppliers to meet the high standards we set for
ourselves. Our Supplier Code of Conduct stipulates adherence to
all laws and best practice in areas such as human rights, labour
and the environment. Through our Socially Responsible Supplier
(SRS) database, in 2015 we tracked 399 key suppliers and those
we deem high risk according to the Carnstone Supplier Risk Tool.
Developed for the Group, the tool incorporates eight indicators,
including human trafficking information from the US State
Department and Environmental Performance Index results
produced by Yale and Columbia universities. The tracking list
changes year on year based on the number of suppliers we do
business with who meet the required criteria. We started 2015
with 57% of suppliers on the SRS tracking list as signatories to
the Supplier Code and reached 88% by year end (11% of the total
are suppliers who have provided internal codes in lieu, which we
believe to be as stringent as our own). We have embedded signing
the Supplier Code into our e-sourcing tool as a criterion for doing
business with us, and have an additional 2,843 suppliers who
have signed the Supplier Code.
Specialist supply chain auditors, Intertek, undertook 86 external
audits of high-risk suppliers as part of their comprehensive
Workplace Conditions Assessment and Corrective and
Preventative Actions programme. Any incidence of non-compliance
identified in the audit process triggers a corrective action plan
agreed with the supplier, with remediation required on all issues.
The roll-out of our US Supplier Diversity programme continued
in 2015 with efforts to increase the number of diverse suppliers
invited to bid on relevant sourcing projects. The process has
resulted in a $23.6m increase in spend with diverse suppliers.
Feedback is provided to diverse suppliers after the competitive
bidding process to improve their opportunities for development.
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Increase core suppliers as
signatories to the Code
§§ 95% of core suppliers as
Code signatories
Enhance external
Workplace Conditions
Assessment tool with
external review of
Corrective Action Plan
fulfilment
Advance US Supplier
Diversity and Inclusion
programme
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ 86 audits completed
§§ $23.6m increase in spend
with diverse suppliers
§§ Increase core suppliers as signatories to the Supplier Code
§§ Use Corrective and Preventative Actions tool to ensure
continuous improvement in audit results
§§ Continue to advance US Supplier Diversity programme
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Reduce risk by ensuring adherence to our Supplier Code
of Conduct through training, auditing and remediation;
strengthening supplier relationships through partnerships
Business review Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 50
7. Environment
Our environmental targets reflect our performance and focus
areas and can be found, along with full details, in the 2015 Corporate
Responsibility Report at www.relx.com/go/CRReport.
In 2015, we purchased 50% of our electricity from renewable energy
and Renewable Energy Certificates. We scored 98 (B) in the CDP
Climate Change programme.
Our Environmental Champions network, employee-led Green
Teams and engagement through networks such as the Publishers’
database for Responsible Environmental Paper Sourcing inform
how we address our environmental impacts. Our Environmental
Standards programme sets benchmark performance levels and
inspires green competition between offices. In 2015, 90 sites (78% of
key locations) achieved five or more standards and attained green
status. The Chief Financial Officer wrote to all staff recognising
their achievements on World Environment Day and also identified
Green Heroes across the Group, nominated by their peers for their
environmental efforts. The winner of the individual category chose
to join a wildlife research expedition with Earthwatch in Arizona and
Utah. Green Teams submitted environmental project ideas to
engage staff and winners received funding to carry out their plans.
We are introducing new environmental targets for 2016-2020 –
see the 2015 Corporate Responsibility Report. To align with them,
we are updating our Environmental Standards. The Enhanced
Environmental Standards, effective in 2016, set more difficult
performance levels to support achievement of the global targets.
We expect the number of locations achieving five or more standards
to decrease substantially as each site implements plans to achieve
the more challenging goals.
We have a positive environmental impact through our
environmental products and services, which spread good
practice, encourage debate and aid researchers and decision
makers. The most recent results from the independent Market
Analysis System show that our share of citations in environmental
science represented 39% of the total market, and 74% in energy
and fuels. Elsevier colleagues launched the Green and Sustainable
Chemistry Challenge in 2015 to encourage the development of novel
and sustainable chemistry processes, products and resources
suitable for use in developing countries; the first-prize winner will
be awarded €50,000, and the second-prize winner will receive
€25,000. Priority is given to projects that are scalable and practical
and to those that reduce hazardous substances and promote more
sustainable use of resources. Winners will be chosen in 2016 by
a panel of expert judges.
In the year we conducted a multi-stakeholder consultation on our
new global environmental targets, using a science-based approach
to calculate our required carbon reductions. The new targets
include a commitment to certify 50% of the business against the
ISO 14001 environmental management system standard.
2015 OBJECTIVES
Progress
Consultation on new
environmental targets with
key stakeholders
50% of electricity from
renewable energy or
Renewable Energy
Certificates
§§ Online survey to gather
feedback from employees,
suppliers, government,
investors and NGOs
§§ In-depth interviews with key
stakeholders
§§ Achieved through purchase of
European green tariff and US
Green-e certified Renewable
Energy Certificates
75% of key locations to
achieve five or more Group
Environmental Standards
§§ 78% of key locations
achieved five or more
Environmental Standards
2016 OBJECTIVES
§§ Embed new environmental targets with key stakeholders
§§ Purchase renewable electricity equal to 60% of global
consumption
§§ 25% of locations to achieve five or more new Environmental
Standards
OUR FIVE-YEAR VISION
Meet our five-year environmental targets that will contribute
to keeping global average climate warming to below two
degrees Celsius; help others do so through our environmental
content and services
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 51
Achievement
to date
-42%
Achieved
-34%
Achieved
-36%
Achieved
50%
Achieved
Scope 1 (direct
emissions) tCO2e
Scope 2 (gross
electricity and
heat) tCO2e
Total energy
(MWh)
Office energy
(MWh)
2015 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE
TARGETS
Absolute performance
Intensity ratio
(Absolute/revenue £m)
2015 variance
2014
2015 variance
2014
7,446
-17% 8,932
1.25
-19%
1.55
95,947
-12% 109,129
16.07
-15% 18.90
Focus area
Climate
change
Key performance indicators
Scope 1 intensity (direct
emissions)
Scope 2 intensity
(gross electricity and heat)
Target
2010/15
-20%
-10%
Energy
Office energy use intensity
-20%
207,093
-7% 222,658
34.68
-10% 38.57
101,228
-11% 113,232
16.95
-14% 19.61
Water (m3)
337,645
-2% 343,661
56.55
-5% 59.53
Water
Waste diverted
from landfill (%)*
Production
paper (t)
75% 5%pts
70%
0.95
-20%
1.19
51,285
-2% 52,163
8.59
-5%
9.04
Waste
* Intensity metric shows tonnes of waste diverted from landfill /£m revenue
Percentage of electricity from
renewables or Renewable
Energy Certificates
Average data centre Power
Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
Percentage of key locations
achieving 10 m3 of water per
person per year
Waste diverted from landfill
50%
1.69
100%
75%
1.65
Achieved
96%
One location
not achieved
75%
Achieved
We have reported on all emission sources required under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors’ Report)
Regulations 2013. We have included emissions from all operating companies within the Group.
We have used the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition) and the data has been assured
by an independent third party, EY. Details on methodology and the assurance statement can be viewed in the 2015 Corporate
Responsibility Report at www.relx.com/go/CRReport.
2015 investor and other recognition
Business in the Community
CR Index
– included
Dow Jones Sustainability
Indices
– included
CDP
– score: 98 (B); Forest
programme sector leader
Green Power Leader,
US EPA
FTSE4Good Index
– included
Carbon Clear FTSE 100
rankings
– top 10
National Business
Awards
– Sustainability Award
finalist
RE100
– member
Four Euronext Vigeo indices
– Benelux 20
– UK 20
– Europe 120
– Eurozone 120
ISO14001
– certified
STOXX Global ESG
Leaders Indices
– included
ECPI Indices
– included
THE FULL 2015 CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.RELX.COM/GO/CRREPORT
Business review Corporate responsibilityOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
53
IN THIS SECTION
54 Chief Financial Officer’s report
60 Principal risks
Financial reviewRELX Group Financial reviewOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 54
Chief Financial Officer’s report
Revenue
Growth of underlying revenue was 3%, with all four market
segments contributing to underlying growth. The underlying
growth rate reflects good growth in electronic and face-to-face
revenues, partially offset by continued print revenue declines.
SOURCES OF 2015 REVENUE GROWTH
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
2014 revenue
Underlying growth
Exhibition cycling
Acquisitions
Disposals
Currency effects
2015 revenue
£m
5,773
166
(38)
101
(95)
64
5,971
Change
+3%
-1%
+2%
-2%
+1%
+3%
Underlying revenue growth rates are calculated at constant currencies. They exclude
revenues from biennial and other cycling shows in exhibitions, and revenues from
business acquired and disposed of in both the year and prior year, and revenues from
assets held for sale.
Exhibition cycling effects reduced the Group's revenue growth by 1%.
Acquisitions contributed 2% to revenue growth, offset by disposals
which reduced revenue growth by 2%. The impact of currency
movements was to increase revenue by 1%, principally due to the
strengthening of the US dollar, on average, against sterling during 2015,
partly offset by the decline in the value of the euro. Reported revenue,
including the effects of exhibition cycling, portfolio changes and
currency movements, was £5,971m (2014: £5,773m), up 3%.
Profit
Underlying adjusted operating profit grew ahead of revenue
at 5%, reflecting the benefit of tight cost control across the Group.
SOURCES OF 2015 PROFIT GROWTH
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
2014 adjusted operating profit
Underlying growth
Acquisitions
Disposals
Currency effects
2015 adjusted operating profit
£m
1,739
90
14
(14)
(7)
1,822
Change
+5%
+1%
-1%
-
+5%
Underlying operating profit growth rates are calculated at constant currencies.
They exclude operating results from businesses acquired and disposed of in both the
year and prior year, and operating results from assets held for sale.
Acquisitions and disposals had no net impact on adjusted operating
profit. Currency effects reduced adjusted operating profit by less
than 1%. Total adjusted operating profit, including the impact of
acquisitions and disposals and currency effects, was £1,822m
(2014: £1,739m), up 5%.
Nick Luff
Chief Financial Officer
Capital discipline and financial
stewardship are important
to the Group for the benefit
of shareholders. In 2015,
we maintained the trends in
financial performance that have
been delivered in recent years.
At constant currencies, adjusted
earnings per share grew by 8%.
Cash generation was robust
and our balance sheet remains
strong, with Return on Invested
Capital of 12.7%.
REVENUE
£m
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
£m
6,002
6,116
6,035
5,773
5,971
1,592*
1,688*
1,749
1,739
1,822
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* 2011 and 2012 restated for IAS19.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
55
2015
£m
2014
£m
Change
Change
at constant
currencies
Change
underlying
+3%
+5%
5,971
1,822
30.5%
1,669
1,275
21.4%
1,712
94%
12.7%
60.5p
€0.835
5,773
1,739
30.1%
1,592
1,213
21.0%
1,662
96%
12.8%
56.3p
€0.698
+3%
+5%
+5%
+5%
+1%
+7%
+20%
+2%
+5%
+6%
+6%
+3%
+8%
+8%
Profit continued
Adjusted figures
Revenue
Operating profit
Operating margin
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net margin
Cash flow
Cash flow conversion
Return on invested capital
Adjusted earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share (euro)
RELX Group uses adjusted and underlying figures as additional performance measures. Adjusted figures primarily exclude the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and
other items related to acquisitions and disposals, and the associated deferred tax movements. Reconciliations between the reported and adjusted figures are set out on pages
56, 58, 102 and 116. Underlying growth rates are calculated at constant currencies, and exclude the results of acquisitions and disposals made in both the year and prior year and of
assets held for sale. Underlying revenue growth rates also exclude the effects of exhibition cycling. Constant currency growth rates are based on 2014 full-year average and
hedge exchange rates.
Underlying operating costs were up 1%, reflecting investment in
global technology platforms and the launch of new products and
services, partly offset by continued process innovation. Actions
were taken across our businesses to improve cost-efficiency.
Total operating costs, including the impact of acquisitions,
disposals and currency effects increased by 3%.
In November 2015, the Netherlands pension scheme, together
with all associated assets and liabilities, was transferred into
an industry-wide collective scheme. This collective scheme
is a defined contribution pension plan, with no deficit or surplus
recognised on the balance sheet. The transfer of the scheme,
and other smaller changes to the terms of the UK defined benefit
pension plan, resulted in settlement and past service credits of
£61m recognised within adjusted operating profit. This gain was
largely offset by a one-off sales tax charge in the US and other
costs relating to business reorganisation.
The overall adjusted operating margin of 30.5% was 0.4
percentage points higher than in the prior year. On an underlying
basis, the margin improved by 0.9 percentage points, offset by a
0.5 percentage point decrease from currency effects. Portfolio
effects had no net impact on the operating margin.
Interest expense, excluding the net pension financing charge,
was £153m (2014: £147m). The increase primarily reflects higher
net borrowings and currency translation effects partly offset
by a lower average interest rate.
Adjusted profit before tax was £1,669m (2014: £1,592m), up 5%.
The adjusted effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax was
23.2%, slightly lower than the prior year rate of 23.5%. The
adjusted effective tax rate excludes movements in deferred taxation
assets and liabilities related to goodwill and acquired intangible
assets, but includes the benefit of tax amortisation where
available on those items. The adjusted effective tax rate has been
relatively stable over the past five years and is expected to remain
around the 2015 rate. Adjusted operating profits and taxation
are grossed up for the equity share of taxes in joint ventures.
The application of tax law and practice is subject to some uncertainty
and amounts are provided in respect of this. Discussions with tax
authorities relating to cross-border transactions and other matters
are ongoing. Although the outcome of open items cannot be
predicted, no significant impact on profitability is expected.
The adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders of £1,275m
(2014: £1,213m) was up 5%. Adjusted earnings per share were up
7% at 60.5p (2014: 56.3p) when expressed in sterling and 20% at
€0.835 (2014: €0.698) when expressed in euros. At constant rates
of exchange, adjusted earnings per share increased by 8%.
ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT MARGIN
ADJUSTED CASH FLOW CONVERSION
26.5%*
27.6%*
29.0%
30.1%
30.5%
95%*
95%*
97%
96%
94%
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* 2011 and 2012 restated for IAS19.
* 2011 and 2012 restated for IAS19.
Financial review Chief Financial Officer’s reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 56
Cash flows
Adjusted cash flow was £1,712m (2014: £1,662m), up 3%
compared with the prior year and at constant currencies.
The rate of conversion of adjusted operating profit to adjusted
cash flow was 94% (2014: 96%).
CONVERSION OF ADjUSTED OPERATING PROFIT INTO CASH
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Adjusted operating profit
Capital expenditure
Depreciation and amortisation of internally
developed intangible assets
Working capital and other items
Adjusted cash flow
Cash flow conversion
2015
£m
1,822
(307)
228
(31)
1,712
94%
2014
£m
1,739
(270)
237
(44)
1,662
96%
Capital expenditure was £307m (2014: £270m), including
£242m (2014: £203m) in respect of capitalised development costs.
This reflects sustained investment in new products and related
infrastructure, particularly in Legal and in Scientific, Technical
& Medical. Depreciation and the amortisation of internally
developed intangible assets was £228m (2014: £237m). Capital
expenditure was 5.1% of revenue (2014: 4.7%). Depreciation and
amortisation was 3.8% of revenue (2014: 4.1%).
Tax paid, excluding tax relief on acquisition-related costs and on
disposals, of £364m (2014: £363m) was in line with the prior year.
Interest paid was £132m (2014: £126m).
Payments made in respect of acquisition-related costs amounted
to £45m (2014: £27m).
Free cash flow before dividends was £1,186m (2014: £1,156m).
Ordinary dividends paid to shareholders in the year, being the 2014
final and 2015 interim dividends, amounted to £583m (2014: £565m).
Free cash flow after dividends was £603m (2014: £591m).
RECONCILIATION OF CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS
TO ADjUSTED CASH FLOW
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Cash generated from operations
Dividends received from joint ventures
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment
Expenditure on internally developed
intangible assets
Payments in relation to acquisition-
related costs/other
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant
and equipment
Adjusted cash flow
2015
£m
1,882
57
2014
£m
1,851
44
(65)
(67)
(242)
(203)
79
1
27
10
1,712
1,662
FREE CASH FLOW
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Adjusted cash flow
Interest paid
Tax paid
Acquisition-related costs*
Free cash flow before dividends
Ordinary dividends
Free cash flow post dividends
* Including cash tax relief.
2015
£m
1,712
(132)
(364)
(30)
1,186
(583)
603
2014
£m
1,662
(126)
(363)
(17)
1,156
(565)
591
Total consideration on acquisitions completed in the year was
£171m (2014: £385m). Cash spent on acquisitions was £207m
(2014: £437m), including deferred consideration of £25m (2014:
£34m) on past acquisitions and spend on venture capital
investments of £16m (2014: £6m) . No cash was spent on the
acquisition of non-controlling interests during the year (2014:
£15m), and there were no borrowings in acquired businesses
(2014: £20m).
Total consideration for the disposal of non-strategic assets in 2015
was £73m (2014: £74m), including £1m (2014: £10m) in respect of
freehold properties. Net cash received after timing differences and
separation and transaction costs was £34m (2014: £53m). Net tax
recovered in respect of disposals was £6m (2014: £5m).
Share repurchases by the parent companies in 2015 were £500m
(2014: £600m), with a further £100m repurchased in 2016 as at
24 February. In addition, the Employee Benefit Trust purchased
shares of the parent companies to meet future obligations in
respect of share based remuneration totalling £23m (2014: £39m).
Proceeds from the exercise of share options were £24m
(2014: £45m).
RECONCILIATION OF NET DEBT YEAR-ON-YEAR
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Net debt at 1 January
Free cash flow post dividends
Net disposal proceeds
Acquisition cash spend
Share repurchases
Purchase of shares by the Employee
Benefit Trust
Other*
Currency translation
Movement in net debt
2015
£m
(3,550)
603
34
(207)
(500)
(23)
(20)
(119)
(232)
2014
£m
(3,072)
591
53
(437)
(600)
(39)
33
(79)
(478)
Net debt at 31 December
(3,782)
(3,550)
* Cash tax relief on disposals, distributions to non-controlling interests, pension deficit
payments, finance leases, and share option exercise proceeds.
Funding
Debt
Net borrowings at 31 December 2015 were £3,782m, an increase
of £232m since 31 December 2014. The majority of borrowings are
denominated in US dollars and the weakening of sterling against
the dollar during 2015 resulted in higher net borrowings when
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 57
2015
£m
7,509
878
471
6
(384)
(1,244)
2014
£m
7,365
780
464
(2)
(632)
(1,124)
translated into sterling. Excluding currency translation effects,
net borrowings increased by £113m. Expressed in US dollars, net
borrowings at 31 December 2015 were $5,573m, an increase of $41m.
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Gross borrowings at 31 December 2015 amounted to £3,902m
(2014: £3,825m). The fair value of related derivative liabilities
was £2m (2014: £1m). Cash and cash equivalents totalled £122m
(2014: £276m). In aggregate, these give the net borrowings figure
of £3,782m (2014: £3,550m).
The effective interest rate on gross borrowings was 3.8% in 2015,
down from 4.2% in the prior year. As at 31 December 2015, gross
borrowings had a weighted average life remaining of 4.7 years and
a total of 50% of them were at fixed rates, after taking into account
interest rate derivatives.
The ratio of net debt to 12-month trailing EBITDA (adjusted earnings
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) was 1.8x (2014:
1.7x). Incorporating the capitalisation of operating leases and the net
pension deficit, in line with the approach taken by the credit rating
agencies, the ratio was 2.2x (2014: 2.3x).
Liquidity
In June 2015, the second and final one-year extension option was
exercised on the $2.0bn committed bank facility, taking the maturity
to July 2020. This back-up facility provides security of funding for
short-term debt. At 31 December 2015, this facility was undrawn.
In May 2015, €600m of euro denominated fixed rate term debt
with a coupon of 1.30% and a maturity of ten years was issued
and swapped into $669m of floating rate US dollar debt on issue.
The Group has ample liquidity and access to debt capital markets,
providing the ability to repay or refinance borrowings as they
mature and to fund ongoing requirements.
Invested capital and returns
Net capital employed was £7,236m at 31 December 2015 (2014:
£6,851m), an increase of £385m. The carrying value of goodwill
and acquired intangible assets increased by £144m, reflecting
the strengthening of the dollar against sterling and acquisitions
in 2015, partly offset by the annual amortisation charge and
divestments. An amount of £111m was capitalised in the year in
respect of acquired intangible assets and £100m was recorded
as goodwill.
Goodwill and acquired intangible assets*
Internally developed intangible assets*
Property, plant and equipment* and
investments
Net assets/(liabilities) held for sale
Net pension obligations
Working capital
Net capital employed
7,236
6,851
* Net of accumulated depreciation and amortisation.
Development costs of £242m (2014: £203m) were capitalised
within internally developed intangible assets, most notably
investment in new products and related infrastructure in the
Legal and Scientific, Technical & Medical businesses.
Net pension obligations, i.e. pension obligations less pension
assets, decreased to £384m (2014: £632m). There was a deficit
of £189m (2014: £439m) in respect of funded schemes, which
were on average 95% funded at the end of the year on an IFRS
basis. The lower deficit reflects the transfer of the scheme in the
Netherlands to an industry-wide collective scheme and actuarial
gains in the UK reflecting scheme experience.
The post-tax return on average invested capital in the year was
12.7% (2014: 12.8%). As a signficiant proportion of our goodwill
and intangible assets are held in US dollars, the strengthening
of the dollar compared to the prior year has reduced the return
on average invested capital. Excluding currency effects, return
on invested capital would have increased to 13.4%.
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Adjusted operating profit
Tax at effective rate
Effective tax rate
Adjusted operating profit after tax
Average invested capital*
Return on invested capital
2015
£m
1,822
(424)
23.2%
2014
£m
1,739
(409)
23.5%
1,398
10,995
1,330
10,393
12.7%
12.8%
* Average of invested capital at the beginning and the end of the year, retranslated at
2015 average exchange rates. Invested capital is calculated as net capital employed,
adjusted to add back accumulated amortisation, impairment of acquired intangible
assets and goodwill and to exclude the gross up to goodwill in respect of deferred tax .
TERM DEBT MATURITY PROFILE
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL
$m
857
842
589
482
598
993
819
0
150
0
207
0
11.2%
11.7%*
12.1%
12.8%
12.7%
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
2024
2025 2026 >2026
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
* 2012 restated for IAS19.
Financial review Chief Financial Officer’s reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
58
Reported figures
Reported earnings per share and dividends
Reported figures
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit
Net margin
Net borrowings
2015
£m
2014
£m
Change
5,971
1,497
1,312
1,008
16.9%
3,782
5,773
1,402
1,229
955
16.5%
3,550
+3%
+7%
+7%
+6%
Reported operating profit, after amortisation of acquired
intangible assets and acquisition-related costs, was £1,497m
(2014: £1,402m).
The amortisation charge in respect of acquired intangible assets,
including the share of amortisation in joint ventures, increased to
£296m (2014: £286m), primarily reflecting currency effects,
partially offset by certain assets becoming fully amortised.
Acquisition-related costs were £35m (2014: £30m).
Reported net finance costs of £174m (2014: £162m) include a
charge of £21m (2014: £15m) in respect of the defined benefit
pension schemes. Net pre-tax disposal losses were £11m (2014:
£11m) arising largely from the sale of certain Legal and Risk &
Business Analytics businesses. These losses are offset by an
associated tax credit of £13m (2014: £3m charge).
The reported profit before tax was £1,312m (2014: £1,229m).
RECONCILIATION OF ADjUSTED AND REPORTED PROFIT
BEFORE TAX
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Adjusted profit before tax
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Acquisition-related costs
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures
Net pension financing charge
Disposals and other non-operating items
Reported profit before tax
2015
£m
1,669
(296)
(35)
6
(21)
(11)
1,312
2014
£m
1,592
(286)
(30)
(21)
(15)
(11)
1,229
The reported tax charge was £298m (2014: £269m). The reported
net profit attributable to the parent companies’ shareholders was
£1,008m (2014: £955m).
RECONCILIATION OF ADjUSTED AND REPORTED TAX CHARGE
YEAR TO 31 DECEMBER
Adjusted tax charge
Tax on disposals and other non-operating items
Deferred tax credits from intangible assets
Other items
Reported tax charge
2015
£m
(388)
13
70
7
(298)
2014
£m
(374)
(3)
74
34
(269)
RELX PLC
Reported earnings per share
Ordinary dividend per share
2015
£m
46.4p
29.7p
2014
£m
43.0p
26.0p
Change
+8%
+14%
RELX NV
€m
€m
Reported earnings per share
Ordinary dividend per share
€0.682
€0.403
€0.568
€0.383
+20%
+5%
The reported earnings per share for RELX PLC was up 8% at 46.4p
(2014: 43.0p) and for RELX NV was up 20% at €0.682 (2014: €0.568).
The final dividends proposed by the respective Boards are 22.3p
per share for RELX PLC and €0.288 per share for RELX NV,
17% and 1% higher respectively compared with the prior year
final dividends. This gives total dividends for the year of 29.7p
(2014: 26.0p) and €0.403 (2014: €0.383). The difference in growth
rates in the final dividends, and in the earlier interim dividends,
reflects changes in the euro:sterling exchange rate since the
respective prior year dividend announcement dates. The final
dividend has also been impacted by changes in UK tax legislation,
as outlined below.
Until the end of 2015 the equalisation of dividends between
RELX PLC and RELX NV took into account the prevailing tax credit
that was available to certain UK taxpayers at that time. The tax
credit was also taken into account in the determination of reported
earnings per share. The UK government has announced that
dividend tax credits will be abolished with effect from 6 April 2016,
impacting dividends paid after this date. As a result of the abolition
of this tax credit, from 2016 reported earnings per share will have
the same value for each RELX PLC and RELX NV share.
Dividend cover, based on adjusted earnings per share and the total
interim and proposed final dividends for the year, is 2.0 times
(2014: 2.2x) for RELX PLC and 2.1 times (2014: 1.8x) for RELX NV.
The dividend policy of the parent companies is, subject to currency
considerations, to grow dividends broadly in line with adjusted
earnings per share while maintaining dividend cover (being the
number of times the annual dividend is covered by the adjusted
earnings per share) of at least two times over the longer-term.
During 2015, a total of 45.8m RELX PLC and RELX NV shares,
adjusted to reflect the bonus issue of RELX NV shares declared
on 30 June 2015, were repurchased. Total consideration for these
repurchases was £500m. A further 0.9m RELX PLC shares and
0.8m RELX NV shares were purchased by the Employee Benefit
Trust. During 2015, 31.5m RELX PLC shares held in treasury were
cancelled. As at 31 December 2015, total shares in issue for RELX
Group, net of shares held in treasury and shares held by the
Employee Benefit Trust, amounted to 2,091.9m; represented by
1,106.6m RELX PLC shares and 985.3m RELX NV shares. A further
4.6m RELX PLC shares and 4.1m RELX NV shares have been
repurchased in 2016 as at 24 February.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 59
Distributable reserves
Treasury policies
The main treasury risks faced by the Group are liquidity risk,
interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and credit risk.
The Boards of RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc agree
overall policy guidelines for managing each of these risks.
A summary of these policies is provided in note 19 to the financial
statements on pages 125 to 129. Financial instruments are used
to finance the RELX Group businesses and to hedge transactions.
The Group’s businesses do not enter into speculative transactions.
Capital and liquidity management
The capital structure is managed to support the Group’s objective
of maximising long-term shareholder value through appropriate
security of funding, ready access to debt and capital markets,
cost-effective borrowing and flexibility to fund business and
acquisition opportunities while maintaining appropriate leverage
to ensure an efficient capital structure.
Over the long-term, the Group seeks to maintain cash flow
conversion of 90% or higher and credit metrics that are consistent
with a solid investment grade credit rating. The typical credit metrics
are net debt to EBITDA, on a pensions and lease adjusted and on
an unadjusted basis, and free cash flow as percentage of net debt.
The Group’s uses of free cash flow over the longer-term balance
the dividend policy, selective acquisitions and share repurchases,
while retaining the balance sheet strength to maintain access to
cost-effective sources of borrowing. Further detail on the Group’s
capital and liquidity management is provided on page 125.
Corporate responsibility
We attach equal importance to assessing our non-financial
performance as we do in reviewing the other aspects of our
business activity. The social and environmental metrics that
appear in this report, and in the companion 2015 Corporate
Responsibility Report, have been calculated using robust
methodologies aligned with best practice. Environmental
and health and safety data has been assured by EY.
Nick Luff
Chief Financial Officer
As at 31 December 2015, the parent companies RELX PLC and
RELX NV each had distributable reserves of over £1.4bn (€1.9bn).
In line with respective legislation in the UK and the Netherlands,
distributable reserves are derived from the non-consolidated
parent company balance sheets. The move from UK GAAP
to FRS 101 has not impacted the reserves of either company.
The consolidated Group reserves reflect adjustments such as
the amortisation of acquired intangible assets that are not taken
into account when calculating distributable reserves.
Further information on the distributable reserves of RELX
PLC and RELX NV can be found in the parent company financial
statements on pages 153 and 162 respectively.
Accounting policies
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by
the European Union and as issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board following the accounting policies shown in the
notes to the financial statements on pages 101 to 140. The
accounting policies and estimates which require the most
significant judgement relate to the valuation of goodwill and
intangible assets, the capitalisation of development costs,
taxation and accounting for defined benefit pension schemes.
Further detail is provided in the accounting policies on pages 99
to 100 and in the relevant notes to the accounts.
Tax principles
Taxation is an important issue for us and our stakeholders,
including our shareholders, governments, customers, suppliers,
employees and the broader, global communities in which
we operate. For this reason, we operate in accordance with our
Tax Principles, which can be found on our website at
www.relx.com/go/taxprinciples.
In summary, we maintain an open dialogue with tax authorities,
and are vigilant in ensuring that we comply with current tax
legislation. We have clear and consistent tax policies and tax
matters are dealt with by a professional tax function, supported
by external advisers. We proactively seek to agree arms-length
pricing with tax authorities to mitigate tax risks of significant
cross-border operations where this is available. We actively
engage with policy makers, tax administrators, industry bodies
and international institutions to provide informed input on
proposed tax measures, so that we and they can understand how
those proposals would affect our businesses. In addition, we
participate in consultations with the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development ("OECD"), European bodies and
the United Nations.
Financial review Chief Financial Officer’s reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 60
Principal risks
The Group has established risk management practices that are
embedded into the operations of the businesses, based on the
Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organisations of the Treadway
Commission (COSO). The principal risks facing the business,
which have been considered by the Audit Committees and Boards,
are described below. While our process is robust and includes
consideration of risks that would threaten the Group’s business
models and its solvency, it is not possible to identify every risk that
could affect our businesses, and the actions taken to mitigate the
risks described below cannot provide absolute assurance that a
risk will not materialise and/or adversely affect our business or
financial performance. Our risk management and internal control
processes are described in the Corporate Governance section.
A description of the business and a discussion of factors affecting
performance is set out in the Chief Executive Officer’s report
and Business Review. Financial risks are discussed in the Chief
Financial Officer’s report and in note 19 to the consolidated
financial statements. Our approach to managing environmental
and other non-financial risks is set out in the Business Review
and the separate Corporate Responsibility Report.
EXTERNAL RISKS
Risk
Description and impact
Mitigation
Economy and
market
conditions
Demand for our products and services may
be impacted by factors such as the economic
environment in the US, Europe and other
major economies, and levels of government
funding.
Intellectual
property rights
Data resources
Paid
subscriptions
Our products and services include and utilise
intellectual property. We rely on trademark,
copyright, patent and other intellectual
property laws to establish and protect
our proprietary rights in this intellectual
property. There is a risk that our proprietary
rights could be challenged, limited,
invalidated or circumvented which may
impact demand for and pricing of our
products and services.
A number of our businesses rely extensively
upon content and data from external sources.
Data is obtained from public records,
governmental authorities, customers and
other information companies, including
competitors. The disruption or loss of data
sources, either because of changes in the law
or because data suppliers decide not to supply
them, could adversely affect our products
and services.
Our Scientific, Technical & Medical (STM)
primary research content, like that of most
of our competitors, is sold largely on a
paid subscription basis. There is continued
debate in government, academic and
library communities, which are the principal
customers for our STM content, regarding
to what extent such content should be funded
instead through fees charged to authors or
authors’ funders and/or made freely available
in some form after a period following
publication. Some of these methods, if widely
adopted, could adversely affect our revenue
from paid subscriptions.
Our businesses are focused on professional markets which have
generally been more resilient in periods of economic downturn.
We deliver information solutions and analytics, mostly on a
subscription basis, which are important to our customers’
effectiveness and efficiency. We have extended our position in
long-term global growth markets through organic new launches
supported by selective acquisitions. We continue to dispose of
businesses that no longer fit our strategy.
We actively engage in developing and promoting the legal
protection of intellectual property rights. Our subscription
contracts with customers contain provisions regarding the use of
intellectual property. We are vigilant as to the use of our products
and services and, as appropriate, take legal action to challenge
illegal distribution sources.
We seek as far as possible to have proprietary content and data.
Where data is supplied to us by third parties, we aim to have
contracts which provide mutual commercial benefit. We also
maintain an active dialogue with regulatory authorities on
privacy and other data-related issues, and promote, with others,
the responsible use of data.
We engage extensively with stakeholders in the STM community
to better understand their needs and deliver value to them. We are
open to serve and are currently serving the STM community under
a broad range of payment models that can sustainably provide
researchers with the critical information tools that they need.
We focus on the integrity and quality of research through the
editorial and peer review process; we invest in efficient editorial
and distribution platforms and in innovation in platforms and tools
to make content and data more accessible and actionable; and we
ensure vigilance on plagiarism and the long-term preservation of
research findings.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Financial review Principal risks
61
STRATEGIC RISKS
Risk
Description and impact
Mitigation
Customer
acceptance of
products
Competition
Acquisitions
Our businesses are dependent on the
continued acceptance by our customers
of our products and services and the value
placed on them. Failure to meet evolving
customer needs could impact demand for
our products and consequently adversely
affect our revenue.
Our businesses operate in highly competitive
markets, which continue to evolve in
response to technological innovations,
legislative and regulatory changes, the
entrance of new competitors and other
factors. Failure to anticipate market trends
could impact the competitiveness of our
products and services and consequently
adversely affect our revenue.
We regularly make small acquisitions to
strengthen our portfolio. If we are unable
to generate the anticipated benefits such
as revenue growth and/or cost savings
associated with these acquisitions, this could
adversely affect return on invested capital
and financial condition.
We are focused on the needs and economics of our customers
and employ user-centred design and customer analytics to
provide innovative solutions that help them achieve better
outcomes and enhance productivity.
We gain insights into our markets, evolving customers’ needs,
the potential application of new technologies and business
models, and the actions of competitors. These insights inform
our market strategies and operational priorities. We continuously
invest significant resources in our products and services, and the
infrastructure to support them.
Acquisitions are made within the framework of our overall
strategy, which emphasises organic development. We have a
well-formulated process for reviewing and executing acquisitions
and for managing the post-acquisition integration. This process
is underpinned with clear strategic, financial and ethical criteria.
We closely monitor the integration and performance of acquisitions.
OPERATIONAL RISKS
Risk
Description and impact
Mitigation
Technology
failure
Data security
Supply chain
dependencies
Talent
Our businesses are dependent on electronic
platforms and networks, primarily the
internet, for delivery of products and
services. These could be adversely affected if
our electronic delivery platforms or networks
experience a significant failure, interruption,
or security breach.
Our businesses maintain databases and
information that are accessed online,
including personal information. Breaches
of our data security or failure to comply
with applicable legislation or regulatory
or contractual requirements could damage
our reputation and expose us to risk of loss,
litigation and increased regulation.
Our organisational and operational
structures are dependent on outsourced
and offshored functions. Poor performance
or failure of third parties to whom we have
outsourced activities could adversely affect
our business performance, reputation and
financial condition.
The implementation and execution of our
strategies and business plans depend on
our ability to recruit, motivate and retain
high-quality people. We compete globally
and across business sectors for talented
management and skilled individuals,
particularly those with technology and data
analytics capabilities. An inability to recruit,
motivate or retain such people could
adversely affect our business performance.
We have established procedures for the protection of our
technology assets. These include the development of business
continuity plans, including IT disaster recovery plans and back-up
delivery systems, to reduce business disruption in the event of a
major technology failure.
We have established data privacy and security programs and
evolve our programs in line with emerging threats. We test and
re-evaluate our procedures and controls with the aim of ensuring
that personal data is protected and that we comply with relevant
legislative, regulatory and contractual requirements.
We select our vendors with care and establish contractual service
levels that we closely monitor, including through key performance
indicators and targeted supplier audits. We have developed
business continuity plans to reduce disruption in the event of
a major failure by a vendor.
We have well established management development and talent
review programmes. We monitor capability needs and
remuneration schemes are tailored to attract and motivate the
best talent available at an appropriate level of cost. We actively
seek feedback from employees, which feeds into plans to
enhance employee engagement and motivation.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 62
FINANCIAL RISKS
Risk
Pensions
Tax
Treasury
REPUTATIONAL RISKS
Risk
Ethics
Description and impact
Mitigation
We have professional management of our pension
schemes and we focus on maintaining appropriate
asset allocation and plan designs. We review our
funding requirements on a regular basis with the
assistance of independent actuaries and ensure
that the funding plans are appropriate. We seek to
manage pension liabilities by reviewing pension
benefits provided to staff as well as the structure
of scheme arrangements.
We maintain an open dialogue with tax authorities,
and are vigilant in ensuring that we comply with
current tax legislation. We have clear and
consistent tax policies and tax matters are dealt
with by a professional tax function, supported by
external advisers. As outlined in the CFO report
on page 59 we engage with tax authorities and
international organisations. The principles we
adopt in our approach to tax matters can be found
on our website at www.relx.com/go/taxprinciples.
Our approach to funding and the management of
financial risks, including interest rate and foreign
currency exposures, is described in note 19 to the
consolidated financial statements.
We operate a number of pension schemes around the world,
including local versions of the defined benefit type in the UK
and the US. The assets and obligations associated with those
pension schemes are sensitive to changes in the market
values of assets and the market-related assumptions used
to value scheme liabilities. Adverse changes to, inter alia,
asset values, discount rates or inflation could increase
future pension costs and funding requirements.
Our businesses operate globally and our profits are subject
to taxation in many differing jurisdictions and at differing
tax rates. In October 2015, the Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) issued its reports
on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting, which suggest a range
of new approaches that national governments might adopt
when taxing the activities of multinational enterprises. As a
result of the OECD project and other international initiatives,
tax laws that currently apply to our businesses may be
amended by the relevant authorities or interpreted differently
by them, and this could adversely affect our reported results.
The RELX Group consolidated financial statements
are expressed in sterling and are subject to movements in
exchange rates on the translation of the financial information
of businesses whose operational currencies are other
than sterling. The US is our most important market and,
accordingly, significant fluctuations in the US dollar
exchange rate could significantly affect our reported results.
We also earn revenues in a range of other currencies including
the euro and the yen which could be affected by fluctuations in
these exchange rates. Macroeconomic, political and market
conditions may also adversely affect the availability of short and
long-term funding, volatility of interest rates, currency
exchange rates and inflation. Our borrowing costs and access
to capital may be adversely affected if the credit ratings
assigned to our debt are downgraded.
Description and impact
Mitigation
As a world-leading provider of professional information
solutions to the STM, risk & business analytics, legal and
exhibitions markets, we are expected to adhere to high
standards of independence and ethical conduct. A breach
of generally accepted ethical business standards could
adversely affect our business performance, reputation
and financial condition.
Environmental
Our businesses have an impact on the environment,
principally through the use of energy and water, waste
generation and, in our supply chain, through paper use and
print and production technologies. Failure to manage our
environmental impact could adversely affect our reputation.
Our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct is provided
to every employee and is supported by training.
It encompasses such topics as fair competition,
anti-bribery and human rights and encourages open
and principled behaviour. We have well-established
processes for reporting and investigating instances
of unethical conduct. Our major suppliers are
required to adopt our Supplier Code of Conduct.
We are committed to reducing these environmental
impacts by limiting resource use and efficiently
employing sustainable materials and technologies.
We require our major suppliers and contractors to
meet the same objectives. We seek to ensure that
all our businesses are compliant with relevant
environmental regulation.
The Strategic Report, as set out on pages 2 to 62, has been approved by the Board of RELX PLC in accordance with local UK requirements.
By order of the Board
Henry Udow
Company Secretary
24 February 2016
Registered Office
1–3 Strand
London
WC2N 5JR
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 63
G
o
v
e
r
n
a
n
c
e
Governance
In this section
64 Board Directors
66 RELX Group Business Leaders
68 Chairman’s introduction to
Corporate Governance
69 Corporate Governance
76 Report of the Nominations Committee
77 Directors’ Remuneration Report
91 Report of the Audit Committees
RELX Group GovernanceOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 64
Board Directors
Executive Directors
Non-Executive Directors
Erik Engstrom (52)
Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Habgood (69)
Chairman
R N C
Appointed: Chief Executive Officer of RELX
Group since November 2009. Joined the Group
as Chief Executive Officer of Elsevier in 2004.
Other appointments: Non-Executive
Director of Smith & Nephew plc.
Past appointments: Prior to joining the Group
was a partner at General Atlantic Partners.
Before that was President and Chief Operating
Officer of Random House Inc and President
and Chief Executive Officer of Bantam
Doubleday Dell, North America. Began his
career as a consultant with McKinsey.
Served as a Non-Executive Director of Eniro
AB and Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget SCA.
Education: Holds a BSc from Stockholm
School of Economics, an MSc from the Royal
Institute of Technology in Stockholm, and
gained an MBA from Harvard Business
School as a Fulbright Scholar.
Nationality: Swedish
Appointed: June 2009
Other appointments: Chairman of: Court of
the Bank of England, Preqin Holding Limited
and Norwich Research Partners LLP.
Past appointments: Previously was Chairman
of Whitbread plc, Bunzl plc and Mölnlycke
Health Care Limited and served as Chief
Executive of Bunzl plc, Chief Executive of
Tootal Group plc and a Director of The Boston
Consulting Group. Formerly Non-Executive
Director of Geest plc, Marks and Spencer plc,
National Westminster Bank plc, Powergen
plc, SVG Capital plc, and Norfolk and
Norwich University Hospitals Trust.
Education: Holds an MA in Economics
from Cambridge University and an MS in
Industrial Administration from Carnegie
Mellon University. He is a visiting Fellow
at Oxford University.
Nationality: British
Wolfhart Hauser (66)
Non-Executive Director
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
R N C
Appointed: April 2013
Other appointments: Chairman of
FirstGroup plc and a Non-Executive Director
of Associated British Foods plc.
Past appointments: Chief Executive Officer
of Intertek Group plc from 2005 until May
2015. Prior to that he was Chief Executive
Officer of TÜV Sud AG between 1998 and
2002 and Chief Executive Officer of TÜV
Product Service GmbH for 10 years.
Formerly a Non-Executive Director
of Logica plc.
Nationality: German
Nick Luff (48)
Chief Financial Officer
Marike van Lier Lels (56)
Non-Executive Director
A C
Robert Polet (60)
Non-Executive Director
R C
Appointed: September 2014
Other appointments: Non-Executive
Director of Lloyds Banking Group plc.
Past appointments: Prior to joining the
Group was Group Finance Director of
Centrica plc from 2007. Before that was
Chief Financial Officer at The Peninsular
& Oriental Steam Navigation Company
(P&O) and its affiliated companies, having
previously held a number of senior finance
roles at P&O. Began his career as an
accountant with KPMG. Formerly a
Non-Executive Director of QinetiQ Group plc.
Education: Has a degree in Mathematics
from Oxford University and is a qualified
UK Chartered Accountant.
Nationality: British
Appointed: Non-Executive Director of RELX
NV since January 2010. Appointed as a
Non-Executive Director of RELX PLC and
RELX Group plc on 21 July 2015.
Other appointments: Member of the
Supervisory Boards of TKH Group NV, Eneco
Holding NV and NS (Dutch Railways), and
a member of the Executive Committee of
Aegon Association. A member of various
Dutch governmental advisory boards.
Past appointments: Member of the
Supervisory Boards of Royal Imtech NV,
Maersk BV, KPN NV and USG People NV, and
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Schiphol Group. Prior to joining
Schiphol Group, was a member of the Executive
Board of Deutsche Post Euro Express and
held various senior positions with Nedlloyd.
Nationality: Dutch
Appointed: April 2007
Other appointments: Chairman of Safilo
Group SpA, Chairman of the Supervisory
Board of Rituals Cosmetics BV, Chairman
of NSG Apparel BV, and a Non-Executive
Director of Philip Morris International Inc
and William Grant & Sons Limited.
Past appointments: President and Chief
Executive Officer of Gucci Group from 2004
to 2011, having previously spent 26 years at
Unilever working in a variety of positions
including President of Unilever’s Worldwide
Ice Cream and Frozen Foods division.
