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INM Independent News & Media Plc

0.0919
0.00 (0.00%)
23 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Independent News & Media Plc LSE:INM London Ordinary Share IE00B59HWB19 ORD EUR0.01
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 0.0919 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Independent News & Media PLC Interim Results (7150O)

23/08/2017 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Independent News & Media (LSE:INM)
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TIDMINM

RNS Number : 7150O

Independent News & Media PLC

23 August 2017

PROFIT BEFORE TAX OF EUR14.9M, CASH BALANCE GROWS TO EUR95.7M

Dublin and London 23 August 2017: Independent News & Media PLC (INM ID, INM LN) today announces its half year results for the 6 months ended 30 June 2017.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

 
 (EURm except where           H1 2017   H1 2016    Change 
  stated) 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 Total revenue                 148.1     161.6     -8.4% 
 Profit before tax(1)          14.9      18.5      -19.5% 
 Operating Margin(1)           9.8%      10.9%    -110 bps 
 Basic & Diluted 
  EPS(1)                       1.0c      1.2c      -0.2c 
 Cash and Cash Equivalents     95.7      62.4      +33.3 
 Net Assets                    80.1      37.3      +42.8 
---------------------------  --------  --------  --------- 
 
   --    Total revenue of EUR148.1m, down 8.4% 

Total revenue of EUR148.1m was down 8.4% on the prior year. This was primarily driven by a decline in distribution revenues of 9.0% and a decline in total advertising revenues of 7.8%. Within total advertising, publishing advertising revenues declined by 10.9% partially offset by digital advertising revenue growth of 6.3%. Circulation revenues declined by 7.5%.

   --    Digital Revenues 

Although the Group has seen strong growth in the CarsIreland.ie operation, digital revenues have grown at a lower rate than previously envisaged. Growth has primarily come from programmatic advertising and INM's classified businesses as digital advertising yield continues to be impacted by growth in Mobile traffic and the move away from direct transactional selling.

   --    Profit before tax(1) EUR14.9m, down 19.5% 

Profit before tax(1) decreased by 19.5% to EUR14.9m primarily due to continued revenue challenges. However, this was somewhat mitigated by cost saving plans put in place. Earnings per share(1) decreased during the period by 0.2c to 1.0c.

   --    Libel and legal costs 

Operating costs were negatively impacted by the level of recent awards in libel cases, particularly those relating to historic Sunday World cases. This, coupled with costs associated with the Independent Review and meeting the requirements of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement ("ODCE"), impacted operating costs by c.EUR2.5m in the 6 months to 30 June 2017.

   --    Significant decrease in operating costs 

Pre-distribution operating costs(1) , excluding the aforementioned libel and legal costs, decreased by EUR6.7m (-7.2%) due to cost saving plans that have been put in place throughout the Group in order to mitigate the forecast revenue declines.

   --    Operating profit 

Underlying operating profit(1) , which excludes the aforementioned libel and legal costs, decreased by 2.8%. The continued revenue decline was mitigated due to cost saving plans and the diversification from low margin newspaper deliveries to higher margin non-news items in the distribution business. The Group's operating margin(1) decreased by 1.1% to 9.8%.

(1) Before exceptionals.

(2) ABC Jan to June 2017.

(3) Per Google Analytics.

   --    Balance sheet strengthened 

The Group ended the period with increased net assets of EUR80.1m (+EUR42.8m year on year). This was driven by an increased cash balance of EUR95.7m, up EUR33.3m year on year, primarily from EBITDA performance and the sale of property, plant and equipment, somewhat offset by outflows relating to provisions/working capital, capital expenditure, income tax and exceptional expenditure outflow. Additionally, the Group and the Trustees of two of its Republic of Ireland defined benefit pension schemes have reached an agreement to commence the wind-up of the schemes. The agreement will bring certainty for the future for both the Group and the scheme members.

   --    Exceptional Gain 

The Group recorded a total net exceptional gain of EUR2.2m, which included:

Ø A retirement benefits accounting adjustment of EUR3.1m with an associated deferred tax charge of EUR0.4m;

Ø A charge of EUR0.4m related to miscellaneous restructuring costs, primarily redundancy costs in the Island of Ireland; and

Ø A charge of EUR0.1m for acquisition related expenses.

   --    Dividend 

The Directors are not proposing a dividend for 2017.

STATEMENTS

Leslie Buckley, Chairman, Independent News & Media PLC, said: "The operating environment in the media industry remains challenging. We believe that issues need to be addressed, such as consolidation in the industry, the high level of libel awards and the need for traditional publishers to pursue stronger rights to demand payment for the use of their content from digital giants Google and Facebook.

I am pleased to report that during the period under review the Group and the Trustees of two of INM's Republic of Ireland defined benefit pension schemes reached agreement to commence the wind-up of the schemes. This agreement will bring certainty for the future for both the scheme members and the Group.

In spite of the numerous challenges facing INM, the Group's balance sheet has been further strengthened. This is a testament to the hard work of each employee in INM, for which I sincerely thank them. Their commitment is essential for the Group to lead in what is a challenged sector."

Robert Pitt, Group Chief Executive Officer, Independent News & Media PLC, said: "The continued challenging trading conditions from the decline in circulation and publishing advertising have been magnified by the impact of a very punitive defamation regime and legal costs. Whilst digital revenues have grown, the growth is at a lower rate than previously envisaged. Despite this, the Group still operates a strong underlying business with profit before tax of EUR14.9 million and strong cash generation.