Formerly a member of the Supervisory Board
of Nyenrode Foundation and a Non-Executive
Director of Wilderness Holdings Limited,
Scotch & Soda BV and Crown Topco Limited.
Nationality: Dutch
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Governance Board directors
65
Adrian Hennah (58)
Non-Executive Director
A C
Lisa Hook (57)
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Director
R N C
Appointed: April 2011
Other appointments: Chief Financial Officer
of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc and
Non-Executive Director of Indivior PLC.
Past appointments: Chief Financial Officer
of Smith & Nephew plc from 2006 to 2012.
Before that was Chief Financial Officer of
Invensys plc, having previously held various
senior finance and management positions
with GlaxoSmithKline for 18 years.
Nationality: British
Appointed: April 2006
Other appointments: President and
Chief Executive Officer of Neustar, Inc and a
Director of Vantiv, Inc and Island Press. Serves
on the US President’s National Security
Telecommunications Advisory Committee
(NSTAC), and as a member of the Advisory
Board of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Past appointments: President and Chief
Executive Officer at Sun Rocket, Inc. Before that
was President of AOL Broadband, Premium
and Developer Services. Prior to joining AOL,
was a founding partner at Brera Capital
Partners LLC. Previously Chief Operating
Officer of Time Warner Telecommunications
and has served as Senior Advisor to the Federal
Communications Commission Chairman and
a Senior Counsel to Viacom Cable. Formerly
a Director of Covad Communications, Inc,
TW Telecom, Inc and The Ocean Foundation.
Nationality: American
Linda Sanford (63)
Non-Executive Director
A C
Ben van der Veer (64)
Non-Executive Director
Chairman of the Audit Committees
A N C
Appointed: December 2012
Other appointments: An independent
Director of Consolidated Edison, Inc and
Pitney Bowes, Inc, and a consultant to
The Carlyle Group. Serves on the boards of
trustees of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
and the New York Hall of Science.
Past appointments: Senior Vice President,
Enterprise Transformation, IBM Corporation
until 2014, having joined the company in 1975.
Formerly a Non-Executive Director of ITT
Corporation, served on the boards of directors
of The Business Council of New York State
and the Partnership for New York City, and on
the boards of trustees of the State University
of New York and St John’s University.
Nationality: American
Appointed: September 2009
Other appointments: Member of the
Supervisory Boards of Aegon NV, TomTom
NV and Koninklijke FrieslandCampina NV.
Past appointments: Chairman of the
Executive Board of KPMG in the Netherlands
and a member of the Management
Committee of the KPMG International board
until his retirement in 2008, having joined
KPMG in 1976. Formerly a member of the
Supervisory Boards of Royal Imtech NV
and Siemens Nederland NV.
Nationality: Dutch
Board Committee membership key
A Audit Committees
R Remuneration Committee
N Nominations Committee
C Corporate Governance Committee
Committee Chairman
All of the Directors are directors of RELX Group plc,
RELX PLC and RELX NV.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 66
RELX Group Business Leaders
Senior Business Executives
Mike Walsh
Chief Executive Officer
Legal
Mark Kelsey
Chief Executive Officer
Risk & Business Analytics
Mike Rusbridge
Chairman
Exhibitions
Chet Burchett
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibitions
Ron Mobed
Chief Executive Officer
Scientific, Technical
& Medical
Joined in 1989. Appointed
CEO Business Information
in 2010 and CEO Risk
Solutions in 2012.
Has held a number of
senior positions across
the Group over the past 30
years. Studied at Liverpool
University and received
his MBA from Bradford
University.
Joined in 1994. Appointed
as Chairman in 1996.
Retired in December 2015.
Previously President of
Reed Exhibitions Europe
and Asia and President
Reed Exhibitions North
America. Prior to that
worked with leading US
exhibition organiser, Clapp
and Poliak. Studied at
Manchester University and
Harvard Business School.
Joined in 2004. Appointed
to current position in 2015.
Joined in 2011. Appointed
to current position in 2012.
Previously President of
the Americas for Reed
Exhibitions. Prior to that
was President and Chief
Executive Officer, USA,
for Burson-Marsteller,
a leading global public
relations agency. Holds
a degree from Baylor
University.
Previously President of
Cengage Learning’s
Academic & Professional
Group and Co-President
and Co-Chief Operating
Officer with information
services company, IHS.
Holds a degree from Trinity
College, Cambridge, and
a master’s degree from
Imperial College, London.
Joined in 2003. Appointed
to current position in 2011.
Previously CEO of
LexisNexis US Legal
Markets and Director
of Strategic Business
Development Home Depot.
Prior to that was a
practising attorney at Weil,
Gotshal and Manges in
Washington DC and served
as a consultant with
The Boston Consulting
Group. Holds a Juris Doctor
degree from Harvard Law
School and is a graduate
of Yale University.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Governance Business Leaders
67
Corporate Executives
Youngsuk “YS” Chi
Director of Corporate Affairs and
Chairman Elsevier
Joined in 2005. Appointed to
current position in 2011.
Previously was President and
Chief Operating Officer of Random
House, founding Chairman of
Random House Asia and Chief
Operating Officer for Ingram
Book Group. Holds an MBA from
Columbia University and is a
Graduate of Princeton University.
Ian Fraser
Human Resources Director
Kumsal Bayazit
Chief Strategy Officer
Joined in 2005. Appointed to
current position at that time.
Previously Global HR Director
at BHP Billiton (1998 to 2005).
Holds an MBA in Finance and
International Business from
London’s City University and an MA
from Edinburgh University. Ian is
also a Chartered Psychologist.
Joined in 2004. Appointed
to current position in 2012.
Previously Executive Vice
President of Global Strategy
and Business Development for
LexisNexis Legal & Professional.
Prior to that worked with Bain
& Company in New York,
Los Angeles, Johannesburg
and Sydney. Holds an MBA from
Harvard Business School and
is a Graduate of the University
of California at Berkeley.
Henry Udow
Chief Legal Officer and
Company Secretary
Joined in 2011. Appointed to
current position at that time.
Previously Chief Legal Officer and
Company Secretary of Cadbury plc
having spent 23 years working with
the company. Prior to that worked
at Shearman & Sterling in New
York and London. Holds a Juris
Doctor degree from the University
of Michigan Law School and a
bachelor’s degree from the
University of Rochester.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
68
Chairman’s introduction to Corporate Governance
“ We have further enhanced the
Group’s corporate governance
by simplifying the corporate
structure and fully aligning
membership of the Boards.”
Introduction to Corporate Governance
The Boards of RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc are
committed to high standards of corporate governance and believe
that such standards are integral to the success of the Group. The
Boards have put in place policies and procedures that promote
corporate responsibility, accountability and probity, and include
the Group’s Code of Ethics and Business Conduct which sets the
standard for our corporate and individual behaviour. The Code
of Ethics and Business Conduct applies to all Directors and
employees of the Group and more information on its application
can be found in the Corporate Responsibility section on page 45.
The Group is listed in the UK, the US and the Netherlands (RELX
PLC’s shares are listed in London and New York, and RELX NV’s
shares are listed in Amsterdam and New York) and therefore it is
subject to corporate governance requirements in those jurisdictions.
This Corporate Governance Report describes the Group’s governance
arrangements and the work of the Boards and their Committees.
It is intended to provide shareholders with a clear view of how the
Group has complied with the applicable corporate governance
codes during the year.
Corporate structure
RELX PLC is a publicly listed holding company with its shares
traded on the London and New York stock exchanges. Its principal
asset is the shares it owns in RELX Group plc, which represent
52.9% of the outstanding shares of RELX Group plc.
RELX NV is a publicly listed holding company with its shares
traded on the Euronext Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges.
Its principal asset is the shares it owns in RELX Group plc, which
represent 47.1% of the outstanding shares of RELX Group plc.
RELX Group plc holds all of the operating businesses, subsidiaries
and financing activities of the Group.
The corporate structure is shown below.
RELX PLC
RELX NV
52.9%
47.1%
RELX Group plc
* RELX PLC and RELX NV each have equal voting rights in RELX Group plc.
RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc (and its subsidiaries,
associates and joint ventures) are together known as RELX Group.
Following approval from shareholders at the Annual General
Meetings of the parent companies in April 2015, effective 1 July 2015,
Reed Elsevier PLC and Reed Elsevier NV formally changed their
names to RELX PLC and RELX NV, respectively.
Equalisation arrangements
To further simplify the corporate structure, the equalisation ratio
of RELX PLC to RELX NV shares was changed from a ratio of 1.538
to 1 to a ratio of 1 to 1 from 1 July 2015. The change of ratio was
implemented by way of a bonus issue of 0.538 new RELX NV
shares for each existing RELX NV share held. As a result, one
ordinary share of RELX NV confers equivalent economic interests
to one ordinary share of RELX PLC.
RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs listed on the New York Stock
Exchange were also adjusted so that they each now represent one
RELX PLC or one RELX NV ordinary share (from their previous
4:1 and 2:1 ratios) respectively.
Board changes and succession
Following the implementation of our simplified corporate
structure, we fully aligned membership of the Boards with the
appointment of Marike van Lier Lels as a Non-Executive Director
of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc. Marike has served as a
Non-Executive Director of RELX NV and as a member of the
Corporate Governance Committee since 2010. The Boards are
now comprised of the same directors. The biographical details
of each of the Directors are set out on pages 64 and 65.
Looking ahead, two of our long-serving Non-Executive Directors,
Lisa Hook and Robert Polet, will retire from the Boards after
our Annual General Meetings in April 2016. In February, we
announced that Carol Mills and Robert MacLeod will join the
Boards as Non-Executive Directors, subject to shareholder
approval. Carol has more than 30 years in the enterprise
technology and software sectors, including extensive US board
experience, and Robert has considerable international experience
in executive and non-executive roles in the engineering and
chemicals sectors, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of
a FTSE 100 company. With their strong strategic, financial and
technology skills, they will be valuable additions to our Boards.
We also announced that Dr Wolfhart Hauser, who has served
as a Non-Executive Director since 2013, will succeed Lisa as
the Senior Independent Director.
Board evaluation
In accordance with the UK and Dutch Corporate Governance
Codes, we conducted evaluations of the Boards, their Committees
and the performance of individual Directors. Details of the review,
which confirmed that the Boards and their Committees continue
to function effectively, are set out on page 71.
Taking into account the outcome of the evaluation, I believe that
the Boards and the Committees operate effectively and have
an appropriate balance of skills, experience, independence,
knowledge of the Group and diversity to ensure that they continue
to do so. Additionally, all of our Directors continue to contribute
effectively and are committed to their roles. Therefore, on the
recommendation of the Nominations Committee, all Directors
(other than those retiring in 2016) will stand for re-election at
the Annual General Meetings in April 2016.
Simplification and name changes in 2015
During 2015, we implemented the simplification of the Group’s
corporate structure previously reported in detail in the 2014
Annual Report.
Anthony Habgood
Chairman
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Governance Corporate Governance
69
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance compliance
The Boards of RELX PLC and RELX NV have implemented standards
of corporate governance and disclosure policies applicable to
companies listed on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock
exchanges. The effect of this is that a standard applying to one will,
where not in conflict, also be observed by the other.
The Boards of RELX PLC and RELX NV support the principles and
provisions of corporate governance contained in the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2014 (the UK Code) and the Dutch Corporate
Governance Code 2008 (the Dutch Code). This report and the
compliance statement set out below are made in relation to the
UK Code. The principles and provisions set out in the UK Code
and the Dutch Code have applied throughout the financial year
ended 31 December 2015.
RELX PLC, which has its primary listing on the London Stock
Exchange, has complied throughout the year with the UK Code.
RELX NV, which has its primary listing on the Euronext
Amsterdam Stock Exchange, has also complied throughout
the year with the UK Code and, subject to limited exceptions,
has applied the best practice provisions of the Dutch Code.
The ways in which RELX PLC and RELX NV have applied the
main principles of the UK Code are described below. For further
information on the application of the Dutch Code by RELX NV,
see the Corporate Governance Statement of RELX NV which
is available on our website, www.relx.com
The Boards
Board composition and roles
The Boards of RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc (the
Boards) are unitary boards and are comprised of the same
Directors. The names of each Director, their roles on the Boards
and their biographical details at the date of this report appear
on pages 64 and 65.
The Boards currently comprise the Chairman, two Executive
Directors and seven independent Non-Executive Directors,
who bring a wide range of skills and experience to their roles.
The charts on page 72 illustrate in more detail the composition
of the Boards.
A profile which identifies the skills and experience of the
Non-Executive Directors is set out on page 71 and is available
on our website, www.relx.com
There is a schedule of matters reserved to the Boards and
approved delegated authorities to the Chief Executive Officer and
other senior executives. There is a clear separation of the roles
of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer which are set out
in writing. The adjacent table illustrates the key responsibilities
of the Directors.
Roles of the Directors
Chairman
§ Leads the Boards, ensuring they function efficiently
§ Promotes high standards of corporate governance
§ Sets the agenda and chairs meetings of the Boards
§ Chairs the Nominations and Corporate Governance
Committees
§ Ensures effective dialogue with shareholders
§ Facilitates effective communication among Directors
§ Ensures the performance of the Boards is assessed
annually
§ Ensures effective induction and development of Directors
Chief Executive Officer
§ Day-to-day management of the Group
§ Develops the Group’s strategy and commercial objectives
§ Ensures that the strategy and decisions of the Boards
are implemented
§ Promotes high standards of corporate governance
§ Informs and advises the Chairman and Nominations
Committee on executive succession planning
§ Leads communication with shareholders
Chief Financial Officer
§ Supports the Chief Executive Officer in developing and
implementing strategy in relation to the financial and
operational performance of the Group
Senior Independent Director
§ Leads the annual assessment of the performance of
the Chairman
§ Available to meet with shareholders on matters where
usual channels are deemed inappropriate
§ Deputises for the Chairman, as necessary
§ Acts as an intermediary between the other Directors
Non-Executive Directors
§ Constructively challenge and provide advice to the
Executive Directors
§ Effectively contribute to the development of strategy
§ Scrutinise the performance of management in meeting
agreed goals and monitor the delivery of Group strategy
§ Serve as members of Board Committees
The Boards have established a number of Committees, to which
certain powers have been delegated. The roles of the Board
Committees are summarised on page 72.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 70
Key activities of the Boards
In 2015, the Boards considered the following:
§ reports from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer on the Group’s operational and financial performance
§ strategic and business presentations, including two full-day
strategy reviews
§ annual and interim results, and dividend declarations
§ the Group’s corporate structure simplification project
§ budgets and annual strategy plan 2015-2018
§ risk management reviews and ongoing risk monitoring
§ Board succession and executive talent management
§ appointments to the Boards and Board Committees
§ information security update
§ the Group’s revised Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
§ investor relations activities
§ litigation update
§ updates on major acquisitions, investments and disposals
§ reports from the Committee Chairmen on the key activities
of the Board Committees
Independence of the Non-Executive Directors
The Boards review the independence of the Non-Executive
Directors every year, based on the criteria for independence set out
in the UK Code. The UK Code does not consider the Chairman to be
independent due to the unique role he has in corporate governance.
Notwithstanding this, Anthony Habgood met the independence
criteria contained in the UK Code when he was appointed Chairman
in 2009. The Boards consider all Non-Executive Directors (other
than the Chairman) to be independent of management and free
from any business or other relationship which could materially
interfere with their ability to exercise independent judgement.
Terms of appointment
RELX PLC and RELX NV shareholders maintain their rights to
appoint individuals to the respective Boards in accordance with
the provisions of the articles of association of these companies.
Subject to this, no individual may be appointed to the Boards
unless recommended by the joint Nominations Committee.
Members of the Committee abstain when their own
re-appointment is being considered.
As a general rule, Non-Executive Directors’ letters of appointment
provide that individuals will serve for an initial term of three years,
and are typically expected to serve two three-year terms, although
the Boards may invite an individual to serve for an additional period
of three years. The notice period applicable to Non-Executive
Directors is one month.
The notice period applicable to the service contracts of the
Executive Directors is 12 months.
In compliance with the UK Code, all Directors seek re-election
by shareholders annually, except for those Directors retiring
immediately after the respective Annual General Meetings.
Board changes
Changes during the year in the composition of the Boards and
Board Committees are set out in the table on page 73.
In 2015, membership of the Boards was fully aligned by the
appointment of Marike van Lier Lels as a Non-Executive Director
of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc. Ms van Lier Lels has served
as a Non-Executive Director of RELX NV since 2010.
As announced in February 2016, the changes set out below will be
made to the composition of the Boards following the conclusion of
the RELX NV and RELX PLC Annual General Meetings in April 2016:
§ Lisa Hook will retire from the Boards. Ms Hook has served
as a Non-Executive Director since April 2006 and is a member
of the Remuneration, Nominations and Corporate Governance
Committees. She has served as the Senior Independent
Director since 2013.
§ Robert Polet will retire from the Boards. Mr Polet has served
as a Non-Executive Director since April 2007 and is a member
of the Remuneration and Corporate Governance Committees.
§ Dr Wolfhart Hauser, who joined the Boards in 2013, will be
appointed as Senior Independent Director.
§ Carol Mills will join the Boards as a Non-Executive Director,
subject to election by shareholders. Ms Mills is a US citizen with
a strong background in the enterprise software and technology
sectors. She currently chairs the board of Xactly Corporation,
and also serves on the boards of Ingram Micro and WhiteHat
Security. She previously served on the boards of Adobe
Systems, Alaska Communications, Tekelec Corporation
and Blue Coat Systems. Prior to that, Ms Mills spent more
than 25 years in executive leadership positions with companies
such as Juniper Networks and Hewlett-Packard.
§ Robert MacLeod will join the Boards as a Non-Executive
Director, subject to election by shareholders. Mr MacLeod is
a British citizen with considerable international experience in
the engineering and chemicals sectors. He is currently chief
executive of Johnson Matthey Plc, the FTSE 100 speciality
chemicals company and global leader in sustainable
technologies, and a non-executive director at Aggreko plc.
Until 2009, Mr MacLeod was group finance director at
WS Atkins plc, and prior to that held a variety of senior finance
and M&A roles with Enterprise Oil plc in the UK and US.
In accordance with the articles of association of RELX PLC,
Directors are normally subject to election by shareholders at the
first Annual General Meeting following their appointment by the
Board. Accordingly, Ms van Lier Lels will stand for election at
the RELX PLC 2016 Annual General Meeting.
In accordance with the UK Code, all Directors will retire from the
Boards of RELX NV and RELX PLC at the respective Annual General
Meetings and, other than those retiring in 2016, will offer themselves
for re-election. Based on the review of performance and effectiveness
made by the Corporate Governance Committee of each individual
seeking re-election, the Boards have accepted a recommendation
from the Nominations Committee that each of these Directors be
proposed for re-election at the 2016 Annual General Meeting of the
respective company. Details of the annual evaluation of the Boards,
Committees and Directors are set out on page 71.
Board induction and development
Following appointment and as required, Directors receive
training appropriate to their level of experience and knowledge.
This includes the provision of a comprehensive briefing pack
and a tailored induction programme so as to provide newly
appointed Directors with information about the Group’s
businesses and other relevant information to assist them
in performing their duties. Non-Executive Directors are
encouraged to visit the Group’s businesses to meet
management and senior staff.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 71
On joining the Boards of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc as a
Non-Executive Director in July 2015, Marike van Lier Lels received
a briefing on the obligations and responsibilities of directors of
UK listed companies, to complement her considerable knowledge
and experience of serving on the boards of Dutch companies.
On joining the Audit Committees, Ms van Lier Lels undertook a
comprehensive audit committee induction programme, designed
to ensure familiarisation with the Committees’ oversight
responsibilities in relation to the Group’s financial reporting,
internal control and audit processes. This programme included
internal briefings from senior management and external
meetings with corporate advisers.
In addition to scheduled Board and Board Committee meetings
held during the year, the Directors attend other meetings and
site visits to support their continuing development.
Board information and support
All Directors have full and timely access to the information
required to discharge their responsibilities fully and efficiently.
They have access to the services of the respective Company
Secretaries, other members of the Group’s management and
staff, and external advisers. Directors may take independent
professional advice in the furtherance of their duties, at the
relevant company’s expense.
Where a Director is unable to attend a Board or Board Committee
meeting, he or she is provided with all relevant papers and
information relating to that meeting and is able to discuss issues
arising with the respective chairman and other Board and
Committee members.
Board evaluation
Each year the Boards undertake an annual evaluation of their own
effectiveness and performance, and that of their Committees and
individual Directors. In 2014, the review was facilitated externally.
In 2015, the Boards undertook an internal evaluation, overseen
by the Corporate Governance Committee and supported by the
Company Secretaries.
Using questionnaires completed by all Directors, the Committee
explored key areas including: the performance of the Boards;
Board composition and succession planning; talent management
and executive leadership succession; risk management,
corporate governance and compliance; agenda planning and
quality of information provided by management, and Board
Committee effectiveness. The Chairman conducted interviews
with each of the Directors.
The review of the performance of the Chairman of the Boards
was led by the Senior Independent Director. The Chairman was
not present during a discussion by the Non-Executive Directors
as it related to him.
The conclusions of the review were subsequently considered at
a meeting of the Boards.
Conclusions of the 2015 review
The review confirmed that overall, the Directors believed
that the Boards remain highly engaged and committed,
and contribute strongly to the development of the Group’s
strategy. All Directors commended the Chairman on his
effective leadership of the Boards, noting that he continues
to foster a supportive culture that facilitates the valuable
contribution of each member. The Non-Executive Directors
also demonstrated unanimous support and respect for
executive management. An area of continued focus for the
Boards in 2016 is non-executive succession, to ensure an
appropriate level of experience and knowledge of the Group
is maintained as Board membership evolves.
Based on the findings of the review, the Corporate Governance
Committee believes that the Boards and their Committees
function effectively and collaboratively and with an appropriate
level of engagement with management. The Committee also
believes that the performance of each Director continues to
be effective and that they demonstrate commitment to their
respective roles.
Progress made during 2015 in response to 2014 review
recommendations
The review confirmed that good progress is being made in
response to the prior year’s recommendations, to:
§ further refine the Boards’ time allocation
§ continue its engagement with individual business areas
and their strategies through senior management dialogue
§ increase its involvement in talent management
Areas of significant skills and expertise of the Non-Executive Directors on the Boards
Percentage of the
Non-Executive Directors
Knowledge of corporate governance issues for listed companies
Operational experience in the Group’s main geographical markets
Human resource management and executive remuneration
Corporate responsibility
Corporate strategy and organisation
Marketing and customer relations
Legal matters
Financial and organisational audit
Executive board experience in a large international listed company
Operational experience in the telecommunications and information technology sectors
Operational experience in the Group’s product markets
38%
Banking, tax and corporate finance
38%
75%
63%
63%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
88%
88%
Governance Corporate GovernanceOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 72
Board Committees
The Boards have established a number of Committees, to which they have delegated certain powers. The structure of these Committees,
and a summary of their key responsibilities, is set out below. All the Committees have written terms of reference, which are available on
our website: www.relx.com
Membership of each Committee and attendance during the year is set out on page 73.
The Boards
Audit Committees
Responsible for the oversight
of financial reporting, risk
management and internal
control policies, and the
effectiveness of the internal
and external audit processes.
The Committees comprise only
independent Non-Executive
Directors.
Remuneration Committee
Responsible for considering the
remuneration of the Group's
Executive Directors and the
Chairman, and advising on
remuneration of senior
executives below Board level.
The Committee comprises only
Non-Executive Directors.
Nominations Committee
Responsible for keeping
under review the composition
of the Boards and the Board
Committees, and the
recruitment of new Directors.
The Committee comprises
only Non-Executive Directors.
Corporate Governance
Committee
Responsible for reviewing
ongoing developments and
best practice in corporate
governance, assessing the
performance of the Directors,
and monitoring the structure,
operation and membership of
the Board Committees. The
Committee comprises only
Non-Executive Directors.
Report of the Audit
Committees page 91
Directors' Remuneration
Report page 77
Report of the Nominations
Committee page 76
BALANCE OF EXECUTIVE/NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
GENDER DIVERSITY
Executive: 2
Chairman: 1
Female: 3
Non-Executive: 7
Male: 7
LENGTH OF TENURE OF NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
NATIONALITY OF DIRECTORS
Over nine years: 1
Swedish: 1
One to three years: 2
German: 1
British: 3
Seven to nine years: 1
American: 2
Four to six years: 3
Dutch: 3
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
73
Attendance at meetings of the Boards and Board Committees
The table below shows the attendance of Directors at meetings of the Boards and the Board Committees during the year.
Attendance is expressed as the number of meetings attended out of the number eligible to be attended.
Director
Anthony Habgood (Chairman)
Erik Engstrom
Nick Luff
Wolfhart Hauser (2)
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook (3)
Marike van Lier Lels (4)
Robert Polet
Linda Sanford
Ben van der Veer
Committee
appointments
Boards (1)
Audit Remuneration
Nominations
Corporate
Governance
R N C
–
–
R N C
A C
R N C
A C
R C
A C
A N C
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
5/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
–
–
–
–
7/7
–
2/2
–
7/7
7/7
2/2
–
–
2/2
–
1/2
–
2/2
–
–
4/4
–
–
1/1
–
4/4
–
–
–
4/4
4/4
–
–
4/4
4/4
3/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
4/4
Board Committee
membership key
A Audit
R Remuneration
N Nominations
C Corporate Governance
Committee Chairman
(1) The Boards of RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc. In addition to the six scheduled meetings above, in 2015 all Directors attended an additional RELX Group plc Board
meeting and two full-day strategy and business review meetings
(2) Dr Hauser was appointed as a member of the Nominations Committee on 21 July 2015
(3) Ms Hook was unable to attend the July Boards and Corporate Governance Committee meetings, and the December Remuneration Committee meeting, due to
long-standing diary conflicts
(4) Ms van Lier Lels was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc, and as a member of the Audit Committees, on 21 July 2015. She has served
as a Non-Executive Director of RELX NV since 2010
Shareholder engagement
RELX PLC and RELX NV participate in regular dialogue with
institutional shareholders. Presentations on the Group’s
businesses are made by the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer following the announcement of the interim
and full-year results and these are simultaneously webcast.
A conference call with investors was also held following the third
quarter trading update for 2015. In addition, two teach-ins were
held for analysts and investors during the year and were also made
available on our website, www.relx.com
The first presentation
focused on developments in primary research in the Scientific,
Technical & Medical business, and the second focused on the
application of technology across RELX Group.
The Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the
investor relations team meet institutional shareholders on a
regular basis and the Chairman also makes himself available to
major institutions as appropriate. Trading updates are provided
ahead of the Annual General Meetings of the two companies and
towards the end of the financial year. The interim and annual
results announcements and presentations, together with the
trading updates, other important announcements and corporate
governance documents concerning the Group, are available on
our website. In accordance with the provisions of the Dutch Code,
RELX NV has adopted a bilateral shareholder contact policy,
which is also available on our website.
The Boards of RELX PLC and RELX NV commission periodic
reports on the attitudes and views of the companies’ institutional
shareholders and the results are presented to the respective Boards.
Annual General Meetings
The Annual General Meetings provide an opportunity for the Boards
to communicate with individual shareholders. The Chairman, the
Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the chairmen
of the Board Committees, other Directors and a representative
of the external auditors are available to answer questions from
shareholders. Both RELX PLC and RELX NV offer electronic voting
facilities in relation to proxy voting at shareholder meetings.
Business model
Pages 2 to 62 describe the business and the progress made in
2015 against the Group’s long-term business priorities, aimed
at delivering better outcomes for our customers and creating
value for the Group and shareholders.
Internal control and risk management
RELX Group has established internal controls and risk
management practices that are embedded into the operations
of the businesses, based on the Internal Control – Integrated
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organisations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Details of
the principal risks facing the Group and how these are mitigated
are set out on pages 60 to 62.
Additionally, in order to provide reasonable assurance against
material inaccuracies or loss, and on the effectiveness of the
systems of internal control and risk management, the Group has
adopted the three lines of defence assurance model shown overleaf.
Parent companies
The Boards of RELX PLC and RELX NV have each adopted a
schedule of matters which are required to be brought to them
for decision. During 2015, the Boards of RELX PLC and RELX NV
exercised independent supervisory roles over the activities and
systems of internal control of RELX Group plc.The Boards of
RELX PLC and RELX NV also approved the strategy and the annual
budgets of RELX Group plc, and received regular reports on its
operations, including the treasury and risk management activities.
Major transactions proposed by the Board of RELX Group plc
required the approval of the Boards of both RELX PLC and RELX NV.
The RELX PLC and RELX NV Audit Committees met on a regular
basis to review the systems of internal control and risk
management of RELX Group plc.
As reported in the 2014 Annual Report, RELX PLC and RELX NV
transferred their direct ownership interests in Elsevier Reed
Finance BV to RELX Group plc in February 2015. As a consequence,
the Audit Committee of RELX Group plc has assumed
Governance Corporate GovernanceOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 74
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1st Line of Defence
Group businesses maintain systems of internal
control which are appropriate to the nature and
scale of their activities and address all significant
strategic, operational, financial and legal
compliance risks that they face.
2nd Line of Defence
Central functions that are responsible for 1)
designing policies, 2) introducing and sharing best
practice, 3) monitoring and evaluating compliance
with RELX policies and relevant legislation and
regulation and appropriate remediation.
3rd Line of Defence
Internal and external auditors provide independent
assurance on the effectiveness of the 1st and 2nd
lines of defence.
The Boards and Audit Committees
responsibility for reviewing the systems of internal control and
risk management of Elsevier Reed Finance BV.
RELX Group plc
The Board of RELX Group plc is responsible for the system of
risk management and internal control of the Group and has
implemented an ongoing process for identifying, assessing,
monitoring and managing the principal risks faced by its businesses.
This process was in place throughout the year ended
31 December 2015 and up to the date of the approvals of the
Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2015. The Board monitors
these systems of internal control and risk management and annually
carries out a review of their effectiveness.
RELX Group plc has an established framework of procedures and
internal control, with which the management of each business is
required to comply. The Board has adopted a schedule of matters
that are required to be brought to it for decision.
RELX Group plc has a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that
provides a guide for achieving its business goals and requires
officers and employees to behave in an open, honest, ethical
and principled manner. The Code also outlines confidential
procedures enabling employees to report any concerns about
compliance, or about the Group’s financial reporting practice.
The Code is available on our website, www.relx.com
Each business area has identified and evaluated its principal
risks, the controls in place to manage those risks and the levels 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 principal risks facing RELX Group businesses are regularly
reported to and assessed by the Board and Audit Committee.
With the close involvement of business management and central
functions, the risk management and control procedures ensure
that the Group is managing its business risks effectively and in a
co-ordinated manner across the businesses with clarity on the
respective responsibilities and interdependencies. Litigation and
other legal regulatory matters are managed by legal directors in
the business.
The RELX Group plc Audit Committee receives regular reports
on the identification and management of material risks and
reviews these reports. The Audit Committee also receives regular
reports from both internal and external auditors on internal
control and risk management matters. In addition, each business
area is required, at the end of the financial year, to review the
effectiveness of internal controls and risk management and
report its findings on a detailed basis to the management of RELX
Group plc. These reports are summarised and, as part of the
annual review of effectiveness, submitted to the Audit Committee.
The Chairman of the Audit Committee reports to the Board on any
significant internal control matters arising.
Annual review
As part of the year-end procedures, the Audit Committees and
Boards reviewed the effectiveness of the systems of internal
control and risk management, including the Group’s willingness
to take on risk, during the last financial year. 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 have confirmed, subject to the
above, that as regards financial reporting risks, the respective
risk management and control systems provide reasonable
assurance against material inaccuracies or loss and have
functioned properly during the year.
Responsibilities in respect of the
financial statements
The Directors of RELX PLC, RELX NV and RELX Group plc are
required to prepare financial statements as at the end of each
financial period, in accordance with applicable law and regulations,
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, and making
judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable.
Applicable accounting standards have been followed and the
RELX Group consolidated financial statements, which are the
responsibility of the Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV, are
prepared using accounting policies which comply with
International Financial Reporting Standards.
Having taken into account all the matters considered by the
Boards and brought to the attention of the Boards, the Directors
are satisfied that the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a
whole, is fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s
performance, business model and strategy.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
75
Going concern
US certificates
As required by Section 302 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002
and by related rules issued by the US Securities and Exchange
Commission, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of RELX PLC and RELX NV certify in the respective Annual
Reports 2015 on Form 20-F to be 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 the Group is made known
to them
§ evaluated the effectiveness of the Group’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 the Group’s
internal controls
§ presented in the RELX Group Annual Report 2015 on Form 20-F
their conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure
controls and procedures
A Disclosure Committee, comprising the company secretaries of
RELX PLC and RELX NV and other senior managers of the Group,
provides assurance to the Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer regarding their Section 302 certifications.
Section 404 of the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act 2002 requires the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of RELX PLC and
RELX NV to certify in the respective Annual Reports 2015 on
Form 20-F that they are responsible for maintaining adequate
internal control structures and procedures for financial reporting
and to conduct an assessment of their effectiveness. The
conclusions of the assessment of internal control structures and
financial reporting procedures, which are unqualified, are
presented in the RELX Group Annual Report 2015 on Form 20-F.
The Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV, having made appropriate
enquiries, consider that adequate resources exist for the Group
to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future
and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern
basis in preparing the 2015 financial statements. In reaching this
conclusion, the Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV have had due
regard to the Group’s financial position as at 31 December 2015,
the strong free cash flow of the Group, the Group’s ability to access
capital markets and the principal risks facing the Group.
A commentary on the Group’s cash flows, financial position and
liquidity for the year ended 31 December 2015 is set out in the Chief
Financial Officer’s report on pages 54 to 59. This shows that after
taking account of available cash resources and committed bank
facilities that back up short-term borrowings, all of the Group’s
borrowings that mature within the next two years can be covered.
The Group’s policies on liquidity, capital management and
management of risks relating to interest rate, foreign exchange
and credit exposures are set out on pages 125 to 129. The principal
risks facing the Group are set out on pages 60 to 62.
Viability statement
In compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the
Directors confirm that they have a reasonable expectation that
the Group will continue to operate and meet its liabilities, as
they fall due, for the next three years. The assessment period
aligns with the Group’s annual strategy plan which covers a
period of three years from the current year.
In support of their assessment, the Directors receive regular
updates from management on treasury, tax, acquisitions and
divestments and periodic briefings on significant risk areas
including information security, technology and legal and
regulatory matters. In addition, Directors periodically receive
updates from business area management on their operations,
prospects and risks over the three year strategic planning period.
Directors also bi-annually review the Group’s principal risks as
set out on pages 60 to 62 and assess the likelihood and impact
of each risk together with the effectiveness of mitigating
controls. In reviewing these risks, the Directors stress test
the Group’s annual strategy plan by assessing each risk’s
quantitative impact on the Group’s revenue and profit and the
effect of multiple risks occurring simultaneously, combined
with the inability to access the capital markets to refinance
scheduled liabilities as they become due.
The Directors’ assessment has been made with reference to
the Group’s recent performance, current financial position,
prospects and principal risks.
Governance Corporate GovernanceOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 76
Report of the Nominations Committee
The Committee seeks to ensure that the Boards and their
Committees comprise an appropriate balance of skills,
experience, independence, knowledge of RELX Group’s
businesses, and diversity, including gender. The Committee has
established a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the
recruitment of candidates to the Boards and recommendations
by the Committee are made on the basis of a candidate’s merit,
against objective criteria and with due regard for the benefits
of diversity.
The Committee retained Kingsley Gate Partners LLP and
The Zygos Partnership, independent recruitment consultancies
specialising in non-executive appointments with no other
connection to RELX Group, to carry out a search for new
Non-Executive Directors. The Committee worked closely with
the consultants and, following a rigorous process of assessment
and interviews, recommended to the Boards, in February 2016,
that Carol Mills and Robert MacLeod be proposed for election
as Non-Executive Directors at the Annual General Meetings
in April 2016.
In light of the forthcoming retirement of Ms Hook and Mr Polet,
the Committee also undertook, in consultation with the Corporate
Governance Committee, a comprehensive review of the
composition of the Board Committees. This was to ensure that,
as the Boards and their Committees are refreshed during 2016,
an appropriate level of experience and knowledge of the Group
is maintained and to allow for an orderly transition of
responsibilities.
Conflicts of interest
During the year, the Committee monitored Directors’ conflicts of
interest in respect of their outside appointments, and undertook
an annual review of these. No actual conflicts were identified.
However, situations were identified which could potentially give
rise to a conflict of interest, and the Boards authorised those
situations and put in place appropriate procedures to manage
any potential conflicts at the recommendation of the Committee.
More information on conflicts of interest can be found in the RELX
PLC Directors’ Report on page 150.
Director re-elections
The Committee also recommended to the Boards the re-election
of the Directors and in doing so took into account the outcome of
the Board evaluation. Details of the 2015 Board evaluation can be
found on page 71.
Diversity
Following the appointment of Ms van Lier Lels as a Non-Executive
Director of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc, membership of the
RELX Boards was fully aligned during 2015 and the Boards are
currently comprised of 30% women. The charts on page 72
illustrate in more detail the composition of the Boards. Details of
the Group’s approach to diversity and inclusion in its workforce
can be found in the Corporate Responsibility Report on page 46.
This report has been prepared by the joint Nominations
Committee of RELX PLC and RELX NV and has been approved
by the respective Boards.
Committee membership
The Committee comprises only Non-Executive Directors.
During 2015, the Committee met four times.
§ Anthony Habgood (Committee Chairman)
§ Lisa Hook
§ Ben van der Veer
§ Wolfhart Hauser (from 21 July 2015)
Role of the Committee
The principal role of the Committee is to provide assistance
to the Boards by identifying individuals qualified to become
directors and recommending to the Boards the appointment
of such individuals. The responsibilities of the Committee
are set out in written terms of reference (available at
www.relx.com
) and include:
§ to keep under review the size and composition of the Boards
§ to develop and agree the specification for the recruitment
of new directors
§ to procure the recruitment of new directors
§ to recommend to the Boards the appointment of
candidates subject, where appropriate, to the approval of
shareholders of RELX PLC and RELX NV
§ to recommend Directors to serve on the Committees of the
Boards, having regard to the criteria for service on each
committee as set out in the terms of reference for such
committees, and to recommend members to serve as the
Chair of those Committees
§ to make recommendations to the Boards in relation to the
election or re-election of Directors at the Annual General
Meetings of RELX PLC and RELX NV
§ to review and make recommendations to the Boards
in relation to any Directors’ actual or potential conflicts
of interest
Composition of the Boards and their Committees
During the year, the main areas of focus for the Committee were:
§ the appointment of Marike van Lier Lels as a Non-Executive
Director of RELX PLC and RELX Group plc (Ms van Lier Lels
having served as a Non-Executive Director of RELX NV
since 2010)
§ succession planning in relation to the forthcoming retirement
of two long-serving Non-Executive Directors from the Boards,
Lisa Hook and Robert Polet, both of whom are retiring from
the Boards in April 2016, including the appointment in 2016
of a successor Senior Independent Director
§ reviewing the composition of the Board Committees in light
of the retirement of the two long-serving Board members.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 77
Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Directors’ Remuneration Report (the Report) describes
how the Group applies the principles of good governance
relating to Directors’ remuneration. This Report has been
prepared by the Remuneration Committee of RELX Group plc
(the Committee) in accordance with the UK Corporate
Governance Code, the UK Listing Rules, the Large and
Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
(Amendment) Regulations 2013 (the UK Regulations) and the
Dutch Corporate Governance Code (the Dutch Code).
The Report was approved by the Boards of RELX PLC,
RELX NV and RELX Group plc. The Remuneration Policy
was approved by shareholders at the 2014 Annual General
Meeting of RELX PLC for three years. The policy can be found
atwww.relx.com/go/remunerationpolicy or on pages
79 to 85 of the 2013 Remuneration Report.
RELX PLC shareholders will be invited to vote on our 2015
Annual Remuneration Report (by way of a non-binding advisory
vote) at the 2016 Annual General Meeting of RELX PLC.
The audited sections of the Report are clearly marked.
Introduction from the Remuneration
Committee Chairman
As you will read elsewhere in this Annual Report, 2015 was
another year of good progress for the company in which
management continued to transform the business into a modern
global provider of information and analytics for professional
and business customers across industries. This is achieved by
leveraging a deep understanding of the business's customers
to create innovative solutions which combine content and data
with analytics and technology in global platforms. Management
continues to build leading positions in long-term global growth
markets, primarily through organic investment supplemented
by selective acquisitions where the business is the natural owner
and can accelerate the strategy with good returns. It continues to
divest assets that do not have the potential for significant future
value creation for the business.
By consistently following this strategy, management is improving
the business profile of the Group and the quality of our earnings,
i.e. more predictable revenues, a higher growth profile and
improving returns. The results of this strategy and management
effort have been reflected in the strong financial results of the
Group over the past five years, with consistent revenue, profit
and earnings per share (EPS) growth. This has resulted in good
achievements against targets under the multi-year incentives.
Return on invested capital (ROIC) was introduced as a metric into
the multi-year incentives in 2010 emphasising the focus on capital
discipline. For the five years since, ROIC targets for multi-year
incentive purposes were increased for each subsequent grant
cycle building on the progress made and demonstrating our
ongoing commitment to improving returns. Over this period,
ROIC has increased from 10.4% to 12.7%.
The 2015 annual incentive payments to the Executive Directors
were marginally above target, resulting in payouts of around 70%
of the maximum opportunity, a level relatively consistent over
the past five years.
ROIC and EPS performance in respect of the 2013-15 cycle of
the BIP (Bonus Investment Plan) and the ESOS (Executive Share
Option Scheme) resulted in respective outcomes close to and at
the full amount of the awards granted. The 2013-15 cycle of the
LTIP (Long Term Incentive Plan) vested on 26 February 2016 at
93% with ROIC and total shareholder return (TSR) targets having
been fully achieved and EPS above the middle of the target range.
The PSP award with a performance period ended 31 December 2015
granted to Nick Luff as compensation for forfeited entitlements
from previous employment, which had the same targets as the
LTIP, vested at the same level as the 2013-15 cycle of LTIP.
During 2015, fees were reviewed for Non-Executive Directors and
the Chairman in the context of market data and practice of FTSE 30
companies, with some reference to AEX and US listed companies.
As a result, several adjustments were made which are set out on
page 81. The changes include an increase to the Chairman fee and
the Non-Executive Director base fee (both of which had last been
reviewed during 2011). The changes took effect on 1 January 2016
and fall within the policy previously approved by shareholders.
In line with increases for the wider employee population, the
Remuneration Committee has approved 2016 salary increases
for the Executive Directors of 2.5%.
As we are not proposing any changes to the Remuneration Policy
which was approved by shareholders in April 2014, it will continue
to apply unchanged until the April 2017 Annual General Meetings
of shareholders (AGMs). We will be reviewing our policy during
2016 with a view to presenting an updated remuneration policy
for approval at the 2017 AGMs. In line with past practice, we will
be consulting with major shareholders and shareholder
representative bodies on this matter in advance.
This year’s Report has been prepared in a manner which balances
the specific local requirements of the UK Regulations and the
Dutch Code with the desire to provide additional information
which may be helpful to our broader investor base.
Wolfhart Hauser
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 78
Annual Remuneration Report
Single Total Figure of Remuneration – Executive Directors (audited)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Short-term employee benefits
(d)
Pension
(e)
(f)
(g)
Share based awards
(h)
Total
(i)
£’000
Erik
Engstrom
Nick Luff
2015
2014
2015
2014
Salary
1,131
1,104
666
217
Benefits (4)
Annual
Incentive
UK statutory
basis (1)
Dutch Civil
Code basis (2)
UK statutory
basis (1,3)
Dutch Civil
Code basis (2)
UK statutory
basis (1)
Dutch Civil
Code basis (2)
73
60
19
5
1,189
1,170
700
685
766
692
200
65
766
562
200
65
7,710
14,421
1,464
1,486
3,253
3,943
1,928
1,341
10,869
17,447
3,049
2,458
6,412
6,839
3,513
2,313
(1) UK statutory basis (columns (d), (f) and (h)): These figures are calculated in accordance with the methodology set out in the UK
Regulations. The figures for pensions reflect (i) for defined benefit schemes the calculation method set out in the UK Regulations
less Directors’ contributions and participation fee; and (ii) for defined contribution schemes, payments made to the scheme or to the
Executive Director in lieu of pension. The figure for performance-related share based awards includes share price appreciation
since the date the award was granted. In the case of Erik Engstrom’s figures, the amount included that relates to share price
appreciation is £8.8m for 2014 and £3.9m for 2015. For Nick Luff, the amount included that relates to share price appreciation is
£0.2m for 2014 and £0.3m for 2015.
The figure for 2014 in column (f) disclosed in last year’s Report was, as required by the UK regulations, based on an estimate using
prescribed average share prices and exchange rates and has been restated in this Report to reflect the actual amount vested and
the actual share prices and exchange rates on the vesting dates of the 2012-14 cycle of BIP and ESOS and the final tranche of the
discontinued Reed Elsevier Growth Plan (REGP). The vesting percentages under these plans were determined on 27 February 2015
and were in line with those disclosed on page 78 in the 2014 Remuneration Report. Using the share prices and exchange rates on the
vesting dates increased the 2014 disclosed figure by £1,239,960 for Erik Engstrom and by £115,304 for Nick Luff.
The 2015 figures reflect the vesting of the 2013-15 cycle of BIP and ESOS and the first cycle of the new LTIP approved by shareholders
in 2013. As the BIP, LTIP and ESOS vest after the approval date of this Report, the average share prices and foreign exchange rates
for the last quarter of 2015 have been used to arrive at an estimated figure under the UK statutory basis in respect of these awards.
The proportion of the value of Erik Engstrom’s share based awards under the UK statutory basis that relates to share price appreciation
between the dates of grant and vesting is 61% (or £8.8m) for 2014 (reported on an estimated basis in the 2014 Remuneration Report
as being £7.6m) and 53% (or £3.9m) for 2015 using, as required, the average share prices for the last quarter of 2015.
(2) Dutch Civil Code basis (columns (e), (g) and (i)): These figures comply with the requirements of the Dutch Civil Code. In respect of
pensions, as of 2015, the calculations basis for the Dutch Civil Code disclosure equals the UK statutory basis. The 2014 pension figure
for the CEO was calculated on a basis consistent with prior disclosure. The figures for share based awards comprise the multi-year
incentive charges in accordance with IFRS2 – Share based Payment. These IFRS2 charges do not reflect the actual value received
on vesting.
(3) Exchange rates used for share based awards: The exchange rates used to convert share based awards to pounds sterling are
(i) for the UK statutory basis, those that applied at the vesting dates or, if vesting has not occurred at the time of sign off of this Report,
the average exchange rates for the last quarter of 2015, (ii) for dividend equivalents, the exchange rates at the time of payment and
(iii) for estimated dividend equivalents in respect of awards for which vesting has not occurred at the time of sign off of this Report
and which are yet to be paid, the average exchange rates for the last quarter of 2015.
(4) Benefits: Each Executive Director receives a car allowance, private medical/dental insurance and the company meets the cost of tax
return preparation. The single figure disclosures for 2014 above have been restated in respect of (b), (h) and (i) as a result of a recent
HMRC assessment of the imputed benefit of tax preparation services provided to Mr Engstrom which increased the deemed amount
of the benefit including tax thereon by £31,635. The HMRC assessment basis has been used for determining the deemed amount of
tax preparation services provided to Mr Engstrom in 2015. The actual level of tax return support Erik Engstrom receives is
unchanged from prior years and falls within the previously approved policy.
(5) Total remuneration for Directors: This is set out in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements on page 136.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
79
2015 Annual Incentive
Set out below is a summary of performance against each financial measure and the resulting annual incentive payments for 2015
(payable in March 2016):
Payout as %
of salary
Erik Engstrom
Payout as %
of salary
Nick Luff
Close to 30%
Close to 30%
Just above 30% Just above 30%
Close to 10%
Close to 10%
Close to 30%
Performance
measure
Relative
weighting
Achievement vs target
Revenue
30%
Adjusted profit
after tax
Cash flow
conversion rate
30%
10%
Key Performance
Objectives (KPOs)
30%
Erik Engstrom
(six KPOs)
Underlying revenue growth of 3% was at target, reflecting
good growth in electronic and face-to-face revenues in a mixed
macroeconomic environment.
Total adjusted profit after tax grew by 6% in constant currency,
just above target, reflecting a combination of underlying revenue
growth and continued process innovation.
Cash flow conversion of 94% was at target, reflecting strong
profits and the cash flow impact from continued capital
expenditure to enable continued investment in technology
and new products and services.
The first KPO, related to business profile evolution through
organic development and integration of targeted acquisitions,
was achieved.
The second KPO, related to further portfolio reshaping and
disposals, was achieved.
The third KPO, related to the implementation of a simplified
corporate structure, was achieved.
The fourth KPO, related to technology-driven initiatives that
extend across the business areas, was achieved.
The fifth KPO, related to specific product development priorities
and market segment milestones within each business area,
was almost fully achieved.
The sixth KPO, related to meeting the quantified targets and
completing the actions listed as 2015 objectives in the prior year’s
Corporate Responsibility Report, was almost fully achieved.
Key Performance
Objectives (KPOs)
30%
The first KPO, related to 2015 business performance and financial
results, was achieved.
Close to 30%
Nick Luff
(six KPOs)
The second KPO, related to achieving specific deliverables on
balance sheet priorities, was achieved.
The third KPO, related to the management of the audit process,
was achieved.
The fourth KPO, related to specific deliverables for the finance
function, was almost fully achieved.
The fifth KPO, related to the implementation of the corporate
structure changes, was achieved.
The sixth KPO, related to meeting the quantified targets and
completing the actions listed as 2015 objectives in the prior year’s
Corporate Responsibility Report, was almost fully achieved.
Total payment
* The maximum annual incentive opportunity is 150% of base salary.
105.1%*
105.1%*
£1,189,110
£700,230
The Board believes that disclosing details beyond the level of specificity that is included above would be commercially sensitive and
would give competitors an unfair insight into our strategic direction and annual execution plans.
Multi-year incentives
Multi-year incentives with a performance period ended 31 December 2015 were for Erik Engstrom 2013 BIP, LTIP and ESOS and for
Nick Luff a performance share award granted as part compensation for forfeited entitlements from previous employment.
The Committee assessed the performance measures for these awards and made an overall assessment of underlying business
performance and other relevant factors. The vesting outcome resulting from this review is summarised overleaf.
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 80
LTIP: 2013-15 cycle performance outcome
Performance measure
Weighting
TSR over the three-year performance period
1/3rd
Average growth in adjusted EPS over the
three-year performance period(2)
1/3rd
ROIC in the third year of the performance period(2)
1/3rd
Performance range
and vesting
levels set at grant (1)
Achievement against the
performance range
Resulting vesting
percentage
below median
median
upper quartile
below 5% p.a.
5% p.a.
6% p.a.
7% p.a.
8% p.a.
9% p.a.
10% p.a.
11% p.a. and above
below 11.2%
11.2%
11.45%
11.7%
11.95%
12.2%
12.45%
12.7% and above
0%
30%
100%
In upper quartile
of all three
comparator groups
100%
0%
33%
52.5%
65%
75%
85%
92.5%
100%
0%
33%
52.5%
65%
75%
85%
92.5%
100%
8.5% p.a.
80%
above 12.7%
100%
Total vesting percentage:
93.3%
(1) Calculated on a straight-line basis for performance between the points.
(2) The calculation methodology for EPS and ROIC is set out in the 2013 Notices of Annual General Meetings, which can be found on the company’s website.
Nick Luff: PSP award to compensate for forfeited entitlements from previous employment with performance period ended
31 December 2015
93.3%
The metrics, targets, vesting scale and weighting applicable to this award were the same as those applicable to the 2013-2015 cycle
of LTIP set out above. Consequently, the individual vesting percentages by element and the total vesting percentage applicable to this
award mirror those above.
BIP: 2013-15 cycle performance outcome
Performance measure
Weighting
Performance range and vesting
levels set at grant (1)
Achievement against the
performance range
Resulting vesting
percentage
Average growth in adjusted EPS over the
three-year performance period(2)
50%
ROIC in the third year of the performance period(2)
50%
Total vesting percentage:
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6.5% p.a.
9% p.a. or above
below 11.2%
11.2%
11.7%
12.2% or above
0%
50%
75%
100%
0%
50%
75%
100%
8.5% p.a.
95.0%
above 12.2%
100%
97.5%
(1) Calculated on a straight-line basis for performance between the points.
(2) The calculation methodology for EPS and ROIC is set out in the 2010 Notices of Annual General Meetings, which can be found on the company’s website.
ESOS: 2013-15 cycle performance outcome
Performance measure
Weighting
Performance range and vesting
levels set at grant(1)
Achievement against the
performance range
Resulting vesting
percentage
Average growth in adjusted EPS over the three-year
performance period(2)
100%
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6% p.a.
8% p.a. or above
0%
33%
80%
100%
above 8% p.a.
100%
(1) Calculated on a straight-line basis for performance between the stated average adjusted EPS growth percentages.
(2) The calculation methodology for EPS is set out in the 2013 Notices of Annual General Meetings, which can be found on the company’s website.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
81
Single Total Figure of Remuneration – Non-Executive Directors (audited)
Anthony Habgood
Wolfhart Hauser
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels(2)
Robert Polet
Linda Sanford
Ben van der Veer(2)
Total fee
Benefits(1)
Total
2015
2014
£550,000
£94,010
£77,500
£110,000
€86,038
£77,500
£77,500
€119,000
£550,000
£90,000
£77,500
£110,000
€70,272
£77,500
£77,500
€119,000
2015
£2,242
£780
£780
£1,620
–
£1,620
£1,620
€1,159
2014
£2,150
£720
£720
£1,230
–
£1,230
£1,230
€632
2015
2014
£552,242
£94,790
£78,280
£111,620
€86,038
£79,120
£79,120
€120,159
£552,150
£90,720
£78,220
£111,230
€70,272
£78,730
£78,730
€119,632
(1) Benefits comprise the notional benefit of tax filing support provided to Non-Executive Directors for filings outside their home country resulting from their directorships
with the Group. The incremental assessable benefit charge per tax return for 2015 was £840 (£510 in 2014) for a UK tax return and £780 (£720 for 2014) for a Netherlands
tax return. Anthony Habgood’s benefits also include £1,462 (£1,430 in 2014) in respect of private medical insurance. Further, the company meets all reasonable travel,
subsistence, accommodation and other expenses, including any tax where such expenses are deemed taxable, incurred by the Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman
in the course of performing their duties.
(2) The pounds sterling equivalent of the total fees and benefits for Marike van Lier Lels and Ben van der Veer (converted at the average exchange rate applicable to the years
of reporting) were £62,347 (£56,671 in 2014) and £87,072 (£96,478 in 2014) respectively for 2015. Marike van Liers Lels joined the Boards of RELX PLC and RELX Group on
1 July 2015 and the increase in fees relates to her membership of these Boards. For the purposes of reporting the total fees and benefits, the pounds sterling benefit for
Ben van der Veer has been converted into euros at the average exchange rate for the relevant year.
(3) The total remuneration for Directors is set out in note 28 to the consolidated financial statements on page 136.
Non-Executive Directors’ fees
The fees in the Single Total Figure table for Non-Executive Directors reflect the following fees in 2015:
Chairman
Non-Executive Directors*
Senior Independent Director
Chairman of:
– Audit Committee
– Remuneration Committee
Committee membership fee:
– Audit Committee
– Remuneration Committee
– Nominations Committee
Annual fee 2016
Annual fee 2015 and 2014
£625,000
£75,000/€95,000
£30,000
€35,000
£25,000
£15,000/€20,000
£15,000/€20,000
£10,000/€12,500
£550,000
£65,000/€80,000
£25,000
€30,000
£25,000
£12,500/€15,000
£12,500/€15,000
£7,500/€9,000
* Prior to joining the RELX PLC and RELX Group Boards on 21 July 2015, an annual fee of €65,000 was payable to Marike van Lier Lels in respect of her membership of the
RELX NV Board, reflecting her time commitment to that company. Further, until the corporate structure change in July 2015, she chaired the Supervisory Board of Elsevier
Reed Finance BV for which an annual fee of €10,000 was payable.
Fees may be reviewed annually, although in practice they have changed on a less frequent basis. During 2015, fees were reviewed
in the context of market data and practice of the FTSE 30 companies, with some reference to AEX and US listed companies. As a result,
adjustments were made to Mr Habgood’s fee, the non-executive director base fee and the Audit Committee Chairman fee (all of which
had last been reviewed during 2011 and increased with effect from 1 January 2012). Further, adjustments were also made to the Senior
Independent Director fee (last reviewed during 2013 and increased with effect from 1 January 2014) and committee membership fees
(introduced with effect from 1 January 2014). The changes which took effect on 1 January 2016 are set out in the table above and fall
within the policy previously approved by shareholders at the 2014 Annual General Meetings.
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 82
Total pension entitlements (audited)
Erik Engstrom is a member of the Group’s UK defined benefit
pension arrangements. Further details are provided in the Policy
Report on page 79 of the 2013 Remuneration Report and below.
The CEO pays a participation fee on the amount of his base
salary which exceeds the UK earnings cap. This fee was 3%
until 31 March 2015, increased to 5% on 1 April 2015 and will be
7% from 1 April 2016.
Pension – Standard information
Pension – UK statutory basis
Age at
December
2015
Normal
retirement
age
Director’s
contributions
Participation
fee
Total of director’s
contributions &
participation fee
52
60
£13,001
£44,217
£57,218
Accrued annual
pension at
31 December 2014
£266,868
Accrued annual
pension at
31 December 2015
Single figure
pensions value
£308,013
£765,703 (1)
(1) Net of Director’s contribution and participation fee.
Scheme interests awarded during the financial year (audited)
CURRENT MULTI-YEAR INCENTIVE PLANS
Basis on which
award is made
Face value
of award at
grant(1)
Value of awards if
vest in line with
expectations(2)
Percentage of maximum that
would be received if threshold
performance achieved (3)
End of
performance
period
BIP – matching share awards
Erik Engstrom
Nick Luff
Opportunity to
invest cash and/or
shares up to value
of annual incentive
target opportunity
and receive up to
1 for 1 matching
award
£1,103,780
£739,532
If one measure pays out at threshold,
the overall payout is 25%. If both
measures pay out at threshold,
the overall payout is 50%.
31 December
2017
£649,986
£435,491
LTIP – performance share awards
Erik Engstrom
250% of salary
£2,759,526
£1,379,763
Nick Luff
200% of salary
£1,299,989
£649,995
If the measure with the lowest payout
at threshold pays out at threshold,
the overall payout is 3%. If each
measure pays out at threshold,
the overall payout is 32%.
31 December
2017
ESOS – market value options
Erik Engstrom
250% of salary
£2,759,526
£441,524
33%
Nick Luff
200% of salary
£1,299,989
£207,998
31 December
2017
(1) The face value of the LTIP and ESOS awards is calculated using (i) the middle market quotation of a PLC ordinary share (£11.520); (ii) the closing price of a NV ordinary
share (€23.075); and (3) the exchange rate on the day before grant (1 April 2015). These share prices are used to determine the number of awards granted, as well as to
set option exercise prices. The face value of the ESOS options shown in this column has not been reduced to reflect the fact that the aggregate option price is payable on
exercise. The face value of the BIP awards is calculated using the average price of participants’ investment shares purchased by the trustee on 2 April 2015. For the
matching award to Erik Engstrom, who invested in NV ADRs, the price per NV ADR was $50.136 and for the matching award to Nick Luff, who invested in PLC and NV
ordinary shares, the price per PLC ordinary share was £11.530 and the price per NV ordinary share was €23.060. The 2015 grants were made in April and therefore the
share prices above reflect the position prior to the change in the equalisation ratio and bonus share issue that took effect from 1 July 2015. The face values for BIP and LTIP
do not take into account the dividend equivalents relating to those awards.
(2) For BIP, LTIP and ESOS, vesting in line with expectations is as per the performance scenario chart disclosed on page 83 of the 2013 Remuneration Report, i.e. 67% for BIP,
50% for LTIP and 80% for ESOS. For options vesting in line with expectations, a valuation factor of 20% of the face value of the award at grant has been applied.
(3) Threshold payout levels for each measure have been included. Where there are multiple measures, it is possible to achieve threshold, and hence payout, in respect of just
one of the measures (or, for TSR, in respect of one of the three TSR comparator groups). The performance measures and targets for awards granted in 2015 under each of
the plans are set out on page 83.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
83
(b) certain companies were then excluded:
§ those with mainly domestic revenues (as they do not reflect
the global nature of the Group’s customer base);
§ those engaged in extractive industries (as they are exposed
to commodity cycles); and
§ financial services companies (as they have a different risk/
reward profile).
(c) the remaining companies were then ranked by market
capitalisation and, for each comparator group, the 20
companies above and below the Group were taken; and
(d) relevant listed global peers operating in businesses similar
to those of the Group but not otherwise included were added.
Vesting percentage of EPS
and ROIC tranches*
Average growth in adjusted
EPS over the three-year
performance period
0%
33%
52.5%
65%
75%
85%
92.5%
100%
below 5% p.a.
5% p.a.
6% p.a.
7% p.a.
8% p.a.
9% p.a.
10% p.a.
11% p.a. or above
ROIC in the third
year of the
performance
period
below 12.3%
12.3%
12.55%
12.8%
13.05%
13.3%
13.55%
13.8% or above
* Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the stated average
adjusted EPS growth/ROIC percentages.
ESOS: 2015-2017 cycle
Proportion of the award vesting
Average growth in adjusted EPS over the
three-year performance period*
0%
33%
80%
100%
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6% p.a.
8% p.a. or above
* Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the stated average
adjusted EPS growth percentages.
The following targets and vesting scales apply to awards granted
in 2015:
BIP: 2015-17 cycle
Match earned on personal
investment
Average growth in adjusted EPS
over the three-year
performance period*
0%
50%
75%
100%
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6.5% p.a.
9% p.a. or above
ROIC in the third
year of the
performance
period*
below 12.3%
12.3%
12.8%
13.3% or above
* EPS and ROIC have equal weighting and straight-line vesting applies to
performance between the points.
LTIP: 2015-17 cycle
Vesting is dependent on three separate performance measures
of equal weighting: a TSR measure comprising three comparator
groups, an EPS measure and a ROIC measure.(1)
Vesting percentage of each third of
the TSR tranche(2)
TSR ranking within the relevant TSR
comparator group
0%
30%
100%
Below median
Median
Upper quartile
(1) The calculation methodology for TSR, EPS and ROIC is set out in the 2013 Notices
of Annual General Meetings, which can be found on the company’s website.
(2) Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the minimum and
maximum levels.
The three TSR comparator groups (Sterling, Euro and US Dollar)
reflect the fact that the Group accesses equity capital markets
through three exchanges – London, Amsterdam and New York – in
three currency zones. The Group’s TSR performance is measured
separately against each comparator group and each ranking
achieved will produce a payout, if any, in respect of one-third of
the TSR measure. The proportion of the TSR measure that vests
will be the sum of the three payouts.
Each comparator group comprises approximately 40 companies.
The companies for the 2015-17 LTIP cycle were selected on the
following basis (unchanged from prior year):
(a) they were in a relevant market index or are the largest listed
companies on the relevant exchanges at the end of the year
before the start of the performance period: the FTSE 100 for
the Sterling group; AEX, Euronext and the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange for the Euro group; and the S&P 500 for the US
Dollar group;
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
84
External appointments
The Committee believes that the experience gained by allowing
Executive Directors to serve as Non-Executive Directors on
the boards of other organisations is of benefit to the Group.
Accordingly, Executive Directors may, subject to the approval of
the Chairman and the CEO (or the Chairman only in the case of the
CEO), serve as Non-Executive Directors on the boards of up to
two non-associated companies (of which only one may be a major
company) and they may retain remuneration arising from such
appointments.
Statement of Directors’ shareholdings and other share
interests (audited)
Shareholding requirement
The Committee believes that a closer alignment of interests can be
created between senior management and shareholders if executives
build and maintain a significant personal stake in the Group. The
shareholding requirements applicable to the Executive Directors
are set out in the table below. Shares that count for this purpose
are any type of RELX PLC or RELX NV security owned outright by
the individual and their spouse, civil partner or dependent child.
Erik Engstrom is a Non-Executive Director of Smith & Nephew plc
and received fees of £69,650 for 2015 (appointed 1 January 2015).
Nick Luff is a Non-Executive Director of Lloyds Banking Group plc
and received fees of £135,000 for 2015 (£45,000 in 2014 for the
period since his appointment as a Director of the Group).
Payments to past Directors and payments for loss of office
(audited)
In respect of Duncan Palmer, tax return preparation fees including
tax thereon of £65,993 relating to the filing of his tax returns for the
year in which he ceased to be a director were met by the company.
As a result of the recent HMRC assessment of the imputed benefit
of tax preparation services provided to directors (see footnote (4)
on page 78), the deemed additional benefit provision including tax
thereon has been estimated by HRMC to be £61,083 for 2014 and
£35,355 for 2013 in relation to Mr Palmer. There have been no
payments for loss of office in 2015.
Share interests (number of shares held)
Meeting the shareholding requirement is both a vesting condition
for awards granted and a requirement to maintain eligibility for
future awards. Shareholding requirements fall away on leaving
the company.
On 31 December 2015, the Executive Directors’ shareholdings
were as follows (valued using the middle market closing prices
of the relevant securities):
Shareholding
requirement
(% of 31 December 2015
annual base salary)
Actual shareholding
as at 31 December 2015
(% of 31 December 2015
annual base salary)
Erik Engstrom
Nick Luff
300%
200%
923%
245%
Erik Engstrom
Anthony Habgood
Wolfhart Hauser
Adrian Hennah
Lisa Hook
Marike van Lier Lels
Nick Luff
Robert Polet
Linda Sanford
Ben van der Veer
RELX PLC ordinary shares
RELX NV ordinary shares
TOTAL RELX ordinary shares
1 January
2015
118,552
50,000
4,107
10,508
17,187
1,000
6,700
31 December
2015
127,040
50,000
4,107
10,508
67,534
1,000
6,700
1 January
2015*
794,784
38,450
3,091
7,382
18,619
10,766
31 December
2015**
802,151
38,450
3,091
7,382
3,000
73,233
3,000
10,766
1 January
2015*
913,336
88,450
7,198
10,508
7,382
35,806
1,000
6,700
10,766
31 December
2015**
929,191
88,450
7,198
10,508
7,382
3,000
140,767
1,000
9,700
10,766
* For ease of comparison with the position at year end which reflects the bonus share issue, the opening balance has been restated.
** Reflects impact of the bonus share issue effective from 1 July 2015 of 0.538 NV ordinary shares for each NV ordinary share held.
There have been no changes in these share interests at the date of this Report.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 85
Multi-year incentive interests (audited)
The tables below and on page 86 set out vested but unexercised and
unvested options and unvested share awards held by the Executive
Directors including details of options and awards granted and
options exercised and awards vested during the year of reporting.
All outstanding unvested options and share awards are subject to
performance conditions. For disclosure purposes, any PLC and
NV ADRs awarded under the multi-year plans are included as
ordinary shares. The balance of NV ordinary shares held as at
31 December 2015 reflects the impact of the bonus share issue of
0.538 NV ordinary shares for every NV ordinary share held which
took effect from 1 July 2015. Between 31 December 2015 and the
date of this Report, there have been no changes in the options or
share awards held by the Executive Directors.
Erik Engstrom
OPTIONS
Year of
grant
Type of
security
No. of
options
held on
1 Jan
2015
No. of
options
granted
during
2015
Option
price on
date of
grant
No. of
options
exercised
during
2015
Market
price per
share at
exercise
Restated
option
price(1)
ESOS
2011
PLC ord
139,146
£5.390
139,146
£11.520
Restated
no. of
options
held on
31 Dec
2015(2)
Unvested
options
vesting on
Options
exercisable
until
92,953
€23.010
NV ord
2012(3)
PLC ord
NV ord
2013
PLC ord
NV ord
2014
PLC ord
92,953
198,836
139,742
178,799
124,337
145,604
NV ord
102,839
€8.969
£5.155
€9.030
£7.345
€12.530
£9.245
€15.820
2015
PLC ord
NV ord
119,771
£11.520
82,158 €23.075
Total PLC ords
Total NV ords
662,385
459,871
119,771
82,158
139,146
92,953
£5.155
198,836
€5.871
214,923
02 May 22
02 May 22
£7.345
178,799
09 May 16
09 May 23
€8.147
191,230
09 May 16
09 May 23
£9.245
145,604
07 Apr 17
07 Apr 24
€10.286
158,166
07 Apr 17
07 Apr 24
£11.520
€15.003
119,771
126,358
643,010
690,677
02 Apr 18
02 Apr 18
02 Apr 25
02 Apr 25
(1) The exercise prices for options over NV ordinary shares reflect the change in the equalisation ratio and bonus share issue that took effect from 1 July 2015. This change did
not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(2) The NV ordinary share positions reflect the impact of the bonus share issue. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(3) The performance outcome for the ESOS 2012 was disclosed on page 78 of the 2014 Remuneration Report.
No. of
shares
awarded
during
2015
Market price
per share
at award
No. of shares
vested/
performance
tested during
2015
Market price
per share at
vesting/
performance
testing
Restated
market price
per share
at award(1)
€9.030
132,608
€22.089
Restated
no. of
unvested/non-
performance
tested shares
held on
31 Dec 2015(2)
End of
performance
period
Date of
release
SHARES
BIP
No. of
unvested
shares
held on
1 Jan 2015
136,950
96,830
81,388
Year of
grant
Type of
security
2012(3) NV ord
NV ord
2013
2014
2015
NV ord
NV ord
LTIP
2013 PLC ord
178,799
NV ord
124,337
2014 PLC ord
145,604
NV ord
102,839
€12.530
€15.820
63,464
€23.075
£7.345
€12.530
£9.245
€15.820
REGP(4)
2015 PLC ord
NV ord
2013 PLC ord
NV ord
Total PLC ords
Total NV ords
119,771
£11.520
321,895
450,494
646,298
992,838
82,158
119,771
145,622
€23.075
£7.760
€13.150
262,114
344,722
262,114
477,330
£11.154
€22.089
€8.147
148,924 Dec 2015 H1 2016
€10.286
€15.003
£7.345
€8.147
125,174
Dec 2016 H1 2017
97,607
Dec 2017 H1 2018
178,799
Dec 2015 H1 2016
191,230
Dec 2015 H1 2016
£9.245
145,604
Dec 2016 H1 2017
€10.286
£11.520
158,166
Dec 2016 H1 2017
119,771
Dec 2017 H1 2018
€15.003
126,359
Dec 2017 H1 2018
444,174
847,460
(1) The market prices on grant for awards over NV ordinary shares have been restated to reflect the change in the equalisation ratio and bonus share issue that took effect
from 1 July 2015. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(2) The NV ordinary share positions reflect the impact of the bonus share issue. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(3) The performance outcome for the BIP 2012 was disclosed on page 78 of the 2014 Remuneration Report.
(4) The performance outcome for the second and final tranche of the REGP is set out on page 78 of the 2014 Remuneration Report.
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
86
Nick Luff
OPTIONS
Year of
grant
Type of
security
ESOS
2014
PLC ord
2015
NV ord
PLC ord
NV ord
No. of
options
held on
1 Jan
2015
65,656
46,963
No. of
options
granted
during
2015
Option
price on
date of
grant
£9.900
€17.50
£11.520
56,423
38,704 €23.075
Total PLC ords
Total NV ords
65,656
46,963
56,423
38,704
No. of
options
exercised
during
2015
Market
price per
share at
exercise
Restated
option
price(1)
Restated
no. of
options
held on
31 Dec
2015(2)
Unvested
options
vesting on
Options
exercisable
until
£9.900
65,656
02 Sep 17
02 Sep 24
€11.378
72,228
02 Sep 17
02 Sep 24
£11.520
€15.003
56,423
59,526
122,079
131,754
02 Apr 18
02 Apr 18
02 Apr 25
02 Apr 25
(1) The exercise prices for options over NV ordinary shares reflect the change in the equalisation ratio and bonus share issue that took effect from 1 July 2015. This change did
not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(2) The NV ordinary share positions reflect the impact of the bonus share issue. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
No. of shares
vested/
performance
tested during
2015
Market price
per share at
vesting/
performance
testing
Restated
market price
per share
at award(1)
Restated
no. of
unvested/non-
performance
tested shares
held on
31 Dec 2015(2)
End of
performance
period
Date of
release
£9.900
32,630
Dec 2016 H1 2017
SHARES
Year of
grant
Type of
security
BIP
2014 PLC ord
NV ord
2015 PLC ord
NV ord
LTIP
2014 PLC ord
PSP
NV ord
2015 PLC ord
NV ord
2014(3) PLC ord
NV ord
2014 PLC ord
NV ord
Total PLC ords
Total NV ords
No. of
unvested
shares
held on
1 Jan 2015
32,630
22,870
65,656
46,963
65,656
46,963
65,656
46,963
229,598
163,759
No. of
shares
awarded
during
2015
Market price
per share
at award
£9.900
€17.500
28,187
£11.520
19,194
€23.075
56,423
38,704
£9.900
€17.500
£11.520
€23.075
£9.900
€17.500
£9.900
€17.500
65,656
46,963
£11.154
€22.089
84,610
57,898
65,656
46,963
€11.378
£11.520
€15.003
£9.900
€11.378
£11.520
€15.003
£9.900
€11.378
35,174
28,187
Dec 2016 H1 2017
Dec 2017 H1 2018
29,520
Dec 2017 H1 2018
65,656
72,229
Dec 2016 H1 2017
Dec 2016 H1 2017
56,423
Dec 2017 H1 2018
59,526
Dec 2017 H1 2018
Dec 2015 H1 2016
Dec 2015 H1 2016
65,656
72,229
248,552
268,678
(1) The market prices on grant for awards over NV ordinary shares have been restated to reflect the change in the equalisation ratio and bonus share issue that took effect
from 1 July 2015. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(2) The NV ordinary share positions reflect the impact of the bonus share issue. This change did not impact the economic interests of the Executive Directors.
(3) The performance outcome for this PSP award is set out on page 78 of the 2014 Remuneration Report.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
87
Performance graphs
The graphs below show total shareholder returns for RELX PLC and RELX NV, calculated on the basis of the average share price in the
30 trading days before the respective year end and assuming dividends were reinvested. RELX PLC’s performance is compared with
the FTSE 100 and RELX NV with the AEX Index (to reflect their respective memberships of those indices). The three-year charts cover
the performance period of the 2013-15 cycle of the LTIP.
3 years
RELX PLC vs FTSE 100 – 3-YEAR TSR
RELX NV vs AEX – 3-YEAR TSR
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+101%
∆=84%
+17%
Dec-12
Dec-13
Dec-14
FTSE 100
Dec-14
RELX PLC
5 years
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+139%
∆=95%
+44%
Dec-12
Dec-13
Dec-14
Dec-15
RELX NV
AEX Index
RELX PLC vs FTSE 100 – 5-YEAR TSR
RELX NV vs AEX – 5-YEAR TSR
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+163%
∆=135%
+28%
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+217%
∆=165%
+52%
Dec-10
Dec-11
Dec-12
Dec-13
Dec-14
Dec-15
Dec-10
Dec-11
Dec-12
Dec-13
Dec-14
Dec-15
RELX PLC
FTSE 100
RELX NV
AEX Index
10 years
RELX PLC vs FTSE 100 – 10-YEAR TSR
RELX NV vs AEX – 10-YEAR TSR
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+210%
∆=148%
+62%
%
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
+208%
∆=161%
+47%
5
0
-
c
e
D
6
0
-
c
e
D
7
0
-
c
e
D
8
0
-
c
e
D
9
0
-
c
e
D
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RELX PLC
FTSE 100
RELX NV
AEX Index
UK regulations require disclosure of the relative share performance for the seven calendar years ended 31 December 2015,
of RELX PLC. During that period the total return for the FTSE 100 was +84% while TSR for RELX PLC was +211%, an outperformance
of 127 percentage points.
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
88
CEO historical pay table
The table below shows the historical CEO pay over an eight-year period. The year 2008 has been included to show the pre-2009 position,
as 2009 was a transition year with three CEO incumbents.
£’000
CEO
Annualised base
salary
Annual incentive
payout as a % of
maximum
Multi-year
incentive vesting
as a % of
maximum
CEO total (UK
statutory basis)(1)
CEO total (Dutch
Civil Code basis)(2)
2008
2009 (3)
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Sir Crispin
Davis
Sir Crispin
Davis
Ian
Smith
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
Erik
Engstrom
1,181
1,181
900
1,000
1,000
1,025
1,051
1,077
1,104
1,131
61%
30%
37%
71%
67%
66%
73%
70%
71%
70%
100%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
70%(4)
96%(4)
90%(4)
97%(4)
7,193
706
1,033
426
3,140
2,738
11,145(5)
5,463(6)
17,447(6,7)
10,869(8)
6,631
(514)
1,033
431
2,675
5,045
5,443
6,100(6)
6,839(6)
6,412
(1) UK statutory basis: This is described in footnote (1) to the Single Total Figure of Remuneration table on page 78.
(2) Dutch Civil Code basis: This is described in footnote (2) to the Single Total Figure of Remuneration table on page 78.
(3) Sir Crispin Davis was CEO from 1 January to 31 March, Ian Smith was CEO from 1 April to 10 November and Erik Engstrom was CEO
from 11 November to 31 December.
(4) The 2015 percentage reflects BIP, LTIP and ESOS. The 2014 percentage reflects the final tranche of the discontinued REGP, BIP
and ESOS. The 2013 percentage reflects BIP and ESOS only and the 2012 figure reflects the first tranche of the discontinued
REGP and BIP.
(5) The 2012 figure reflects the vesting of the first tranche of the discontinued REGP and includes the entire amount that was
performance tested over the 2010-12 period, including the 50% of shares deferred until 2015 in accordance with the plan rules
including £3m attributed to share price appreciation.
(6) Restated to reflect the recent HMRC assessment of the imputed benefit of tax preparation services including tax thereon provided
to the Executive Directors (see footnote (4) on page 78). For 2013 this increases the benefit figure by £33,457.
(7) The 2014 figure includes the vesting of the second and final tranche of the discontinued REGP and includes £8.8m attributed to share
price appreciation. The UK statutory basis has been restated for actual share prices and foreign exchange rates applicable on the
dates of vesting (see page 78 for further detail).
(8) The 2015 figure includes £3.9m attributed to share price appreciation.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
89
Comparison of change in CEO pay with change in employee pay
The table below shows the percentage change in remuneration
(salary, benefits and annual incentive) from 2014 to 2015 for the
CEO compared with the average employee.
Salary
Benefits
Annual incentive
% change from 2014 to 2015
CEO
2.5%
21%(2)
1.7%
Average employee(1)
2.5%
2.5%
2.3%
(1) This reflects a substantial proportion of our global employee population.
(2) The increase in Mr Engstrom’s 2015 benefit reflects an HMRC assessment of
the imputed benefit of tax preparation services provided to Mr Engstrom and
an increase in medical insurance premiums. The level of tax return support and
medical benefit Mr Engstrom receives is unchanged from prior years and falls
within the previously approved policy.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the total employee costs for all
employees, as well as the amounts paid in dividends and share
repurchases.
2015 (£m)
2014 (£m)
% change
Employee costs*
1,751
1,709
+2.5%
Dividends
Share repurchases
583
500
565
600
+3%
-17%
* Employee costs include wages and salaries, social security costs, pensions and
share based and related remuneration. After adjusting for fluctuations in the Group’s
principal trading currencies, employee costs rose 3% in constant currency.
Implementation of Remuneration Policy in 2016
Salary: The Committee has awarded a salary increase of 2.5% to
the Executive Directors, which means that, from 1 January 2016,
Erik Engstrom’s salary rose to £1,159,693 and Nick Luff’s salary to
£682,906. This is in line with the guidelines agreed for employees
in the Group’s most significant locations globally for 2016.
AIP: The operation of the AIP in 2016 remains the same as in 2015.
Details of annual financial targets and KPOs are not disclosed as
the Board believes that these are commercially sensitive and that
disclosing them would give competitors an unfair insight into our
strategic direction and annual execution plans. The targets are
designed to be challenging relative to the 2016 execution plan.
Multi-year incentives: The award levels (% of salary) for 2016 are:
BIP opportunity
LTIP
ESOS
CEO
100%
250%
250%
CFO
100%
200%
200%
The targets and vesting scales for the multi-year incentive awards
to be granted in 2016 are as follows:
BIP: 2016-18 cycle
Match earned on personal
investment
Average growth in adjusted
EPS over the three-year
performance period*
0%
50%
75%
100%
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6.5% p.a.
9% p.a. or above
ROIC in the third
year of the
performance
period*
below 12.3%
12.3%
12.8%
13.3% or above
* EPS and ROIC have equal weighting and straight-line vesting applies to
performance between the points.
LTIP: 2016-18 cycle
Vesting is dependent on three separate performance measures
of equal weighting: a TSR measure (comprising three comparator
groups), an EPS measure and a ROIC measure.(1)
Vesting percentage of each third
of the TSR tranche(2)
TSR ranking within the relevant
TSR comparator group
0%
30%
100%
Below median
Median
Upper quartile
(1) The calculation methodology for TSR, EPS and ROIC is set out in the 2013 Notices
of Annual General Meetings, which can be found on the company’s website. The
methodology for selecting the TSR comparator group companies is unchanged
from 2013 (see page 89 of the 2013 Remuneration Report). Each comparator
group comprises approximately 40 companies. The companies for the 2016-18
LTIP cycle were selected on the same basis as the comparator groups for prior
cycles under this plan.
(2) Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the minimum and
maximum levels.
Vesting percentage of EPS
and ROIC tranches*
Average growth in adjusted
EPS over the three-year
performance period
ROIC in the third
year of the
performance period
0%
33%
52.5%
65%
75%
85%
92.5%
100%
below 5% p.a.
5% p.a.
6% p.a.
7% p.a.
8% p.a.
9% p.a.
10% p.a.
11% p.a. or above
below 12.3%
12.3%
12.55%
12.8%
13.05%
13.3%
13.55%
13.8% or above
* Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the stated average
adjusted EPS growth/ROIC percentages.
ESOS: 2016-2018 cycle
Proportion of the award vesting
Average growth in adjusted EPS over the
three-year performance period*
0%
33%
80%
100%
below 4% p.a.
4% p.a.
6% p.a.
8% p.a. or above
* Vesting is on a straight-line basis for performance between the stated average
adjusted EPS growth percentages.
Governance Directors’ Remuneration ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
90
Remuneration Committee advice
The Committee consists of independent Non-Executive Directors
and the Chairman of RELX Group plc. Details of members and
their attendance are contained in the Corporate Governance
section on page 73. The Chief Legal Officer & Company Secretary
attends meetings as secretary to the Committee. At the invitation
of the Chairman of the Committee, the CEO of RELX Group plc
attends appropriate parts of the meetings. The CEO of RELX
Group plc is not in attendance during discussions about
his remuneration.
The Human Resources Director advised the Committee during
the year.
Willis Towers Watson is the external adviser, appointed by the
Committee through a competitive process. Willis Towers Watson
also provided actuarial and other human resources consultancy
services to some Group companies during the year. The
Committee is satisfied that the firm’s advice continues to be
objective and independent, and that no conflict of interest exists.
The individual consultants who work with the Committee do not
provide advice to the Executive Directors, or act on their behalf.
Willis Towers Watson is a member of the Remuneration
Consultants’ Group and conducts its work in line with the UK Code
of Conduct for executive remuneration consulting. During 2015,
Willis Towers Watson received fees of £8,460 for advice given to
the Committee, charged on a time and expense basis.
Shareholder vote at 2015 Annual General Meetings
At the Annual General Meeting of RELX PLC, on 23 April 2015, votes cast by proxy and at the meeting in respect of the Directors’
remuneration were as follows:
Resolution
Votes For
% For
Votes Against
% Against
Total votes cast
Votes Withheld
Remuneration Report (advisory)
813,060,077
92.44%
66,463,293
7.56% 879,523,370
33,677,704
Wolfhart Hauser
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Report of the Audit Committees
91
This report has been prepared by the Audit Committees of
RELX PLC and RELX NV in conjunction with the Audit Committee
of RELX Group plc (the Committees) and has been approved by the
respective Boards. It provides an overview of the membership,
responsibilities and activities of the Committees. The RELX PLC
and RELX NV Audit Committees fulfil their roles from the
perspective of the parent companies and both Committees have
access to the reports to and the work of the RELX Group plc Audit
Committee in this respect.
Membership
The Committees comprise at least three independent
Non-Executive Directors. The members of each of the
Committees who served during the year were:
§§ Ben van der Veer (Chairman of the Committees)
§§ Adrian Hennah
§§ Linda Sanford
§§ Marike van Lier Lels (from 21 July 2015).
Adrian Hennah, a UK chartered accountant, and Ben van
der Veer, a registered accountant in the Netherlands,
are considered to have significant, recent and relevant
financial experience.
Responsibilities
The main role and responsibilities of the Committees are
to assist the respective Boards in fulfilling their oversight
responsibilities regarding:
§§ the integrity of the Group’s interim and full year financial
statements and financial reporting processes;
§§ risk management and internal controls, and the
effectiveness of the internal auditors; and
§§ the performance of the external auditors and the
effectiveness of the external audit process, including
monitoring the independence and objectivity of Deloitte.
The Committees report to the respective Boards on their
activities, identifying any matters in respect of which they
consider that action or improvement is needed and making
recommendations as to the steps to be taken.
The terms of reference of each Audit Committee are reviewed
annually and a copy of each is published on the Group’s
website, www.relx.com
Committee meetings
The Committees met seven times during 2015, with two meetings
focused on the audit tender and subsequent preparation for
transition of audit firm. The Audit Committee meetings are
typically attended by the RELX Chief Executive Officer, the RELX
Chief Financial Officer, the RELX Group Financial Controller,
the RELX Chief Legal Officer, the RELX Head of Audit and Risk,
and audit partners from the external auditors.
Financial reporting
In discharging their responsibilities in respect of the 2015 interim
and full year financial statements, the Committees have:
§§ reviewed and discussed areas of significant judgement in the
preparation of the financial statements, including in particular:
i. the carrying values of goodwill and intangible assets – the
significant judgements in respect of asset carrying values
relate to the assumptions underlying the value in use
calculations including discount rates and long-term growth
assumptions. The Committees received and discussed
reports from the RELX Group Financial Controller on the
methodology and the basis of the assumptions used;
ii. capitalisation of internally generated intangible assets
– the capitalisation of costs related to the development of new
products and business infrastructure, together with the useful
economic lives applied to the resulting assets, requires
the exercise of judgement. The Committees received reports
from the RELX Group Financial Controller on the amounts
capitalised and asset lives selected for major projects;
iii. uncertain tax positions – assessing potential liabilities
across numerous jurisdictions is complex and requires
judgement in making tax determinations. The Committees
received and discussed reports from the RELX Head of
Group Taxation on the potential liabilities identified and
judgements applied;
iv. reviewed the recognition of certain pension scheme
liabilities which are subject to judgement. The Committees
received and discussed reports from the RELX Group
Financial Controller on the methodology and the basis
of the assumptions used.
§§ reviewed the critical accounting policies and compliance
with applicable accounting standards and other disclosure
requirements and received regular update reports on
accounting and regulatory developments; and
§§ considered whether the Annual Report taken as a whole was
fair, balanced and understandable.
The Committees also received detailed written and verbal reports
from the external auditors on these matters. The Committees were
satisfied with the explanations provided and conclusions reached.
Risk management and internal controls
With respect to their oversight of risk management and internal
controls, the Committees have:
§§ received and discussed regular reports summarising the status
of the Group’s risk management activities, including actions to
mitigate risks, and the findings from internal audit reviews and
the actions agreed with management. Areas of focus in 2015
included: management of investment programmes; post
acquisition integration; regulatory compliance and review of
information security including the management of data
privacy; business continuity planning; and continued
compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the US
Sarbanes-Oxley Act relating to the documentation and testing
of internal controls over financial reporting;
§§ reviewed and approved the internal audit plan for 2015 and
monitored execution, including progress in respect of
recommendations made;
§§ reviewed the resources, terms of reference and effectiveness
of the RELX Group plc risk management and internal audit
functions;
§§ received presentations from: the RELX Chief Compliance
Officer on the compliance programmes, including the
operation of the Group’s codes of conduct, training
programmes and whistleblowing arrangements and the
RELX Chief Legal Officer on legal issues and claims;
Governance Report of the Audit CommitteesOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 92
§§ received reports from the RELX Chief Strategy Officer and Chief
Legal Officer on information security and other technology-
related risks;
§§ received updates from the RELX Group Treasurer on pension
arrangements and funding, treasury policies and risk
management and compliance with treasury policies;
§§ received presentations from the RELX Head of Group Taxation
on tax policies and related matters;
§§ received regular updates from the RELX Chief Financial
Officer on developments within the finance function; and
§§ received presentations from chief financial officers of
major businesses.
External audit effectiveness
The Group has a well-established policy on audit effectiveness and
independence of auditors that sets out inter alia: the responsibilities
of each Audit Committee in the selection of auditors to be proposed
for appointment or re-appointment and for agreement on the
terms of their engagement, scope and remuneration; the auditor
independence requirements and the policy on the provision of non-
audit services; the rotation of audit partners and staff; and the conduct
of meetings between the auditors and the Audit Committees.
The policy is available on the website, www.relx.com
The auditors are precluded from engaging in non-audit
services that would compromise their independence or violate
any professional requirements or regulations affecting their
appointment as auditors. The auditors may, however, provide
non-audit services which do not conflict with their independence,
and where their skills and experience make them a logical
supplier, subject to pre-approval by the Audit Committees.
Non-audit services performed in the Netherlands are limited to
audit assurance activities. The Committees will continue to review
the policy on the provision of non-audit services in the light of
ongoing regulatory developments.