The success of the Group is in no small part due to the hard work and dedication of its people, to whom I am very grateful for their continued commitment."

Outlook

The media industry continues to face challenging trading conditions across publishing advertising and circulation revenues along with the slow down in digital revenue growth. However, despite ongoing challenges facing INM, the Group anticipates an EBIT performance in 2017 in line with revised market expectations following the trading statement issued in July 2017.

(1) Before exceptionals.

(2) ABC Jan to June 2017.

(3) Per Google Analytics.

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Publishing performance

-- The Irish Independent continues to lead the quality daily market with an ABC(2) of 94,502, maintaining its No.1 position. It has 51% of the daily quality market in the Republic of Ireland and sells more copies per day on average than The Irish Times and Irish Examiner combined.

-- The Sunday Independent, which recorded an ABC(2) of 185,080, has c.63% of the Sunday quality market and remains by far the biggest selling quality Sunday newspaper, while also providing the largest regular audience on the island of Ireland across any advertising platform.

-- The Sunday World is the nation's largest tabloid with an ABC(2) of 143,503 (c.45% of the Sunday popular market). It continues to lead the way in investigative journalism and the popular Magazine and is now also available to readers in Northern Ireland.

-- The Herald holds the position as the No.1 popular title for Dubliners with an ABC(2) of 39,093. The newspaper benefits from rich local community connections and has delighted customers with an improved racing package.

-- INM Regional newspapers are market leaders in every region where they publish (Kerry, Wexford, Sligo and Drogheda/Dundalk). Advertising revenue in H1 has remained strong despite the challenging environment with top quality local editorial content driving circulation numbers.

-- The Star is one of Ireland's most popular daily tabloid newspapers with an ABC(2) of 50,649 and c.23% of the daily popular market.

-- In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Telegraph, Northern Ireland's leading daily newspaper, continues to maintain its strong share of the newspaper category. Sunday Life, won the highest possible accolade as winner of UK Regional Newspaper of the Year, and strongly reaffirmed its position as Northern Ireland's leading indigenous Sunday newspaper.

-- INM NI Magazines portfolio which includes Ulster Business, Hospitality Review NI, Ulster Grocer and Northern Woman has also enjoyed a resurgence increasing its market share. Ulster Business, Hospitality Review NI and Ulster Grocer remain circulation leaders in their respective Business to Business categories in Northern Ireland.

-- While Newspread's (distribution) revenue has declined due the continued contraction of the circulation market, its diversification into adjacent categories remains successful with operating profit increasing 4.8% on the prior year. It was appointed the exclusive wholesale distributor of books to Tesco Ireland in late 2016. The recently launched Home Delivery service, for both INM and third party publishers, and the consumables packaging offering have also been a success. Newspread was the successful bidder in the recent Local Government Management Agency tender for the collection, sorting and delivery of Library items.

(1) Before exceptionals.

(2) ABC Jan to June 2017.

(3) Per Google Analytics.

Digital performance

-- Traffic on the Group's flagship news platform, independent.ie grew by 19% year on year, fuelled by continuous user experience improvements and the launch of new offerings such as farmireland.ie. Every week 3.6m users consume news from independent.ie. The iOS and Android native news apps now serve an average of 100m combined screenviews per month to over 300,000 people.

-- Digital revenue in the Group has increased 6.3% year on year. CarsIreland.ie continues to enjoy strong revenue growth while digital revenue growth elsewhere has moderated. Customer trends are leaning towards programmatic advertising and INM's classified businesses as digital advertising yield continues to be impacted by growth in Mobile traffic and the move away from direct transactional selling.

-- The Group has adapted quickly to rapidly evolving digital advertising market trends by introducing new solutions enabling advertisers to purchase access to the most valuable audience segments via real time auctions - programmatic trading. INM is currently the only publisher in Ireland to offer artificial intelligence ("AI") powered campaign optimisation facilities, delivering improved engagement in targeted campaigns.

-- We continue to build out classified and transactional revenue lines to further monetise the audiences attracted to INM's publishing brands. New event formats are planned including the recently-launched PlayersXpo, a large gaming exhibition to be held in the Dublin Convention Centre in October.

-- belfasttelegraph.co.uk, Northern Ireland's leading commercial news website, continued to enjoy strong audience and commercial success with revenue growth year on year and visits reaching a total of 43m in Jan-June 2017 resulting in a 19% growth year on year. Recruitment and property sites in Northern Ireland, nijobfinder.co.uk and propertynews.com, both showed continued revenue growth.

-- Carsireland.ie continues to increase its traffic, engagement rate and its offering as one of the leading online classified platforms in the Republic of Ireland for motor vehicles. In 2017 CarsIreland.ie invested in data analytics capabilities and continues to develop automated business processes for dealers and car buyers.

-- Responding to the growing demands from brands for higher quality digital video content, INM has partnered with ShinAwiL to establish a joint venture called Offscript. This new partnership aims to disrupt the market by bringing broadcast quality content production to digital-first channels. The business which will be launched in September, is subject to approval by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Board has now received a report from the confidential independent review, which was established to examine and inquire into matters concerning the possible acquisition of Newstalk and related matters. The subject matter and recommendations from the independent review are currently being considered by the Board.

The Company continues to comply with requirements from the ODCE and is taking all necessary steps to meet the ODCE's requests. The Company does not intend to comment further regarding the ODCE and the independent review.

There were no events since the period end that would require disclosure or adjustment in the financial statements.

- Ends -

(1) Before exceptionals.

(2) ABC Jan to June 2017.

(3) Per Google Analytics.

For further information, contact:

 
 MEDIA                       INVESTORS & ANALYSTS 
 Brian Bell                  Robert Pitt 
  Wilson Hartnell             Group Chief Executive Officer 
  +353 1 669 0030 (office)    Independent News & Media PLC 
  brian.bell@ogilvy.com       +353 1 466 3200 
                              robert.pitt@inmplc.com 
                             Ryan Preston 
                              Group Chief Financial Officer 
                              Independent News & Media PLC 
                              +353 1 466 3200 
                              ryan.preston@inmplc.com 
 
 

NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING-STATEMENTS

Some statements in this announcement are forward-looking. They represent our expectations for our business and involve risks and uncertainties. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. We believe that our expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which are in some cases beyond our control, our actual results or performance, may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document and no obligation is undertaken, save as required by law or by the Listing Rules of the Irish Stock Exchange and/or the UK Listing Authority, to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

ABOUT INDEPENT NEWS & MEDIA PLC

INM is a market-leading media Group in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with a strong newspaper and digital presence. INM is the largest newspaper contract printer, leading online news publisher and wholesale newspaper distributor on the island of Ireland. It manages gross assets of EUR225.3m and employs approximately 800 people.

INDEPENT NEWS & MEDIA PLC - CONDENSED INTERIM GROUP FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONDENSED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT (unaudited)

 
                                                 Six months ended 30                    Six months ended 30 
                                                       June 2017                              June 2016 
                                               Before                                 Before 
                                          Exceptional   Exceptional              Exceptional   Exceptional 
                                                Items        Items*     Total          Items        Items*     Total 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
                                 Notes           EURm          EURm      EURm           EURm          EURm      EURm 
 Revenue                           3            148.1             -     148.1          161.6             -     161.6 
 Operating (costs)/income                     (133.6)           2.6   (131.0)        (144.0)         (1.3)   (145.3) 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
 Operating profit/(loss)           3             14.5           2.6      17.1           17.6         (1.3)      16.3 
 Share of results of 
  associates 
  and joint ventures                              0.3             -       0.3            0.6             -       0.6 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
                                                 14.8           2.6      17.4           18.2         (1.3)      16.9 
 Finance income/(expense): 
    - Finance income               4              0.1             -       0.1            0.3           2.9       3.2 
    - Finance expense              4                -             -         -              -         (0.6)     (0.6) 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
 Profit before taxation                          14.9           2.6      17.5           18.5           1.0      19.5 
 
 Taxation (charge)/credit                       (0.9)         (0.4)     (1.3)          (1.4)           0.2     (1.2) 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
 Profit for the period                           14.0           2.2      16.2           17.1           1.2      18.3 
                                        =============  ============  ========  =============  ============  ======== 
 
 Profit attributable to: 
 Non-controlling interests                        0.1             -       0.1              -             -         - 
 Equity holders of the Company                   13.9           2.2      16.1           17.1           1.2      18.3 
                                        -------------  ------------  --------  -------------  ------------  -------- 
                                                 14.0           2.2      16.2           17.1           1.2      18.3 
                                        =============  ============  ========  =============  ============  ======== 
 
 
   Profit per ordinary share 
   (cent) 
   - Basic & Diluted                6                                    1.2c                                   1.3c 
                                                                     ========                               ======== 
 

* See note 5 for further information. The notes to the condensed interim Group financial statements on pages 11 to 26 form an integral part of this financial information.

CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (unaudited)

 
                                                Six        Six 
                                             months     months 
                                              ended      ended 
                                            30 June    30 June 
                                               2017       2016 
                                               EURm       EURm 
 
   Profit for the period                       16.2       18.3 
                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
 
 Items that will never be reclassified 
  to profit or loss: 
 Retirement benefit obligations: 
  - Remeasurement gains/(losses)                3.0     (25.5) 
  - Related movement on deferred 
   tax asset                                  (0.3)        2.5 
                                          ---------  --------- 
                                                2.7     (23.0) 
                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss: 
 Currency translation adjustments 
  - subsidiaries                              (0.6)      (1.9) 
 Currency translation adjustments 
  - reclassification on disposal of 
  subsidiaries                                    -      (0.6) 
 Unrealised losses relating to cashflow 
  hedges                                      (0.1)      (0.3) 
                                              (0.7)      (2.8) 
                                          ---------  --------- 
  Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
   for the period, net of tax                   2.0     (25.8) 
                                          ---------  --------- 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
  for the period                               18.2      (7.5) 
                                          =========  ========= 
 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
  attributable to: 
 Non-controlling interests                      0.1          - 
 Equity holders of the Company                 18.1      (7.5) 
                                          ---------  --------- 
                                               18.2      (7.5) 
                                          =========  ========= 
 

The notes to the condensed interim Group financial statements on pages 11 to 26 form an integral part of this financial information.

CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (unaudited)

 
                                     Notes     30 June      31 Dec     30 June 
                                                  2017        2016        2016 
                                             Unaudited     Audited   Unaudited 
 Assets                                           EURm        EURm        EURm 
 Non-Current Assets 
 Intangible assets and goodwill        9          47.0        48.2        48.3 
 Property, plant and equipment         9          41.2        41.6        46.2 
 Investments in associates 
  and joint ventures                   9           1.7         1.5         1.2 
 Deferred tax assets                              13.4        14.2        18.8 
 Available-for-sale financial 
  assets                                           0.2         0.2         1.1 
                                                 103.5       105.7       115.6 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Current Assets 
 Inventories                                       2.8         4.0         3.2 
 Trade and other receivables                      22.9        23.7        24.8 
 Derivative financial instruments                    -         0.1           - 
 Corporate tax recoverable                         0.4         0.3           - 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        95.7        84.8        62.4 
                                                 121.8       112.9        90.4 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Total Assets                                    225.3       218.6       206.0 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Liabilities 
 Current Liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                         38.2        43.7        41.0 
 Corporation tax payable                             -           -         3.6 
 Derivative financial instruments     12             -           -         0.2 
 Provisions                            9          12.2        10.5        11.8 
                                                  50.4        54.2        56.6 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Non-Current Liabilities 
 Retirement benefit obligations        7          90.1        97.3       106.8 
 Deferred taxation liabilities                     3.5         3.5         3.8 
 Other payables                                    0.7         0.8         1.0 
 Provisions                            9           0.5         0.5         0.5 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                  94.8       102.1       112.1 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Liabilities                               145.2       156.3       168.7 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 
 Net Assets                                       80.1        62.3        37.3 
                                            ==========  ==========  ========== 
 
 Equity 
    Equity Attributable to 
     Company's 
     Equity Holders 
 Share capital                                    13.9        13.9        13.9 
 Share premium                                   767.0       767.0       767.0 
 Other reserves                                  316.9       318.0       318.5 
 Retained losses                             (1,017.8)   (1,036.6)   (1,062.1) 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
                                                  80.0        62.3        37.3 
 
 Non-Controlling Interests                         0.1           -           - 
                                            ----------  ----------  ---------- 
 Total Equity                                     80.1        62.3        37.3 
                                            ==========  ==========  ========== 
 

The notes to the condensed interim Group financial statements on pages 11 to 26 form an integral part of this financial information.

CONDENSED GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

 
                                                               Attributable to owners of the Company 
------------------ 
                                             Share 
                                             Based            Other       Currency        Other                               Equity           Non- 
                        Share      Share   Payment    Undenominated    Translation       Equity              Retained    Interest of    Controlling 
                      Capital    Premium   Reserve          Capital        Reserve    Reserve**    Other*      Losses         Parent      Interests     Total 
                         EURm       EURm      EURm             EURm           EURm         EURm      EURm        EURm           EURm           EURm      EURm 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 At 1 January 2016       13.9      767.0       0.4            413.2         (92.6)            -         -   (1,057.4)           44.5              -      44.5 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 expense for the 
 period 
 Profit for the 
  period                    -          -         -                -              -            -         -        18.3           18.3              -      18.3 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  expense                   -          -         -                -          (2.5)            -     (0.3)      (23.0)         (25.8)              -    (25.8) 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  expense for the 
  period                    -          -         -                -          (2.5)            -     (0.3)       (4.7)          (7.5)              -     (7.5) 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Attributable to 
 owners of the 
 Company, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Equity settled 
  share based 
  payments                  -          -       0.3                -              -            -         -           -            0.3              -       0.3 
 Total 
  attributable to 
  owners of the 
  Company                   -          -       0.3                -              -            -         -           -            0.3              -       0.3 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 At 30 June 2016         13.9      767.0       0.7            413.2         (95.1)            -     (0.3)   (1,062.1)           37.3              -      37.3 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 
 At 1 January 2017       13.9      767.0       1.0            413.2         (96.3)            -       0.1   (1,036.6)           62.3              -      62.3 
 Total 
 comprehensive 
 (expense)/income 
 for the period 
 Profit for the 
  period                    -          -         -                -              -            -         -        16.1           16.1            0.1      16.2 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income          -          -         -                -          (0.6)            -     (0.1)         2.7            2.0              -       2.0 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (expense)/income 
  for the period            -          -         -                -          (0.6)            -     (0.1)        18.8           18.1            0.1      18.2 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 Attributable to 
 owners of the 
 Company, 
 recognised 
 directly in 
 equity 
 Equity settled 
  share based 
  payments                  -          -       0.4                -              -            -         -           -            0.4              -       0.4 
 Put option on 
  subsidiary                -          -         -                -              -        (0.8)         -           -          (0.8)              -     (0.8) 
 Total 
  attributable to 
  owners of the 
  Company                   -          -       0.4                -              -        (0.8)         -           -          (0.4)              -     (0.4) 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 At 30 June 2017         13.9      767.0       1.4            413.2         (96.9)        (0.8)         -   (1,017.8)           80.0            0.1      80.1 
                    ---------  ---------  --------  ---------------  -------------  -----------  --------  ----------  -------------  -------------  -------- 
 
 

* Other at 30 June 2017 related to cash flow hedging reserve EURnil (30 June 2016: EUR0.3m).

** Other equity reserve at 30 June 2017 related to a put option over the non-controlling interest on a 51% owned subsidiary.

The notes to the condensed interim Group financial statements on pages 11 to 26 form an integral part of this financial information.