The Committees have, each quarter, reviewed and agreed the
non-audit services provided in 2015, together with the associated
fees which are set out in note 4 to the consolidated financial
statements. The non-audit services provided were in the areas of
audit-related activities such as royalty assurance, tax advice and
compliance, due diligence and other transaction-related services.
The external auditors have confirmed their independence and
compliance with the Group policy on auditor independence to the
Audit Committees.
Deloitte LLP and Deloitte Accountants BV or their predecessor
firms were first appointed auditors of the parent companies for
the financial year ended 31 December 1994. The auditors are
required to rotate the lead audit partners responsible for the audit
engagements every five years. The lead engagement partners for
RELX PLC and RELX NV have both completed two years.
The Committees have conducted their review of the performance
of the external auditors and the effectiveness of the external
audit process for the year ended 31 December 2015. The review
was based on a survey of key stakeholders across the Group,
consideration of public reports by regulatory authorities on key
Deloitte member firms and the quality of the auditors’ reporting to
and interaction with the Audit Committees. Based on this review,
the Audit Committees were satisfied with the performance of the
auditors and the effectiveness of the audit process.
Audit Tender
As reported in the 2014 Annual Reports and Financial Statements,
the Committees decided to hold a competitive audit tender
process for rotation of the audit firm in respect of the 2016
financial year. The Committees had responsibility for the tender
process and at the conclusion of the process the Committees
made the proposal to the Boards.
Given the geographic spread and the complexity of the Group,
three major firms of accountants were invited to take part in the
tender. During the tender each firm was given equal access to
management and to information about the Group. The tender
process was thorough and was designed to assess each firm’s
audit proposal against a set of predetermined criteria that
had been agreed by the Committees. Each firm was invited to
an extensive series of interviews with members of the Audit
Committees, members of the Board and a number of the Group’s
senior management team. These interviews formed part of a
formal assessment process whereby each firm was assessed
against these criteria, including matters such as the strength
and experience of senior team members and their firm’s ability
to serve effectively the Group’s operations.
Each firm was asked to provide a written document containing
detailed information on certain matters in support of their audit
proposal which were key to the Audit Committees’ assessment
of each bid, including the firm’s evaluation of the Group’s risks,
the proposed audit plan and the use of technology. All three of the
firms were invited to present their audit proposition to a meeting of
the Audit Committees. The Committees subsequently considered
each firm’s audit proposals against the criteria that had previously
been agreed by the Committees. The Committees’ evaluation
also took into account the outcome of recent internal or external
reviews to assess the quality of each firm’s audits, details of each
firm’s audit methodology and areas of audit focus with regard to
the Group.
Throughout the process the Committees were mindful of
the need to maintain the independence of the external auditor.
As part of the tender each firm was required to disclose all existing
relationships with the Group and explain how the firm would meet
RELX’s policy on audit effectiveness and independence.
Following the conclusion of the audit tender process, the
Committees recommended to the respective Boards that
resolutions for the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP and Ernst &
Young Accountants LLP as external auditors for the 2016 financial
year be proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meetings of
RELX PLC and RELX NV.
The audit of the 2015 Annual Reports and Accounts will therefore
be the last external audit to be conducted by Deloitte LLP and
Deloitte Accountants BV. The Committees would like to record
their thanks to the Deloitte member firms and their partners
and staff for their many years of service to the shareholders of
RELX PLC and RELX NV.
The effectiveness of the Audit Committees was reviewed as
part of the 2015 evaluation of the Boards which confirmed that
the Committees continue to function effectively. Details of the
evaluation are set out on page 68.
Ben van der Veer
Chairman of the Audit Committees
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 RELX Group Financial statements and other information
93
Financial
statements
and other
information
In this section
94 Consolidated financial statements
xx Accounting policies
99 Notes to the Consolidated
financial statements
141 Independent auditors’ report
145 5 year summary
147 RELX PLC Annual Report and Financial
Statements
157 RELX NV Annual Report and Financial
Statements
167 Other financial information
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94
Consolidated income statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling and distribution costs
Administration and other expenses
Share of results of joint ventures
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs
Disposals and other non-operating items
Profit before tax
Current tax
Deferred tax
Tax expense
Net profit for the year
Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Net profit for the year
Earnings per share
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Basic earnings per share
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Diluted earnings per share
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Note
2
3
8
8
9
10
11
11
11
11
2015
£m
5,971
(2,129)
3,842
(965)
(1,444)
64
1,497
3
(177)
(174)
(11)
1,312
(370)
72
(298)
1,014
1,008
6
1,014
2014
£m
5,773
(2,006)
3,767
(934)
(1,467)
36
1,402
7
(169)
(162)
(11)
1,229
(357)
88
(269)
960
2013
£m
6,035
(2,118)
3,917
(1,005)
(1,565)
29
1,376
10
(206)
(196)
16
1,196
(352)
271
(81)
1,115
955
5
960
1,110
5
1,115
2015
2014
2013
46.4p
49.4p
43.0p
45.8p
49.0p
51.6p
46.0p
48.9p
42.5p
45.3p
48.3p
51.0p
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Net profit for the year
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Total items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Transfer to net profit from cash flow hedge reserve
Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Total items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the year
Total comprehensive income for the year
Attributable to:
Parent companies’ shareholders
Non-controlling interests
Total comprehensive income for the year
Note
6
10
19
19
10
2015
£m
1,014
157
(34)
123
99
(104)
29
18
42
165
1,179
1,173
6
1,179
2014
£m
960
(266)
63
(203)
137
(81)
19
13
88
(115)
845
840
5
845
95
2013
£m
1,115
40
(24)
16
(88)
65
(3)
(14)
(40)
(24)
1,091
1,086
5
1,091
Financial statements and other information Consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 96
Consolidated statement of cash flows
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
Interest paid
Interest received
Tax paid (net)
Net cash from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisitions
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Expenditure on internally developed intangible assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from disposals of property, plant and equipment
Gross proceeds from business disposals
Payments on business disposals
Dividends received from joint ventures
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders of the parent companies
Distributions to non-controlling interests
(Decrease)/increase in short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Issuance of term debt
Repayment of term debt
Repayment of finance leases
Acquisition of non-controlling interest
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Purchase of shares by employee benefit trust
Proceeds on issue of ordinary shares
Net cash used in financing activities
Note
12
12
12
12
26
26
2015
£m
2014
£m
2013
£m
1,882
(140)
8
(343)
1,407
(191)
(65)
(242)
(16)
1
75
(41)
57
(422)
(583)
(8)
(339)
500
(186)
(9)
–
(500)
(23)
24
(1,124)
1,851
(139)
13
(348)
1,377
(396)
(67)
(203)
(6)
10
78
(25)
44
(565)
(565)
(7)
232
589
(300)
(10)
(15)
(600)
(39)
45
(670)
1,943
(200)
5
(362)
1,386
(221)
(57)
(251)
(10)
6
311
(116)
22
(316)
(549)
(6)
169
184
(915)
(10)
–
(600)
–
125
(1,602)
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
12
(139)
142
(532)
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
276
(139)
(15)
122
132
142
2
276
641
(532)
23
132
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
Consolidated statement of financial position
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Investments in joint ventures
Other investments
Property, plant and equipment
Deferred tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Current assets
Inventories and pre-publication costs
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Derivative financial instruments
Borrowings
Taxation
Provisions
Non-current liabilities
Derivative financial instruments
Borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Net pension obligations
Provisions
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Total liabilities
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Shares held in treasury
Translation reserve
Other reserves
Shareholders’ equity
Non-controlling interests
Total equity
97
2014
£m
4,981
3,164
125
112
227
464
78
9,151
142
1,487
31
276
1,936
–
11,087
2,636
23
676
582
19
3,936
71
3,149
1,056
632
104
5,012
2
8,950
2,137
2015
£m
5,231
3,156
101
141
229
349
51
9,258
158
1,601
31
122
1,912
15
11,185
2,901
49
624
581
21
4,176
60
3,278
1,000
384
100
4,822
9
9,007
2,178
224
2,748
(1,393)
224
341
2,144
34
2,178
212
2,820
(1,107)
74
107
2,106
31
2,137
Note
15
16
17
17
18
10
19
20
21
19
12
22
19
23
25
19
23
10
6
25
26
26
26
27
The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 24 February 2016. They
were signed on its behalf by:
A J Habgood
Chairman
N L Luff
Chief Financial Officer
Financial statements and other information Consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
98
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Note
Share capital
£m
223
Share
premium
£m
2,727
Shares held
in treasury
£m
(899)
Translation
reserve
£m
(23)
Other
reserves
£m
252
S hareholders’
equity
£m
2,280
Non-
controlling
interests
£m
34
Balance at 1 January 2013
Total comprehensive income
for the year
Dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of
expenses
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Increase in share based
remuneration reserve (net
of tax)
Settlement of share awards
Exchange differences on
translation of capital and
reserves
Balance at 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income
for the year
Dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of
expenses
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
Increase in share based
remuneration reserve (net
of tax)
Settlement of share awards
Acquisitions
Acquisition of non-controlling
interest
Exchange differences on
translation of capital and
reserves
Balance at 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive income
for the year
Dividends paid
Issue of ordinary shares, net of
expenses
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
Bonus issue of ordinary shares
Increase in share based
remuneration reserve (net
of tax)
Settlement of share awards
Acquisitions
Exchange differences on
translation of capital and
reserves
Balance at 31 December 2015
14
14
14
26
–
–
1
–
–
–
–
–
–
124
–
–
–
36
–
–
–
(600)
–
40
(5)
224
2,887
(1,464)
–
–
2
–
(11)
–
–
–
–
(3)
212
–
–
–
–
(4)
18
–
–
–
(2)
224
–
–
43
–
–
–
–
–
–
(110)
–
–
–
(639)
930
–
27
–
–
39
2,820
(1,107)
–
–
24
–
–
(18)
–
–
–
(78)
–
–
–
(623)
269
–
–
49
–
19
2,748
(1,393)
(88)
–
1,174
(549)
–
–
–
–
(26)
(137)
137
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
74
74
99
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
51
224
–
–
48
(40)
(5)
880
703
(565)
–
–
(919)
48
(27)
–
(13)
–
107
1,074
(583)
–
–
(265)
–
47
(49)
–
10
341
Total
equity
£m
2,314
1,091
(555)
125
(600)
48
–
–
2,423
845
(572)
45
(639)
–
48
–
1
1,086
(549)
125
(600)
48
–
–
2,390
840
(565)
45
(639)
–
48
–
–
5
(6)
–
–
–
–
–
33
5
(7)
–
–
–
–
–
1
(13)
(2)
(15)
–
2,106
1,173
(583)
24
(623)
–
–
47
–
–
–
2,144
1
31
6
(8)
–
–
–
–
–
–
4
1
34
1
2,137
1,179
(591)
24
(623)
–
–
47
–
4
1
2,178
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 99
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
1 Basis of preparation and accounting policies
Basis of preparation
RELX PLC and RELX NV are separate, publicly held entities. RELX PLC’s ordinary shares are listed in London and New York, and RELX
NV’s ordinary shares are listed in Amsterdam and New York. RELX PLC and RELX NV jointly own RELX Group plc, which, with effect from
February 2015, holds all the Group’s operating businesses and financing activities. RELX PLC, RELX NV, RELX Group plc and its
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates are together known as “the Group”.
The Governing Agreement determines the equalisation ratio between RELX PLC and RELX NV shares. Following a bonus issue of RELX
NV ordinary shares declared on 30 June 2015, one RELX PLC ordinary share confers an equivalent economic interest to one RELX NV
ordinary share.
As a result of these arrangements, all shareholders can be regarded as having interests in a single economic entity. Consequently, the
Directors have concluded that the Group forms a single reporting entity for the presentation of consolidated financial statements.
Accordingly, the Group consolidated financial information represents the interests of both sets of shareholders and is presented by both
RELX PLC and RELX NV as their respective consolidated financial statements. The Group consolidated financial statements for the
years ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013 are unchanged from the combined financial statements previously reported,
except for changes to the calculation of earnings per share as set out in note 11 on page 115.
The Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV, having made appropriate enquiries, consider that adequate resources exist for the Group to
continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in
preparing the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, subsidiaries of the Group are accounted for under the acquisition method and
investments in associates and joint ventures are accounted for under the equity method. All intra-group transactions and balances
are eliminated.
On acquisition of a subsidiary, or interest in an associate or joint venture, fair values, reflecting conditions at the date of acquisition, are
attributed to the net assets, including identifiable intangible assets acquired. This includes those adjustments made to bring accounting
policies into line with those of the Group. The results of subsidiaries sold or acquired are included in the consolidated financial
statements up to or from the date that control passes from or to the Group.
Non-controlling interests in the net assets of the Group are identified separately from shareholders’ equity. Non-controlling interests
consist of the amount of those interests at the date of the original acquisition and the non-controlling share of changes in equity since the
date of acquisition.
These financial statements form part of the statutory information to be provided by RELX PLC and RELX 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 2006
or the Dutch Civil Code.
Accounting policies
The Group's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as
adopted by the European Union and as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The accounting policies applied in
preparing the consolidated financial statements are unchanged from the accounting policies applied in preparing the combined
financial statements in the 2014 and 2013 RELX Group Annual Reports and Financial Statements, with the exception of changes to the
calculation of earnings per share which is set out in note 11 on page 115.
The accounting policies under IFRS are included in the relevant notes to the consolidated financial statements. The accounting policies
below are applied throughout the financial statements.
Foreign exchange translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling.
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of the transaction. At each statement of
financial position date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rate prevailing
on the statement of financial position date. Exchange differences arising are recorded in the income statement other than where hedge
accounting applies as set out on pages 125 to 129.
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the statement of financial position date. Income
and expense items and cash flows of foreign operations are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Significant individual
items of income and expense and cash flows in foreign operations are translated at the rate prevailing on the date of transaction.
Exchange differences arising are classified as equity and transferred to the translation reserve. When foreign operations are disposed
of, the related cumulative translation differences are recognised within the income statement in the period.
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, primarily forward contracts, to hedge its exposure to certain foreign exchange risks.
Details of the Group’s accounting policies in respect of derivative financial instruments are set out on page 125.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 100
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
1 Basis of preparation and accounting policies continued
Critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The most significant accounting policies in determining the financial condition and results of the Group, and those requiring the most
subjective or complex judgement, relate to and are included in the following notes:
§§ valuation of goodwill and intangible assets – notes 15 and 16
§§ capitalisation of development spend – note 16
§§ taxation – note 10
§§ accounting for defined benefit pension schemes – note 6.
Other significant accounting policies
The accounting policy in respect of revenue recognition is also significant in determining the financial condition and results of the Group,
although the application of this policy is more straightforward. This policy is included in note 2.
Standards and amendments effective for the year
The interpretations and amendments to IFRS effective for 2015 have not had a significant impact on the Group’s accounting policies
or reporting.
Standards, amendments and interpretations not yet effective
New accounting standards and amendments and their expected impact on the future accounting policies and reporting of the Group
are set out below.
IFRS9 – Financial Instruments (effective for the 2018 financial year). The standard replaces the existing classification and measurement
requirements in IAS39 - Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement for financial assets by requiring entities to classify them as
being measured either at amortised cost or fair value depending on the business model and contractual cash flow characteristics of the
asset. For financial liabilities, IFRS9 requires an entity choosing to measure a liability at fair value to present the portion of the change
in its fair value due to changes in the entity’s own credit risk in the other comprehensive income rather than the income statement.
Adoption of the standard is not expected to have a significant impact on the measurement, presentation or disclosure of financial
assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements.
IFRS15 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers (effective for the 2018 financial year). The new standard provides a single point
of reference for revenue recognition, replacing a range of different revenue accounting standards, interpretations and guidance.
Management is in the process of assessing the impact of this new standard.
IFRS16 – Leases (effective for the 2019 financial year). The standard replaces the existing leasing standard, IAS17 – Leases.
The new standard eliminates the distinction between operating and finance leases and requires lessees to recognise all leases,
with a remaining term of greater than 12 months, in the statement of financial position. Management is in the process of assessing
the impact of this new standard.
Additionally, a number of amendments and interpretations have been issued which are not expected to have any significant impact
on the accounting policies and reporting.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 101
2 Segment analysis
Accounting policy
The Group’s reported segments are based on the internal reporting structure and financial information provided to the Boards.
Adjusted operating profit is the key segmental profit measure used by the Group in assessing performance. Adjusted operating
profit is reconciled to operating profit on page 102.
Revenue represents the value of sales less anticipated returns on transactions completed by performance, excluding customer
sales taxes.
Revenues are recognised for the various categories as follows: subscriptions – on periodic despatch of subscribed product or
rateably over the period of the subscription where performance is not measurable by despatch; transactional – on despatch or
occurrence of the transaction; and advertising – on publication or over the period of online display.
Revenue recognition policies, while an area of management focus, are generally straightforward in application as the timing of
product or service delivery and customer acceptance for the various revenue types can be readily determined. Allowances for
product returns are deducted from revenues based on historical return rates. Where sales consist of two or more components
that operate independently, revenue is recognised as each component is completed by performance, based on attribution of
relative value.
RELX Group is a global provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. We operate in
four major market segments: Scientific, Technical & Medical, providing information and analytical solutions to help customers advance
science and improve healthcare outcomes; Risk & Business Analytics, providing solutions and decision tools that enable customers
to evaluate and manage risk and develop market intelligence; Legal, providing information and analytics to professionals in legal,
corporate, government and non-profit organisations; and Exhibitions, organising exhibitions and conferences.
ANALYSIS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
Revenue
Adjusted operating profit
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Sub-total
Unallocated items
Total
2015
£m
2,070
1,601
1,443
857
5,971
–
5,971
2014
£m
2,048
1,439
1,396
890
5,773
–
5,773
2013
£m
2,126
1,480
1,567
862
6,035
–
6,035
2015
£m
760
575
274
217
1,826
(4)
1,822
2014
£m
762
506
260
217
1,745
(6)
1,739
2013
£m
787
507
250
210
1,754
(5)
1,749
The share of post-tax results of joint ventures of £64m (2014: £36m; 2013: £29m) included in adjusted operating profit comprised £37m
(2014: £16m; 2013: £6m) relating to Legal, £28m (2014: £20m; 2013: £23m) relating to Exhibitions and £1m loss (2014: nil; 2013: nil)
relating to Risk & Business Analytics.
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL ORIGIN
North America
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Rest of world
Total
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE BY GEOGRAPHICAL MARKET
North America
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Rest of world
Total
2015
£m
3,166
996
649
614
546
5,971
2015
£m
3,215
461
117
958
1,220
5,971
2014
£m
2,884
1,013
636
686
554
5,773
2014
£m
2,878
455
153
1,053
1,234
5,773
2013
£m
3,103
985
656
698
593
6,035
2013
£m
3,082
443
166
1,074
1,270
6,035
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 102
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
2015
£m
4,179
906
886
5,971
2015
£m
3,123
2,736
112
5,971
2014
£m
3,839
1,012
922
5,773
2014
£m
2,966
2,672
135
5,773
2013
£m
3,971
1,168
896
6,035
2013
£m
3,112
2,683
240
6,035
2 Segment analysis continued
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE BY FORMAT
Electronic
Print
Face-to-face
Total
ANALYSIS OF REVENUE BY TYPE
Subscriptions
Transactional
Advertising
Total
ANALYSIS BY BUSINESS SEGMENT
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Total
Expenditure on
acquired goodwill and
intangible assets
2015
£m
7
41
96
67
211
2014
£m
25
330
48
23
426
2013
£m
50
169
15
56
290
Capital expenditure
additions
Amortisation of acquired
intangible assets
Depreciation and other
amortisation
2015
£m
74
56
161
27
318
2014
£m
56
53
145
27
281
2013
£m
93
43
170
15
321
2015
£m
77
131
56
32
296
2014
£m
79
116
57
34
286
2013
£m
86
128
64
40
318
2015
£m
86
33
95
14
228
2014
£m
94
34
94
15
237
2013
£m
100
33
101
15
249
Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and internally developed intangible assets. Amortisation of
acquired intangible assets includes amounts in respect of joint ventures of £3m (2014: £3m; 2013: nil) in Legal and £1m (2014: £1m; 2013:
£1m) in Exhibitions.
ANALYSIS OF NON-CURRENT ASSETS BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
North America
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Rest of world
Total
2015
£m
6,824
787
125
723
399
8,858
2014
£m
6,569
701
109
816
414
8,609
Non-current assets by geographical location exclude amounts relating to deferred tax and derivative financial instruments.
Operating profit is reconciled to adjusted operating profit as follows:
RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO ADJUSTED OPERATING PROFIT
Operating profit
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Acquisition-related costs
Reclassification of tax in joint ventures
Adjusted operating profit
2015
£m
1,497
296
35
(6)
1,822
2014
£m
1,402
286
30
21
1,739
2013
£m
6,291
584
125
753
401
8,154
2013
£m
1,376
318
43
12
1,749
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
3 Operating profit
Operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting) the following:
Staff costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pensions
Share based remuneration
Total staff costs
Depreciation and amortisation
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Share of joint ventures’ amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of internally developed intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Total depreciation and amortisation
Other expenses and income
Cost of sales including pre-publication costs and inventory expenses
Operating lease rentals expense
Operating lease rentals income
103
Note
6
7
16
16
18
2015
£m
1,490
169
58
34
1,751
292
4
157
71
524
2014
£m
1,415
167
95
32
1,709
282
4
158
79
523
2013
£m
1,508
175
61
31
1,775
317
1
160
89
567
2,129
90
(5)
2,006
91
(8)
2,118
108
(10)
The amortisation of acquired intangible assets is included within administration and other expenses.
4 Auditors’ remuneration
Auditors’ remuneration
Payable to the auditors of the parent companies
Payable to the auditors of the Group's subsidiaries
Audit services
Audit-related assurance services
Tax services
Other services: Consulting
Other services: Due diligence and other transaction-related services
Non-audit services
Total auditors’ remuneration
2015
£m
2014
£m
2013
£m
0.8
4.2
5.0
0.8
0.9
0.2
0.3
2.2
7.2
0.6
4.2
4.8
0.5
1.0
–
0.3
1.8
6.6
0.6
4.3
4.9
0.4
1.8
–
–
2.2
7.1
Amounts payable to the auditors of the Group's subsidiaries include amounts for the audit of internal controls over financial reporting
in accordance with the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Non-audit services performed in the Netherlands or by Deloitte Accountants BV are
limited to audit-related assurance services.
5 Personnel
NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED: FULL-TIME EQUIVALENTS
At 31 December
Average during the year
Business segment
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Sub-total
Corporate/shared functions
Total
Geographical location
North America
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Rest of Europe
Rest of world
Total
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
7,200
7,600
10,500
3,800
29,100
900
30,000
13,400
4,700
1,500
2,800
7,600
30,000
7,000
7,400
9,500
3,700
27,600
900
28,500
13,300
4,300
1,600
2,800
6,500
28,500
6,700
7,200
10,000
3,400
27,300
900
28,200
13,900
4,100
1,600
2,800
5,800
28,200
7,200
7,500
10,000
3,700
28,400
900
29,300
13,400
4,500
1,500
2,800
7,100
29,300
6,900
7,300
9,600
3,500
27,300
900
28,200
13,400
4,200
1,600
2,800
6,200
28,200
6,900
7,700
10,400
3,300
28,300
900
29,200
14,800
4,100
1,600
3,100
5,600
29,200
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 104
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
6 Pension schemes
Accounting policy
The expense of defined benefit pension schemes and other post-retirement employee benefits is determined using the projected
unit credit method and charged in the income statement as an operating expense, based on actuarial assumptions reflecting market
conditions at the beginning of the financial year. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the statement of comprehensive
income in the period in which they occur.
Past service costs and credits are recognised immediately at the earlier of when plan amendments or curtailments occur and when
related restructuring costs or termination benefits are recognised. Settlements are recognised when they occur.
Net pension obligations in respect of defined benefit schemes are included in the statement of financial position at the present value
of scheme liabilities, less the fair value of scheme assets. Where schemes are in surplus, i.e. assets exceed liabilities, the net
pension assets are separately included in the statement of financial position. Any net pension asset is limited to the extent that the
asset is recoverable through reductions in future contributions.
The expense of defined contribution pension schemes and other employee benefits is charged in the income statement as incurred.
Critical judgement and key source of estimation uncertainty
At 31 December 2015, the Group operates defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and the US. These schemes require
management to exercise judgement in estimating the ultimate cost of providing post-employment benefits, especially given the
length of each scheme’s liabilities. Accounting for defined benefit pension schemes involves judgement about uncertain events,
including the life expectancy of the members, salary and pension increases, inflation, the future operation of each scheme and the
rate at which the future pension payments are discounted. Estimates for these factors are used in determining the pension cost and
liabilities reported in the financial statements. The estimates made around future developments of each of the critical assumptions
are made in conjunction with independent actuaries. Each scheme is subject to a periodic review by independent actuaries.
Information regarding some of the assumptions used for valuation is provided below, together with a sensitivity analysis.
A number of pension schemes are operated around the world. Historically, the largest schemes have been local versions of the defined
benefit type with assets held in separate trustee administered funds. The largest defined benefit schemes as at 31 December 2015 are in
the UK and the US. The Netherlands scheme was transferred to a collective industry-wide scheme in November 2015, as described below.
Major defined benefit schemes in place at 31 December 2015
The UK scheme is a final salary scheme and is closed to new hires. Members accrue a portion of their final pensionable earnings based on
the number of years of service. The US scheme is a cash balance scheme and is closed to new hires. Members earn pay credits dependent
on age and years of service up to certain limits which are added to an account balance that accrues interest at specified minimum rates.
Each of the major defined benefit schemes is administered by a separate fund that is legally separated from the Group. The trustees
of the pension funds in the UK and plan fiduciaries of the US scheme are required by law to act in the interest of the funds’ beneficiaries.
In the UK, the trustees of the pension fund are responsible for the investment policy with regard to the assets of the fund. The board of
trustees consists of an equal number of company-appointed and member nominated Directors. In the US, the fiduciary duties for the
scheme are allocated between committees which are staffed by senior employees of the Group; the investment committee has the
primary responsibility for the investment and management of plan assets.
The funding of the Group’s major schemes reflects the different rules within each jurisdiction.
In the UK the level of funding is determined by statutory triennial actuarial valuations in accordance with pensions legislation. The 2015
valuation process has not been finalised. Where the scheme falls below 100% funded status, the Group and the scheme trustees must
agree on how the deficit is to be remedied. The UK Pensions Regulator has significant powers and sets out in codes and guidance the
parameters for scheme funding.
The US scheme has an annual statutory valuation which forms the basis for establishing the employer contribution each year (subject to
ERISA and IRS minimums). Should the statutory funded status fall to below 100%, the US Pensions Protection Act requires the deficit to
be rectified with additional contributions over a seven-year period.
Total regular employer contributions to defined benefit pension schemes, in respect of 2016 are expected to be approximately £62m.
A pension deficit funding contribution of £20m is also expected to be made in 2016, relating to the UK scheme recovery plan.
Changes to the Netherlands scheme
In November 2015, the Netherlands defined benefit pension scheme together with all associated assets and liabilities, was transferred
into an industry-wide collective defined contribution scheme. This scheme is now accounted for as a defined contribution pension plan,
with no deficit or surplus recognised on the balance sheet. The transfer of the scheme resulted in settlement and past service credits of
£60m being recognised within operating profit. The Group paid cash of £22m to align the funding level to that of the industry-wide
collective pension scheme, in addition to other payments made in relation to the scheme settlement.
Prior to this, the scheme was a career average salary scheme and was open to new hires.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 105
6 Pension schemes continued
The pension expense, including amounts in relation to the UK, US and NL defined benefit schemes, recognised within operating profit
consists of:
Defined benefit pension expense (net of settlement and past service credits)
Defined contribution pension expense
Total
2015
£m
6
52
58
2014
£m
48
47
95
2013
£m
14
47
61
The amounts recognised in the income statement in respect of defined benefit pension schemes during the year are presented by major
scheme as follows:
Service cost
Settlement and past service credits
Defined benefit pension expense
Net interest on net defined benefit
obligation
Net defined benefit pension expense
2015
2014
2013
UK
£m
34
(1)
33
14
47
US
£m
18
–
18
5
23
NL
£m
15
(60)
(45)
2
(43)
Total
£m
67
(61)
6
21
27
UK
£m
31
–
31
8
39
US
£m
18
–
18
4
22
NL
£m
14
(15)
(1)
3
2
Total
£m
63
(15)
48
15
63
UK
£m
29
–
29
6
35
US
£m
29
(51)
(22)
9
(13)
NL
£m
15
(8)
7
4
11
Total
£m
73
(59)
14
19
33
Net interest on net defined benefit pension scheme liabilities is presented within net finance costs in the income statement. Service cost,
including settlements and past service credits is presented within operating profit.
Settlements and past service credits in 2015 primarily relate to the transfer of the Netherlands scheme to a collective industry-wide
scheme. Settlements and past service credits in 2014 relate to plan design changes and a reduction in accrued benefits in respect of
the scheme in the Netherlands. Settlements and past service credits in 2013 principally relate to plan design changes and the transfer
out of certain deferred members in the US scheme and a reduction in accrued benefits in respect of the scheme in the Netherlands.
The significant valuation assumptions, determined for each major scheme in conjunction with the respective independent actuaries
are presented below. The net defined benefit pension expense for each year is based on the assumptions and scheme valuations set at
31 December of the prior year.
As at 31 December
Discount rate
Inflation
2015
UK
3.85%
3.05%
US
4.45%
2.50%
UK
3.75%
2.90%
2014
US
4.25%
2.50%
NL
2.30%
2.00%
UK
4.60%
3.25%
2013
US
5.05%
3.00%
NL
3.60%
2.00%
Discount rates are set by reference to high-quality corporate bond yields.
Mortality assumptions make allowance for future improvements in longevity and have been determined by reference to applicable
mortality statistics. The average life expectancy assumptions are set out below:
As at 31 December 2015
Member currently aged 60 years
Member currently aged 45 years
Male average life
expectancy
Female average
life expectancy
UK
86
88
US
86
87
UK
89
91
US
89
89
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 106
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
6 Pension schemes continued
The amount recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of defined benefit pension schemes at the start and end of the
year and the movements during the year were as follows:
Defined benefit obligation
At start of year
Service cost
Past service credits
Interest on pension scheme liabilities
Actuarial gain/(loss) on financial
UK
£m
(3,267)
(34)
1
(121)
2015
US
£m
(932)
(18)
–
(40)
NL
£m
Total
£m
(778)
(15)
31
(16)
(4,977)
(67)
32
(177)
UK
£m
(2,882)
(31)
–
(130)
2014
US
£m
(762)
(18)
–
(39)
NL
£m
(716)
(14)
15
(25)
Total
£m
(4,360)
(63)
15
(194)
assumptions
57
40
12
109
(339)
(107)
(120)
(566)
Actuarial gain/(loss) arising from
experience assumptions*
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
Liabilities transferred on settlement**
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Fair value of scheme assets
At start of year
Interest income on plan assets
Return on assets excluding amounts
included in interest income
Contributions by employer
Contributions by employees
Benefits paid
Assets transferred on settlement**
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Opening net deficit
Service cost
Net interest on net defined benefit
obligation
Settlement and past service credits
Contributions by employer
Actuarial gains/(losses)
Exchange translation differences
Net defined benefit obligation
179
(7)
103
–
–
(3,089)
2,870
107
(77)
34
7
(103)
–
–
2,838
(397)
(34)
(14)
1
34
159
–
(251)
(1)
–
50
–
(54)
(955)
810
35
(55)
36
–
(50)
–
46
822
(122)
(18)
(5)
–
36
(16)
(8)
(133)
4
(4)
15
699
52
–
665
14
(2)
48
4
(15)
(670)
(44)
–
(113)
(15)
(2)
60
48
14
8
–
182
(11)
168
699
(2)
(4,044)
4,345
156
(134)
118
11
(168)
(670)
2
3,660
(632)
(67)
(21)
61
118
157
–
(384)
26
(7)
96
–
–
(3,267)
2,691
122
110
36
7
(96)
–
–
2,870
(191)
(31)
(8)
–
36
(203)
–
(397)
(3)
–
52
–
(55)
(932)
676
35
72
31
–
(52)
–
48
810
(86)
(18)
(4)
–
31
(38)
(7)
(122)
5
(5)
27
–
55
(778)
614
22
90
9
5
(27)
–
(48)
665
(102)
(14)
(3)
15
9
(25)
7
(113)
28
(12)
175
–
–
(4,977)
3,981
179
272
76
12
(175)
–
–
4,345
(379)
(63)
(15)
15
76
(266)
–
(632)
* Principally a scheme experience gain arising as a result of the ongoing UK 2015 triennial valuation.
** The difference in assets and liabilities transferred results in a settlement credit of £29m (2014: nil). In addition to the settlement
credit, past service credits of £31m were recognised on transfer of the Netherlands pension scheme, resulting in a settlement and past
service credit of £60m in total.
As at 31 December 2015, the defined benefit obligations comprised £3,849m (2014: £4,784m) in relation to funded schemes and £195m
(2014: £193m) in relation to unfunded schemes.
The weighted average duration of defined benefit scheme liabilities is 20 years in the UK (2014: 19 years) and 14 years in the US
(2014: 15 years). Deferred tax assets of £103m (2014: £161m) are recognised in respect of the pension scheme deficits.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 6 Pension schemes continued
Amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income are set out below:
Gains and losses arising during the year:
Experience gains/(losses) on scheme liabilities
Experience (losses)/gains on scheme assets
Actuarial gains/(losses) on the present value of scheme liabilities due to changes in:
– discount rates
– inflation
– other actuarial assumptions
Net cumulative losses at start of year
Net cumulative losses at end of year
The major categories and fair values of scheme assets at the end of the reporting period are as follows:
FAIR VALUE OF SCHEME ASSETS
2015
Equities
Government bonds
Corporate bonds
Property funds
Cash
Other
Total
UK
£m
1,216
1,196
–
374
29
23
2,838
US
£m
285
70
417
–
35
15
822
NL
£m
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Total
£m
1,501
1,266
417
374
64
38
3,660
UK
£m
1,260
1,249
–
270
74
17
2,870
2015
£m
182
(134)
96
(64)
77
157
(741)
(584)
2014
US
£m
263
70
455
–
2
20
810
2014
£m
28
272
(773)
159
48
(266)
(475)
(741)
NL
£m
226
261
143
30
5
–
665
107
2013
£m
(5)
114
78
(171)
24
40
(515)
(475)
Total
£m
1,749
1,580
598
300
81
37
4,345
The actual return on scheme assets for the year ended 31 December 2015 was £22m (2014: £451m).
Assets and obligations associated with the schemes are sensitive to changes in the market values of assets and the market-related
assumptions used to value scheme liabilities. In particular, adverse changes to asset values, discount rates or inflation could increase
future pension costs and funding requirements.
Typically the Group’s schemes are exposed to: investment risks, whereby actual rates of return on plan assets may be below those rates
used to determine the defined benefit obligations and interest rate risks, whereby scheme deficits may increase if bond yields in the UK
and the US decline and are not offset by returns in government and corporate bond portfolios. The schemes are also exposed to other
risks, such as unanticipated future increases in: member longevity patterns, inflation, and future salaries, all potentially leading to an
increase in scheme liabilities.
Investment policies of each scheme are intended to ensure continuous payment of defined benefit pensions in the short-term and
long-term. Efforts are made to limit risks on marketable securities by adopting investment policies that diversify assets across
geographies and among equities, government and corporate bonds, property funds and cash. Asset allocations are dependent on
a variety of factors including the duration of scheme liabilities and the statutory funded status of the plan.
All equities and government and corporate bonds have quoted prices in active markets.
Sensitivity analysis
The valuation of the Group’s pension scheme liabilities involves significant actuarial assumptions, being the life expectancy of the members,
inflation and the rate at which the future pension payments are discounted. Differences arising from actual experience or future changes
in assumptions may materially affect future pension charges. In particular, changes in assumptions for discount rates, inflation and life
expectancies that are reasonably possible would have the following approximate effects on the defined benefit pension obligations:
Increase/decrease of 0.25% in discount rate:
Increase/decrease of 0.25% in the expected inflation rate:
Increase/decrease of one year in assumed life expectancy:
£m
180
97
115
The above analysis has been calculated on the same basis used to determine the defined benefit obligation recognised in the statement
of financial position. There has been no change in the methods used to prepare the analysis compared with prior years. This sensitivity
analysis may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is unlikely that changes in the above
assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 108
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
7 Share based remuneration
Accounting policy
The fair value of share based remuneration is determined at the date of grant and recognised as an expense in the income
statement on a straight line basis over the vesting period, taking account of the estimated number of shares that are expected to
vest. Market based performance criteria are taken into account when determining the fair value at the date of grant. Non-market
based performance criteria are taken into account when estimating the number of shares expected to vest. The fair value of share
based remuneration is determined by use of a binomial or Monte Carlo simulation model as appropriate. All of the Group’s share
based remuneration is equity settled.
The Group provides a number of share based remuneration schemes to Directors and employees. The principal share based
remuneration schemes are the Executive Share Option Schemes (ESOS), the Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Retention Share Plan
(RSP) and the Bonus Investment Plan (BIP). The last and final tranche of awards under the Reed Elsevier Growth Plan (REGP) was made
in 2013 which vested in 2015. No further awards are outstanding under this plan. Share options granted under ESOS are exercisable
after three years and up to 10 years from the date of grant at a price equivalent to the market value of the respective shares at the date of
grant. Conditional shares granted under LTIP, RSP and BIP are exercisable after three years for nil consideration if conditions are met.
Other awards principally relate to all employee share based saving schemes in the UK and the Netherlands.
Share based remuneration awards are, other than upon retirement or in exceptional circumstances, subject to the condition that the
employee remains in employment at the time of exercise.
Conditional shares granted under LTIP, REGP, RSP and BIP between 2012 and 2015 are subject to the achievement of growth targets
of adjusted earnings per share measured at constant exchange rates as well as the achievement of a targeted percentage return on
invested capital of the Group. LTIP grants between 2012 and 2015, REGP grants in 2013 and RSP grants in 2014 are also variable subject
to the achievement of a total shareholder return performance target.
The weighted average fair value per award is based on full vesting on achievement of non-market-related performance conditions and
stochastic models for market-related components. The conditional shares and option awards are recognised in the income statement
over the vesting period, being between three and five years, on the basis of expected performance against the non-market-related
conditions, with the fair value related to market-related components unchanging.
Comparative share based remuneration numbers have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the RELX NV share bonus issue
declared on 30 June 2015.
2015 GRANTS
Share options
– ESOS
– Other
Total share options
Conditional shares
– ESOS
– LTIP
– BIP
Total conditional shares
In respect of RELX PLC
ordinary shares
In respect of RELX NV
ordinary shares
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Number of
shares
’000
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Number of
shares
’000
1,064
847
1,911
300
858
683
1,841
1.13
1.35
1.23
10.39
9.64
11.46
10.44
1,122
705
1,827
315
906
653
1,874
0.82
0.70
0.77
9.37
9.05
10.81
9.72
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 7 Share based remuneration continued
2014 GRANTS
Share options
– ESOS
– Other
Total share options
Conditional shares
– ESOS
– LTIP
– RSP
– BIP
Total conditional shares
2013 GRANTS
Share options
– ESOS
– Other
Total share options
Conditional shares
– ESOS
– LTIP
– RSP
– REGP
– BIP
Total conditional shares
109
In respect of RELX PLC
ordinary shares
In respect of RELX NV
ordinary shares
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Number of
shares
’000
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Number of
shares
’000
1,221
1,064
2,285
365
1,031
131
769
2,296
0.98
1.31
1.13
8.27
7.81
9.90
9.23
8.48
1,327
483
1,810
397
1,121
145
743
2,406
0.73
0.59
0.70
7.31
7.05
9.22
8.37
7.63
In respect of RELX PLC
ordinary shares
In respect of RELX NV
ordinary shares
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Weighted
average fair
value per
award
£
Number of
shares
’000
Number of
shares
’000
1,521
645
2,166
524
1,338
10
322
987
3,181
1.12
1.29
1.17
6.51
6.14
7.35
6.49
7.40
6.63
1,627
395
2,022
561
1,430
11
692
946
3,640
0.99
0.72
0.94
6.03
5.79
6.92
6.07
6.95
6.18
The main assumptions used to determine the fair values, which have been established with advice from and data provided by
independent actuaries, are set out below:
ASSUMPTIONS FOR GRANTS MADE DURING THE YEAR
Weighted average share price at date of grant
– ESOS
– LTIP
– RSP
– BIP
– REGP
– Other
Expected share price volatility
Expected option life
Expected dividend yield
Risk-free interest rate
Expected lapse rate
In respect of RELX PLC
ordinary shares
In respect of RELX NV
ordinary shares
2015
2014
2013
2015
2014
2013
£11.51
£11.52
–
£11.46
–
£9.50
19%
4 years
3.5%
0.8%
2-5%
£9.28
£9.29
£9.90
£9.23
–
£8.86
19%
4 years
3.8%
1.5%
2-5%
£7.35
£7.35
£7.35
£7.39
£7.76
£7.45
28%
4 years
4.1%
0.5%
2-5%
€15.00
€14.92
–
€14.91
–
€14.47
19%
4 years
4.2%
0.0%
2-4%
€10.35
€10.36
€11.38
€10.34
–
€10.16
19%
4 years
4.5%
0.6%
2-4%
€8.15
€8.15
€8.15
€8.15
€8.55
€7.73
28%
4 years
4.7%
0.4%
2-4%
Expected share price volatility has been estimated based on relevant historical data in respect of the RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary
share prices. Expected share option life has been estimated based on historical exercise patterns in respect of RELX PLC and RELX NV
share options.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 110
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
7 Share based remuneration continued
The share based remuneration awards outstanding as at 31 December 2015, in respect of both RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares,
are set out below:
SHARE OPTIONS
Outstanding at 1 January 2013
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at 1 January 2014
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at 1 January 2015
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Expired
Outstanding at 31 December 2015
Exercisable at 31 December 2013
Exercisable at 31 December 2014
Exercisable at 31 December 2015
CONDITIONAL SHARES
Outstanding at 1 January 2013
Granted
Vested
Forfeited/lapsed
Outstanding at 1 January 2014
Granted
Vested
Forfeited/lapsed
Outstanding at 1 January 2015
Granted
Vested
Forfeited/lapsed
Outstanding at 31 December 2015
In respect of RELX PLC
ordinary shares
In respect of RELX NV
ordinary shares
Number of
shares under
option
’000
Weighted
average
exercise
price
(pence)
Number of
shares under
option
’000
Weighted
average
exercise
price
(€)
19,335
2,166
(9,102)
(112)
(560)
11,727
2,285
(3,318)
(832)
(535)
9,327
1,911
(2,053)
(254)
(191)
8,740
5,150
3,163
3,105
529
694
542
535
537
549
827
520
514
577
629
978
627
694
618
704
537
550
551
23,966
2,022
(11,732)
(257)
(711)
13,288
1,810
(4,214)
(535)
(881)
9,468
1,827
(1,716)
(680)
(438)
8,461
8,513
5,352
4,886
6.91
8.07
6.97
7.35
7.35
7.00
10.31
7.24
6.68
6.68
7.58
14.80
7.32
7.51
6.18
9.27
7.21
7.22
8.02
In respect of
RELX PLC
ordinary
shares
Number of
shares
’000
In respect of
RELX NV
ordinary
shares
Number of
shares
’000
11,812
3,181
(3,256)
(1,395)
10,342
2,296
(2,772)
(1,236)
8,630
1,841
(3,197)
(779)
6,495
10,315
3,640
(3,024)
(1,420)
9,511
2,406
(2,447)
(957)
8,513
1,874
(2,367)
(1,593)
6,427
The weighted average share price at the date of exercise of share options and vesting of conditional shares during 2015 was 1,118p
(2014: 885p; 2013: 761p) for RELX PLC ordinary shares and €14.50 (2014: €9.77; 2013: €8.55) for RELX NV ordinary shares.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 111
7 Share based remuneration continued
RANGE OF EXERCISE PRICES FOR OUTSTANDING SHARE OPTIONS
2015
2014
2013
RELX PLC ordinary shares (pence)
401-500
501-600
601-700
701-800
801-900
901-1,000
1,001-1,100
1,101-1,200
Total
RELX NV ordinary shares (€)
4.01-5.00
5.01-6.00
6.01-7.00
7.01-8.00
8.01-9.00
9.01-10.00
10.01-11.00
11.01-12.00
12.01-13.00
13.01-14.00
14.01-15.00
15.01-16.00
16.01-17.00
Total
Weighted
average
remaining
period until
expiry
(years)
Number of
shares under
option
’000
Weighted
average
remaining
period until
expiry
(years)
Number of
shares under
option
’000
Weighted
average
remaining
period until
expiry
(years)
Number of
shares under
option
’000
582
2,368
735
2,121
12
1,891
4
1,027
8,740
5
1,919
595
851
1,441
530
1,191
142
82
61
387
1,238
19
8,461
3.2
4.2
1.7
5.3
7.6
6.3
8.8
9.3
5.3
3.0
5.4
3.5
2.4
6.9
3.1
8.2
8.5
8.0
9.0
9.0
9.2
9.0
6.3
1,285
3,760
788
2,301
12
1,181
–
–
9,327
7
3,104
838
1,626
1,601
805
1,342
145
–
–
–
–
–
9,468
2.9
5.1
2.8
6.3
8.6
9.3
–
–
5.4
4.2
6.5
4.4
2.3
7.8
4.3
9.2
9.5
–
–
–
–
–
6.0
2,933
5,979
1,338
1,462
12
3
–
–
11,727
18
4,525
2,082
3,717
1,925
1,021
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
13,288
2.8
5.4
4.0
9.4
9.6
8.3
–
–
5.1
5.1
7.3
3.6
2.9
8.6
3.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
5.4
Share options are expected, upon exercise, to be met principally by the issue of new ordinary shares but may also be met from shares
held by the Employee Benefit Trust (see note 26). Conditional shares will be met from shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust.