CONDENSED GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT (unaudited)

 
                                                      Six months ended 30 
                                                              June 
                                                  2017    2017    2016    2016 
                                                  EURm    EURm    EURm    EURm 
 
 Profit for the period                            16.2            18.3 
 Exceptional items                               (2.2)           (1.2) 
 Profit for the period before 
  exceptional items                               14.0            17.1 
 Share of results of associates 
  and joint ventures                             (0.3)           (0.6) 
 Finance income                                  (0.1)           (0.3) 
 Tax charge                                        0.9             1.4 
 Operating profit before exceptional 
  items                                           14.5            17.6 
 Depreciation/amortisation                         3.1             3.2 
                                                ------          ------ 
 Earnings before Interest, Tax, 
  Exceptional items, Depreciation 
  and Amortisation                                17.6            20.8 
 Share based payment charge                        0.4             0.3 
 Movement in provisions/working 
  capital                                        (3.3)           (7.2) 
 Retirement benefit obligations 
  deficit repair payments                        (0.8)           (3.9) 
 Defined benefit retirement benefit 
  obligations charge recognised 
  in the Group Income Statement                    0.6             1.4 
                                                ------          ------ 
 Cash generated from operations 
  (before cash exceptional items)                 14.5            11.4 
 Exceptional expenditure                         (0.8)           (0.7) 
                                                ------          ------ 
 Cash generated from operations                   13.7            10.7 
 Income tax paid                                 (1.0)               - 
                                                ------          ------ 
 Cash generated by operating activities                   12.7            10.7 
 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Dividends received from associates 
  and joint ventures                               0.4             0.5 
 Purchases of property, plant 
  and equipment                                  (0.7)           (2.0) 
 Purchases of intangible assets                  (0.6)           (1.4) 
 Acquisition of subsidiary, net 
  of cash acquired                                   -           (3.0) 
 Advances to associates and joint 
  ventures                                       (0.2)           (0.1) 
 Proceeds from disposal of available-for-sale 
  financial assets                                   -             0.3 
 Net cash used in investing activities                   (1.1)           (5.7) 
 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
 Interest paid                                       -               - 
 Net cash used in financing activities                       -               - 
                                                        ------          ------ 
 
 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 
  in the period                                           11.6             5.0 
 Foreign exchange losses                                 (0.7)           (2.3) 
                                                        ------          ------ 
 Net increase in cash and cash 
  equivalents in the period                               10.9             2.7 
 Balance at beginning of the period                       84.8            59.7 
 Cash and cash equivalents at 
  end of the period                                       95.7            62.4 
                                                        ======          ====== 
 

The notes to the condensed interim Group financial statements on pages 11 to 26 form an integral part of this financial information.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited)

   1.       Basis of Preparation of Financial Information under IFRS 

Basis of Preparation and Going Concern

Independent News & Media PLC ("the Company") is a company domiciled in Ireland. These condensed interim Group financial statements as at and for the six months ended 30 June 2017 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as "the Group") and the Group's interest in associates and joint ventures.

This financial information has been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes that the Group will continue to be able to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future.

The condensed interim Group financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and the comparative amounts have not been audited or reviewed by the auditors. The condensed interim Group financial statements are not the statutory financial statements of the Company. A copy of the statutory financial statements has been annexed to the Company's annual return to the Companies Registration Office in Ireland in respect of the year ended 31 December 2016. The auditor's report on those financial statements was unqualified. The financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 are available online at www.inmplc.com.

These condensed interim Group financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the functional currency of the Company and presentation currency of the Group.

The condensed interim Group financial statements were approved by the Directors on 22 August 2017.

The condensed interim Group financial statements for the six months ended 30 June 2017, which should be read in conjunction with the 2016 Annual Report, have been prepared in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007, the related Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting (IAS 34) as adopted by the European Union.

Accounting Policies

The accounting policies and methods of computation and presentation adopted in the preparation of the condensed interim Group financial statements are consistent with those applied in the Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2016 and are described in those financial statements on pages 115 to 132, except for the impact of the standards described below.

The following new and amended standards and interpretations are effective for the Group for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 January 2017.

   --   Disclosure Initiative (Amendments to IAS 7) 
   --   Recognition of Deferred Tax Assets for Unrealised Losses (Amendments to IAS 12) 
   --   Annual Improvements to IFRSs 2014-2016 Cycle 

None of these had a material impact on the Group.

The following new standards will be effective for the Group in future periods:

   --   IFRS 15 Revenue - effective for the first time in the period beginning 1 January 2018; 

-- IFRS 9 Financial Instruments - effective for the first time in the period beginning 1 January 2018; and

   --   IFRS 16 Leases - effective for the first time in the period beginning 1 January 2019. 

The Group is currently undergoing a project to assess the impact of each of these standards on the Group's results.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   2.       Risks and Uncertainties 

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Group were detailed in the Risk Report in the 2016 Annual Report and these continue to be considered the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year most likely to influence the performance of the Group.

The preparation of interim Group financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. The significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the consolidated financial statements as at and for the year ended 31 December 2016.

When measuring the fair value of an asset or a liability, the group uses market observable data as far as possible. Fair values are categorised into different levels in a fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used in the valuation techniques as follows:

   --   Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

-- Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).

-- Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).

If the inputs used to measure the fair value of an asset or liability might be categories in different levels of the fair value hierarchy, then the fair value measurement is categorised in its entirety in the same level of the fair value hierarchy as the lowest input that is significant to the entire measurement.

The group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the change has occurred.

Further information about the assumptions made in measuring fair values is included in note 12.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   3.       Segmental Reporting 

Segment information is presented on the same basis as that used for internal reporting purposes. Segmental information is reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker ('CODM'). The CODM has been identified as the Board of Directors. The reporting segment based on the internal reporting information provided is shown in the table on the following page. The key performance measure that is reviewed is operating profit/(loss) before exceptional items. Exceptional items are reviewed at a level higher than the operating segment and appear as a reconciling item from the key performance measure reviewed by the CODM to the IFRS result. Finance income and expense, share of results of associates and joint ventures and taxation are reviewed and considered by the CODM at a Group level only.