8 Net finance costs
Interest on short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Interest on term debt
Interest on obligations under finance leases
Total borrowing costs
Losses on loans and derivatives not designated as hedges
Fair value losses on designated fair value hedge relationships
Net financing charge on defined benefit pension schemes
Finance costs
Interest on bank deposits
Gains on loans and derivatives not designated as hedges
Finance income
Net finance costs
2015
£m
(11)
(141)
–
(152)
(3)
(1)
(21)
(177)
3
–
3
(174)
2014
£m
(13)
(134)
–
(147)
(7)
–
(15)
(169)
7
–
7
(162)
2013
£m
(11)
(168)
(1)
(180)
(7)
–
(19)
(206)
4
6
10
(196)
A net loss of £48m (2014: £52m; 2013: gain of £1m) on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was recognised directly
in equity. This included losses of £42m (2014: £54m; 2013: nil) related to foreign exchange movements on debt hedges, which were
reclassified immediately to the income statement and offset £42m (2014: £54m; 2013: nil) of foreign exchange gains on the related debt.
The remaining loss of £6m (2014: gain of £2m; 2013: gain of £1m) recognised in equity may be reclassified to the income statement in
future periods. Including the £42m (2014: £54m; 2013: nil) of foreign exchange losses, losses of £48m (2014: £56m; 2013: £3m) in total
were transferred from the hedge reserve in the period.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 112
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
9 Disposals and other items
Accounting policy
Assets of businesses that are available for immediate sale in their current condition and for which a sales process is considered
highly probable to complete are classified as assets held for sale and are carried at the lower of carrying value and fair value less
costs to sell. Fair value is based on anticipated disposal proceeds, typically derived from firm or indicative offers from potential
acquirers. Non-current assets are not amortised or depreciated following their classification as held for sale. Liabilities of
businesses held for sale are also separately classified on the statement of financial position. Fair value movements in the venture
capital portfolio, which are classifed as held for trading, are reported within disposals and other items - see note 17.
Revaluation of held for trading investments
(Loss)/gain on disposal of businesses and assets held for sale
Net (losses)/gains on disposals and other items
10 Taxation
2015
£m
8
(19)
(11)
2014
£m
8
(19)
(11)
2013
£m
5
11
16
Accounting policy
Tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Current and deferred tax are charged or credited in the income statement except
to the extent that the tax arises from a transaction or event which is recognised, in the same or a different period, outside the income
statement (either in other comprehensive income, directly in equity, or through a business combination), in which case the tax
appears in the same statement as the transaction that gave rise to it.
Current tax is the amount of corporate income taxes payable or recoverable based on the profit for the period as adjusted for items
that are not taxable or not deductible, and is calculated using tax rates and laws that were enacted or substantively enacted at the
date of the statement of financial position. Management periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect to
situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation. Provisions are established where appropriate on the basis
of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying
amounts in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax is calculated using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or
substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period, and which are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is
realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences but not recognised for taxable temporary
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures where the reversal of the temporary difference
can be controlled and it is probable that the difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax liabilities are not
recognised on temporary differences that arise from goodwill which is not deductible for tax purposes.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible
temporary differences can be utilised, and are reviewed at the end of each reporting period and reduced to the extent that it is no
longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised in respect of temporary differences that arise on initial recognition of assets
and liabilities acquired other than in a business combination. Deferred tax is not discounted.
Critical judgement and key source of estimation uncertainty
The Group is subject to tax in numerous jurisdictions, giving rise to complex tax issues that require management to exercise
judgement in making tax determinations. As a multinational enterprise, our tax returns in the countries in which we operate are
subject to tax authority audits as a matter of routine. While the Group is confident that tax returns are appropriately prepared and
filed, amounts are provided in respect of uncertain tax positions that reflect the risk with respect to tax matters under active
discussion with tax authorities, or which are otherwise considered to involve uncertainty. Amounts are provided using the best
estimate of tax expected to be paid based on an assessment of all relevant factors. However, it is possible that at some future date
liabilities will be adjusted as a result of audits by taxing authorities.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 113
10 Taxation continued
Accounting policy (continued)
In particular, although we report cross-border transactions undertaken between Group subsidiaries on an arm’s-length basis in
tax returns in accordance with OECD guidelines, transfer pricing relies on the exercise of judgement and it is frequently possible
for there to be a range of legitimate and reasonable views. This means that it is impossible to be certain that the returns basis will be
sustained on examination. Discussions with tax authorities relating to cross-border transactions and other matters are ongoing in
each of our major trading jurisdictions. Although the timing and amount of final resolution of these uncertain tax positions cannot
be reliably predicted, no significant impact on the overall financial position of the Group is expected in the near term.
Estimation of income taxes also includes assessments of the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Deferred tax assets are only
recognised to the extent that they are considered recoverable based on existing tax laws and forecasts of future taxable profits
against which the underlying tax deductions can be utilised. The recoverability of these assets is reassessed at the end of each
reporting period, and changes in recognition of deferred tax assets will affect the tax liability in the period of that reassessment.
Current tax
United Kingdom
The Netherlands
Rest of world
Total current tax charge
Deferred tax
Tax expense
2015
£m
(65)
(45)
(260)
(370)
72
(298)
2014
£m
(36)
(93)
(228)
(357)
88
(269)
2013
£m
(50)
(80)
(222)
(352)
271
(81)
Cash tax paid in the year was £343m (2014: £348m; 2013: £362m), which is different to the tax expense for the year set out above.
There are a number of reasons why the cash tax payments in a particular year will be different from the tax expense in the accounts:
Deferred tax:
§§ Tax expense includes deferred tax, which is an accounting adjustment arising from temporary differences;
§§ Temporary differences occur when an item has to be included in the income statement in one year but is taxed in another year; and
§§ RELX Group also has significant deferred tax liabilities on intangible assets recognised as a result of acquisition accounting, which
are credited to the income statement as the intangible asset is amortised for accounting purposes.
Timing differences:
§§ Tax payments relating to a particular year’s profits are typically due partly in the year and partly in the following year.
Prior period adjustments:
§§ Current tax expense is the best estimate at the end of the period of cash tax expected to be paid; and
§§ To the extent the final liability is higher or lower than that estimate, any cash tax impact will occur in a later period.
Items recorded in equity and other comprehensive income:
§§ Some of the benefits of tax deductions related to share based payments, pensions and hedging are credited to equity or other
comprehensive income rather than to tax expense, and so the cash tax liability will be lower than the current tax expense in years
when those deductions are available.
Set out below is a reconciliation of the difference between tax expense for the period and the theoretical expense calculated by
multiplying accounting profit by the applicable tax rate.
As an enterprise with two listed parent companies in different jurisdictions, we believe the most meaningful applicable rate is that
obtained by multiplying the accounting profits and losses of all consolidated entities by the applicable domestic rate in each of those
entities’ jurisdictions.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 114
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
10 Taxation continued
The net tax expense charged on profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the weighted average of tax
rates applicable to accounting profits and losses of the consolidated entities, as follows:
Profit before tax
Tax at average applicable rates
Tax effect of share of results of joint ventures
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
US state taxes
Non-deductible costs of share based remuneration
Non-deductible disposal-related gains and losses
Tax losses of the period not recognised
Recognition and utilisation of tax losses that arose in prior years
Deferred tax credit on the alignment of business assets
Other adjustments in respect of prior periods
Deferred tax effect of changes in tax rates
Tax expense
2015
£m
1,312
(299)
11
(16)
(9)
(3)
4
(2)
–
–
16
–
(298)
2014
£m
1,229
(292)
21
(14)
(12)
–
(22)
(4)
4
–
50
–
(269)
2013
£m
1,196
(280)
8
(25)
(11)
3
(22)
(4)
9
221
24
(4)
(81)
The weighted average applicable tax rate for the year was 22.8% (2014: 23.7%; 2013: 23.4%), reflecting the applicable rates in the
countries where the Group earns profits. Based on current business plans, this mix of profits is not expected to change significantly
in the future. The average rate will benefit by less than 0.5% from the announced reduction in the corporate tax rate in the UK from
the current 20% to 18% from 2020.
Tax expense was 22.7% of profit before tax (2014: 21.9%; 2013: 6.8%). Subject to any one-off adjustments resulting from the settlement
of uncertain tax positions, or any disposal profit or loss not taxed at average rates, it is expected that tax expense as a proportion of profit
before tax will continue to be broadly in line with the weighted average applicable tax rate.
During 2013, the Group aligned certain business assets with their global management structure. As a result of this alignment, the tax
deductible value of these assets was updated to market value. This resulted in a deferred tax credit of £221m which reduced the overall
tax expense as a proportion of profit before tax in 2013. This credit was excluded from adjusted net profit along with other deferred tax
relating to amortisation of intangible assets.
The following tax has been recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity during the year:
Tax on items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Tax on actuarial movements on defined benefit pension schemes
Tax on items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Tax on fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Net tax (debit)/credit recognised in other comprehensive income
Tax credit on share based remuneration recognised directly in equity
2015
£m
(34)
18
(16)
17
2014
£m
63
13
76
20
2013
£m
(24)
(14)
(38)
20
A number of changes to the UK corporation tax system, including reductions of the main rate of corporation tax from 20% to 19% with
effect from 1 April 2017, and from 19% to 18% with effect from 1 April 2020, were substantively enacted on 26 October 2015. The Group
has measured its UK deferred tax assets and liabilities at the end of the reporting period at 18% (2014: 20%), which has resulted in
recognition of a deferred tax charge of nil in tax expense, a charge of £5m in other comprehensive income, and a charge of £1m directly
in equity for the period.
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Total
2015
£m
349
(1,000)
(651)
2014
£m
464
(1,056)
(592)
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 115
10 Taxation continued
Movements in deferred tax liabilities and assets (before taking into consideration the offsetting of balances within the same jurisdiction)
are summarised as follows:
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets
Excess of tax
allowances
over
amortisation
£m
Acquired
intangible
assets
£m
Other
temporary
differences
£m
Excess of
amortisation
over tax
allowances
£m
Tax losses
carried
forward
£m
Pensions
liabilities
£m
Other
temporary
differences
£m
Deferred tax (liability)/asset at
1 January 2014
Credit/(charge) to profit
(Charge)/credit to equity/other
comprehensive income
Acquisitions
Exchange translation differences
Deferred tax (liability)/asset at
1 January 2015
Credit/(charge) to profit
(Charge)/credit to equity/other
comprehensive income
Acquisitions
Exchange translation differences
Deferred tax (liability)/asset at
31 December 2015
(351)
11
–
–
(21)
(361)
41
–
–
(19)
(718)
71
–
(53)
(34)
(734)
85
–
(22)
(31)
(225)
(18)
(8)
–
10
(241)
(38)
1
–
(13)
349
(4)
–
–
(22)
323
(56)
–
–
(16)
(339)
(702)
(291)
251
14
5
–
17
–
36
(6)
–
3
(1)
32
Total
£m
(634)
88
70
(36)
(80)
(592)
72
(44)
(19)
(68)
104
(6)
63
–
–
161
(15)
(45)
–
2
193
29
15
–
(13)
224
61
–
–
10
103
295
(651)
Other deferred tax liabilities include temporary differences in respect of property, plant and equipment, capitalised development spend
and financial instruments. Other deferred tax assets include temporary differences in respect of share based remuneration provisions
and financial instruments.
As a result of parent company exemptions on dividends from subsidiaries and capital gains on disposal there are no significant taxable
temporary differences associated with investments in subsidiaries, branches, associates and interests in joint arrangements.
Deferred tax assets in respect of tax losses and other deductible temporary differences have only been recognised to the extent that it is
more likely than not that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow the asset to be recovered. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset
has been recognised in respect of unused trading losses of approximately £57m (2014: £80m) carried forward at year end. The deferred
tax asset not recognised in respect of these losses is approximately £12m (2014: £19m). Of the unrecognised losses, £27m (2014: £49m)
will expire if not utilised within 10 years, and £30m (2014: £31m) will expire after more than 10 years.
Deferred tax assets of approximately £8m (2014: £13m) have not been recognised in respect of tax losses and other temporary
differences carried forward of £45m (2014: £65m), which can only be used to offset future capital gains.
11 Earnings per share
Accounting policy
The shares of RELX PLC and RELX NV are regarded as two separate classes of share which together form the issued consolidated
share capital of the Group. In calculating earnings per share (EPS) of the Group, the earnings for each class of share are calculated
on the basis that earnings are fully distributed. The Group’s usual practice is for only a portion of earnings to be distributed by way of
dividends. Until the end of 2015, dividends paid to RELX PLC and RELX NV shareholders were, other than in special circumstances,
equalised at the gross level inclusive of the prevailing UK tax credit available to certain RELX PLC shareholders. The allocation of
earnings between the two classes of shares reflects this differential in dividend payments declared, with the balance of earnings
assumed to be distributed as a capital distribution, in equal amounts per share. The UK government has announced that dividend
tax credits will be abolished with effect from 6 April 2016, impacting dividends paid after this date. As a result of the abolition of this
credit, from 2016 reported earnings per share will be equal for each RELX PLC and RELX NV share.
Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders by the total weighted average
number of shares for the Group.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 116
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
11 Earnings per share continued
ALLOCATION OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
RELX PLC
Allocation of distributed earnings
Allocation of undistributed earnings
Total net profit allocated to RELX PLC shares
RELX NV
Allocation of distributed earnings
Allocation of undistributed earnings
Total net profit allocated to RELX NV shares
2015
£m
294
224
518
291
199
490
2014
£m
284
206
490
281
184
465
2013
£m
277
297
574
273
263
536
Total net profit attributable to parent companies' shareholders
1,008
955
1,110
EARNINGS PER SHARE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Basic earnings per share
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Diluted earnings per share
RELX PLC
RELX NV
2015
2014
2013
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
1,116.2
992.4
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
1,140.2
1,014.2
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
1,172.2
1,038.5
EPS
(pence)
43.0p
45.8p
EPS
(pence)
46.4p
49.4p
EPS
(pence)
49.0p
51.6p
1,125.9
1,001.6
46.0p
48.9p
1,152.7
1,026.0
42.5p
45.3p
1,187.2
1,051.9
48.3p
51.0p
The diluted figures are calculated after taking account of potential additional ordinary shares arising from share options and conditional
shares. Comparative share numbers have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the bonus issue declared on 30 June 2015, see note 26
on page 134.
2015
2014
2013
Adjusted net
profit
attributable
to parent
companies’
shareholders
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
Adjusted net
profit
attributable
to parent
companies’
shareholders
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
Adjusted net
profit
attributable
to parent
companies’
shareholders
Weighted
average
number of
shares
(millions)
Adjusted
EPS
(pence)
Adjusted
EPS
(pence)
Adjusted
EPS
(pence)
Adjusted earnings per share for RELX
PLC and RELX NV (pence)
1,275 2,108.6
60.5p
1,213
2,154.4
56.3p
1,197
2,210.7
54.1p
RECONCILIATION OF ADJUSTED NET PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO PARENT COMPANIES' SHAREHOLDERS
Net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjustments (post-tax):
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Acquisition-related costs
Net financing charge on defined benefit pension schemes
Disposals and other non-operating items
Other deferred tax credits from intangible assets*
Adjusted net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
2015
£m
1,008
311
27
16
(2)
(85)
1,275
2014
£m
955
280
21
11
14
(68)
1,213
2013
£m
1,110
325
31
13
18
(300)
1,197
* Movements on deferred tax liabilities arising on acquired intangible assets that do not qualify for tax amortisation and in 2013
non-recurring deferred tax credits arising on the alignment of certain business assets with their global management structure.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
117
12 Statement of cash flows
Accounting policy
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances, call deposits and other short-term highly liquid investments and are held in the
statement of financial position at fair value.
RECONCILIATION OF PROFIT BEFORE TAX TO CASH GENERATED FROM OPERATIONS
Profit before tax
Disposals and other non-operating items
Net finance costs
Operating profit
Share of results of joint ventures
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets
Amortisation of internally developed intangible assets
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Share based remuneration
Total non-cash items
(Increase)/decrease in inventories and pre-publication costs
(Increase)/decrease in receivables
Increase/(decrease) in payables
Increase in working capital
Cash generated from operations
CASH FLOW ON ACQUISITIONS
Purchase of businesses
Investment in joint ventures
Deferred payments relating to prior year acquisitions
Total
RECONCILIATION OF NET BORROWINGS
At start of year
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Net movement in short-term bank loans, overdrafts and
commercial paper
Issuance of term debt
Repayment of term debt
Repayment of finance leases
Change in net borrowings resulting from cash flows
Borrowings in acquired businesses
Inception of finance leases
Fair value and other adjustments to borrowings and related
derivatives
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
2015
£m
1,312
11
174
1,497
(64)
292
157
71
34
554
(17)
(150)
62
(105)
1,882
2015
£m
(158)
(8)
(25)
(191)
2014
£m
1,229
11
162
1,402
(36)
282
158
79
32
551
3
(66)
(3)
(66)
1,851
2014
£m
(347)
(15)
(34)
(396)
2013
£m
1,196
(16)
196
1,376
(29)
317
160
89
31
597
10
5
(16)
(1)
1,943
2013
£m
(194)
(6)
(21)
(221)
Note
13
Cash and
cash
equivalents
£m
276
Borrowings
£m
(3,825)
Related
derivative
financial
instruments
£m
(1)
2015
£m
(3,550)
2014
£m
(3,072)
2013
£m
(3,127)
(139)
–
–
–
–
(139)
–
–
–
(15)
122
–
–
(139)
142
(532)
340
(500)
122
9
(29)
–
(12)
63
(99)
(3,902)
(1)
–
64
–
63
–
–
(59)
(5)
(2)
339
(500)
186
9
(105)
–
(12)
(232)
(589)
300
10
(369)
(20)
(3)
(169)
(184)
915
10
40
–
(12)
4
(119)
(3,782)
(7)
(79)
(3,550)
(1)
28
(3,072)
Net borrowings comprise cash and cash equivalents, loan capital, finance leases, promissory notes, bank and other loans, derivative
financial instruments that are used to hedge certain borrowings and adjustments in respect of cash collateral received/paid. The Group
monitors net borrowings as part of capital and liquidity management.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 118
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
13 Acquisitions
During the year a number of acquisitions were made for a total consideration of £178m (2014: £356m; 2013: £239m), after taking account
of net cash acquired of £3m (2014: £9m; 2013: £14m). The net assets of the businesses acquired are incorporated at their fair value to the
Group. Provisional fair values of the consideration given and of the assets and liabilities acquired are summarised below:
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Current assets
Current liabilities
Borrowings
Deferred tax
Net assets acquired
Consideration (after taking account of £3m (2014: £9m; 2013: £14m) net cash acquired)
Less: consideration deferred to future years
Less: acquisition date fair value of equity interest
Net cash flow
Fair value
2015
£m
Fair value
2014
£m
Fair value
2013
£m
100
111
–
9
(23)
–
(19)
178
178
(20)
–
158
240
187
3
21
(39)
(20)
(36)
356
356
(8)
(1)
347
157
133
–
9
(21)
–
(39)
239
239
(36)
(9)
194
Goodwill, being the excess of the consideration over the net tangible and intangible assets acquired, represents benefits which do not
qualify for recognition as intangible assets, including: the ability of a business to generate higher returns than individual assets; skilled
workforces; and acquisition synergies that are specific to the Group. In addition, goodwill arises on the recognition of deferred tax
liabilities in respect of intangible assets for which amortisation does not qualify for tax deductions.
The fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired in the last 12 months are provisional pending the completion of the valuation
exercises. Final fair values will be incorporated in the 2016 consolidated financial statements. There were no significant adjustments
to the provisional fair values of prior year acquisitions established in 2014.
The businesses acquired in 2015 contributed £22m to revenue, increased adjusted operating profit by £2m, decreased net profit by
£6m and contributed a net cash outflow of £1m from operating activities for the part year under the Group’s ownership and before taking
account of acquisition financing costs. Had the businesses been acquired at the beginning of the year, on a pro forma basis the Group
revenues, adjusted operating profit and net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders for the year would have been £6,005m,
£1,825m and £1,010m respectively, before taking account of acquisition financing costs.
14 Equity dividends
ORDINARY DIVIDENDS PAID IN THE YEAR
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Total
2015
£m
295
288
583
2014
£m
285
281
566
2013
£m
278
273
551
Ordinary dividends declared and paid in the year, in amounts per ordinary share, comprise: a 2014 final dividend of 19.00p (2014: 17.95p;
2013: 17.00p) and a 2015 interim dividend of 7.4p (2014: 7.00p; 2013: 6.65p), giving a total of 26.4p (2014: 24.95p; 2013: 23.65p) for RELX
PLC; and a 2014 final dividend of €0.285 (2014: €0.243; 2013: €0.219) and a 2015 interim dividend of €0.115 (2014: €0.098; 2013: €0.086),
giving a total of €0.400 (2014: €0.341; 2013: €0.305) for RELX NV.
The Directors of RELX PLC have proposed a final dividend of 22.3p (2014: 19.00p; 2013: 17.95p), giving a total for the financial year of 29.7p
(2014: 26.00p; 2013: 24.60p). The Directors of RELX NV have proposed a final dividend of €0.288 (2014: €0.285; 2013: €0.243), giving a
total for the financial year of €0.403 (2014: €0.383; 2013: €0.329). The total cost of funding the proposed final dividends is expected to be
£453m, for which no liability has been recognised at the statement of financial position date.
RELX NV dividends per share have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the bonus issue declared on 30 June 2015.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statements
119
14 Equity dividends continued
ORDINARY DIVIDENDS PAID AND PROPOSED RELATING TO THE FINANCIAL YEAR
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Total
2015
£m
329
289
618
2014
£m
293
286
579
2013
£m
283
278
561
Until the end of 2015, dividends paid to RELX PLC and RELX NV shareholders were, other than in special circumstances, equalised at the
gross level inclusive of the prevailing UK tax credit received by certain RELX PLC shareholders. The current equalisation adjustment
equalises the benefit of the tax credit between the two sets of shareholders in accordance with the current equalisation agreement.
The UK government has announced that dividend tax credits will be abolished with effect from 6 April 2016, impacting dividends paid
after this date.
The Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) has waived the right to receive dividends on RELX PLC and RELX NV shares.
15 Goodwill
Accounting policy
On the acquisition of a subsidiary or business, the purchase consideration is allocated between the net tangible and intangible
assets on a fair value basis, with any excess purchase consideration representing goodwill. Goodwill arising on acquisitions also
includes amounts corresponding to deferred tax liabilities recognised in respect of acquired intangible assets.
Goodwill is recognised as an asset and reviewed for impairment when there is an indicator that the asset may be impaired and at
least annually. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement and not subsequently reversed.
On disposal of a subsidiary or business, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
At each statement of financial position date, the carrying amounts of tangible and intangible assets and goodwill are reviewed to
determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the
recoverable amount, which is the higher of value in use and fair value less costs to sell, of the asset is estimated in order to determine
the extent, if any, of the impairment loss. Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, value
in use estimates are made based on the cash flows of the cash generating unit to which the asset belongs. Intangible assets with an
indefinite useful life are tested for impairment at least annually and whenever there is any indication that the asset may be impaired.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its net carrying amount, the net carrying
amount of the asset or cash generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment losses are recognised immediately
in the income statement in administration and other expenses.
Critical judgement and key source of estimation uncertainty
The carrying amounts of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets in each business are reviewed for impairment at least
annually. The carrying amounts of all other intangible assets are reviewed where there are indications of possible impairment.
An impairment review involves a comparison of the carrying value of the asset with estimated values in use based on the latest
management cash flow projections, approved by the Boards. Key areas of judgement in estimating the values in use of businesses
are the growth in cash flows over a forecast period of up to five years, the long-term growth rate assumed thereafter and the
discount rate applied to the forecast cash flows. A description of the key assumptions and sensitivities is provided below.
At start of year
Acquisitions
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
2015
£m
4,981
100
(34)
184
5,231
2014
£m
4,576
240
(34)
199
4,981
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 120
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
15 Goodwill continued
The carrying amount of goodwill is after cumulative amortisation of £1,105m (2014: £1,106m), which was charged prior to the adoption
of IFRS, and £9m (2014: £9m) of subsequent impairment charges recorded in prior years.
Impairment review
Impairment testing of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets is performed at least annually in accordance with the methodology
described above. There were no charges for impairment of goodwill in 2015 (2014: nil; 2013: nil).
Goodwill is compiled and assessed among groups of cash generating units, which represent the lowest level at which goodwill is
monitored by management. Typically, acquisitions are integrated into existing business units, and the goodwill arising is allocated to the
groups of cash generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the acquisition. As the business areas have become
increasingly integrated and globalised, management has reviewed the allocation of goodwill to groups of cash generating units. In order
to reflect the global leverage of assets, skills, knowledge and technology platforms, and consequential changes to the monitoring of
goodwill by management, the number of groups of cash generating units to which goodwill is allocated has been reduced from 5 in 2014
to 4 in 2015. Reducing the number of groups of cash generating units had no impact on the carrying values of goodwill, which are set
out below:
GOODWILL
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
Total
The key assumptions used for each group of cash generating units are disclosed below:
KEY ASSUMPTIONS
Scientific, Technical & Medical
Risk & Business Analytics
Legal
Exhibitions
2015
£m
1,301
2,270
1,230
430
5,231
2014
£m
1,109
2,259
1,199
414
4,981
2015
2014
Nominal
long-term
market
growth rate
Pre-tax
discount rate
Nominal
long-term
market
growth rate
Pre-tax
discount rate
10.3%
11.6%
12.3%
12.5%
3.0%
3.0%
2.0%
3.0%
10.4%
11.5%
11.5%
11.7%
3.0%
3.0%
2.0%
3.0%
The pre-tax discount rates used are based on the Group’s weighted average cost of capital, adjusted to reflect a risk premium specific to
each business. Nominal long-term market growth rates, which are applied after the forecast period of up to five years, do not exceed the
long-term average growth prospects for the sectors and territories in which the businesses operate.
A sensitivity analysis has been performed based on changes in key assumptions considered to be reasonably possible by management:
an increase in the discount rate of 0.5%; a decrease in the compound annual growth rate for cash flow in the five-year forecast period of
2.0%; and a decrease in the nominal long-term market growth rates of 0.5%. The sensitivity analysis shows that no impairment charges
would result from these scenarios.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 121
16 Intangible assets
Accounting policy
Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are stated in the statement of financial position at their fair value as
at the date of acquisition, less accumulated amortisation. Internally generated intangible assets are stated in the statement of
financial position at the directly attributable cost of creation of the asset, less accumulated amortisation.
Intangible assets acquired as part of business combinations comprise: market-related assets (e.g. trademarks, imprints, brands);
customer-related assets (e.g. subscription bases, customer lists, customer relationships); editorial content; software and systems
(e.g. application infrastructure, product delivery platforms, in-process research and development); contract-based assets
(e.g. publishing rights, exhibition rights, supply contracts); and other intangible assets. Internally generated intangible assets
typically comprise software and systems development where an identifiable asset is created that is probable to generate future
economic benefits.
Intangible assets, other than journal titles determined to have indefinite lives, are amortised on a straight-line basis over their
estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives of intangible assets with finite lives are as follows: market and customer-related
assets – 3 to 40 years; content, software and other acquired intangible assets – 3 to 20 years; and internally developed intangible
assets – 3 to 10 years. Journal titles determined to have indefinite lives are not amortised and are subject to impairment review
at least annually, including a review of events and circumstances to ensure that they continue to support an indefinite useful life.
Critical judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
On acquisition of a subsidiary or business, the purchase consideration is allocated between the net tangible and intangible assets
other than goodwill on a fair value basis, with any excess purchase consideration representing goodwill. The valuation of acquired
intangible assets represents the estimated economic value in use, using standard valuation methodologies, including as
appropriate, discounted cash flow, relief from royalty and comparable market transactions. Acquired intangible assets are
capitalised and amortised systematically over their estimated useful lives, subject to impairment review. The assumptions used
are subject to management judgement.
Appropriate amortisation periods are selected based on assessments of the longevity of the brands and imprints, the strength
and stability of customer relationships, the market positions of the acquired assets and the technological and competitive risks
that they face. Certain intangible assets in relation to acquired science and medical publishing businesses have been determined
to have indefinite lives. The longevity of these assets is evidenced by their long-established and well-regarded journal titles, and
their characteristically stable market positions. The assumptions used are subject to management judgement.
Development spend embraces investment in new products and other initiatives, ranging from the building of online delivery
platforms, to launch costs of new services, to building new infrastructure and applications. Launch costs and other ongoing
operating expenses of new products and services are expensed as incurred. The costs of building product applications, platforms
and infrastructure are capitalised as intangible assets, where the investment they represent has demonstrable value and the
technical and commercial feasibility is assured. Costs eligible for capitalisation must be incremental, clearly identified and directly
attributable to a particular project. The resulting assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives. Impairment reviews are
carried out at least annually. Judgement is required in the assessment of the potential value of a development project, the
identification of costs eligible for capitalisation and the selection of appropriate asset lives.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 122
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
16 Intangible assets continued
Cost
At 1 January 2014
Acquisitions
Additions
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At 1 January 2015
Acquisitions
Additions
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At 31 December 2015
Accumulated amortisation
At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At 1 January 2015
Charge for the year
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At 31 December 2015
Net book amount
At 31 December 2014
At 31 December 2015
Market and
customer-
related
£m
Content,
software
and other
£m
Total
acquired
intangible
assets
£m
Internally
developed
intangible
assets
£m
2,745
69
–
–
151
2,965
68
–
(4)
129
3,158
967
154
–
58
1,179
173
(4)
54
1,402
2,942
117
–
(62)
44
3,041
43
–
(3)
52
3,133
2,316
128
(44)
43
2,443
119
(3)
52
2,611
5,687
186
–
(62)
195
6,006
111
–
(7)
181
6,291
3,283
282
(44)
101
3,622
292
(7)
106
4,013
1,717
1
207
(73)
32
1,884
–
242
(110)
37
2,053
997
158
(64)
13
1,104
157
(105)
19
1,175
Total
£m
7,404
187
207
(135)
227
7,890
111
242
(117)
218
8,344
4,280
440
(108)
114
4,726
449
(112)
125
5,188
1,786
1,756
598
522
2,384
2,278
780
878
3,164
3,156
Included in content, software and other acquired intangible assets are assets with a net book value of £212m (2014: £265m) that arose
on acquisitions completed prior to the adoption of IFRS that have not been allocated to specific categories of intangible assets. Internally
developed intangible assets typically comprise software and systems development where an identifiable asset is created that is
expected to generate future economic benefits.
Included in market and customer-related intangible assets at 31 December 2015 are £280m of brands and imprints relating to Scientific,
Technical & Medical that were previously determined to have indefinite lives based on an assessment of their historical longevity and
stable market positions. Following a review by management during 2015, these assets have been assigned a useful life of 20 years,
with amortisation commencing on 1 July 2015. As a result, an additional £7m of amortisation has been recognised for the year ended
31 December 2015. Included in market and customer-related intangible assets are £103m (2014: £369m) of journal titles relating to
Scientific, Technical & Medical determined to have indefinite lives based on an assessment of their historical longevity and stable
market positions. Indefinite lived intangibles are tested for impairment at least annually.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 123
17 Investments
Accounting policy
Investments, other than investments in joint arrangements and associates, are stated in the statement of financial position at fair
value. Investments held as part of the venture capital portfolio are classified as held for trading, with changes in fair value reported
in disposals and other non-operating items in the income statement. All other investments are classified as available for sale with
changes in fair value recognised directly in equity until the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, at which time
the cumulative gain or loss previously recognised in equity is brought into the net profit or loss for the period. All items recognised
in the income statement relating to investments, other than investments in joint arrangements and associates, are reported as
disposals and other non-operating items.
Available for sale investments and venture capital investments held for trading represent investments in listed and unlisted
securities. The fair value of listed securities is determined based on quoted market prices, and of unlisted securities on
management’s estimate of fair value based on standard valuation techniques, including market comparisons and discounts of
future cash flows, having regard to maximising the use of observable inputs and adjusting for risk. Advice from valuation experts
is used as appropriate.
All joint arrangements are classified as joint ventures because the Group shares joint control and has rights to the net assets of the
arrangements. Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for under the equity method and stated in the statement
of financial position at cost as adjusted for post-acquisition changes in the Group’s share of net assets, less any impairment in value.
Investments in joint ventures
Available for sale investments
Venture capital investments held for trading
Total
2015
£m
101
2
139
242
2014
£m
125
2
110
237
The value of venture capital investments and available for sale investments has been determined by reference to other observable
market inputs or, when these are not available, by reference to inputs we believe would reflect the assumptions market participants
would use. Gains and losses included in the consolidated income statement are provided in note 9.
An analysis of changes in the carrying value of investments in joint ventures is set out below:
At start of year
Share of results of joint ventures
Dividends received from joint ventures
Disposals and transfers
Additions
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
2015
£m
125
64
(57)
(34)
8
(5)
101
2014
£m
125
36
(44)
(1)
15
(6)
125
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 124
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
17 Investments continued
Summarised aggregate information in respect of the Group’s share of joint ventures is set out below:
Revenue
Net profit for the year
Total assets
Total liabilities
Net assets
Goodwill
Total
RELX Group share
2015
£m
152
64
83
(45)
38
63
101
2014
£m
153
36
138
(91)
47
78
125
The Group’s consolidated other comprehensive income includes no income or losses relating to joint ventures in either period.
18 Property, plant and equipment
Accounting policy
Property, plant and equipment are stated in the statement of financial position 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 the lease. Depreciation is provided on other assets on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
- land and buildings: land - not depreciated; leasehold improvements – shorter of life of lease and 10 years;
- fixtures and equipment: plant – 3 to 20 years; office furniture, fixtures and fittings – 5 to 10 years; computer systems,
communication networks and equipment – 3 to 7 years.
Cost
At start of year
Acquisitions
Capital expenditure
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Accumulated depreciation
At start of year
Charge for the year
Disposals/reclassified as held for sale
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
2015
Land and
buildings
£m
Fixtures and
equipment
£m
201
–
8
(11)
7
205
114
9
(10)
4
117
600
–
68
(89)
16
595
460
62
(80)
12
454
2014
Land and
buildings
£m
Fixtures and
equipment
£m
210
–
9
(25)
7
201
117
9
(16)
4
114
558
3
61
(40)
18
600
414
70
(38)
14
460
Total
£m
801
–
76
(100)
23
800
574
71
(90)
16
571
Total
£m
768
3
70
(65)
25
801
531
79
(54)
18
574
Net book amount
88
141
229
87
140
227
No depreciation is provided on freehold land of £14m (2014: £14m). The net book amount of property, plant and equipment at
31 December 2015 includes £19m (2014: £13m) in respect of assets held under finance leases relating to fixtures and equipment.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 125
19 Financial instruments
Accounting policy
Financial instruments comprise investments (other than investments in joint ventures or associates), trade receivables, cash and
cash equivalents, payables and accruals, borrowings and derivative financial instruments.
Investments (other than investments in joint ventures and associates) are classified as either held for trading or available for sale,
as described in note 17. (These investments are typically classified as either Level 1 or 2 in the IFRS13 fair value hierarchy.) The fair
value of such investments is based on either quoted market prices or other observable market inputs.
Trade receivables are carried in the statement of financial position at invoiced value less allowance for estimated irrecoverable
amounts. Irrecoverable amounts are estimated based on the ageing of trade receivables, experience and circumstance.
Borrowings and payables are recorded initially at fair value and subsequently carried at amortised cost (other than fixed rate
borrowings in designated hedging relationships for which the carrying amount of the hedged portion of the borrowings is
subsequently adjusted for the gain or loss attributable to the hedged risk).
Derivative financial instruments are used to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange risks. Where an effective hedge is in place
against changes in the fair value of fixed rate borrowings, the hedged borrowings are adjusted for changes in fair value attributable
to the risk being hedged with a corresponding income or expense included in the income statement within finance costs. The
offsetting gains or losses from remeasuring the fair value of the related derivatives are also recognised in the income statement
within finance costs. When the related derivative expires, is sold or terminated, or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, the
cumulative change in fair value of the hedged borrowing is amortised in the income statement over the period to maturity of the
borrowing using the effective interest method.
Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and effective as hedges of future cash flows are
recognised (net of tax) directly in equity in the hedge reserve. If a hedged firm commitment or forecasted transaction results in
the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability, then, at the time that the asset or liability is recognised, the associated gains or
losses on the derivative that had previously been recognised in equity are included in the initial measurement of the asset or liability.
For hedges that do not result in the recognition of an asset or a liability, amounts deferred in equity are recognised in the income
statement in the same period in which the hedged item affects net profit or loss. Any ineffective portion of hedges is recognised
immediately in the income statement.
Cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued when a hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised, or no longer
qualifies for hedge accounting. At that time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised in equity is either
retained in equity until the firm commitment or forecasted transaction occurs, or, where a hedged transaction is no longer expected
to occur, is immediately credited or expensed in the income statement.
Derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments are classified as held for trading and recorded in
the statement of financial position at fair value, with changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.
The fair values of interest rate swaps, interest rate options, forward rate agreements and forward foreign exchange contracts
represent the replacement costs calculated using observable market rates of interest and exchange. The fair value of long-term
borrowings is calculated by discounting expected future cash flows at observable market rates. (These instruments are accordingly
classified as Level 2 in the IFRS13 fair value hierarchy.)
The main financial risks faced by the Group are liquidity risk, market risk – comprising interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk –
and credit risk. Financial instruments are used to finance the Group businesses and to hedge interest rate and foreign exchange risks.
The Group’s businesses do not enter into speculative derivative transactions. Details of financial instruments subject to liquidity,
market and credit risks are described below.
Liquidity risk
The Group maintains a range of borrowing facilities and debt programmes to fund its requirements at competitive rates.
The balance of long-term debt, short-term debt and committed bank facilities is managed to provide security of funding, taking into
account the cash generation cycle of the business and the uncertain size and timing of acquisition spend. To accommodate the significant
free cash flow generated by the Group and to capitalise on an inexpensive source of funding, a meaningful portion of the overall debt portfolio
is typically kept short-term as long as there exists acceptable liquidity in the commercial paper markets and sufficient capacity under
committed credit lines. The Group's treasury policies ensure adequate liquidity by requiring (a) that no more than $1.5bn of term debt
matures in any 12-month period, (b) that the sum of term debt maturing over the ensuing 12 months plus short-term borrowings is less
than the sum of available cash plus committed facilities and (c) that minimum levels of borrowing with maturities over three and five
years are maintained.
The treasury policies ensure debt efficiency by (a) targeting certain levels of short-term borrowings across a given year, (b) maintaining a
weighted average maturity of the gross debt portfolio of approximately 5 years and (c) minimising surplus cash balances. From time to time,
based on cash flow and market conditions, the Group may redeem term debt early or repurchase outstanding debt in the open market.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 126
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
Debt is issued to meet the funding requirements of various jurisdictions and in the currency that is needed. It is recognised that debt can act
as a natural translation hedge of earnings and net assets in currencies other than the reporting currencies. For this reason, a significant
proportion of the Group’s net debt has historically been denominated in US dollars, reflecting the size and importance of the US businesses.
19 Financial instruments continued
There were no changes to the Group’s long-term approach to capital and liquidity management during the year.
The remaining contractual maturities for borrowings and derivative financial instruments are shown in the table below. The table shows
undiscounted principal and interest cash flows and includes contractual gross cash flows to be exchanged as part of cross-currency
interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts where there is a legal right of set-off.
At 31 December 2015
Borrowings
Fixed rate borrowings
Floating rate borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative financial assets
Interest rate derivatives
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Total
At 31 December 2014
Borrowings
Fixed rate borrowings
Floating rate borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Derivative financial assets
Interest rate derivatives
Cross-currency interest rate swaps
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Total
Carrying
amount
£m
Within
1 year
£m
1-2 years
£m
2-3 years
£m
3-4 years
£m
4-5 years
£m
More than
5 years
£m
Total
£m
Contractual cash flow
(3,288)
(614)
(548)
(221)
(445)
(261)
(285)
(137)
(655)
–
(469)
–
(1,679)
(3)
(4,081)
(622)
(35)
(74)
(20)
(1,233)
(18)
(445)
(211)
(201)
(15)
(43)
(16)
–
(532)
–
(812)
(1,922)
36
2
44
(3,929)
Carrying
amount
£m
(2,937)
(888)
14
8
1,210
(790)
Within
1 year
£m
(263)
(551)
(47)
(47)
(11)
(1,288)
46
6
57
(3,810)
14
3
1,293
(803)
13
8
430
(718)
5
196
203
(430)
4
5
44
(660)
4
6
–
(475)
–
470
–
(1,744)
40
693
1,887
(4,817)
Contractual cash flow
1-2 years
£m
2-3 years
£m
3-4 years
£m
4-5 years
£m
More than
5 years
£m
Total
£m
(536)
(3)
(10)
(474)
13
3
475
(532)
(432)
(275)
(318)
(150)
11
275
150
(739)
(265)
(65)
(188)
(58)
4
181
62
(329)
(632)
–
(1,631)
(2)
(3,759)
(896)
–
–
4
–
–
(628)
–
–
(527)
(1,970)
5
–
–
(1,628)
51
462
1,980
(4,659)
The carrying amount of derivative financial liabilities comprises £16m (2014: £3m) in relation to fair value hedges, £80m (2014: £78m)
in relation to cash flow hedges and £13m (2014: £9m) not designated as hedging instruments. The carrying amount of derivative financial
assets comprises £36m (2014: £46m) in relation to fair value hedges, £41m (2014: £60m) in relation to cash flow hedges and £10m
(2014: £3m) not designated as hedging instruments, less £5m of cash collateral received from swap counterparties which has been
offset against the related derivative financial assets (2014: £4m which has been added to the related derivative financial liabilities)
(see 'Credit risk' below). The expected cash flows in respect of the cash collateral have been included in the tables above together with
the cash flows for the related cross-currency interest rate swaps.
At 31 December 2015, the Group had access to a $2,000m committed bank facility maturing in July 2020, which was undrawn. This facility
backs up short-term borrowings. All borrowings that mature within the next two years can be covered by the facility and by utilising
available cash resources.
The committed bank facility, together with certain private placements, is subject to financial covenants typical to the Group’s size and
financial strength. The Group had significant headroom within these covenants for the year ended 31 December 2015. There are no
financial covenants in any outstanding public bonds.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 127
19 Financial instruments continued
Market risk
The Group’s primary market risks are to interest rate fluctuations and exchange rate movements. Derivatives are used to hedge or
reduce the risks of interest rate and exchange rate movements and are not entered into unless such risks exist. Derivatives used by
the Group for hedging a particular risk are not specialised and are generally available from numerous sources. The impact of market
risks on net post-employment benefit obligations and taxation is excluded from the following market risk sensitivity analysis.
Interest rate exposure management
The Group’s interest rate exposure management policy aims to reduce the exposure of the Group to changes in interest rates at efficient
cost. To achieve this, the Group uses fixed rate term debt, interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and interest rate options.
Interest rate derivatives are used only to hedge an underlying risk and no net market positions are held.
At 31 December 2015, 50% of gross borrowings were either fixed rate or had been fixed through the use of interest rate swaps, forward
rate agreements and options. A 100 basis point reduction in interest rates would result in an estimated decrease in net finance costs of
£18m (2014: £16m), based on the composition of financial instruments including cash, cash equivalents, bank loans and commercial
paper borrowings at 31 December 2015. A 100 basis point rise in interest rates would result in an estimated increase in net finance costs
of £18m (2014: £16m).
The impact on net equity of a theoretical change in interest rates as at 31 December 2015 is restricted to the change in carrying value
of floating rate to fixed rate interest rate derivatives in a designated cash flow hedge relationship and undesignated interest rate
derivatives, of which there were none in the Group as at 31 December 2015. Therefore, there would be no change (2014: no change) in net
equity from a theoretical change in interest rates. The impact of a change in interest rates on the carrying value of fixed rate borrowings
in a designated fair value hedge relationship would be offset by the change in carrying value of the related interest rate derivative. Fixed
rate borrowings not in a designated hedging relationship are carried at amortised cost.
Foreign currency exposure management
Translation exposures arise on the earnings and net assets of business operations in countries other than those of each parent
company. Some of these exposures are offset by denominating borrowings in US dollars and other currencies. Currency exposures on
transactions denominated in a foreign currency are generally hedged using forward contracts. In addition, recurring transactions and
future investment exposures may be hedged, in advance of becoming contractual. The precise policy differs according to the specific
circumstances of the individual businesses. Highly predictable future cash flows may be covered for transactions expected to occur
during the next 24 months (50 months for the Scientific, Technical & Medical subscription businesses) within limits defined according
to the period before the transaction is expected to become contractual. Cover takes the form of foreign exchange forward contracts.
As at 31 December 2015, the amount of outstanding foreign exchange cover against future transactions was £1.4bn (2014: £1.4bn).
A theoretical weakening of all currencies by 10% against sterling at 31 December 2015 would decrease the carrying value of net
assets, excluding net borrowings, by £541m (2014: £524m). This would be offset to a degree by a decrease in net borrowings of £286m
(2014: £255m). A strengthening of all currencies by 10% against sterling at 31 December 2015 would increase the carrying value of net
assets, excluding net borrowings, by £541m (2014: £524m) and increase net borrowings by £286m (2014: £255m).
A retranslation of the Group's net profit for the year, assuming a 10% weakening of all foreign currencies against sterling but excluding
transactional exposures, would reduce net profit by £86m (2014: £80m). A 10% strengthening of all foreign currencies against sterling
on this basis would increase net profit for the year by £86m (2014: £80m).
Credit risk
The Group seeks to limit interest rate and foreign exchange risks described above by the use of financial instruments and as a result
has a credit risk from the potential non-performance by the counterparties to these financial instruments, which are unsecured. The
amount of this credit risk is normally restricted to the amounts of any hedge gain and not the principal amount being hedged. The Group
also has a credit exposure to counterparties for the full principal amount of cash and cash equivalents. Credit risks are controlled by
monitoring the credit quality of these counterparties, principally licensed commercial banks and investment banks with strong
long-term credit ratings, and the amounts outstanding with each of them.
In certain situations, the Group enters into credit support arrangements with derivative counterparties to mitigate the credit exposures
arising from hedge gains on the related financial instruments. Under these arrangements, the Group receives (or pays) cash collateral
equal to the mark to market valuation of the related derivative asset (or liability) on monthly settlement dates. At 31 December 2015,
£5m (2014: £4m) of cash collateral had been received, and the resulting payable balance was offset against the related derivative assets
of nil (2014: £4m added to the related derivative liabilities of £1m) in the statement of financial position.
The Group has treasury policies in place which do not allow concentrations of risk with individual counterparties and do not allow
significant treasury exposures with counterparties which are rated lower than A-/A3 by Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch.
At 31 December 2015, cash and cash equivalents totalled £122m (2014: £276m), of which 91% (2014: 96%) was held with banks rated
A-/A3 or better.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 128
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
19 Financial instruments continued
The Group also has credit risk with respect to trade receivables due from its customers, which include national and state governments,
academic institutions and large and small enterprises including law firms, book stores and wholesalers. The concentration of credit
risk from trade receivables is limited due to the large and broad customer base. Trade receivable exposures are managed locally in the
business units where they arise. Where appropriate, business units seek to minimise this exposure by taking payment in advance and
through management of credit terms. Allowance is made for bad and doubtful debts based on management’s assessment of the risk
taking into account the ageing profile, experience and circumstance. The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the
carrying amount of each financial asset, including derivative financial instruments, recorded in the statement of financial position.
Included within trade receivables are the following amounts which are past due but for which no allowance has been made: past due up
to one month £146m (2014: £136m); past due two to three months £76m (2014: £66m); past due four to six months £40m (2014: £30m);
and past due greater than six months £17m (2014: £7m). Examples of trade receivables which are past due but for which no allowance
has been made include those receivables where there is no concern over the creditworthiness of the customer and where the history
of dealings with the customer indicate the amount will be settled.
Hedge accounting
The hedging relationships that are designated under IAS39 – Financial Instruments are described below.
Fair value hedges
The Group has entered into interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair
value of fixed rate borrowings due to interest rate and foreign currency movements which could affect the income statement. Interest
rate derivatives (including cross-currency interest rate swaps) with a principal amount of £897m (2014: £908m) were in place at 31
December 2015 swapping fixed rate term debt issues denominated in US dollars (USD), sterling and euros to floating rate USD, sterling
and euro debt respectively for the whole or part of their term.
The gains and losses on the borrowings and related derivatives designated as fair value hedges, which are included in the income
statement, for the three years ended 31 December 2015 were as follows:
GAINS/(LOSSES) ON BORROWINGS AND
RELATED DERIVATIVES
1 January
2013
£m
Fair value
movement
gain/(loss)
£m
Exchange
gain/(loss)
£m
1 January
2014
£m
Fair value
movement
gain/(loss)
£m
Exchange
gain/(loss)
£m
1 January
2015
£m
Fair value
movement
gain/(loss)
£m
Exchange
gain/
(loss)
£m
31
December
2015
£m
USD debt
Related interest rate swaps
GBP debt
Related interest rate swaps
EUR debt
Related interest rate swaps
Swiss franc (CHF) debt
Related CHF to USD cross-currency
interest rate swaps
Total relating to USD, GBP, EUR and
CHF debt
Total related interest rate swaps
Net loss
–
–
–
(36)
36
–
(8)
8
–
(80)
80
–
(124)
124
–
6
(6)
–
17
(17)
–
13
(13)
–
14
(14)
–
50
(50)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(1)
1
–
1
(1)
–
–
–
–
6
(6)
–
(19)
19
–
4
(4)
–
(65)
65
–
(74)
74
–
(3)
3
–
(1)
1
–
(31)
31
–
65
(65)
–
30
(30)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1
(1)
–
–
–
–
1
(1)
–
3
(3)
–
(20)
20
–
(26)
26
–
–
–
–
(43)
43
–
(2)
2
–
6
(6)
–
15
(16)
(1)
–
–
–
19
(20)
(1)
1
(1)
–
–
–
–
2
(2)
–
–
–
–
3
(3)
–
2
(2)
–
(14)
14
–
(9)
8
(1)
–
–
–
(21)
20
(1)
All fair value hedges were highly effective throughout the three years ended 31 December 2015.
Gross borrowings as at 31 December 2015 included £28m (2014: £29m) in relation to fair value adjustments to borrowings previously
designated in a fair value hedge relationship which were de-designated in 2008. The related derivatives were closed out on
de-designation with a cash inflow of £62m. £3m (2014: £4m) of these fair value adjustments were amortised in the year as a reduction
to finance costs.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 129
19 Financial instruments continued
Cash flow hedges
The Group enters into two types of cash flow hedge:
1
2
Debt hedges comprising interest rate derivatives which fix the interest expense on a portion of forecast floating rate debt (including
commercial paper, short-term bank loans and floating rate term debt), and cross-currency interest rate derivatives which hedge
the cash flow exposure arising from foreign currency denominated debt.
Revenue hedges comprising forward foreign exchange contracts which fix the exchange rate on a portion of future foreign currency
subscription revenues forecast by the businesses for up to 50 months.
Movements in the hedge reserve in 2014 and 2015, including gains and losses on cash flow hedging instruments, were as follows:
Hedge reserve at 1 January 2014: gains deferred
Losses arising in 2014
Amounts recognised in income statement
Exchange translation differences
Hedge reserve at 1 January 2015: gains deferred
Losses arising in 2015
Amounts recognised in income statement
Exchange translation differences
Hedge reserve at 31 December 2015: gains/(losses) deferred
Debt
hedges
£m
Revenue
hedges
£m
Total hedge
reserve
pre-tax
£m
2
(52)
56
–
6
(48)
48
–
6
94
(29)
(37)
1
29
(56)
(19)
2
(44)
96
(81)
19
1
35
(104)
29
2
(38)
All cash flow hedges were highly effective throughout the two years ended 31 December 2015.
A tax credit of £8m (2014: charge of £10m; 2013: charge of £23m) in respect of the above gains and losses at 31 December 2015 was also
deferred in the hedge reserve.
Of the amounts recognised in the income statement in the year, gains of £19m (2014: £37m; 2013: £6m) were recognised in revenue, and
losses of £48m (2014: £56m; 2013: £3m) were recognised in finance costs. A tax credit of £1m (2014: charge of £9m; 2013: charge of £1m)
was recognised in relation to these items.
The deferred gains and losses on cash flow hedges at 31 December 2015 are currently expected to be recognised in the income
statement in future years as follows:
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 and beyond
Gains/(losses) deferred in hedge reserve at end of year
Debt
hedges
£m
Revenue
hedges
£m
Total hedge
reserve
pre-tax
£m
–
–
3
(2)
5
6
(15)
(20)
(7)
(2)
–
(44)
(15)
(20)
(4)
(4)
5
(38)
The cash flows for these hedges are expected to occur in line with the recognition of the gains and losses in the income statement, other
than in respect of certain forward foreign exchange hedges on subscriptions, where cash flows may be expected to occur in advance of
the subscription year.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 130
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
20 Inventories and pre-publication costs
Accounting policy
Inventories and pre-publication costs are stated at the lower of cost, including appropriate attributable overhead, and estimated net
realisable value. Such costs typically comprise direct internal labour costs and externally commissioned editorial and other fees.
Pre-publication costs, representing costs incurred in the origination of content prior to publication, are expensed systematically
reflecting the expected sales profile over the estimated economic lives of the related products, generally up to five years.
Annual reviews are carried out to assess the recoverability of carrying amounts.
Raw materials
Pre-publication costs
Finished goods
Total
21 Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Allowance for doubtful debts
Prepayments and accrued income
Total
2015
£m
1
101
56
158
2015
£m
1,461
(51)
1,410
191
1,601
2014
£m
2
92
48
142
2014
£m
1,361
(50)
1,311
176
1,487
Trade receivables are predominantly non-interest bearing and their carrying amounts approximate to their fair value.
Trade receivables are stated net of a provision for allowances for doubtful debts. The movements in the provision during the year were
as follows:
At start of year
Charge for the year
Trade receivables written off
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
22 Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Accruals
Social security and other taxes
Other payables
Deferred income
Total
2015
£m
50
11
(9)
(1)
51
2015
£m
244
529
94
395
1,639
2,901
2014
£m
57
8
(14)
(1)
50
2014
£m
333
462
88
300
1,453
2,636
Trade and other payables are predominately non-interest bearing and their carrying amounts approximate to their fair value.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 131
23 Borrowings
Accounting policy
Borrowing costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that takes a substantial
period of time to bring to use are capitalised. All other interest on borrowings is expensed as incurred. The cost of issuing
borrowings is generally expensed over the period of borrowing so as to produce a constant periodic rate of charge.
Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost:
Short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Term debt
Finance leases
Term debt in fair value hedging relationships
Term debt previously in fair value hedging relationships
Total
2015
Falling due
within
1 year
£m
Falling due in
more than
1 year
£m
218
400
6
–
–
624
–
1,527
9
1,355
387
3,278
2014
Falling due
within
1 year
£m
Falling due in
more than
1 year
£m
548
–
7
–
121
676
–
1,823
5
951
370
3,149
Total
£m
218
1,927
15
1,355
387
3,902
Total
£m
548
1,823
12
951
491
3,825
The total fair value of financial liabilities measured at amortised cost is £2,366m (2014: £2,597m). The total fair value of term debt in fair
value hedging relationships is £1,439m (2014: £1,045m). The total fair value of term debt previously in fair value hedging relationships is
£488m (2014: £588m).
The parent companies of the Group, RELX PLC and RELX NV, have given joint and several guarantees of certain long-term and
short-term borrowings issued by subsidiaries of RELX Group plc. Included within term debt above are debt securities issued by RELX
Capital Inc., a 100% indirectly-owned finance subsidiary of the parent companies, which have been registered with the US Securities and
Exchange Commission. The parent companies have fully and unconditionally guaranteed these securities, which are not guaranteed by
any other subsidiary of the parent companies.
Analysis by year of repayment
2015
2014
Short-term
bank loans,
overdrafts
and
commercial
paper
£m
Term debt
£m
Finance
leases
£m
218
–
–
–
–
–
–
218
400
594
322
566
427
1,360
3,269
3,669
6
4
3
1
1
–
9
15
Short-term
bank loans,
overdrafts
and
commercial
paper
£m
Term debt
£m
Finance
leases
£m
548
–
–
–
–
–
–
548
121
400
615
242
553
1,334
3,144
3,265
7
4
1
–
–
–
5
12
Total
£m
624
598
325
567
428
1,360
3,278
3,902
Total
£m
676
404
616
242
553
1,334
3,149
3,825
Within 1 year
Within 1 to 2 years
Within 2 to 3 years
Within 3 to 4 years
Within 4 to 5 years
After 5 years
After 1 year
Total
Short-term bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper were backed up at 31 December 2015 by a $2,000m (£1,357m) committed bank
facility maturing in July 2020, which was undrawn.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 132
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
23 Borrowings continued
Analysis by currency
US dollars
£ sterling
Euro
Other currencies
Total
2015
2014
Short-term
bank loans,
overdrafts
and
commercial
paper
£m
Term debt
£m
Finance
leases
£m
136
–
49
33
218
1,971
1,010
688
–
3,669
15
–
–
–
15
Short-term
bank loans,
overdrafts
and
commercial
paper
£m
Term debt
£m
Finance
leases
£m
254
69
224
1
548
1,788
1,020
457
–
3,265
12
–
–
–
12
Total
£m
2,122
1,010
737
33
3,902
Total
£m
2,054
1,089
681
1
3,825
Included in the US dollar amounts for term debt above is £629m (2014: £449m) of debt denominated in euros (€600m; 2014: €350m) and
Swiss francs (CHF 275m; 2014: CHF 275m) that was swapped into US dollars on issuance and against which there are related derivative
financial instruments, which, as at 31 December 2015, had a fair value of £17m (2014: £40m).
24 Lease arrangements
Accounting policy
Assets held under leases which confer rights and obligations similar to those attaching to owned assets are classified as assets
held under finance leases and capitalised within property, plant and equipment or software and the corresponding liability to pay
rentals is shown net of interest in the statement of financial position as obligations under finance leases. The capitalised value of the
assets is depreciated 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 lease rentals are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the leases. Rental income
from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
The Group has exposures to sub-lease shortfalls in respect of certain property leases for periods up to 2024. Provisions are
recognised for net liabilities expected to arise on these exposures. Estimation of the provisions requires judgement in respect
of future head lease costs, sub-lease income and the length of vacancy periods. The charge for property provisions was £13m
(2014: nil; 2013: nil).
Finance leases
At 31 December 2015, future finance lease obligations fall due as follows:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
Less: future finance charges
Total
Present value of future finance lease obligations payable:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
Total
The fair value of the lease obligations approximates to their carrying amount.
2015
£m
2014
£m
6
9
15
–
15
6
9
15
7
5
12
–
12
7
5
12
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 133
24 Lease arrangements continued
Operating leases
The Group leases various properties, principally offices and warehouses, which have varying terms and renewal rights that are typical
to the territory in which they are located.
At 31 December 2015, outstanding commitments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years
Total
2015
£m
98
292
143
533
2014
£m
96
279
148
523
Of the above outstanding commitments, £524m (2014: £509m) relate to land and buildings.
The Group has a number of properties that are sub-leased. The future lease receivables contracted with sub-tenants fall due as follows:
Within one year
In the second to fifth years inclusive
After five years
Total
25 Provisions
2015
£m
15
48
11
74
2014
£m
15
46
21
82
Accounting policy
Provisions are recognised when a present obligation exists as a result of a past event, the obligation is reasonably estimable, and it
is probable that settlement will be required. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the
obligation at the statement of financial position date.
At start of year
Charged
Utilised
Exchange translation differences
Total
2015
£m
123
13
(20)
5
121
2014
£m
133
–
(16)
6
123
Provisions principally relate to leasehold properties, including sub-lease shortfalls and guarantees given in respect of certain property
leases for various periods up to 2024.
At 31 December 2015, provisions are included within current and non-current liabilities as follows:
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Total
2015
£m
21
100
121
2014
£m
19
104
123
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 134
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
26 Share capital, share premium and shares held in treasury
Accounting policy
Shares of RELX PLC and RELX NV that are repurchased by the respective parent companies and not cancelled are classified as
shares held in treasury. The consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, is recognised as a deduction from equity.
Shares of the parent companies that are purchased by the Employee Benefit Trust are also classified as shares held in treasury,
with the cost recognised as a deduction from equity. The consolidated share capital of the Group is the aggregate of the RELX PLC
and RELX NV individual share capitals.
RELX PLC
CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL – ISSUED AND FULLY PAID
At start of year
Issue of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
At end of year
RELX NV
CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL – ISSUED AND FULLY PAID
At start of year
Issue of ordinary shares
Bonus issue of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
At end of year
At end of year*
No. of shares
1,205,397,320
2,017,517
(31,500,000)
1,175,914,837
No. of shares
697,153,245
1,926,109
349,083,336
–
1,048,162,690
2015
£m
174
–
(4)
170
2015
€m
49
–
24
–
73
£m
54
No. of shares
1,267,036,696
3,360,624
(65,000,000)
1,205,397,320
No. of shares
734,149,956
3,003,289
–
(40,000,000)
697,153,245
2014
£m
182
1
(9)
174
2014
€m
52
–
–
(3)
49
£m
38
* The RELX NV sterling information has been translated using the exchange rates as disclosed in note 29 to the consolidated
financial statements.
NUMBER OF ORDINARY SHARES
Year ended 31 December
RELX PLC
At start of period
Issue of ordinary shares
Repurchase of ordinary shares*
Net release of shares by the Employee Benefit Trust
Cancellation of shares
At end of year
RELX NV
At start of period
Issue of ordinary shares
Repurchase of ordinary shares*
Bonus issue
Net release/(purchase) of shares by the Employee Benefit Trust
At end of year
Shares in
issue
(millions)
Treasury
shares
(millions)
2015
Shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)
2014
Shares in
issue net of
treasury
shares
(millions)
1,205.4
2.0
–
–
(31.5)
1,175.9
697.2
1.9
–
349.1
–
1,048.2
(77.7)
–
(25.7)
2.6
31.5
(69.3)
(46.7)
–
(15.8)
(1.9)
1.5
(62.9)
1,127.7
2.0
(25.7)
2.6
–
1,106.6
650.5
1.9
(15.8)
347.2
1.5
985.3
1,157.4
3.4
(35.2)
2.1
–
1,127.7
668.2
3.0
(20.4)
–
(0.3)
650.5
*Adjusted to reflect the bonus issue of RELX NV shares declared on 30 June 2015, a total of 45.8m RELX PLC and RELX NV shares were
repurchased in 2015.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 135
26 Share capital, share premium and shares held in treasury continued
During the year, RELX PLC repurchased 25.7m (2014: 35.2m; 2013: 41.9m) RELX PLC ordinary shares and RELX NV repurchased 15.8m
(2014: 20.4m; 2013: 24.3m) RELX NV ordinary shares for total consideration of £500m (2014: £600m; 2013: £600m). These shares are
held in treasury. During the year 31.5m (2014: 65.0m; 2013: nil) RELX PLC and nil (2014: 40.0m; 2013: nil) RELX NV shares held in treasury
were cancelled.
The Employee Benefit Trust purchases RELX PLC and RELX NV shares which, at the trustees’ discretion, can be used in respect of
the exercise of share options and to meet commitments under conditional share awards. During the year, the Employee Benefit Trust
purchased 0.9m RELX PLC shares and 0.8m RELX NV shares for a total cost of £23m (2014: £39m; 2013: nil). At 31 December 2015,
shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust were £90m (2014: £116m) at cost.
A bonus share issue was declared on 30 June for existing RELX NV shareholders on the basis of 0.538 bonus shares for each RELX NV
ordinary share held. A total of 349.1m RELX NV ordinary shares were issued, of which 1.9m are held by the Employee Benefit Trust.
Comparative dividends per share and earnings per share for RELX NV have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the bonus share
issue, see note 11 and note 14 on pages 115 and 118 respectively.
The issue of ordinary shares in the year relates to the exercise of share options. Details of share option and conditional share schemes
are set out in note 7 on page 108.
All of the RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares rank equally with respect to voting rights and rights to receive dividends, except for
shares held in treasury by the respective parent company, which do not attract voting or dividend rights. There are no restrictions on
the rights to transfer shares.
At 31 December 2015, RELX PLC shares held in treasury related to 5,454,942 (2014: 8,032,643) RELX PLC ordinary shares held by
the Employee Benefit Trust; and 63,879,780 (2014: 69,698,335) RELX PLC ordinary shares held by the parent company. At 31 December
2015, RELX PLC shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust were £41m (2014: £54m) at cost. During December 2015, 31.5m (2014: 65.0m)
RELX PLC ordinary shares held in treasury were cancelled.
At 31 December 2015, RELX NV shares held in treasury related to 5,740,212 (2014: 5,337,782) RELX NV ordinary shares held by the
Employee Benefit Trust; and 57,113,394 (2014: 41,298,544) RELX NV ordinary shares held by the parent company. At 31 December 2015,
RELX NV shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust were £49m (2014: £62m) at cost. No RELX NV ordinary shares held in treasury were
cancelled during 2015 (2014: 40.0m).
On 3 December 2015, RELX PLC and RELX NV announced a non-discretionary programme to repurchase further ordinary shares up
to the value of £100m. At 31 December 2015, an accrual of £100m was recognised in respect of this non-discretionary commitment.
A further 4.6m RELX PLC ordinary shares and 4.1m RELX NV ordinary shares have been repurchased in January and February 2016
under this programme.
27 Other reserves
At start of year
Profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Dividends paid
Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes
Fair value movements on cash flow hedges
Transfer to net profit from cash flow hedge reserve
Tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Increase in share based remuneration reserve (net of tax)
Cancellation of shares
Settlement of share awards
Acquisition of non-controlling interests
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Hedge
reserve
2015
£m
Other
reserves
2015
£m
25
–
–
–
(104)
29
18
–
–
–
–
2
(30)
82
1,008
(583)
157
–
–
(34)
47
(265)
(49)
–
8
371
Total
2015
£m
107
1,008
(583)
157
(104)
29
(16)
47
(265)
(49)
–
10
341
Total
2014
£m
880
955
(565)
(266)
(81)
19
76
48
(919)
(27)
(13)
–
107
Other reserves principally comprise retained earnings and the share based remuneration reserve.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 136
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
28 Related party transactions
Transactions between RELX PLC, RELX NV, RELX Group plc and subsidiaries of the Group have been eliminated within the consolidated
financial statements. Transactions with joint ventures were made on normal market terms of trading and comprise sales of goods and
services of nil (2014: nil; 2013: £1m) and the rendering and receiving of services totalling £14.0m (2014: nil; 2013: nil). As at 31 December
2015, amounts owed by joint ventures were £1m (2014: £1m; 2013: £7m) and amounts due to joint ventures were £1m (2014: £6m; 2013:
£6m). See note 6 for details of the Group's participation in defined benefit pension schemes.
Key management personnel are also related parties as defined by IAS24 – Related Party Disclosures and comprise the Executive and
Non-Executive Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV. Key management personnel remuneration is set out below. For reporting purposes,
salary, benefits and annual incentive payments are considered short-term employee benefits.
KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL REMUNERATION
Salaries, other short-term employee benefits and non-executive fees
Post-employment benefits
Share based remuneration*
Total
2015
£m
5
1
5
11
2014
£m
5
1
5
11
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Total executive directors
Salary
£’000
1,797
1,763
1,677
Benefits
£’000
92
236
260
Annual
incentive
£’000
1,889
1,855
1,743
Cost of share
based
remuneration*
£’000
Cost of
pension
provision*
£’000
5,181
5,284
3,898
966
711
642
2015
2014
2013
2013
£m
4
1
4
9
Total
£’000
9,925
9,849
8,220
* The share based remuneration charge comprises the multi-year incentive scheme charges in accordance with IFRS2 – Share Based
Payment. These IFRS2 charges do not reflect the actual value received on vesting. The cost of pension provision comprises the transfer
value of the increase in accrued pension during the year (net of inflation, directors’ contributions and participation fee) for defined benefit
schemes and payments made to defined contribution schemes or in lieu of pension.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Fees and benefits
2015
£’000
1,145
2014
£’000
1,143
2013
£’000
1,088
The remuneration of non-executive directors comprises fees for services, and benefits primarily relating to tax filing support in respect
of filings resulting from their directorships. No termination benefits were paid to directors during 2015 (2014: £238,023; 2013: nil).
No loans, advances or guarantees have been provided on behalf of any director. The aggregate gains made by executive directors on the
exercise of options during 2015 were £1,474,715 (2014: £1,101,114; 2013: £2,526,305).
29 Exchange rates
The following exchange rates have been applied in preparing the consolidated financial statements:
Euro to sterling
US dollars to sterling
30 Approval of financial statements
Income statement
2015
1.38
1.53
2014
1.24
1.65
2013
1.18
1.56
Statement of
financial position
2015
1.36
1.47
2014
1.29
1.56
The consolidated financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Boards of Directors of RELX PLC and RELX NV on
24 February 2016.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
137
31 Related undertakings
A full list of related undertakings (comprising
subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and
other significiant holdings) is set out below.
All are 100% owned directly or indirectly by the
Group except where percentage ownership
denoted in (x). Interests are all in the form of
ordinary shares unless otherwise noted.
All entities primarily operate in their country of
incorporation.
Australia
Adaptris Pty Ltd
Axxia Systems Pty Ltd
Burwood Publications Pty Ltd
Elsevier (Australia) Pty Ltd
Elsevier (New Zealand) Pty Ltd
Fair Events Pty Ltd (49%)
FircoSoft Australia Pty Ltd
First 4 Farming Australia Pty Ltd
Info-One International Pty Ltd [21]
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Assets Australia
Pty Ltd [3] [21]
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Australia Pty Ltd
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Unit Trust [41]
Mosby Publishers Australia Pty Ltd
Reed Oz Comic Con Pty Ltd (65%)
Reed Books Pty Ltd
Reed Elsevier Australia Acquisition Company
Pty Ltd
Reed Elsevier Construction Information
Services Pty Ltd
Reed Elsevier Holding Company Pty Ltd
Reed Elsevier Superannuation (Australia) Pty Ltd
Reed Exhibitions Australia Pty Ltd
Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd
RELX Australia Pty Ltd
Visualfiles Pty Ltd
Austria
Expoxx Messebau GmbH [26]
LexisNexis Verlag ARD Orac GmbH & Co KG
ORAC GmbH [26]
Reed Elsevier Austria GmbH [26]
Reed CEE GmbH [26]
Reed Messe Salzburg GmbH [26]
Reed Messe Wien GmbH [26]
System Standbau GmbH [26]
Belgium
First 4 Farming Europe NV
LexisNexis BVBA
MLex SPRL (91%)
Brazil
Elsevier Participacoes Ltda [36]
Elsevier Editora Ltda [36]
FircoSoft Brasil Ltda [36]
LexisNexis Informações e Sistemas
Empresariais Ltda
LexisNexis Serviços de Analise de Risco Ltda
MLex Brasil Mídia Mercadológica Ltda(91%)
Reed Exhibitions Alcantara Machado Ltda
Canada
LexisNexis Canada Inc [5]
Reed Exhibitions Inc
RE (HCL) Ltd
RELX Canada Ltd [4] [5] [7] [8] [9] [15] [24] [40]
Chile
Encyclopedie Medico Chirurgicale Chile Ltda
China
Beijing Bakery China Exhibitions Co., Ltd (25%)
Beijing Medtime Elsevier Education Technology
Co Ltd (49%)
CBI (Shanghai) Co Ltd
C-One EnergyLtd [26]
Genilex Information Technology Co Ltd (40%) [26]
ICIS Consulting (Beijing) Co Ltd [26]
KeAi Communications Company Ltd (49%) [26]
LexisNexis Risk Solutions (Shanghai)
Information Technologies Co Ltd [26]
MLex Consulting (Beijing) Co Ltd (91%)
Reed Elsevier Information Technology (Beijing)
Co Ltd [26]
Reed Exhibitions (China) Ltd
Reed Exhibitions (Shanghai) Co Ltd
Reed Guanghe Co Ltd (80%)
Reed Hongda Exhibitions (Henan) Co Ltd (51%)
Reed Huabai Exhibitions (Beijing) Co Ltd (51%)
Reed Huabo Exhibitions (Shenzhen) Co Ltd (65%)
Reed Huaqun Exhibition Co Ltd (52%)
Reed Kuozhan Exhibitions (Shanghai) Co Ltd
(60%)
Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions Co Ltd (50%)
RELX (China) Investment Co., Ltd
Shanghai CBI Business Development Co Ltd
(20%) [26]
Shanghai Datong Medical Information
Technology Co Ltd [26]
Colombia
LexisNexis Risk Solutions SAS
Denmark
Reed Elsevier Denmark ApS
Atira A/S
Dubai, UAE
Reed Exhibitions Free Zone LLC
Egypt
Elsevier Egypt for Consultancy LLC
SAFI SA (50%)
Societe D’Edition de L’Assoc. D’Enseignment
Medical de Hopitaux de Paris (87%)
Germany
Bar Convent GmbH [26]
Coating Xchange GmbH (33%)
Collexis GmbH [26]
Elsevier GmbH [26]
Elsevier Information Systems GmbH [26]
F4F Deutschland UG
Health Risk Institute GmbH (50%) [26]
LexisNexis GmbH [26]
MedCongress GmbH [26]
REC Publications GmbH [26]
Reed Elsevier Deutschland GmbH [26]
Reed Exhibitions (Germany) GmbH [26]
Reed Exhibitions Holdings GmbH [26]
Reed Exhibitions Deutschland GmbH [26]
Reed Travel Group (Germany) GmbH
Tschach Solutions GmbH
Hong Kong
Ascend China Holding Ltd
CBI China Co Ltd
CBI Group Co Ltd (20%)
Elsevier (Hong Kong) Ltd
JC Exhibition and Promotion Ltd (65%)
JYLN Sager Ltd (40%)
MLex Asia Ltd (91%)
Reed Elsevier (Greater China) Ltd
Reed Exhibitions Ltd
India
B.I.Churchill Livingstone Private Ltd [37]
Comic Con India Pvt Ltd (36%)
FircoSoft India Private Ltd [37]
Harcourt (India) Pvt Ltd [37]
Reed Elsevier India (Pvt) Ltd
Reed Elsevier Publishing (India) Pvt Ltd
Reed Manch Exhibitions Pvt Ltd (60%)
Reed SI Exhibitions l Pvt Ltd (51%)
Reed Triune Exhibitions Pvt Ltd (51%)
Indonesia
PT Reed Panorama Exhibitions (50%)
France
Editions Francaises de Radiologie SARL (50%)
Elsevier Holding France SAS
Elsevier Masson SAS
Evoluprint SAS
FircoSoft SAS [29]
FircoSoft Group SAS
GIE Juris Data
GIE EDI Data
GIE PRK
Goodweb SAS
InferMed France SARL
LexisNexis SA
LexisNexis Business Information Solutions
Holding SA
LexisNexis Business Information Solutions SA
LexisNexis International Development &
Services SA
Reed Exhibitions ISG SARL
Reed Expositions France SAS
Reed Midem SAS
Reed Organisation SAS
RELX France SA
Irish Republic
Armanatta Holding Ltd
Butterworth (Ireland) Ltd [4]
Elsevier Ireland Ltd
Elsevier Services Ireland Ltd
I.W.P.M. (Holdings) Ltd [12] [20]
Mapflow Ltd
Mapflow International Ltd
Israel
LexisNexis Israel Ltd
Italy
Elsevier srl
ICIS Italia srl
Reed Exhibitions ISG Italia Srl
Reed Exhibitions Italia Srl
Japan
Ascend Japan KK
Elsevier Japan KK
Elsevier Publishing KK
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
138
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
31 Related undertakings continued
LexisNexis Japan KK
Reed Exhibitions Japan KK
Reed ISG Japan KK
Korea (South)
Elsevier Korea LLC
LexisNexis Legal & Professional Services
Korea Ltd
Reed Exhibitions Korea Ltd
Reed K. Fairs Ltd (70%)
Luxembourg
FircoSoft Luxembourg Sarl
Malaysia
Heinemann (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
LexisNexis Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Reed Exhibitions Sdn Bhd
TJ Ventures Sdn Bhd
Mexico
Masson-Doyma Mexico SA [5]
Reed Exhibitions Mexico SA de CV
Morocco
Reed Exhibitions Morocco SARL
The Netherlands
AGRM Solutions CV [2]
Boom BV
Casus.com BV
Elsevier BV
Elsevier Employment Services BV
Elsevier Reed Finance BV
Elsevier Zibb BV
Koninklijke PBNA BV
LexisNexis Business Information Solutions BV
LexisNexis Univentio BV
Reed Business BV
Reed Business Financiele Educatie Groep BV
Reed Elsevier Dochtermaatschappij
Amsterdam BV
Reed Elsevier Holdings BV
Reed Elsevier Overseas BV [9] [11]
Reed Holding BV
RELX Finance BV
RELX Nederland BV [9] [11]
RELX US Holdings (Amsterdam) BV
New Zealand
LexisNexis NZ Ltd
Philippines
Reed Elsevier Shared Services (Philippines) Inc
Poland
Elsevier Sp. z.o.o
Russia
Ecwatech Company (49%)
LexisNexis OOO [26]
Reed Elsevier OOO [26]
Reed Events LLC [26]
Saudi Arabia
Reed Sunaidi Exhibitions LLC (50%)
Singapore
Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd
FircoSoft Singapore Pvt Ltd
F4F Agriculture (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd
ICIS Investment Singapore Pte Ltd
ICIS Services Pte Ltd
LexisNexis Philippines Pte Ltd (75%) [13]
Reed Business Information Pte Ltd
Reed Elsevier (Singapore) 2008 Pte Ltd
RE (HAPL) Pte Ltd
SAFI Asia Pte Ltd (50%)
South Africa
FircoSoft South Africa Pty Ltd
Globalrange SA Pty Ltd
Korbitec Pty Ltd (90%)
LexisNexis (Pty) Ltd (90%)
LexisNexis Risk Management (Pty) Ltd (90%)
LegalPerfecT Software Solutions (Pty) Ltd (90%)
Pexsa (Pty) Ltd (90%)
RELX (Pty) Ltd
Thebe Reed Events Pty Ltd (60%)
Thebe Reed Exhibitions Pty Ltd (60%) [4]
Thebe Reed Exhibitions Group Pty Ltd (60%)
Thebe Reed Events Management Pty Ltd (60%)
Thebe Reed Venue Management Pty Ltd (60%) [4]
Winsearch (Pty) Ltd (90%)
Spain
Elsevier Espana SL
Reed Elsevier Spain SLU
Reed Exhibitions Iberia SA
Switzerland
Elsevier Finance SA
Elsevier Risks SA
FircoSoft Schweiz GmbH
RELX Intellectual Properties SA
RELX Swiss Holdings SA
Taiwan
Elsevier Taiwan LLC [26]
Thailand
Reed Tradex Company Ltd (49%) [13]
Turkey
Elsevier STM Bilgi Hizmetleri Limited Sirketi
Reed Tüyap Fuarcilik A.S. (50%) [4] [5]
United Kingdom
ABC Travel Guides Ltd
Accuity Solutions Ltd
Accuity Solutions UK Ltd
Adaptris Group Ltd
Adaptris Ltd
AG Gateway Europe [25]
Agricultural Press Farms Ltd [13]
Ascend Worldwide Group Holdings Ltd [4] [7] [8]
Ascend Holdings Ltd
Ascend Worldwide Ltd
Associated Trade Exhibitions Consultants Ltd
Avenue Exhibitions Ltd [29]
Avenue Publications Ltd [4] [6]
Axxia Systems Ltd [4]
B.E.D. Exhibitions Ltd
Berrows Pension Trustees Ltd
Bluegrill Ltd
Bookset Systems Ltd
Bookwise Extra Ltd [4] [5]
BR Exhibitions Ltd [4] [5]
Bradfield Brett Holdings Ltd [31]
Bradfield, Brett & Company Ltd
Butterworths Ltd
Butterworth & Co. (Overseas) Ltd
Butterworth & Co. (Publishers) Ltd [4] [5] [32]
Butterworth (Eurolex) Ltd
Butterworth (Services) Ltd
Butterworth (Telepublishing) Ltd
Butterworth Law Publishers Ltd
Butterworth Tax Publishers Ltd
Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd
Butterworths (India) Ltd
Caegwian Ltd
Cahners Exposition Group (Maritime) Ltd
Cargofax International Ltd [4] [5]
Carlton Magazines Ltd
Carlton Publishing Consultants Ltd
Carlton Publishing Services Ltd
Chapter Three Publications Ltd
Cliveden Holdings Ltd
Coke Press Ltd (The) [14] [27]
Compliance Ltd [4] [6]
Computaprint Ltd [4] [5]
Cordery Compliance Ltd (72%)
Cordery Ltd (72%)
Cornwall Press Ltd
Crediva Ltd
DBT Ltd
Dew Events Ltd
Disc Echo Ltd [4] [5]
Drayton Legal Recoveries Ltd
Drury Press Ltd
E&P Events LLP (50%) [39]
Eclipse Group Ltd [12]
EIBTM Holdings Ltd
Electronic Media Ltd [4] [5] [7]
Elsevier Ltd
Elsevier UK Holdings Ltd
Emperor's Warriors Exhibitions Ltd (The)
Endrick Leisure Ltd
Energy Show Exhibition Ltd (The)
Estates Gazette Ltd (The)
Evan Steadman Communications Group Ltd
Everyform Ltd [4] [5] [7] [8]
Farmade Management Systems Ltd
Felix Learning Systems Ltd
Fern Hollow Productions Ltd
FircoSoft Ltd
First 4 Farming Ltd
Fisher Bookbinding Company (1912) Ltd
Formpart (No. 5) Ltd [12]
Formpart (No. 11) Ltd
Formpart (No. 14) Ltd
Formpart (No. 15) Ltd
Formpart (No.17) Ltd
Formpart (No. 20) Ltd
Formpart (No.23) Ltd
Formpart (ACP) Ltd
Formpart (APL) Ltd
Formpart (ASV) Ltd
Formpart (BMNL) Ltd
Formpart (BTL) Ltd
Formpart (CAL) Ltd
Formpart (CBL) Ltd
Formpart (CCL) Ltd
Formpart (CDL) Ltd
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
139
31 Related undertakings continued
Formpart (CLR) Ltd
Formpart (CWC) Ltd [4] [5]
Formpart (DCS) Ltd [4] [5]
Formpart (EPL) Ltd
Formpart (EPS) Ltd
Formpart (G&SL) Ltd
Formpart (HPIL) Ltd
Formpart (HPL) Ltd
Formpart (HR&WL) Ltd
Formpart (IMG) Ltd
Formpart (IMS) Ltd
Formpart (KPL) Ltd
Formpart (LPR) Ltd
Formpart (MDL) Ltd
Formpart (NOP) Ltd
Formpart (NPC) Ltd
Formpart (PDL) Ltd
Formpart (PDX) Ltd
Formpart (PLK) Ltd [4] [5]
Formpart (QVL) Ltd [4] [5]
Formpart (RIS) Ltd
Formpart (RPL) Ltd
Formpart (RSA) Ltd [4] [5]
Formpart (SFL) Ltd
Formpart (T&ADPL) Ltd
Formpart (TJL) Ltd
Formpart (TPC) Ltd
Formpart (VMP) Ltd
Formpart (WBSCL) Ltd
Formpart (WMPL) Ltd
Friday Press Ltd
Gate House Conferences and Courses Ltd
George Philip Holdings Ltd [4] [18] [22]
George Philip Ltd
Guild Corporate Communications Ltd
Hallplaza Ltd
Hennerwood Publications Ltd
Hickling & Co. (Newsagents) Ltd
Hooper Systems and Technology
(Holdings) Ltd[13]
Hooper Systems and Technology Ltd
Hotel Space Ltd
ILTM Media Ltd
Industrial & Trade Fairs Ltd
Industrial Relations Services (Training) Ltd
InferMed Ltd
Information Handling Ltd (85%)
Intinco Ltd
J. W. & R. Willey, Ltd
John Wright & Sons (Printing) Ltd
Kervit Ceramics Ltd
Kings Reach Investments Ltd
The Lancet Ltd
Legend Exhibitions Ltd [4] [5]
Lexis-Nexis Europe Ltd
LexisNexis Risk Solutions UK Ltd
Management Tomorrow Ltd
Marktile Ltd
Materials Data Ltd
Matthews Drew and Shelbourne Ltd [12] [23]
Medical Education (International) Ltd
The Medicine Publishing Company Ltd
The Medicine Publishing Group Ltd
Mendeley Ltd
Messenger Newspapers Group Ltd
Microtax Ltd [4] [5]
Microwave Exhibitions & Publishers Ltd
Midem Ltd
MLex Ltd (91%) [4]
Morecourt Ltd
Moreover Technologies Ltd
Mosby International Ltd
Munro Barr Publications Ltd
Neptune Collections Ltd [12]
New International Photo-Cine Fair Ltd
New Science Publications Ltd
Newsflo Ltd
Octopus Books Pension Trustee Ltd [25]
Offshore Europe (Management) Ltd
Offshore Europe Partnership (50%)* [39]
OPG 1 Ltd
OPG Pension Trustees Ltd
Orbit House Services Ltd
Peopletracer Ltd
Prean Holdings Ltd [12]
Professional Books Ltd [13]
Purcastle Ltd [33]
RBI (Chichester) Ltd
RBI Electrical-Electronic Year Books Ltd [34]
RBI Investments Ltd
RBI Publishing Services Ltd
RBI Printers Ltd [28]
Records For Pleasure Ltd
RE Directors (No. 1) Ltd
RE Directors (No. 2) Ltd
Reed Aerospace Exhibitions Ltd
Reed All-Energy Ltd
Reed Business Information Ltd
Reed Business Magazines Ltd
Reed Consumer Books Ltd
Reed Decorative & Building Products Ltd
Reed Educational & Professional Publishing Ltd
Reed Educational Publishing Ltd
Reed Elsevier Pension Investment
Management Ltd
Reed Elsevier Technology Services Ltd
Reed Elsevier (UIG) Ltd
Reed Elsevier Ventures Ltd
Reed Events Ltd
Reed Executive Pension Trustee Ltd
Reed Exhibitions Ltd [12]
Reed Exhibitions Personal Care Ltd [4] [5]
Reed Healthcare Communications Ltd [4]
Reed International (Properties) Ltd [12] [35]
Reed (International Services) Ltd
Reed Midem Ltd
Reed Nominees Ltd
Reed Overseas Corporation Ltd
Reed Pension Trusts Ltd (59%)
Reed Pension Trusts (No.2) Ltd (49%)
Reed Pensions Nominee Ltd (67%)
Reed Publishing Corporation Ltd
Reed Publishing Holdings Ltd
Reed Shows Ltd
Reed Travel Group (France) Ltd
Reed Travel Group (Italy) Ltd
RELX Group plc[1] [9] [10]
RELX (Holdings) Ltd
RELX (Investments) plc
RELX Overseas Holdings Ltd (3] [13]
RELX (UK) Ltd
RELX (UK) Holdings Ltd
Research & Development Ltd
RE (APM) Ltd
RE (AZWHG) Ltd [30]
RE (BFP) Ltd
RE (CBC) Ltd
RE (DH1929) Ltd [4] [5]
RE (GPB) Ltd [4]
RE (IDM) Ltd[4) [17]
RE Secretaries Ltd
RE (SEG) Ltd [4] [5] [13]
RE (SE) Ltd
RE (SOE) Ltd
RIB Directors 1 Ltd
RIB Directors 2 Ltd
RIB Secretaries Ltd
Ridgemount Books Ltd
Rinmed
Rowan Marketing Ltd (50%)
RX Business Continuity Ltd [4]
Scaletime Ltd
Scripta Technica Ltd [4] [5] [18]
Seisint Ltd
Sharpwise Ltd
S. I. Enterprises Ltd
Sinclair Stevenson Holdings Ltd [19]
Skillslot Ltd
Southwark Offset Ltd
St James Press Distribution Ltd
St James Press Ltd
St James Press Studios Ltd
Standard Printing Co., Ltd [16]
Stanford Maritime Ltd
Storage Expo Limited [4] [5]
Suttley & Silverlock Ltd
Texales (Jeffrey) Ltd
Texales (Plant) Ltd
Textile Press Ltd
TGP 48 Ltd
Today On Prestel Ltd
Tolley Publishing Company Ltd [4]
Tracesmart Group Ltd
Tracesmart Ltd
Trade and Technical Exhibitions (Scotland) Ltd
TrafalgarCo 1 Ltd
TrafalgarCo 2 Ltd
Viewstead Ltd
Viscom Group Ltd (The)
Viscom Production Ltd
Visualfiles Ltd
Visualfiles (Scotland) Ltd
W. S. R. Ltd [4] [5] [7]
Warrington Guardian Series Ltd
Websters Software Ltd
Weightcheckers International Ltd
What To Buy Ltd
Woodhead Publishing Ltd
World Group Newspapers (North West) Ltd
Wunelli Ltd
United States
Accuity Inc.