The components of the Group, whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the CODM to make decisions about the allocation of resources, and in performance assessment, are contained in the table on the following page.

The Group continued to report its revenues and operating profit before exceptional items by geographical area with a further analysis of the geographical areas by class of business also provided.

A number of operating activities are aggregated into one operating segment on the basis that they exhibit similar long-term financial performance as they have similar economic characteristics and are similar in each of the following respects:

   --   the nature of the products and services; 
   --   the nature of the production processes; 
   --   the type or class of customer for their products and services; and 
   --   the methods used to distribute their products or provide their services. 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   3.    Segmental Reporting (continued) 
 
                              Revenue (3(rd) Party)                  Operating Profit/(Loss) 
                                                                    (Before Exceptional Items) 
                      30 June   30 June   30 June   30 June   30 June   30 June   30 June   30 June 
                         2017      2017      2016      2016      2017      2017      2016      2016 
                         EURm      EURm      EURm      EURm      EURm      EURm      EURm      EURm 
 
 
 Island of Ireland 
  - Publishing          148.1               161.6              17.2                  20.3 
 Central Costs              -                   -               (2.7)               (2.7) 
                     --------            --------            --------            -------- 
 
   Total                          148.1               161.6                14.5                17.6 
 
 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   3.    Segmental Reporting (continued) 
 
 
                                                      30 June   30 June 
                                                         2017      2016 
                                                         EURm      EURm 
 Total operating profit before exceptional items         14.5      17.6 
 Operating exceptionals                                   2.6     (1.3) 
                                                     --------  -------- 
                                                         17.1      16.3 
 Share of results of associates and joint ventures 
  (post exceptionals)                                     0.3       0.6 
 Net finance income (post exceptionals)                   0.1       2.6 
 Taxation charge (post exceptionals)                    (1.3)     (1.2) 
 Profit for the period (post exceptionals)               16.2      18.3 
                                                     --------  -------- 
 

The taxation charge (post exceptionals) for the period comprises a charge of EUR1.3m (2016: EUR1.2m) in respect of Republic of Ireland taxation, a charge of EURnil (2016: charge of EURnil) in respect of Northern Ireland taxation and a charge of EURnil (2016: EURnil) in respect of overseas taxation.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   4.       Net Finance Income/(Expense) 
 
                                                          30 June   30 June 
                                                             2017      2016 
                                                             EURm      EURm 
 Finance income                                               0.1       0.3 
 Finance expense                                                -         - 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Net finance income (before exceptional finance items)        0.1       0.3 
 
 Exceptional finance income (note 5)                            -       2.9 
 Exceptional finance expense (note 5)                           -     (0.6) 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 Net finance income                                           0.1       2.6 
                                                         --------  -------- 
 
   5.       Exceptional Items 

Exceptional items are those items of income and expense that the Group considers are material and/or of such a nature that their separate disclosure is relevant to a better understanding of the Group's financial performance.

 
                                                     30 June      30 June 
                                                        2017         2016 
                                                        EURm         EURm 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------- 
 Included in profit before taxation 
  are the following: 
 
 Restructuring credit                       (i)          2.6          0.3 
 Impairments                                (ii)           -        (1.6) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------- 
 Net operating exceptional items                         2.6        (1.3) 
 
   Exceptional finance income               (iii)          -          2.9 
 Exceptional finance expense                (iv)           -        (0.6) 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------- 
 Net exceptional items before 
  taxation                                               2.6          1.0 
 
   Tax on exceptional items                  (v)       (0.4)          0.2 
---------------------------------------  ---------  --------  ----------- 
 Net exceptional items after taxation*                   2.2          1.2 
--------------------------------------------------  --------  ----------- 
 
 

*Of the exceptional gain of EUR2.2m in 2017 and the restructuring provision as at 31 December 2016, EUR0.8m (2016: EUR0.7m) is shown as an exceptional expenditure outflow in the Group Cash Flow Statement and primarily relates to miscellaneous redundancy and other restructuring costs.

      (i)     2017 

Primarily relates to the following:

(a) A retirement benefits accounting adjustment of EUR3.1m relating to the finalisation of the de-recognition of two of Group's Republic of Ireland defined benefit schemes on 7(th) November 2016;

(b) A charge of EUR0.4m related to miscellaneous restructuring costs, primarily redundancy costs in the Island of Ireland; and

(c) A charge of EUR0.1m for acquisition related expenses.

2016

Relates to a credit for a currency translation adjustment (EUR0.6m) due to the disposal of two Australian subsidiaries and the reversal of provisions (EUR0.3m), partially offset by charges for restructuring in the Island of Ireland (EUR0.4m) and acquisition related fees (EUR0.2m).

   (ii)       2016 

Relates to a charge for the write down of property, plant and equipment (EUR1.0m) and impairment of computer software (EUR0.6m) across the group.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   5.       Exceptional Items (continued) 
     (iii)     2016 

Relates to a gain arising from the re-measurement to fair value of the Group's pre-existing 50% interest in Digital Odyssey Limited (see note 14).

     (iv)     2016 

Relates to a charge of EUR0.6m for the write down of available-for-sale financial assets.

     (v)     2017 

Relates primarily to a deferred tax movement of EUR0.4m due to the retirement benefits accounting adjustment relating to the de-recognition of two of the Group's Republic of Ireland defined benefit schemes on 7(th) November 2016.