Accuity Asset Verification Services Inc
Accuity Europe Inc.
Accuity Holdings Inc.
AI Insight, Inc.
Bair Analytics Inc.
Byggfakta / Cordell Holdings, Inc.
Charles Jones LLC [38]
C.L.U.E. Inc
De Pluimen LLC [38]
Derman, Inc.
Dunlap-Hanna Publishers (50%)
EDIWatch, Inc.
Financial statements and other information Notes to the consolidated financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
140
Notes to the consolidated financial statements
for the year ended 31 December 2015
31 Related undertakings continued
The Elsevier Foundation
Elsevier Inc.
Elsevier Medical Information LLC [38]
Elsevier STM Inc.
Enclarity, Inc.
ExitCare LLC [38]
FircoSoft Inc.
Gaming Business Asia LLC (50%) [38]
GCLRA LLC [38]
Globalrange Corporation
Gold Standard, Inc.
GWN, LLC [38]
Health Market Science, Inc.
HRW and WBS Canada Corporation, Inc.
IDG-RBI China Publishers LLC [38]
Informed Decisions, LLC [38]
Innovata, LLC [38]
J.Allan Sheehan Scholarship Fund Inc
Knovel Corporation
KNOW X LLC [38]
Lexis, Inc.
LexisNexis Claims Solutions Inc.
LexisNexis Insurance Exchange LLC [38]
LexisNexis of Puerto Rico, Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Assets Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Data Management Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Data Retrieval Services LLC [38]
LexisNexis Risk Holdings Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Bureau LLC [38]
LexisNexis Risk Solutions FL Inc.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions GA Inc.
LexisNexis Special Services Inc.
LexisNexis VitalChek Network Inc.
Lex Machina Inc
Market Science, Inc. [13]
Martindale LLC (70%) [38]
Matthew Bender & Company, Inc.
MEDai, Inc.
The Michie Company
MLex US, Inc. (91%)
Moreover Acquisition Corporation
Moreover Technologies Inc
Mosby Holdings Corp.
MWW Clinical Sales Force, Inc. (50%)
Nexis, Inc
PoliceReports.US, LLC [38]
Portfolio Media, Inc
Printers Periscope GP [39]
QuickLaw America Inc.
RE (CMDGC) Inc.
Reed Business eLogic LLC [38]
Reed Business Information Inc.
Reed Elsevier Information Holdings Inc.
Reed Elsevier Intellectual Property
Management Services Inc.
Reed Elsevier Properties Inc.
Reed Elsevier Realty Corporation
Reed Elsevier Technology Services Inc.
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2005 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2006 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2008 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2009 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2010 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2011 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2012 Partnership LP**[39]
The Reed Elsevier Ventures 2013 Partnership LP**[39]
Reed Exhibitions Latin America LLC [38)
Reed Technology and Information Services Inc.
Reed Westminster Cares Inc.
Reed Westminster Inc.
REF Americas LLC[38]
RE (HPII) Inc.
RELX Capital Inc.
RELX Inc.
RELX US Holdings Inc.
Reman, Inc.
The Remick Publishers (50%)
Risk Metrics Corporation
Ronald G.Segel Memorial Scholarship Fund Inc.
Schnell Publishing LLC [38]
SAFI Americas LLC (50%) [38]
Signature Information Solutions LLC (70%) [38]
World Compliance, Inc.
Venezuela
Enclyclopedie Medico Chirurgicale Venezuela CA
Notes
[1] 52.9% directly owned by RELX PLC, 47.1%
directly owned by RELX NV
[2] 100% of Class A Preferred Interest and
Class B Preferred Interest and 100% of
common shares owned
[3] 100% of ordinary and preference shares
owned
[4] A shares
[5] B shares
[6] B non voting shares
[7] C shares
[8) D shares
[9] E shares
[10] R shares
[11] RE shares
[12] Deferred shares
[13] Preference shares
[14] 5% preference shares
[15] F shares
[16] 10% preference shares
[17] Cumulative redeemable preference shares
[18] Cumulative preference shares
[19] Non cumulative redeemable preference
shares
[20] 6% cumulative shares
[21] Redeemable preference shares
[22] Redeemable cumulative preference shares
[23] 10% redeemable cumulative preference
shares owned
[24] G shares
[25] Limited by guarantee
[26] Registered capital
[27] Founder shares
[28] Ordinary stock units
[29] Non voting shares
[30] 162/3% cumulative redeemable
preference shares
[31] 71/2% preferred income shares
[32] 4.5% cumulative preference shares
[33] 3% non cumulative preference shares
[34] 5% non cumulative preference shares
[35] 6% cumulative preference shares
[36] Quota shares
[37] Equity shares
[38] Membership interest
[39] Partnership interest
[40] H shares
[41] Trust Units
*Principal place of business:
Gateway House, 28 The Quadrant, Richmond,
Surrey, TW9 1DN, United Kingdom
**Principal place of business:
1-3 Strand, London, WC2N 5JR,
United Kingdom
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
141
Independent auditors’ report
to the members of RELX PLC and shareholders of RELX NV
Opinion on our audit of the consolidated financial statements
of RELX Group
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of the
Group which comprise the consolidated income statement, the
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the
consolidated statement of cash flows, the consolidated statement
of financial position, the consolidated statement of changes in
equity and the related notes 1 to 31, including the accounting
policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied
in the preparation is applicable law and IFRSs as adopted by the
European Union.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those that, in our professional judgement,
were of most significance in our audit of the consolidated financial
statements. They included the risks of material misstatement
which had the greatest effect on our audit strategy, the allocation of
resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement
team. Our assessment of key audit matters is unchanged from
prior year. We have communicated these key audit matters to the
Audit Committees; the Audit Committees’ consideration of these
risks is set out on page 91. The key audit matters are not a
comprehensive reflection of all matters discussed.
In our opinion the consolidated financial statements:
§§ give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of RELX PLC,
RELX NV, RELX Group plc and its subsidiaries, associates and
joint ventures (together “the Group ”) as at 31 December 2015
and of their profit and their cash flows for the year then ended;
and
§§ have been properly prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the
European Union.
We are independent of the Group within the meaning of the
FRC’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and relevant Dutch ethical
requirements as included in “Verordening op de gedrags-
en beroepsregels accountants” (VGBA) and the “Verordening
inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij assurance
opdrachten”(ViO) and have fulfilled our other responsibilities
under those ethical requirements.
Our audit procedures relating to these matters were addressed in
the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as
a whole and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide
a separate opinion on these individual matters.
The accounting policies and critical judgements made in respect
of these matters are included on pages 99 to 100.
KEY AUDIT MATTER
HOW WE RESPONDED
The assessment of the carrying value of goodwill and acquired
intangible assets
The Group had £5,231m of goodwill and £2,278m of acquired
intangible assets as at 31 December 2015. The goodwill balance
arose during business acquisitions as the excess of purchase
consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired. The
balance results from multiple acquisitions in each segment,
with the allocation set out in note 15. The quantum of these
balances together with the judgements required to be made when
performing impairment reviews have resulted in us considering
this a significant risk. These judgements include the discount rate
selected, the long-term growth assumption and the level at which
impairment reviews are performed.
The carrying value of internally developed intangible assets in
accordance with IAS 38 “Intangible Assets”;
The closing net book value of all capitalised development projects
was £878m. The costs of building product applications, platforms
and infrastructure are capitalised as intangible assets, where
the investment they represent has demonstrable value and the
technical and commercial feasibility is assured. Management has
to exercise judgement in determining which costs meet the IAS 38
criteria for capitalisation and when performing an impairment
review if indicators of impairment are identified. The materiality
of judgements involved has caused us to identify these key audit
risks. Disclosure in respect of capitalised development costs are
included in note 16.
We have tested the operating effectiveness of management’s
internal controls in their review of the carrying value of goodwill
and acquired intangible assets, including controls over the
valuation model and assumptions applied.
We challenged management on the level at which the impairment
testing is performed, checking consistency with how goodwill is
allocated to business units on acquisition and how goodwill is
monitored following acquisition.
We challenged management’s assumptions used in the
impairment model; those key assumptions are outlined in Note 15
to the consolidated financial statements. Specifically we
challenged the cash flow projections, discount rate (with the
assistance of valuation specialists), perpetuity growth rates and
sensitivities used, by looking at market data and assessing the
historical accuracy of management’s forecasting.
We tested the operating effectiveness of relevant internal controls
related to the capitalisation of internally developed intangible
assets and, when indicators of impairment were identified, their
valuation, including the assessment of useful economic lives.
We have tested the amounts capitalised in the period to assess
whether this was performed in accordance with the requirements
of IFRS. We also challenged management’s assessment as to
whether development projects in-progress were still expected to
deliver sufficient positive economic benefits upon their
completion. For completed development projects, we considered
whether the useful economic lives selected remained appropriate
and for those assets where indicators of impairment were
identified, whether valuations were supported by testing
management’s impairment reviews.
Financial statements and other information Independent auditors’ reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 142
KEY AUDIT MATTER
HOW WE RESPONDED
Revenue recognition, including the timing of revenue recognition
and the accounting for multiple element arrangements
The Group’s businesses continue to evolve and new business
models can give rise to new revenue arrangements. This can
result in circumstances which require careful consideration to
determine how revenue should be recognised. Each of our
component teams pinpoint at least one key audit risk based on
their assessment of the nature and quantum of revenue streams,
the systems involved in recording revenues and those revenues
requiring the exercise of significant management judgement.
These key risks include the cut-off of subscription and
transactional revenues and the allocation of fair value for multiple
element arrangements. Further details of revenue by segment
are included in note 2.
The valuation of amounts recorded for uncertain tax positions
The Group operates in a significant number of jurisdictions around
the world, all with differing tax regimes with complex cross-
border arrangements, and is therefore open to challenge from
multiple tax authorities. The quantum of the amounts recorded in
respect of uncertain tax positions and the judgemental nature in
determining the best estimates economic outflow have caused us
to identify valuation as a key audit matter. Disclosures in respect
of taxation are included in note 10.
The valuation of defined benefit pension liabilities
The Group has operated defined benefit pension schemes for
existing and former employees in three main jurisdictions.
The liabilities for these schemes involve certain actuarial
assumptions, in particular discount rate and inflation. The
sensitivity of the balance to changes in key assumptions have
caused us to identify this as a key audit matter. The gross
pension liabilities total £4,044m as set out in Note 6.
We have tested revenue in each of the full scope audit locations by
testing the operating effectiveness of associated internal controls
and performing substantive audit procedures.
We performed analytical reviews and reviewed management
accounts to identify any material new revenue streams. Our
testing procedures included reviewing customer contracts,
checking delivery records and price lists, profiling and other
computer assisted techniques and checking that the recognition
criteria of IFRS were met.
Our audit team was supported by tax specialists in testing the
relevant uncertain tax positions, including the assumptions and
estimates used, reviewing correspondence with the authorities
and testing the operating effectiveness of management’s relevant
internal controls.
We considered the appropriateness of management’s assumptions
and estimates in relation to uncertain tax positions, challenging
those assumptions and considering advice received by
management from external parties to support their analysis and
accounting for the uncertain tax position in accordance with IFRS.
We engaged our actuarial specialists to assist in the auditing of
management’s assumptions used to value the pension liabilities.
For each of the three main jurisdictions we considered the
appropriateness of the assumptions, by reviewing correspondence
received from third parties and comparison to market and entity
specific data, both individually and when combined with the other
assumptions. We focused on the discount rate and inflation
assumptions as in our view they have the most impact on the scheme
valuation and require significant level of management judgement.
We also tested management’s controls over the valuation of pension
liabilities and in particular the determining of these key assumptions.
Our application of materiality
A misstatement arising from fraud or error will be considered
material if, individually or in the aggregate, it could reasonably
be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken
on the basis of these financial statements. The materiality
affects the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures
and the evaluation of the effect of identified misstatements
on our opinion.
We have considered a number of benchmarks in order to guide
our determination of our materiality. Based on our professional
judgement, we determined materiality for the Group to be £85m
(2014: £85m), which is around 6.5% of pre-tax profit (2014: around
7%) and below 5% of equity (2014; below 5%). We have also taken
into account misstatements and/or possible misstatements that
in our opinion are material for the users of the financial
statements for qualitative reasons.
Our audit work at the operating locations was executed at levels
of materiality lower than the materiality for the Group and did
not exceed £35m (2014: £30m) or $55m (2014: $50m).
We agreed with the Audit Committees that we would report
to them all audit misstatements in excess of £1.7m, as well
as smaller misstatements that, in our view, must be reported
on qualitative grounds.
An overview of the scope of our group audit
Our audit of the consolidated financial statements was scoped by
obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment,
including the entity-wide controls, and assessing the risks of
material misstatement at the Group level. The audit was jointly
planned by the UK and Dutch engagement teams, during a two day
planning and risk analysis meeting involving all key component
partners. Based on that risk assessment, we designed and
performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, and
obtained audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our opinion. In making those risk assessments,
we considered internal control relevant to the Group’s preparation
and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design
audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances.
As part of an audit in accordance with the applicable standards,
we exercised professional judgement and maintain professional
scepticism throughout the planning and performance of the audit.
Based on that assessment, our audit scope for the Group focused
primarily on the audits of seventeen operating locations, which
represent the principal business units within the Group’s four
reportable segments. These locations, together with audit work
performed at the Group’s head office functions, account for 73%
of the Group’s assets, 91% of the Group’s liabilities, 74% of the
Group’s revenue, 79% of the Group’s adjusted operating profit and
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015
143
88% of the Group’s profit before tax. They were also selected
to provide an appropriate basis for undertaking audit work to
address the risks of material misstatement identified above.
The Group audit team continued to follow a programme of planned
visits that has been designed so that the Audit Partners of RELX
PLC and RELX NV visit the key locations. The Audit Partners also
attend audit close meetings with management of each of the
group’s four operating segments, alongside the local auditors
of the business units.
We also tested the consolidation process and carried out
analytical procedures to confirm our conclusion that there were
no risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial
information of the remaining components not subject to audit.
We obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the
financial information of the entities and business activities to
express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance
of the group audit. We remain responsible for our audit opinion.
Going concern and the directors’ assessment of the principal
risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the group
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared
using the going concern basis of accounting. In preparing the
consolidated financial statements, management is responsible
for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Based on the relevant financial reporting frameworks,
management should prepare the Group’s financial statements
using the going concern basis of accounting unless management
either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has
no realistic alternative but to do so. Management should disclose
events and circumstances that may cast significant doubt on the
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
As required by the UK Listing Rules we have reviewed the
directors’ statement regarding the appropriateness of the going
concern basis of accounting and the directors’ statement on the
longer-term viability of the Group contained within the Corporate
Governance Report on page 75.
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
§§ the directors' confirmation on page 75 that they have carried
out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group,
including those that would threaten its business model, future
performance, solvency or liquidity;
§§ the disclosures on pages 60-62 that describe those risks and
explain how they are being managed or mitigated;
§§ the directors’ statement on page 75 to the financial statements
about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the
going concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their
identification of any material uncertainties to the group’s ability
to continue to do so over a period of at least twelve months from
the date of approval of the financial statements;
§§ the director's explanation on page 75 as to how they have
assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period
they have done so and why they consider that period to be
appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have
a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue
in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the
period of their assessment, including any related disclosures
drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or
assumptions.
We agreed with the directors’ adoption of the going concern
basis of accounting and we did not identify any such material
uncertainties. However, because not all future events or
conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee
as to the group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the
date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions
may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.
Other matters
The separate audit reports on the parent company financial
statements of RELX PLC and RELX NV, which have been audited
under locally adopted auditing standards and which include the
other opinions required by local laws and regulations, appear on
pages 155 and 165.
Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities
statement, the Boards are responsible for the preparation and
fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union and for being satisfied that they
give a true and fair view and for such internal control as they
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated
financial statements that are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error.
The Audit Committees assist the respective Boards in overseeing
the Group’s financial reporting process.
Our Responsibility for the audit of the financial statements
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the
consolidated financial statements in accordance with
International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) as issued
by the United Kingdom Auditing Practices Board and Dutch Law,
including the Dutch Standards on Auditing. We believe that the
audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to
provide a basis for our opinion.
We are required to communicate with the Audit Committees
regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant
deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We are also required to provide the Audit Committees with a
statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with
them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be
thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable
related safeguards.
Financial statements and other information Independent auditors’ reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 144
Scope of the audit of the consolidated financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements sufficient
to give reasonable assurance that the consolidated financial
statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused
by fraud or error. Reasonable assurance does not provide an
absolute level of assurance which means we may not have
detected all errors and fraud. An audit includes an assessment of:
whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s
circumstances and have been consistently applied and adequately
disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates
made by the directors; and the overall presentation of the
consolidated financial statements. In addition, we read all the
financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to
identify material inconsistencies with the audited consolidated
financial statements and to identify any information that is
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course
of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the
implications for our report.
We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained
professional scepticism throughout the audit, in accordance
with ISAs (UK and Ireland), Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical
standards and relevant independence requirements. Our audit
included:
§§ identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement of
the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or
error, designing and performing audit procedures responsive
to those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient
and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of
not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is
higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations,
or the override of internal control;
§§ obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the
audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control;
§§ concluding on the appropriateness of management’s use of
the going concern basis of accounting, and based on the audit
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists
related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt
on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures
in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based
on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the
Group to cease to continue as a going concern;
§§ evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of
the financial statements, including the disclosures; and
§§ evaluating whether the consolidated financial statements
represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner
that achieves fair presentation.
Engagement
We were engaged by the Audit Committees as auditor of RELX PLC
and as auditor of RELX NV for the audit of the financial year ended
31 December 2015 and have operated as statutory auditor since 1994.
Graham Richardson
(Senior statutory auditor)
M.J. van der Vegte
RA
For and on behalf of
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants
and Statutory Auditor
London, United Kingdom
24 February 2016
Deloitte Accountants B.V.
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 5 year summary
RELX Group consolidated financial information
Revenue
Reported operating profit
Adjusted operating profit
Reported net profit attributable to shareholders
Adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders
RELX PLC financial information
Reported earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Dividend per ordinary share (pence)
RELX NV financial information(3)
Reported earnings per ordinary share (pence)
Reported earnings per ordinary share (euro)
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share (euro)
Dividend per ordinary share (euro)
145
2011
£m
6,002
1,171
1,592
731
1,031
31.2p
45.5p
21.55p
33.5p
€0.385
€0.523
€0.283
Note
2015
£m
2014
£m
5,971
1,497
1,822
1,008
1,275
46.4p
60.5p
29.7p
5,773
1,402
1,739
955
1,213
43.0p
56.3p
26.0p
Restated(3),(4)
2013
£m
6,035
1,376
1,749
1,110
1,197
49.0p
54.1p
24.6p
2012
£m
6,116
1,333
1,688
1,044
1,121
45.0p
49.4p
23.0p
49.4p
€0.682
€0.835
€0.403
45.8p
€0.568
€0.698
€0.383
51.6p
€0.609
€0.638
€0.329
47.4p
€0.583
€0.608
€0.304
1
1
2
2
(1) Adjusted figures are presented as additional performance measures used by management and are stated before amortisation and
impairment of acquired intangible assets and goodwill, the net financing cost on defined benefit pension schemes and acquisition-
related costs, exceptional prior year tax credits (in 2012 only), and in respect of attributable net profit, reflect a tax rate that excludes
the effect of movements in deferred taxation assets and liabilities that are not expected to crystallise in the near term and includes
the benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill and intangible assets. Acquisition-related financing costs and
profit and loss from disposal gains and losses and other non-operating items are also excluded from the adjusted figures.
(2) Dividend per ordinary share is based on the interim dividend and proposed final dividend for the relevant year.
(3) RELX NV amounts and dividend per share reflect the bonus share issue declared on 30 June 2015.
(4) Comparative figures for 2012 and 2011 have been restated following the adoption of IAS19 Employee Benefits (revised) by the Group
in 2013.
Financial statements and other information RELX GroupOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information Financial statements and other information
147
RELX PLC
Annual Report and
Financial Statements
In this section
148 Directors’ Report
152 Parent company statement of
financial position
153 Parent company statement of changes
in equity
153 Parent company accounting policies
154 Notes to the parent company
financial statements
155 Independent auditor’s report
Company number: 77536
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148
Directors’ Report
The Directors present their report, together with the financial
statements of the Group and RELX PLC (the Company), for the year
ended 31 December 2015.
During the year, the simplification and modernisation of the Group’s
corporate structure, announced in February 2015, was approved by
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). In July, as part
of the modernisation, the Company changed its name to RELX PLC.
RELX PLC and RELX NV are separate, publicly held entities.
RELX PLC’s ordinary shares are listed in London and New York,
and RELX NV’s ordinary shares are listed in Amsterdam and
New York. RELX PLC and RELX NV jointly own RELX Group plc,
which, with effect from February 2015, when RELX PLC and
RELX NV transferred their respective ownership interests in
Elsevier Reed Finance BV to RELX Group plc, held all of RELX
Group’s operating businesses and financing activities. RELX PLC,
RELX NV, RELX Group plc and its subsidiaries, joint ventures and
associates are together known as “RELX Group” or “the Group”.
Financial statement presentation
The Governing Agreement determines the equalisation ratio
between RELX PLC and RELX NV. Following a bonus issue of shares
in RELX NV, one RELX PLC ordinary share confers an equivalent
economic interest to one RELX NV ordinary share and this change
in the equalisation ratio took effect from 1 July 2015. As a result of
these arrangements, all shareholders can be regarded as having
interests in a single economic entity. Consequently, the Directors
have concluded that the Group forms a single reporting entity for the
presentation of consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the
Group consolidated financial statements represent the interests
of both sets of shareholders and are presented by both RELX PLC
and RELX NV as their respective consolidated financial statements.
This Directors’ Report and the financial statements of the Group
and Company should be read in conjunction with the other reports
set out on pages 2 to 92. A review of the Group’s performance during
the year is set out on pages 8 to 51, a summary of the principal
risks facing the Group is set out on pages 60 to 62, and the Group
statement on corporate responsibility is set out on pages 42 to 51.
The shares of RELX PLC and RELX NV are regarded as two separate
classes of share which together form the consolidated issued share
capital of the Group. In calculating earnings per share of the Group,
the earnings for each company are calculated on a fully distributed
basis. The Group’s usual practice is for only a portion of earnings to
be distributed by way of dividends. Dividends paid to RELX PLC and
RELX NV shareholders are, other than in special circumstances,
equalised at the gross level including the benefit of the prevailing
UK attributable tax credit of 10% available to certain RELX PLC
shareholders. The UK Government has announced that the dividend
tax credits will be abolished with effect from 6 April 2016, impacting
dividends paid after this date. For 2015, the allocation of earnings
between the two classes of shares reflects this differential in
dividend payments declared, with the balance of earnings assumed to
be distributed as a capital distribution, in equal amounts per share.
As a result of the abolition of the UK tax credit, reported earnings
per share will have the same value for each RELX PLC and RELX NV
share from 2016.
In addition to the reported figures, adjusted profit figures are
presented as additional performance measures used by
management. These exclude the Group’s share of amortisation of
acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related costs, tax in joint
ventures disposal gains and losses and other non-operating items,
related tax effects, and movements in deferred taxation assets
and liabilities related to acquired intangible assets and include the
benefit of tax amortisation where available on acquired goodwill
and intangible assets.
Parent company financial statements
The individual parent company financial statements of RELX PLC
are presented on page 152, and were prepared under Financial
Reporting Standard 101 (FRS 101).
Distributable reserves as at 31 December 2015 were £1,487m
(2014: £1,459m), comprising reserves less shares held in treasury.
Parent company shareholders’ funds as at 31 December 2015 were
£3,114m (2014: £3,074m).
Strategic Report
The Companies Act 2006 (the Act) requires the Company to present
a fair review of the Group during the financial year. The Strategic
Report is set out on pages 2 to 62.
Dividends
The Board is recommending a final dividend of 22.30p per ordinary
share (2014: 19.00p). This gives total ordinary dividends for the year
of 29.70p (2014: 26.00p). The final dividend will be paid on 20 May
2016 to shareholders on the Register on 29 April 2016.
Details of dividend cover and dividend policy are set out on page 58.
Corporate Governance
The Company has complied throughout the year with the provisions
of the UK Corporate Governance Code 2014 (the UK Code), which
is publicly available on the Financial Reporting Council's website
(www.frc.org.uk). Details of how the principles of the UK Code have
been applied and the Directors’ statement on internal control are
set out in the Corporate Governance report on pages 69 to 75.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The Company is required to state the annual quantity of emissions
in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from Group operational
activities. Details of our emissions during the year ended
31 December 2015 and the actions being taken to reduce them are
set out in the Corporate Responsibility section of the Strategic
Report on pages 50 and 51. Further details can be found in our online
Corporate Responsibility Report at www.relx.com/go/CRReport.
Directors
The names of the Directors who served on the Board during the year
and changes to the Board are set out on pages 64, 65 and 70.
Share capital
The Company’s issued share capital comprises a single class of
ordinary shares, all of which are listed on the London Stock
Exchange. All issued shares are fully paid up and carry no additional
obligations or special rights. Each share carries the right to one vote
at general meetings of the Company.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 149
Substantial share interests
As at 24 February 2016, the Company had been notified by the
following shareholders that they held an interest of 3% or more
in voting rights of its issued share capital:
§§ BlackRock Inc
§§ Invesco Limited
§§ Legal & General Group plc
9.62%
5.03%
3.40%
The percentage interests stated above are as disclosed at the date
on which the interests were notified to the Company.
Employee Benefit Trust
The Trustee of the Employee Benefit Trust held an interest in
5,454,942 ordinary shares in the Company (representing 0.5% of the
issued ordinary shares) as at 31 December 2015. The Trustee may
vote or abstain from voting any shares it holds in any way it sees fit.
Significant agreements – change of control
The Governing Agreement between RELX PLC and RELX NV states
that upon a change of control of RELX PLC (for these purposes,
the acquisition by a third party of 50% or more of the issued share
capital having voting rights), should there not be a comparable offer
from the offeror for RELX NV, RELX NV may serve notice upon the
Company varying certain provisions of the Governing Agreement,
including the governance and the standstill provisions.
There are a number of borrowing agreements including credit
facilities that in the event of a change of control of both the Company
and RELX NV and, in some cases, a consequential credit rating
downgrade to sub-investment grade may, at the option of the
lenders, require repayment and/or cancellation as appropriate.
Powers of directors
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006, the Company's
Articles and any directions given by special resolutions, the
business of the Company shall be managed by the Board which may
exercise all the powers of RELX PLC.
Directors’ indemnity
In accordance with its Articles, the Company has granted Directors
an indemnity, to the extent permitted by law, in respect of liabilities
incurred as a result of their office. The Company also purchased and
maintained throughout the year Directors’ and Officers’ liability
insurance in respect of itself and its Directors.
Related party transactions
Internal controls are in place to ensure that any related party
transactions involving Directors or their connected persons are
carried out on an arm’s length basis and are properly recorded
and disclosed where appropriate.
In a general meeting, subject to any rights and restrictions attached
to any shares, on a show of hands every member who is present in
person shall have one vote and every proxy present who has been duly
appointed by one or more members entitled to vote on the resolution
has one vote (although a proxy has one vote for and one vote against
the resolution if: (i) the proxy has been duly appointed by more than
one member entitled to vote on the resolution; and (ii) the proxy has
been instructed by one or more of those members to vote for the
resolution and by one or more other of those members to vote against
it). Subject to any rights or restrictions attached to any shares, on a
vote on a resolution on a poll every member present in person or by
proxy shall have one vote for every share of which he is the holder.
Proxy appointments and voting instructions must be received by the
registrars not less than 48 hours before a general meeting. There
are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor on the transfer
of shares, which are both governed by the general provisions of the
Articles and prevailing legislation. The Company is not aware of any
agreements between shareholders that may result in restrictions
on the transfer of shares or on voting rights attached to the shares.
At the 2015 AGM, shareholders passed a resolution authorising the
Directors to allot shares for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis up to a
nominal value of £8.7m, representing less than 5% of the Company's
issued share capital. Since the 2015 AGM, no shares have been
issued under this authority. The shareholder authority also
permitted the Directors to allot shares in order to satisfy
entitlements under employee share plans, and details of such
allotments are noted below. The authority to allot shares will expire
at the 2016 AGM, and a resolution to further extend the authority and
to seek additional authority to allow the issue of up to 5% of the
issued share capital for cash on a non-pre-emptive basis in
connection with an acquisition or specified investment subject
to certain conditions in accordance with the Pre-Emption Group’s
2015 Statement of Principles will be submitted to the shareholders
at the 2016 AGM.
During the year, 2,017,517 ordinary shares in the Company were
issued in order to satisfy entitlements under employee share plans
as follows: 586,219 under a UK Sharesave option scheme at prices
between 401.60p and 949.60p per share; 1,401,350 under executive
share option schemes at prices between 420.00p and 924.50p per
share; and 29,948 under the Long Term Incentive Plan at 511.50p
per share.
The issued share capital as at 31 December 2015 is shown in note 26
to the consolidated financial statements.
Authority to purchase shares
At the 2015 AGM, shareholders passed a resolution authorising
the purchase of up to 120.5m ordinary shares in the Company
(representing less than 10% of the issued ordinary shares) by
market purchase. During the year, 25,681,445 ordinary shares
were purchased under this and the previous authority, to be held
in treasury. On 2 December 2015, the Company cancelled 31.5m
ordinary shares held in treasury. Therefore, as at 31 December 2015
there were 63,879,780 ordinary shares held in treasury, representing
5.4% of the issued ordinary shares. A further 4,592,100 ordinary
shares were purchased between 4 January 2016 and the date of this
report. The authority to make market purchases will expire at the
2016 AGM, at which a resolution to further extend the authority will
be submitted to shareholders.
Financial statements and other information Directors’ ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 150
Conflicts of interest
Under the Companies Act 2006, the Directors have a duty to avoid
situations in which they have, or could have, a direct or indirect
interest that conflicts with the interests of the Company. The Board
has established formal procedures for identifying, assessing and
reviewing any situations where a Director has an interest that
conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the interests of RELX PLC.
The Nominations Committee considers any such conflict or
potential conflict and makes a recommendation to the Board
on whether to authorise it, as permitted under the Company's
Articles. In reaching its decision, the Board is required to act
in a way it considers would be most likely to promote the success
of the Company and may impose limits or conditions when
giving its authorisation, if it thinks this is appropriate. Actual
or potential conflicts of interest are reviewed annually by the
Nominations Committee.
Political donations
The Group does not make donations to European Union (EU) political
organisations or incur EU political expenditure. In the US, Group
companies donated £53,791 (2014: £55,793) to political organisations.
In line with US law, these donations were not made at federal level, but
only to candidates and political parties at the state and local levels.
Employee relations
The Group is committed to employee involvement and participation.
Where appropriate, major announcements are communicated to
employees through internal briefings. Information on performance,
development, organisational changes and other matters of interest
is communicated through briefings and electronic bulletins.
The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not
discriminate on the grounds of race, gender or other characteristics
in its recruitment or employment policies. The Group seeks
opinions from employees through a triennial survey. Information
on the 2015 opinion survey is set out on page 46.
Disabled persons
RELX Group has a positive approach to diversity and inclusion.
Details of the Group’s Diversity and Inclusion Statement are set out
on page 46. The Group is committed to the full and fair treatment
of people with disabilities in relation to job applications, training,
promotion and career development. Where existing employees
become disabled, our policy is to provide continuing employment,
support and training wherever practicable.
Disclosures required under UK Listing Rule 9.8.4
The information required by Listing Rule 9.8.4 is set out on the
pages below:
Interest capitalised by the Group
Page
Information required
n/a
(1)
n/a
(2) Publication of unaudited financial information
86
(4) Long-term incentive schemes
n/a
(5) Waiver of emoluments by a Director
n/a
(6) Waiver of future emoluments by a Director
(7) Non pro-rata allotments for cash (issuer)
n/a
(8) Non pro-rata allotments for cash (major subsidiaries) n/a
(9) Parent participation in a placing by a listed subsidiary n/a
n/a
(10) Contracts of significance
n/a
(11) Provision of services by a controlling shareholder
119
(12) Shareholder waiver of dividends
119
(13) Shareholder waiver of future dividends
n/a
(14) Agreements with controlling shareholders
Financial statements and accounting records
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors’ Report
and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and regulations.
Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial
statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors
are required to prepare the consolidated financial statements in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS) as adopted by the EU and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
The Directors have elected to prepare the parent company financial
statements in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101
Reduced Disclosure Framework. Under company law the Directors
must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and
of the profit or loss of the Company for that period.
In preparing the parent company financial statements, the
Directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and
then apply them consistently; make judgements and accounting
estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether Financial
Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework has been
followed, subject to any material departures being disclosed and
explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial
statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
presume that the Company will continue in business.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 151
In preparing the Group financial statements, IAS1 requires that
directors: properly select and apply accounting policies; present
information, including accounting policies, in a manner that
provides relevant, reliable, comparable and understandable
information; provide additional disclosures when compliance with
the specific requirements of IFRS are insufficient to enable users
to understand the impact of particular transactions, other events
and conditions on the entity’s financial position and financial
performance; and make an assessment of the company’s ability
to continue as a going concern.
The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting
records that are sufficient to show and explain RELX PLC’s
transactions and 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 Companies Act
2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Directors’ responsibility statement
The Board confirms that, to the best of its knowledge:
§§ the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted
by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the financial
position and profit or loss of the Group; and
§§ the Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the development
and performance of the business and the position of the Group.
A description of the principal risks facing the Group is set out
on pages 60 to 62.
Having taken into account all the matters considered by the Board
and brought to the attention of the Board during the year, the
Directors are satisfied that the Annual Report and Accounts taken
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess RELX PLC’s
performance, business model and strategy.
Neither RELX PLC nor the Directors accept any liability to any
person in relation to the Annual Report except to the extent that
such liability could arise under English law. Accordingly, any
liability to a person who has demonstrated reliance on any untrue
or misleading statement or omission shall be determined in
accordance with Section 90A of the Financial Services and
Markets Act 2000.
Disclosure of information to auditors
As part of the process of approving the Company's 2015 financial
statements, the Directors have taken steps pursuant to section
418(2) of the Companies Act 2006 to ensure that they are aware of
any relevant audit information and to establish that the Company's
auditors are aware of that information. In that context, so far as the
Directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which
the Company’s auditors are unaware.
Going concern
The Directors' statement regarding the appropriateness of
adopting the going concern basis of accounting is set out on page 75.
Long-term viability statement
The Directors' statement regarding the long-term viability of the
Group is set out on page 75.
Auditors
Deloitte LLP will be retiring as the Company's auditors at the 2016
AGM. Following an audit tender process carried out during 2015, the
Board accepted a recommendation from the Audit Committee that
Ernst & Young LLP (EY) be proposed to shareholders as auditors of
the Company in respect of the 2016 financial year. Further details on
the audit tender process and transitional arrangements for the 2015
audit can be found on page 92 of the Report of the Audit Committees.
Resolutions for the appointment of EY as auditors of RELX PLC
and to authorise the Audit Committee, on behalf of the Board, to
determine their remuneration will be submitted to shareholders
at the 2016 AGM.
By order of the Board
Henry Udow
Company Secretary
24 February 2016
Registered Office
1-3 Strand
London
WC2N 5JR
Financial statements and other information Directors’ ReportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 152
Parent company statement of financial position
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiary undertakings
Investments in joint ventures
Current assets
Receivables: amounts due from joint ventures
Total Assets
Current liabilities
Taxation
Other payables
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium
Shares held in treasury
Capital redemption reserve
Other reserves
Net profit
Reserves
Shareholders’ equity
Note
2015
£m
2014
£m
1
1
2
2
77
3,023
3,100
69
69
309
2,314
2,623
529
529
3,169
3,152
1
54
–
55
3,114
170
1,284
(604)
17
156
665
1,426
3,114
1
–
77
78
3,074
174
1,274
(531)
13
154
628
1,362
3,074
The parent company financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 24 February 2016.
They were signed on its behalf by:
A J Habgood
Chairman
N L Luff
Chief Financial Officer
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Parent company statement of changes in equity
153
Balance at 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends paid (4)
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
Transfer of net profit to reserves
Balance at 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends paid (4)
Repurchase of ordinary shares
Cancellation of shares
Issue of ordinary shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
Transfer of net profit to reserves
Balance at 31 December 2015
Share
capital
£m
182
–
–
–
(9)
1
–
–
174
–
–
–
(4)
–
–
–
170
Share
premium
£m
1,257
–
–
–
–
17
–
–
1,274
–
–
–
–
10
–
–
1,284
Shares
held in
treasury
£m
(693)
–
–
(333)
495
–
–
–
(531)
–
–
(342)
269
–
–
–
(604)
Capital
redemption
reserve (1)
£m
4
–
–
–
9
–
–
–
13
–
–
–
4
–
–
–
17
Other
reserves (2)
£m
152
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
154
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
156
Net profit
£m
106
628
–
–
–
–
–
(106)
628
665
–
–
–
–
–
(628)
665
Reserves (3)
£m
2,036
–
(285)
–
(495)
–
–
106
1,362
–
(295)
–
(269)
–
–
628
1,426
Total
£m
3,044
628
(285)
(333)
–
18
2
–
3,074
665
(295)
(342)
–
10
2
–
3,114
(1) The capital redemption reserve does not form part of the distributable reserves balance.
(2) Other reserves relate to equity instruments granted to employees of the Group under share based remuneration arrangements, and
do not form part of the distributable reserves balance.
(3) Distributable reserves at 31 December 2015 were £1,487m (2014: £1,459m) comprising net profit and reserves, net of shares held in treasury.
(4) Refer to note 14 of the RELX Group consolidated financial statements on page 118 for further dividend disclosure.
Parent company accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The parent company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under
FRS 100 (Financial Reporting Standard 100) issued by the Financial
Reporting Council (FRC). Accordingly, in the year ended 31 December
2015 the company has changed its accounting framework from UK
GAAP to FRS 101 as issued by the Financial Reporting Council and
has, in doing so, applied the requirements of IFRS 1.6-33 and related
appendices. These financial statements were prepared in accordance
with FRS 101 (Financial Reporting Standard 101) ‘Reduced Disclosure
Framework’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council,
incorporating the Amendments to FRS 101 issued by the FRC in July
2015 and the amendments to Company law made by The Companies,
Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015
prior to their mandatory effective date of accounting periods
beginning on or after 1 January 2016. No material adjustments were
required on adoption of FRS 101 in the current year.
As permitted by FRS 101, the company has taken advantage of the
disclosure exemptions available under that standard in relation to
share based payments, financial instruments, capital management,
presentation of comparative information in respect of certain
assets, presentation of a cash flow statement, standards not yet
effective, impairment of assets and related party transactions.
The parent company financial statements have been prepared on
the historical cost basis.
Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts in the financial
statements are in millions of pounds.
The parent company financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the Group consolidated financial statements and
notes presented on pages 99 to 140, which are also presented as
the RELX PLC consolidated financial statements. See the Basis of
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements on page 99.
The parent company financial statements are prepared on a going
concern basis, as explained on page 151.
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, and in
compliance with The Companies, Partnerships and Groups
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015, the company has not
presented its own profit and loss account but has presented the
net profit for the year on the statement of financial position.
The RELX PLC accounting policies under FRS 101 are set out below.
Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost, less provision, if
appropriate, for any impairment in value. The fair value of the award of
share options and conditional shares over RELX PLC ordinary shares
to employees of the Group are treated as a capital contribution.
Other assets and liabilities are stated at historic cost, less
provision, if appropriate, for any impairment in value.
Shares held in treasury
The consideration paid, including directly attributable costs, for
shares repurchased is recognised as shares held in treasury and
presented as a deduction from total equity. Details of share capital
and shares held in treasury are set out in note 26 of the Group
consolidated financial statements.
Foreign exchange translation
Transactions entered into in foreign currencies are recorded at
the exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction.
Taxation
Refer to note 10 on page 112 of the consolidated financial
statements for the taxation accounting policies.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other informationFinancial statements and other information RELX PLC 154
Notes to the parent company financial statements
1 Investments
At 1 January 2014
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
At 1 January 2015
Acquisitions
Disposal
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
At 31 December 2015
The joint venture is set out in note 3.
Subsidiary
undertaking
£m
309
–
309
–
(232)
–
77
Joint
venture
£m
2,312
2
2,314
707
–
2
3,023
Total
£m
2,621
2
2,623
707
(232)
2
3,100
2 Related party transactions
All transactions with joint ventures, subsidiaries and the Group’s employees, which are related parties of RELX PLC, are reflected in these
financial statements. Transactions with key management personnel including share based remuneration costs are set out in note 28 of
the Group consolidated financial statements and details of the directors’ remuneration are included in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 77 to 90.
3 joint venture as at 31 December 2015
RELX Group plc
Incorporated and operating in Great Britain
1-3 Strand
London WC2N 5JR
During 2015 RELX Group plc was a holding company for group financing
activities and operating businesses involved in scientific and medical, risk
and business analytics, legal markets and organisation of trade exhibitions
63,226 ordinary voting shares
15,487 non-voting E shares
21,287 non-voting R shares
Equivalent to a 52.9% equity interest and a
50% interest in the voting shares
50%
–
100%
% holding as at
31 December
4 Contingent liabilities
There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of joint ventures guaranteed by RELX PLC as follows:
Guaranteed jointly and severally with RELX NV
2015
£m
3,697
2014
£m
3,607
Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 19 of the Group’s
consolidated financial statements.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 155
Independent auditor’s report
to the members of RELX PLC
Opinion on our audit of the parent company financial statements
of RELX PLC (“the Company”)
In our opinion:
§§ the parent company financial statements give a true and fair
view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 December
2015 and of its profit for the year then ended;
§§ the parent company financial statements have been properly
prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101
Reduced Disclosure Framework and in accordance with the
requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
We have audited the financial statements which comprise the
parent company statement of financial position, the parent
company statement of changes in equity, a summary of the parent
company accounting policies and the related notes 1-4. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in their
preparation of the parent company financial statements is
applicable law and Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced
Disclosure Framework.
Our assessment of risks of material misstatement, application
of materiality and overview of the scope of our audit
Given the nature of the RELX PLC and RELX NV legal structure,
our assessment of risks of material misstatement, materiality and
audit scoping for the Group equally applies to the audit of the
parent company financial statements of RELX PLC. See pages
142-143 for further details.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from
material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This
includes an assessment of: whether the accounting policies are
appropriate to the Company’s circumstances and have been
consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the
reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the
directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information
in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with the
audited financial statements and to identify any information that is
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of
performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the
implications for our report.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement,
the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial
statements in accordance with applicable law and International
Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We also comply with
International Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our
audit methodology and tools aim to ensure that our quality control
procedures are effective, understood and applied. Our quality
controls and systems include our dedicated professional standards
review team and independent partner reviews.
We are required to communicate with the Audit Committee
regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant
deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We are also required to provide the Audit Committee with a
statement that we have complied with relevant ethical
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with
them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be
thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable
related safeguards.
This report is made solely to the company’s members, as a body, in
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.
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 auditor’s 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.
Independence
We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s
Ethical Standards for Auditors and we confirm that we are
independent of the group and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with those standards. We also
confirm we have not provided any of the prohibited non-audit
services referred to in those standards.
Going concern and the directors’ assessment of the principal
risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the group
As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the directors’
statement contained on page 75 regarding the appropriateness of
the going concern basis of accounting and the directors’ statement
on the longer-term viability of the Group contained within the
Directors’ Report on page 75. We confirm that given the nature of
the RELX PLC and RELX NV legal structure, our assessment of the
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern equally applies to the
parent company financial statements of RELX PLC.
We agreed with the Directors’ adoption of the going concern basis
of accounting and we did not identify any such material
uncertainties. However, because not all future events or
conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to
the Company’s or Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
OverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other informationFinancial statements and other information Independent auditor’s report
156
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
§§ the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited
has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies
Act 2006; and
§§ the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’
Report for the financial year for which the financial statements
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if,
in our opinion:
§§ we have not received all the information and explanations we
require for our audit; or
§§ adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent
company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
received from branches not visited by us; or
§§ the parent company financial statements are not in agreement
with the accounting records and returns.
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in
our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration have
not been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report
to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting records and
returns. We have nothing to report arising from these matters.
Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review part of
the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s
compliance with certain provisions of the UK Corporate Governance
Code. We have nothing to report arising from our review.
Our duty to read other information in the Annual Report
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland),
we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information
in the Annual Report is:
§§ materially inconsistent with the information in the audited
financial statements; or
§§ apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Company acquired
in the course of performing our audit; or
§§ otherwise misleading.
In particular, we are required to consider whether we have
identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired
during the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider
the Annual Report is fair, balanced and understandable and
whether the Annual Report appropriately discloses those matters
that we communicated to the Audit Committee which we consider
should have been disclosed.
We confirm that we have not identified any such inconsistencies or
misleading statements.