2016

Relates to a credit of EUR0.2m primarily relating to exceptional charges for restructuring in the Island of Ireland and acquisition related fees.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   6.       Earnings Per Share 
 
                                                            2017              2016 
                                                            EURm              EURm 
 Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders 
 Profit attributable to the equity 
  holders of the Company (basic and 
  diluted)                                                  16.1              18.3 
 Exceptional items (note 5)                                (2.6)               1.3 
 Exceptional finance income (note 5)                           -             (2.9) 
 Exceptional finance expense (note 
  5)                                                           -               0.6 
 Net exceptional tax charge/(credit) 
  (note 5)                                                   0.4             (0.2) 
 Profit before exceptional items attributable 
  to the equity holders of the Company                      13.9              17.1 
                                                ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 
   Weighted average number of shares                        2017              2016 
 
 
   Weighted average number of shares 
   outstanding during the period (excluding 
   5,597,077 treasury shares)                      1,386,547,375     1,386,547,375 
 Impact of share options                               3,508,772         3,075,592 
                                                ----------------  ---------------- 
 Diluted number of shares                          1,390,056,147     1,389,622,967 
                                                ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 
   Basic & Diluted earnings per share                       1.2c              1.3c 
                                                ----------------  ---------------- 
 
 Basic & Diluted earnings per share 
  before exceptional items                                  1.0c              1.2c 
                                                ----------------  ---------------- 
 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period.

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Share options are the Company's only category of dilutive potential ordinary shares.

Basic and diluted earnings per share before exceptional items are presented in order to give a better understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   7.       Other Items 
   a)       Retirement Benefits 

In July 2017, a formal agreement was reached between the Trustees of two of the Group's Republic of Ireland defined benefit schemes and the Group. The retirement benefit obligations as at 30 June 2017 in the Statement of Financial Position has decreased by EUR7.2m to EUR90.1m compared to EUR97.3m at 31 December 2016. This decrease in the retirement benefit obligations is primarily driven by an accounting adjustment of EUR3.1m relating to the finalisation of the de-recognition of two of Group's Republic of Ireland defined benefit schemes on 7(th) November 2016 and a favourable movement in the actuarial assumptions used in valuing the pension obligations of EUR3.0m. The discount rate used in the Republic of Ireland at 30 June 2017 was 2.25% versus the discount rate of 1.90% used at 31 December 2016. The discount rate used in Northern Ireland at 30 June 2017 was 2.70% which was the same as the discount rate used at 31 December 2016.

 
                                      30 June 2017                   31 December 2016 
                             ROI        NIRE       Total      ROI        NIRE       Total 
                              EURm       EURm       EURm       EURm       EURm       EURm 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Net defined benefit 
  pension liability            (7.9)      (30.1)     (38.0)     (9.9)      (31.8)     (41.7) 
 Present value 
  of defined contribution 
  scheme provision             (52.1)       -        (52.1)     (55.6)       -        (55.6) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 Retirement Benefit 
  Obligations                (60.0)     (30.1)     (90.1)     (65.5)     (31.8)     (97.3) 
--------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ---------  --------- 
 
   b)      Statement of Comprehensive Income 

A negative currency translation adjustment of EUR0.6m (all of which relates to subsidiaries) has been recognised in the Group Statement of Comprehensive Income for the half year to 30 June 2017 (2016: a negative currency translation adjustment of EUR2.5m). The negative currency translation adjustment has arisen due to the weakening of the Sterling Pound exchange rate at 30 June 2017 compared to the rates at 31 December 2016 used in the translation of the Group's investments in subsidiaries with a functional currency different to that of the Parent Company.

   c)       Dividends 

The Directors are not proposing an interim dividend for 2017. There was no dividend paid or declared in respect of 2016.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   8.       Borrowings 

As of 30 June 2017, the Group held no debt and had cash and cash equivalents of EUR95.7m (EUR84.8m as at 31 December 2016).

9. Intangible Assets and Goodwill/ Investment in Associates and Joint ventures/ Property, Plant & Equipment

Intangible Assets

The carrying amount of the Group's intangible assets (including goodwill) decreased by EUR1.2m, from EUR48.2m at 31 December 2016 to EUR47.0m at 30 June 2017. This decrease is driven by an amortisation charge of EUR1.4m (primarily software) and an unfavourable foreign exchange movement of EUR0.4m, offset in part by software additions of EUR0.6m.

Impairment Reviews

The Group's indefinite life intangible assets are tested annually for impairment at 31 December or whenever there is an indication of impairment. There were no indications of impairment and there were no impairments recognised at 30 June 2017. When testing for impairment, the recoverable amounts for the Group's cash-generating units (CGUs) are measured at their value in use by discounting future expected cash flows. These calculations use cash flow projections based on management approved projections, which reflect management's current experience and future expectations of the markets in which the CGU operates. The detailed methodology (updated for changes in any of the key assumptions to reflect past experience and also consistent with external sources of information) as used by the Group for impairment testing is as outlined in the 2016 annual report.

The Statement of Financial Position reports the carrying amount of newspaper mastheads at their acquired cost (less impairment). Where these assets have been acquired through a business combination, cost will be the fair value in acquisition accounting. The value of internally generated newspaper mastheads or post-acquisition uplifts in value are not permitted to be recognised in the Statement of Financial Position in accordance with IFRS and, as a result, no values for certain of the Group's internally generated newspaper mastheads (e.g. three of the main Irish titles, the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent and The Herald) are reflected in the Statement of Financial Position.