Graham Richardson (Senior statutory auditor)
For and on behalf of
Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
London
United Kingdom
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Financial statements and other information
157
RELX NV
Annual Report and
Financial Statements
In this section
158 Report of the Board
161 Parent company financial statements
162 Parent company accounting policies
163 Notes to the parent company financial
statements
164 Additional information (unaudited)
165 Independent auditor’s report
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158
Report of the Board
The Non-Executive and Executive Directors present their joint
report, together with the financial statements of the Group and of
RELX NV (the Company), for the year ended 31 December 2015.
During the year, the simplification and modernisation of the
Group’s corporate structure, announced in February 2015,
was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.
Effective in July, as part of the modernisation, the Company
changed its name to RELX NV.
RELX PLC and RELX NV are separate, publicly held entities.
RELX PLC’s ordinary shares are listed in London and New York,
and RELX NV’s ordinary shares are listed in Amsterdam and New
York. RELX PLC and RELX NV jointly own RELX Group plc, which,
with effect from February 2015, when RELX NV and RELX PLC
transferred their respective ownership interests in Elsevier Reed
Finance BV to RELX Group plc, held all of RELX Group’s operating
businesses and financing activities. RELX PLC, RELX NV, RELX
Group plc and its subsidiaries joint ventures and associates are
together known as “RELX Group” or “the Group”.
This report of the Board and the parent company financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements and other reports set out on pages 2 to 145,
which are incorporated by reference herein. Summary
consolidated financial information in euros is set out on pages 168
to 169. The consolidated financial statements on pages 94 to 145
are to be considered as part of the notes to the statutory financial
statements. The Annual Report of RELX NV within the meaning of
article 2:391 of the Dutch Civil Code consists of pages 157 to 160
and, incorporated by reference, pages 2 to 145. The Corporate
Governance Statement of RELX NV dated 24 February 2016 is
published on the RELX Group website (www.relx.com) and is
incorporated by reference herein in accordance with the
Vaststellingsbesluit nadere voorschriften inhoud jaarverslag
January 2010 article 2a under 1 sub b.
The shares of RELX PLC and RELX NV are regarded as two
separate classes of share which together form the consolidated
issued share capital of the Group. In calculating earnings per
share of the Group, the earnings for each company are calculated
on a fully distributed basis. The Group’s usual practice is for only a
portion of earnings to be distributed by way of dividends. Dividends
paid to RELX PLC and RELX NV shareholders are, other than in
special circumstances, equalised at the gross level including the
benefit of the prevailing UK attributable tax credit of 10% available
to certain RELX PLC shareholders. The UK Government has
announced that dividend tax credits will be abolished with effect
from 6 April 2016, impacting dividends paid after this date. For
2015, the allocation of earnings between the two classes of shares
reflects this differential in dividend payments declared, with the
balance of earnings assumed to be distributed as a capital
distribution, in equal amounts per share.
As a result of the abolition of the UK tax credit, reported earnings
per share will have the same value for each RELX NV and RELX
PLC share from 2016.
In addition to the reported figures, adjusted profit figures are
presented as additional performance measures used by
management. These exclude the Group’s share of amortisation of
acquired intangible assets, acquisition-related costs, tax in joint
ventures, disposal gains and losses and other non-operating
items, related tax effects, and movements in deferred taxation
assets and liabilities related to acquired intangible assets and
include the benefit of tax amortisation where available on
acquired goodwill and intangible assets.
Parent company financial statements
In accordance with article 2:362(1) of the Dutch Civil Code, the
individual parent company financial statements of RELX NV
(presented on pages 157 to 166) were prepared under Financial
Reporting Standard 101 (FRS 101).
Principal activities
RELX NV is a holding company. Its principal investment is its
direct 47.1% shareholding in RELX Group plc. RELX Group plc
is a global provider of information and analytics for professional
and business customers across industries. The remaining
shareholding in RELX Group plc is held by RELX PLC. A full
description is set out on page 68.
The profit attributable to the shareholders of RELX NV was
€787m (2014: €537m) and net assets as at 31 December 2015,
principally representing the investment in RELX Group plc under
the historical cost method and loans to their subsidiaries were
€4,218m (2014: €4,441m). Free reserves as at 31 December 2015
were €3,946m (2014: €4,192m), comprising reserves and paid-in
surplus less shares held in treasury.
Dividends
The Board is recommending a final dividend of €0.288 per
ordinary share, up 17% compared with the prior year. This gives
total ordinary dividends for the year of €0.403 (2014: €0.589),
up 5% on 2014. The final dividend will be paid on 20 May 2016.
Details of dividend cover and dividend policy are set out on page 58.
Financial statement presentation
The Governing Agreement determines the equalisation ratio
between RELX PLC and RELX NV. Following a bonus issue of
shares in RELX NV, one RELX PLC ordinary share confers an
equivalent economic interest to one RELX NV ordinary share
and this change in the equalisation ratio took effect from 1 July
2015. As a result of these arrangements, all shareholders can
be regarded as having interests in a single economic entity.
Consequently, the Directors have concluded that the Group forms
a single reporting entity for the presentation of consolidated
financial statements. Accordingly, the Group consolidated
financial statements represent the interests of both sets of
shareholders and are presented by both RELX PLC and RELX NV
as their respective consolidated financial statements A review of
the Group’s performance during the year is set out on pages 8 to
39, a summary of the principal risks facing the Group is set out
on pages 60 to 62, and the Group statement on corporate
responsibility is set out on pages 42 to 51.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 159
Share capital
During 2015, 351,009,464 ordinary shares in RELX NV were issued
as follows:
§§ The majority was issued under the bonus issue to implement
the change of the equalisation ratio of RELX PLC to RELX NV
shares to 1 to 1 (0.538 new RELX NV shares for each existing
RELX NV share held as at 30 June 2015, i.e. 349,083,336
new shares)
§§ under convertible debentures at prices between €12.57
and €16.50
§§ under executive share option schemes at prices between
€12.55 and €16.49
Note:
The prices at which shares were issued under convertible
debentures and the executive share option schemes have been
adjusted to take account of the bonus issue.
Information regarding shares outstanding at 31 December 2015
is shown in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements. At
31 December 2015 the total shares held in treasury were 57,113,394.
Another 5,740,212 shares were held by the Employee Benefit Trust.
All issued R Shares in RELX NV, through which RELX PLC held a
5.8% indirect interest in RELX NV, were cancelled effective 1 July
2015 with the consent of the sole holder of the R shares, Reed
Holding B.V. The aggregate nominal value of the cancelled R
shares was repaid by means of transferring 2,898 newly created
non-voting shares in RELX Group plc to Reed Holding B.V.
At the 2015 Annual General Meeting, the shareholders approved
the reduction of the capital of RELX NV by the cancellation of up
to 30m of its shares held in treasury. No shares have been
cancelled on the basis of this authorisation.
Substantial holdings
As at 24 February 2016, based on the public database of and on
notification received from the Netherlands Authority for the
Financial Markets, the Company is aware of interests in the capital
and voting rights of the issued share capital of the Company of at
least 3% by the following persons or organisations:
§§ BlackRock, Inc.
§§ RELX NV
§§ The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation
§§ Causeway Capital Management LLC
§§ FIL Limited
§§ Henderson Group Plc
§§ Jupiter Asset Management Ltd.
Authority to purchase shares
At the 2015 Annual General Meeting, shareholders passed a
resolution delegating authority to the Board to acquire shares in
RELX NV for a period of 18 months from the date of the Annual
General Meeting up to and including 21 October 2016, for the
maximum amount of 10% of the issued capital. During the year,
15,814,850 shares were purchased under this and the previous
delegation of authority. As at 31 December 2015 there were
57,113,394 shares held in treasury, representing 5.45% of the
issued shares. A further 4,088,700 shares were purchased
between 4 January 2016 and the date of this report.
A resolution to renew the delegation of the authority is to be put to
the 2016 Annual General Meeting, together with a proposal for
approval of the reduction of RELX NV’s capital by cancellation of
accumulated shares held in treasury.
Corporate Governance
RELX NV is subject to the Dutch Corporate Governance Code
issued in December 2008 (the Dutch Code). For further
information on the application of the Dutch Code, see the
Corporate Governance Statement of RELX NV published on the
RELX Group website, www.relx.com.
Significant agreements – change of control
The Governing Agreement between RELX NV and RELX PLC states
that upon a change of control of RELX NV (for these purposes,
the acquisition by a third party of 50% or more of the issued share
capital having voting rights), should there not be a comparable
offer from the offeror for RELX PLC, RELX PLC may serve notice
upon RELX NV varying certain provisions of the Governing
Agreement, including the governance and the standstill provisions.
There are a number of borrowing agreements including credit
facilities that in the event of a change of control of both RELX NV
and RELX PLC and, in some cases, a consequential credit rating
downgrade to sub-investment grade may, at the option of the
lenders, require repayment and/or cancellation as appropriate.
Financial statements and accounting records
The financial statements provide a true and fair view of the state
of affairs of RELX NV and the Group as of 31 December 2015 and
of the profit or loss in 2015. In preparing the financial statements,
the Board ensures that suitable accounting policies, consistently
applied and supported by reasonable judgements and estimates,
have been used and applicable accounting standards have been
followed. The Board is 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 Board has
general responsibility for taking reasonable steps to safeguard
the assets of the company and to prevent and detect fraud and
other irregularities.
Internal control
As required under sections II.1.4. and II.1.5. of the Dutch Code, the
Audit Committee and the Board have reviewed the effectiveness
of the systems of internal control and risk management during
the last financial year. 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 outcome of this review has been discussed with the external
auditors. The Board confirmed that as regards financial reporting,
the risk management and control systems provide reasonable
assurance against material inaccuracies or loss and have
functioned properly during the financial year.
Financial statements and other information Report of the BoardOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 160
Directors’ responsibility statement
The Board confirms, to the best of its knowledge, that
Signed by:
E Engstrom (Chief Executive Officer)
N Luff (Chief Financial Officer)
Non-executive directors Executive directors
A Habgood (Chairman)
W Hauser
A Hennah
L Hook
M van Lier Lels
R Polet
L Sanford
B van der Veer
Registered office
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Chamber of Commerce Amsterdam
Register file No: 33155037
24 February 2016
§§ the consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance
with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by
the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted
by the European Union, give a true and fair view of the financial
position and profit or loss of the group; and
§§ the Report of the Board includes a fair review of the
development and performance of the business during the
financial year and the position of the group as at 31 December
2015 together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties that it faces.
Neither RELX NV nor the directors accept any liability to any
person in relation to the Annual Report except to the extent that
such liability arises under Dutch law.
Disclosure of information to auditors
As part of the process of approving the RELX NV 2015 financial
statements, the Board has taken steps to ensure that all relevant
information was provided to the RELX NV auditors and, so far as
the Board is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which
the RELX NV auditors are unaware.
Going concern
For details of the businesses’ cash flows, financial position and
liquidity for the year ended 31 December 2015 and the going
concern assumption, see the Chief Financial Officer’s Report on
pages 54 to 59 and page 75 in the section on corporate governance.
Long-term viability statement
The Directors’ statement regarding the long-term viability of the
Group as required by the UK Corporate Governance Code is set out
on page 75.
Auditors
Deloitte Accountants B.V. will be retiring as the Company's
auditors at the 2016 Annual General Meeting. Following an audit
tender process carried out during 2015, the Board accepted a
recommendation from the Audit Committee that Ernst & Young
Accountants LLP (EY) be proposed to shareholders as auditors of
the Company in respect of the 2016 audit. Further details on the
audit tender process and transitional arrangements for the 2015
audit can be found on page 92 of the Report of the Audit Committees.
Resolutions for the appointment of EY as auditors of the Company
and to authorise the Board to determine their remuneration will
be submitted to the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on
20 April 2016.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Parent company statement of comprehensive income
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Administrative expenses
Operating profit
Dividends received from joint ventures
Finance income from joint ventures
Profit before tax
Tax expense
Net profit for the year
Other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Note
2
2015
€m
(3)
(3)
750
30
777
10
787
–
787
Parent company statement of financial position
before appropriation of profit
161
2014
€m
(3)
(3)
520
25
542
(5)
537
–
537
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Non-current assets
Investments in joint ventures
Current assets
Amounts due from joint ventures – funding
Amounts due from joint ventures – other
Cash
Total assets
Current liabilities
Taxation
Other payables
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Paid-in surplus
Shares held in treasury
Other reserves
Reserves
Net profit
Shareholders’ equity
Note
2015
€m
2014
€m
4
4
4
1
2
4,176
3,608
146
3
–
149
4,325
39
68
107
4,218
73
2,304
(948)
199
1,803
787
4,218
886
3
6
895
4,503
56
6
62
4,441
52
2,309
(635)
197
1,981
537
4,441
Financial statements and other information RELX NVOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 162
Parent company statement of changes in equity
Balance at 1 January 2014
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends paid (4)
Repurchase of shares
Cancellation of shares
Issue of shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
Transfer of net profit to reserves
Balance at 1 January 2015
Total comprehensive income for the year
Dividends paid (4)
Repurchase of shares
Cancellation of shares
Bonus issue of shares
Issue of shares, net of expenses
Equity instruments granted to employees of the Group
Transfer of net profit to reserves
Balance at 31 December 2015
Share
capital
€m
Paid-in
surplus (1)
€m
Shares held
in
treasury
€m
Other
reserves (2)
€m
Net profit (3)
€m
Reserves (3)
€m
55
–
–
–
(3)
–
–
–
52
–
–
–
(3)
24
–
–
–
73
2,276
–
–
–
–
33
–
–
2,309
–
–
–
–
(24)
19
–
–
2,304
(814)
–
–
(361)
540
–
–
–
(635)
–
–
(364)
51
–
–
–
–
(948)
195
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
197
–
–
–
–
–
–
2
–
199
199
537
–
–
–
–
–
(199)
537
787
–
–
–
–
–
–
(537)
787
2,668
–
(349)
–
(537)
–
–
199
1,981
–
(397)
–
(318)
–
–
–
537
1,803
Total
€m
4,579
537
(349)
(361)
–
33
2
–
4,441
787
(397)
(364)
(270)
–
19
2
–
4,218
(1) Within paid–in surplus, an amount of €2,151m (2014: €2,132m) is free of tax.
(2)
Other reserves relate to equity instruments granted to employees of the Group under share based remuneration arrangements.
Other reserves do not form part of free reserves.
Free reserves of the company at 31 December 2015 were €3,946m (2014: €4,192m), comprising net profit reserves and paid–in
surplus less shares held in treasury.
(3)
(4) Refer to note 14 of the RELX Group consolidated financial statements on page 118 for further dividend disclosure.
Parent company accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The parent company financial statements have been prepared on
the historical cost basis. As permitted by 2:362 subsection 1 of the
Dutch Civil Code for companies with international operations, the
parent company financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with FRS 101.
The parent company meets the definition of a qualifying entity
under FRS 100 (Financial Reporting Standard 100) issued by
the Financial Reporting Council, the standard setting body in the
UK. Accordingly, in the year ended 31 December 2015 the company
has changed its accounting framework from UK GAAP to FRS 101
as issued by the Financial Reporting Council and has, in doing so,
applied the requirements of IFRS 1.6-33 and related appendices.
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with
FRS 101 (Financial Reporting Standard 101) ‘Reduced Disclosure
Framework’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council,
incorporating the Amendments to FRS 101 issued by the FRC in
July 2015 and the amendments to Company law made by The
Companies, Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2015 prior to their mandatory effective date of
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.
No material adjustments were made on adoption of FRS 101
in the current year.
As permitted by FRS 101, the company has taken advantage of
the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in
relations to share based payments, financial instruments,
captial management, presentation of comparatice information in
respect of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow statement,
standards not yet effective, impairment of assets and related
party transations.
The parent company financial statements have been prepared on
the historical cost basis.
Unless otherwise stated, the financial statements are in millions
of euros.
The parent company financial statements and notes should
be read in conjunction with the Group consolidated financial
statements and notes presented on pages 99 to 140, which are
also presented as the RELX NV consolidated financial statements.
See the Basis of Preparation of the RELX Group consolidated
financial statements on page 99.
The parent company financial statements are prepared on a going
concern basis, as explained on page 160.
The RELX NV accounting policies under FRS 101 are set out below.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 163
Investments
Fixed asset investments are stated at cost, less provision,
if appropriate, for any impairment in value. The fair value of the
award of share options and conditional shares over RELX NV
ordinary shares to employees of the Group are treated as a
capital contribution.
Other assets and liabilities are stated at historical cost, less
provision, if appropriate, for any impairment in value.
Shares held in treasury
The amount of consideration paid, including directly attributable
costs, for shares repurchased is recognised as shares held in
treasury and presented as a deduction from total equity. Details of
share capital and shares held in treasury are set out in note 26 of
the Group consolidated financial statements.
Foreign exchange translation
Transactions entered into in foreign currencies are recorded at
the exchange rates applicable at the time of the transaction.
Taxation
Refer to note 10 on page 112 of the RELX Group consolidated
financial statements for the taxation accounting policies.
Notes to the parent company financial statements
1 Other payables
Other payables include €5m (2014: €4m) of the Group’s employee convertible debenture loans with a weighted average interest rate of
1.25% (2014: 1.65%). Depending on the conversion terms, the surrender of €200 par value debenture loans qualifies for 50 RELX NV
ordinary shares.
2 Parent company and consolidated financial statements
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
RELX NV parent company profit attributable to shareholders
RELX PLC parent company profit attributable to shareholders
Consolidated net profit attributable to parent companies shareholders
2015
€m
787
918
2014
€m
537
779
1,391
1,184
The difference between the parent company and consolidated profit and loss arises as the parent company profit and loss accounts
include dividends from RELX Group plc and other intra-group transactions (which are eliminated on a consolidated basis) whereas
the RELX Group consolidated net profit includes the consolidated net profit of the Group's subsidiaries and the Group's share of the
results of its joint ventures and associates.
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
RELX NV parent company shareholders’ funds
RELX PLC parent company shareholders' funds
Consolidated shareholders’ equity
2015
€m
4,218
4,235
2014
€m
4,441
3,965
2,916
2,717
The difference between the parent company and consolidated shareholders’ funds arise as the parent company shareholders’ funds
includes the investment in RELX Group plc held at cost less any provision for impairment, and other intra-group transactions, such
as intra-group funding, which eliminate on consolidation, whereas the consolidated equity includes the investment in subsidiaries
and the assets and liabilities (including external borrowings) of the Group as a whole.
3 Related party transactions
All transactions with joint ventures and the Group’s employees which are related parties of RELX NV, are reflected in these financial
statements. Joint ventures are set out in note 4.
Transactions with key management personnel including share based remuneration costs are set out in note 28 to the Group consolidated
financial statements and details of the directors’ remuneration are included in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 77 to 90.
Financial statements and other information RELX NVOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 164
Notes to the parent company financial statements
4 joint venture as at 31 December 2015
RELX Group plc
Incorporated and operating in Great Britain
1-3 Strand
London WC2N 5JR
During 2015 RELX Group plc was a holding company for group financing
activities and operating businesses involved in scientific and medical, risk
and business analytics, legal markets and organisation of trade exhibitions
63,226 ordinary voting shares
15,487 non-voting E shares
21,287 non-voting R shares
Equivalent to a 47.1% equity interest and a
50% interest in the voting shares
50%
100%
–
Investments in joint ventures include equity instruments granted to the Group’s employees of €2m (2014: €2m)
% holding as at
31 December
5 Contingent liabilities
There are contingent liabilities in respect of borrowings of joint ventures guaranteed by RELX NV as follows:
Guaranteed jointly and severally with RELX PLC
2015
€m
5,027
2014
€m
4,653
Financial instruments disclosures in respect of the borrowings covered by the above guarantees are given in note 19 of the Group’s
consolidated financial statements.
6 Auditor’s remuneration
Information on the audit and non-audit fees paid by RELX Group to Deloitte Accountants BV and its associates is set out in note 4 to the
Group’s consolidated financial statements.
7 Events after the balance sheet date
There were no subsequent events.
8 Approval of financial statements
The parent company financial statements were signed and authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 24 February 2016.
A J Habgood
Chairman of the Board
N L Luff
Chief Financial Officer
Additional information (unaudited)
Profit allocation
The Articles of Association provide that distributions of dividend may only be made insofar as the company’s equity exceeds the
amount of the paid in capital, increased by the reserves which must be kept by virtue of the law and may be made in cash or in shares,
at the proposal of the Board. Distribution of dividends on ordinary shares shall be made in proportion to the nominal value of each share.
The Board may resolve what amount of dividend shall be paid on each ordinary share. Distribution of dividends on ordinary shares are
subject to approval at the General Meeting of Shareholders. Details of dividends proposed in relation to the financial year are in note 14
to the consolidated financial statements.
OVERVIEW OF PROFIT FOR THE YEAR AND DIVIDENDS PAID
Final dividend on ordinary shares for prior financial year
Interim dividend on ordinary shares for financial year
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Total
2015
€m
283
114
390
787
2014
€m
249
100
188
537
2013
€m
230
91
(122)
199
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Independent auditors’ report on financial statements
to the shareholders of RELX NV
165
Opinion on our audit of the parent company financial statements
of RELX NV (“the Company”)
We have audited the accompanying 2015 parent company financial
statements of RELX NV, based in Amsterdam.
The parent company financial statements comprise:
1.
2.
the parent company statement of comprehensive income
for the year 2015;
the parent company statement of financial position as at
31 December 2015;
3.
the parent company statement of changes in equity; and
4.
notes comprising a summary of the parent company
accounting policies and other explanatory information and
the related notes 1 to 8.
In our opinion:
§§ the parent company financial statements give a true and fair
view of the financial position of RELX NV as at 31 December
2015 and of its result for the year 2015 in accordance with
Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure
Framework and in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the
Dutch Civil Code.
Basis for Our Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Dutch law, including
the Dutch Standards on Auditing. Our responsibilities under those
standards are further described in the “Our responsibilities for
the audit of the financial statements” section of our report.
We are independent of the Company in accordance with the
Verordening inzake de onafhankelijkheid van accountants bij
assurance-opdrachten (ViO) and other relevant independence
regulations in the Netherlands. Furthermore we have complied with
the Verordening gedrags- en beroepsregels accountants (VGBA).
We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those that, in our professional judgement,
were of most significance in our audit of the parent company
financial statements. We have communicated these key audit
matters to the Audit Committee; the Audit Committee’s
consideration of these risks is set out on page 91. The key audit
matters are not a comprehensive reflection of all matters
discussed. Our audit procedures relating to these matters were
addressed in the context of our audit of the parent company
financial statements as a whole and in forming our opinion
thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these
individual matters. Given the nature of the RELX PLC and RELX
NV legal structure, the key audit matters, our assessed risks of
material misstatement, application of materiality, overview of
the scope of our group audit, and considerations regarding going
concern for the Group equally applies to the audit of the parent
company financial statements of RELX NV. See pages 142-143
for further details.
Responsibilities of Executive Directors and the Non-Executive
Directors for the Financial Statements
Executive directors are responsible for the preparation and fair
presentation of the financial statements and for the preparation
of the report of the board in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2
of the Dutch Civil Code. Furthermore, executive directors are
responsible for such internal control as executive directors
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether
due to fraud or error.
As part of the presentation of the financial statements, executive
directors are responsible for assessing the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern. Based on the financial reporting
frameworks mentioned, executive directors should prepare the
financial statements using the going concern basis of accounting
unless executive directors either intend to liquidate the company
or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Executive directors should disclose events and circumstances
that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to
continue as a going concern.
The non executive directors are responsible for overseeing the
Company’s financial reporting process.
Our responsibility for the audit of the financial statements
Our objective is to plan and perform the audit assignment in a
manner that allows us to obtain sufficient and appropriate audit
evidence for our opinion.
Our audit has been performed with a high, but not absolute, level
of assurance, which means we may not have detected all errors
and fraud.
We have exercised professional judgement and have maintained
professional scepticism throughout the audit, in accordance
with Dutch Standards on Auditing, ethical requirements and
independence requirements.
Financial statements and other information Independent auditor’s reportOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information
166
Our audit included:
§§ identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement
of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error,
designing and performing audit procedures responsive to
those risks, and obtaining audit evidence that is sufficient and
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is
higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations,
or the override of internal control.
§§ obtaining an understanding of internal control relevant to the
audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate
in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control.
§§ evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used
and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related
disclosures made by management.
§§ concluding on the appropriateness of management’s use of
the going concern basis of accounting and based on the audit
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists
related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt
on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we
conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to
draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures
in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based
on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s
report. However, future events or conditions may cause the
Company to cease to continue as a going concern.
§§ evaluating the overall presentation, structure and content of
the financial statements, including the disclosures; and
§§ evaluating whether the financial statements represent the
underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves
fair presentation.
We communicate with the non executive directors regarding,
among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit
and significant audit findings, including any significant findings
in internal control that we identify during our audit.
We provide the non executive directors with a statement that we
have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding
independence and communicated with them all relationships and
other matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our
independence, including where applicable, related safeguards.
From the matters communicated with the non executive directors we
determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit
of the financial statements of the current period and are therefore
the key audit matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s
report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure
about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances,
not communicating the matter is in the public interest.
Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements
Report of the Board and the Other Information
Pursuant to legal requirements of Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch
Civil Code (concerning our obligation to report about the report of
the board and other data), we declare that:
§§ we have no deficiencies to report as a result of our examination
whether the report of the board, to the extent we can assess,
has been prepared in accordance with Part 9 of Book 2 of the
Dutch Civil Code, and whether the information as required of
Part 9 of Book 2 of the Dutch Civil Code has been annexed.
§§ further we report that the report of the board report, to the
extent we can assess, is consistent with the financial
statements.
Engagement
We were engaged by the Audit Committee as auditor of RELX NV
on 22 July 2015, for the audit of the financial year ended 31
December 2015 and have operated as statutory auditor since 1994.
Deloitte Accountants BV
M.J. van der Vegte RA
Amsterdam
The Netherlands
24 February 2016
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Financial statements and other information
167
Other financial
information
In this section
168 Summary financial information in euros
169 Summary financial information in
US dollars
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168
Summary financial information in euros
Basis of preparation
The Group’s consolidated financial information is presented in sterling. The summary financial information is a simple translation of
the Group’s consolidated financial statements into euros at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below is
prepared under IFRS as used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
EXCHANGE RATES FOR TRANSLATION
Euro to sterling
Consolidated income statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjusted earnings per ordinary share
Basic earnings per ordinary share
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Net dividend per ordinary share paid in the year
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Net dividend per ordinary share paid and proposed in relation to the financial year
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Consolidated statement of cash flows
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Net cash from operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Adjusted cash flow
Consolidated statement of financial position
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets held for sale
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Total liabilities
Net assets
Income statement
Statement of financial
position
2015
1.38
2014
1.24
2013
1.18
2015
1.36
2014
1.29
2015
€m
8,240
2,066
1,811
1,391
2,514
2,303
1,760
€0.835
2014
€m
7,159
1,738
1,523
1,184
2,156
1,974
1,504
€0.698
2013
€m
7,121
1,624
1,412
1,310
2,064
1,855
1,413
€0.639
€0.640
€0.682
€0.533
€0.568
€0.578
€0.609
€0.364
€0.400
€0.309
€0.341
€0.279
€0.305
€0.410
€0.403
€0.322
€0.383
€0.290
€0.329
2015
€m
1,942
(582)
(1,552)
(192)
356
(192)
2
166
2,363
2014
€m
1,707
(700)
(831)
176
158
176
22
356
2,061
2015
€m
12,591
2,600
21
15,212
5,680
6,558
12
12,250
2,962
2013
€m
1,636
(373)
(1,891)
(628)
788
(628)
(2)
158
2,010
2014
€m
11,805
2,497
–
14,302
5,077
6,465
3
11,545
2,757
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Summary financial information in US dollars
169
Basis of preparation
The Group’s consolidated financial information is presented in sterling. The summary financial information is a simple translation of
the Group’s consolidated financial statements into US dollars at the stated rates of exchange. The financial information provided below
is prepared under IFRS as used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. It does not represent a restatement under
US GAAP which would be different in some significant respects.
EXCHANGE RATES FOR TRANSLATION
US dollars to sterling
Consolidated income statement
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Revenue
Operating profit
Profit before tax
Net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted profit before tax
Adjusted net profit attributable to parent companies’ shareholders
Adjusted earnings per American Depositary Share (ADS)
Basic earnings per ADS
RELX PLC (Each ADS comprises one ordinary share)
RELX NV (Each ADS comprises one ordinary share)
Net dividend per ADS paid in the year
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Net dividend per ADS paid and proposed in relation to the financial year
RELX PLC
RELX NV
Consolidated statement of cash flows
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER
Net cash from operating activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Movement in cash and cash equivalents
At start of year
(Decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Exchange translation differences
At end of year
Adjusted cash flow
Consolidated statement of financial position
AS AT 31 DECEMBER
Non-current assets
Current assets
Assets held for sale
Total assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Total liabilities
Net assets
Income statement
Statement of financial
position
2015
1.53
2014
1.65
2013
1.56
2015
1.47
2014
1.56
2015
US$m
9,136
2,290
2,007
1,542
2,788
2,554
1,951
$0.926
$0.710
$0.756
$0.404
$0.444
2014
US$m
9,525
2,313
2,028
1,576
2,869
2,627
2,001
$0.929
$0.710
$0.756
$0.412
$0.454
2013
US$m
9,415
2,147
1,866
1,732
2,728
2,452
1,867
$0.844
$0.764
$0.805
$0.369
$0.403
$0.437
$0.439
$0.429
$0.510
$0.384
$0.435
2015
US$m
2,153
(646)
(1,720)
(213)
431
(213)
(39)
179
2,619
2014
US$m
2,272
(932)
(1,106)
234
219
234
(22)
431
2,742
2015
US$m
13,609
2,811
22
16,442
6,139
7,088
13
13,240
3,202
2013
US$m
2,162
(493)
(2,499)
(830)
1,038
(830)
11
219
2,657
2014
US$m
14,276
3,020
–
17,296
6,140
7,819
3
13,962
3,334
Financial statements and other information Combined financial statementsOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 170
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Financial statements and other information Shareholder information
171
171
Shareholder
information
In this section
172 Shareholder information
174 Shareholder information and contacts
175 2016 financial calendar
176 Principal operating locations
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Reed Elsevier Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2014
172
Shareholder information
RELX Group corporate structure simplification and parent
company name changes
In July 2015, RELX Group implemented its corporate structure
simplification and name changes, as announced in February
2015 and approved at the Annual General Meetings of the parent
companies in April 2015. As of 1 July 2015, Reed Elsevier PLC
and Reed Elsevier NV formally changed their names to RELX
PLC and RELX NV respectively.
Annual Reports and Financial Statements 2015
The RELX Group Annual Reports and consolidated Financial
Statements for RELX PLC and RELX NV for the year ended
31 December 2015, and the Corporate Governance Statement
of RELX NV are available on the Group’s website, and from the
registered offices of the respective parent companies shown on
page 174. Additional financial information, including the interim
and full-year results announcements, trading updates and
presentations is also available on the Group’s website,
www.relx.com.
The consolidated financial statements set out in the Annual
Reports and Financial Statements are expressed in sterling,
with summary financial information expressed in euros and
US dollars. The financial statements of RELX PLC and RELX NV
are expressed in sterling and euros respectively.
Interim results
RELX PLC and RELX NV no longer publish interim results in hard
copy. The interim results are available on the Group’s website,
www.relx.com.
Share price information
RELX PLC’s ordinary shares are quoted on the London Stock
Exchange.
RELX NV’s ordinary shares are quoted on the Euronext
Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
The RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares are quoted on the New
York Stock Exchange in the form of American Depositary Shares
(ADSs), evidenced by American Depositary Receipts (ADRs).
Following the implementation of the Group’s corporate structure
simplification on 1 July 2015, the RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs
each represent one RELX PLC or one RELX NV ordinary share
respectively. The table below sets out the current and former
ADR and ordinary share ratios.
To 30 June 2015
From 1 July 2015
ADR Ratios to ordinary shares
PLC ADRs
NV ADRs
1:4
1:1
1:2
1:1
The RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary share prices and the ADR
prices may be obtained from the Group’s website, other online
sources and the financial pages of some newspapers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT THE ‘INVESTOR
CENTRE’ SECTION OF THE GROUP’S WEBSITE
WWW.RELX.COM/INVESTORCENTRE
Information for RELX PLC ordinary
shareholders
Shareholder services
The RELX PLC ordinary share register is administered by Equiniti
Limited. Equiniti provides a free online portal for shareholders at
www.shareview.co.uk. Shareview allows shareholders to monitor
the value of their shareholdings, view their dividend payments and
submit dividend mandate instructions. Shareholders can also
submit their proxy voting instructions ahead of company meetings,
as well as update their personal contact details. Shareview
Dealing provides a share purchase and sale facility. Equiniti’s
contact details are shown on page 174.
Electronic communications
While hard copy shareholder communications continue to be
available to those shareholders requesting them, in accordance
with the Companies Act 2006 and the Company's articles of
association, RELX PLC uses the Group’s website as the main
method of communicating with shareholders. By registering their
details online at Shareview, shareholders can be notified by email
when shareholder communications are published on the Group’s
website. Shareholders can also use the Shareview website to
appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf at shareholder meetings.
Shareholders who hold their RELX PLC shares through CREST
may appoint proxies for shareholder meetings through the CREST
electronic proxy appointment service by using the procedures
described in the CREST manual.
Dividend mandates
Shareholders are encouraged to have their dividends paid
directly into a UK bank or building society account. This method
of payment reduces the risk of delay or loss of dividend cheques
in the post and ensures the account is credited on the dividend
payment date. A dividend mandate form can be obtained online
at www.shareview.co.uk, or by contacting Equiniti at the address
shown on page 174.
Equiniti has established a service for overseas shareholders in
over 90 countries, which enables shareholders to have their
dividends automatically converted from sterling and paid directly
into their nominated bank account. Further details of this service,
and the fees applicable, are available at www.shareview.co.uk or
by contacting Equiniti at the address shown on page 174.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Shareholders can choose to reinvest their RELX PLC dividends
by purchasing further shares through the Dividend Reinvestment
Plan (DRIP) provided by Equiniti. Further information concerning
the DRIP facility, together with the terms and conditions and an
application form can be obtained online at www.shareview.co.uk/
dividends or by contacting Equiniti at the address shown on
page 174.
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 173
How to avoid share fraud and boiler room scams
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has issued some guidance
on how to recognise and avoid investment fraud:
§§ Legitimate firms authorised by the FCA are unlikely to contact
you unexpectedly with an offer to buy or sell shares.
§§ If you receive an unsolicited phone call, do not get into a
conversation, note the name of the person and firm contacting
you and then end the call.
§§ Check the Financial Services Register available at
www.fca.org.uk to see if the person and firm contacting
you is authorised by the FCA. If you wish to call the person or
firm back, only use the contact details listed on the Register.
§§ Call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 if the firm does not have any
contact details on the Register, or if you are told that they are
out of date.
§§ Search the list of unauthorised firms to avoid at
www.fca.org.uk/scams.
§§ If you do buy or sell shares through an unauthorised firm, you
will not have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service or the
Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
§§ Consider obtaining independent financial and professional
advice before you hand over any money. If it sounds too good to
be true it probably is.
How to report a scam
If you are approached by fraudsters, please tell the FCA using the
share fraud reporting form at www.fca.org.uk/scams, where you
can find out more about investment scams. You can also call the
FCA Consumer Helpline on 0800 111 6768.
If you have already paid money to share fraudsters, you should
contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Share dealing service
A telephone and internet dealing service is available through
Equiniti, which provides a simple way for UK resident shareholders
to buy or sell RELX PLC shares. For telephone dealing call 0345 603
7037 between 8.30am and 5.30pm (UK time), Monday to Friday,
and for internet dealing log on to www.shareview.co.uk/dealing.
You will need your shareholder account number shown on your
dividend tax voucher.
Individual savings account
A single company ISA for RELX PLC shares is available through
Equiniti. Details may be obtained from www.shareview.co.uk/ISA,
by writing to Equiniti at the address shown on page 174, or by calling
their ISA helpline on 0371 384 2244 between 8.30am and 5.30pm
(UK time), Monday to Friday.
ShareGift
The Orr Mackintosh Foundation operates a charity share donation
scheme for shareholders with small parcels of shares whose value
makes it uneconomic to sell them. Details of the scheme can be
obtained from the ShareGift website at www.sharegift.org, or by
telephoning ShareGift on 020 7930 3737.
Sub-division of ordinary shares and share consolidation
On 28 July 1986, each RELX PLC ordinary share of £1 nominal value
was sub-divided into four ordinary shares of 25p each. On 2 May
1997, each 25p ordinary share was sub-divided into two ordinary
shares of 12.5p each. On 7 January 2008, the ordinary shares of
12.5p each were consolidated on the basis of 58 new ordinary
shares of 1451⁄116p nominal value for every 67 ordinary shares of
12.5p each held.
Capital gains tax
The mid-market price of RELX PLC’s £1 ordinary shares on
31 March 1982 was 282p. Adjusting for the sub-divisions and share
consolidation referred to above results in an equivalent mid-market
price of 40.72p for each existing ordinary share of 1451⁄116p
nominal value.
Warning to shareholders –
unsolicited investment advice
§§ From time to time shareholders may receive unsolicited calls
from fraudsters.
§§ Fraudsters use persuasive and high-pressure tactics to lure
investors into scams, sometimes known as boiler room scams.
§§ They may offer to sell shares that turn out to be worthless or
non-existent, or to buy shares at an inflated price in return for
an upfront payment.
§§ While high profits are promised, if you buy or sell shares in this
way you will probably lose your money.
§§ 5,000 people contact the Financial Conduct Authority about
share fraud each year, with victims losing an average of
£20,000.
Financial statements and other information Shareholder informationOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 174
Shareholder information and contacts
Information for RELX NV ordinary
shareholders
Information for RELX PLC and RELX NV
ADR holders
Shareholder services
Enquiries from holders of RELX NV registered ordinary shares
in relation to share transfers, dividends, change of address and
bank accounts should be directed to the Company Secretary of
RELX NV, at the registered office address shown below.
Dividends
Dividends on RELX NV ordinary shares are declared and paid in
euros. Registered shareholders in RELX NV will receive dividends
from the company by transmission to the bank account which they
have notified to the Company. Dividends on shares in bearer form
are paid through the intermediary of a bank or broker.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
By instructing their bank or intermediary, shareholders can
choose to reinvest their RELX NV dividends by purchasing further
shares through the Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) provided
by ABN AMRO Bank NV. Further information concerning the DRIP
facility can be obtained online at www.securitiesinfo.com.
Consolidation of ordinary shares
On 7 January 2008, the RELX NV ordinary shares of €0.06 each
were consolidated on the basis of 58 new ordinary shares of €0.07
each for every 67 ordinary shares of €0.06 each held.
The RELX PLC and RELX NV ADR Depositary is Citibank NA.
Ratio to ordinary shares
Trading symbol
CUSIP code
PLC ADRs
1:1
RELX
NV ADRs
1:1
RENX
759530108
75955B102
ADR shareholder services
Enquiries concerning RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs should be
addressed to the ADR Depositary at the address shown below.
Dividends
Dividend payments on RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs are
converted into US dollars by the ADR Depositary.
Annual Report on Form 20-F
The RELX Group Annual Report on Form 20-F is filed
electronically with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission. A copy of the Form 20-F is available on the Group’s
website, or from the ADR Depositary at the address shown below.
RELX PLC
Head Office and Registered Office
1-3 Strand
London WC2N 5JR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7166 5500
Fax: +44 (0)20 7166 5799
Auditors
Deloitte LLP
2 New Street Square
London EC4A 3BZ
United Kingdom
Registrar
Equiniti Limited
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing BN99 6DA
West Sussex
United Kingdom
WWW.SHAREVIEW.CO.UK
Tel: 0371 384 2960 (UK callers)
Tel: +44 121 415 7047 (callers outside the UK)
RELX NV
Head Office and Registered Office
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 485 2222
Fax: +31 (0)20 485 2032
Auditors
Deloitte Accountants BV
Gustav Mahlerlaan 2970
1081 LA Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Listing/paying agent
ABN AMRO Bank NV
Gustav Mahlerlaan 10
1082 PP Amsterdam
The Netherlands
WWW.SECURITIESINFO.COM
RELX PLC and RELX NV ADR Depositary
Citibank Depositary Receipt Services
PO Box 43077
Providence, RI 02940-3077
USA
WWW.CITI.COM/DR
Email: citibank@shareholders-online.com
Tel: +1 877 248 4327
+1 781 575 4555 (callers outside the US)
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 2016 financial calendar
175
25 February Results announcement for the year ended 31 December 2015
20 April
20 April
Trading update issued in relation to the 2016 financial year
RELX NV Annual General Meeting – Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel & Conference Center, Schiphol Boulevard 101,
1118 BG Amsterdam
RELX PLC Annual General Meeting – Millennium Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London W1K 2HP
Ex-dividend date – 2015 final dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs
Ex-dividend date – 2015 final dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares
Record date – 2015 final dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares and ADRs
Payment date – 2015 final dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares
Payment date – 2015 final dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs
Interim results announcement for the six months to 30 June 2016
Ex-dividend date – 2016 interim dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs
Ex-dividend date – 2016 interim dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares
Record date – 2016 interim dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares and ADRs
Payment date – 2016 interim dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ordinary shares
Payment date – 2016 interim dividend, RELX PLC and RELX NV ADRs
21 April
27 April
28 April
29 April
20 May
25 May
28 July
3 August
4 August
5 August
26 August
31 August
Dividend History
The following tables set out dividends paid (or proposed) in relation to the three financial years 2013–2015.
ORDINARY SHARES
Final dividend for 2015*
Interim dividend for 2015
Final dividend for 2014
Interim dividend for 2014
Final dividend for 2013
Interim dividend for 2013
pence per PLC ordinary share
€ per NV ordinary share
Payment date
22.30
7.40
19.00
7.00
17.95
6.65
0.288
0.115
0.285
0.098
0.243
0.086
20 May 2016
28 August 2015
22 May 2015
28 August 2014
23 May 2014
29 August 2013
* Proposed dividend, to be submitted for approval at the respective Annual General Meetings of RELX PLC and RELX NV in April 2016.
ADRs
Final dividend for 2015
Interim dividend for 2015
Final dividend for 2014
Interim dividend for 2014
Final dividend for 2013
Interim dividend for 2013
$ per PLC ADR
$ per NV ADR
Payment date
**
0.11356
0.29382
0.11600
0.30230
0.10300
**
0.12836
0.31338
0.12923
0.33125
0.11362
25 May 2016
2 September 2015
28 May 2015
4 September 2014
30 May 2014
5 September 2013
** Payment will be determined using the appropriate £/US$ and €/US$ exchange rate on 20 May 2016.
Notes:
The dividend rates shown for RELX NV ordinary shares and ADRs are gross dividend rates before the deduction of Dutch withholding tax.
RELX NV undertook a bonus share issue of 0.538 RELX NV shares for every existing RELX NV ordinary share held and changed its ADR
ratio to 1:1 (previously 1:2) effective from 1 July 2015. The dividend rates for ordinary shares have been adjusted to take account of the
bonus issue and the dividend rates for ADRs have been adjusted to take account of the bonus issue and the ADR ratio change.
The dividend rates for PLC ADRs have been adjusted to take account of the ADR ratio change to 1:1 (previously 1:4).
Financial statements and other information Shareholder informationOverviewBusiness reviewFinancial reviewGovernanceFinancial statements and other information 176
Principal operating locations
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
1000 Alderman Drive
Alpharetta, GA 30005
USA
WWW.LEXISNEXIS.COM/RISK
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
230 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10169
USA
WWW.LEXISNEXIS.COM
9443 Springboro Pike
Miamisburg, OH 45342
USA
Lexis House
30 Farringdon Street
London EC4A 4HH
United Kingdom
WWW.LEXISNEXIS.CO.UK
2F Building H UP-Ayalaland TechnoHub
Commonwealth Avenue
Diliman, Q. C.
Philippines
Reed Exhibitions
Gateway House
28 The Quadrant
Richmond
Surrey TW9 1DN
United Kingdom
WWW.REEDEXPO.COM
RELX Group
1-3 Strand
London WC2N 5JR
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7166 5500
Fax: +44 (0)20 7166 5799
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)20 485 2222
Fax: +31 (0)20 485 2032
230 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10169
USA
Tel: +1 212 309 8100
Fax: +1 212 309 8187
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR CONTACT DETAILS,
PLEASE CONSULT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.RELX.COM
Elsevier
Radarweg 29
1043 NX Amsterdam
The Netherlands
WWW.ELSEVIER.COM
The Boulevard
Langford Lane
Kidlington
Oxford OX5 1GB
United Kingdom
125 London Wall
London EC2Y 5AJ
United Kingdom
1600 John F. Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1800
Philadelphia, PA 19103
USA
3251 Riverport Lane
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
USA
RELX Group Annual reports and financial statements 2015 Credits
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RELX Group and the RE symbol are trade marks of RELX Intellectual Properties SA, used under license.