The Directors are of the view that the Group has many other intangible assets which have substantial value that are not reflected on the Group's Statement of Financial Position. This is because these intangible assets are carried in the Group's Statement of Financial Position at a nil value or at a value which is much less than their recoverable amount. The Directors are of the view that if these intangible assets were allowed to be carried on the Group's Statement of Financial Position then the Group's intangible assets would be greater than currently reported.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

9. Intangible Assets and Goodwill/ Investment in Associates and Joint ventures/ Property, Plant & Equipment (continued)

Property, Plant & Equipment

The carrying amount of the Group's property, plant & equipment decreased by EUR0.4m, from EUR41.6m at 31 December 2016 to EUR41.2m at 30 June 2017. This decrease is driven primarily by depreciation charges of EUR1.7m, and an unfavourable foreign exchange movement of EUR0.2m, somewhat offset by additions of EUR1.5m.

Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures

The carrying amount of investments in associates and joint ventures increased by EUR0.2m, from EUR1.5m as at 31 December 2016 to EUR1.7m as at 30 June 2017. The movement is primarily due to the Group's share in profits from and advances to associates and joint ventures, offset in part by dividends received from associates and joint ventures.

Provisions

The carrying amount of provisions increased by EUR1.7m, from EUR11.0m at 31 December 2016 to EUR12.7m at 30 June 2017. This increase is primarily driven by additional libel and restructuring provisions.

   10.     Related Party Information 

During the first six months of the current financial year there have been no material related party transactions that have taken place requiring disclosure and there have been no changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the enterprise.

   11.     Discontinued Operations 

There were no discontinued operations during the period to 30 June 2017 or in the comparative period.

   12.     Fair Value 

Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities

The fair values of quoted available-for-sale financial assets and derivative financial instruments are measured using market values. Unquoted available-for-sale financial assets and derivatives are measured using valuation techniques. The carrying amount of non interest bearing financial assets and financial liabilities and cash and cash equivalents approximates their fair values due to their short term nature. The Group has not disclosed the fair value of certain financial instruments such as other payables, short-term receivables and short term payables because their carrying amounts are a reasonable approximation of fair value.

Of the available-for-sale financial assets of EUR0.2m (31 December 2016: EUR0.2m), EUR0.2m (31 December 2016: EUR0.2m) are measured at Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The derivative financial instruments - cashflow hedges of EURnil (31 December 2016: EUR0.1m) are measured at Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Additional disclosures in relation to fair value have not been made on the grounds of materiality.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   13.     Share-based payment arrangement 

At 30 June 2017, the Group had the following share-based payment arrangements.

Share option programme (equity-settled)

In June 2014, the Remuneration Committee proposed the introduction of a new share option scheme and this was approved by the shareholders at the AGM on 6 June 2014. This scheme entitles certain employees to purchase shares in the Company.

On 1 January 2015 a grant under the scheme, with two separate and independent sets of vesting conditions, was made to certain employees. Holders of vested options are entitled to purchase shares at the nominal value of the share at the grant date.

On 1 January 2016 and on 1 January 2017, further grants on similar terms were offered to key management personnel and senior employees.

All options are to be settled by physical delivery of shares. The terms and conditions and the main vesting criteria of the share options are set out in the tables as follows:

 
 Grant date/employees                              Number            Vesting conditions            Contractual 
  entitled                                          of instruments                                  life of 
                                                                                                    options 
------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------------------  ------------ 
                                                   4,657,636         3 years service from          7 years 
   *    On 1 Jan 2015 to certain employees          (50% of           grant date and a 
                                                    total grant)      sliding TSR condition 
                                                                      (share price growth 
                                                    2,082,521         and dividends of 
   *    On 1 Jan 2016 to certain employees          (50% of           INM compared with 
                                                    total grant)      companies in the 
                                                                      FTSE 350 Media Group): 
                                                    2,749,478         -Below median: 0% 
   *    On 1 Jan 2017 to certain employees          (50% of           of total grant 
                                                    total grant)      -Between median and 
                                                                      75(th) percentile: 
                                                                      25% - 50% of total 
                                                                      grant pro rata 
                                                                      -75(th) percentile 
                                                                      or above: 50% of 
                                                                      total grant 
------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------------------  ------------ 
                                                   4,657,636         3 years service from          7 years 
         *    On 1 Jan 2015 to certain employees    (50% of           grant date and a 
                                                    total grant)      sliding EPS condition 
                                                                      (level that INM's 
                                                    2,082,521         annualised EPS growth 
         *    On 1 Jan 2016 to certain employees    (50% of           is in excess of the 
                                                    total grant)      annualised change 
                                                                      in CPI): 
                                                    2,749,478         -Less than 5%: 0% 
         *    On 1 Jan 2017 to certain employees    (50% of           of total grant 
                                                    total grant)      -Between 5% and 10%: 
                                                                      20% - 50% of total 
                                                                      grant pro rata 
                                                                      -Above 10%: 50% of 
                                                                      total grant 
 
                                                                      In addition, the 
                                                                      annualised EPS growth 
                                                                      must be positive 
                                                                      and the average 30 
                                                                      day share price at 
                                                                      the end of the arrangement 
                                                                      must be higher than 
                                                                      at the start of the 
                                                                      arrangement. 
------------------------------------------------  ----------------  ----------------------------  ------------ 
 

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   13.     Share-based payment arrangement (continued) 

The fair value of services received in return for share options granted is based on the fair value of the share options granted.

Measurement of grant date fair values

The following inputs were used in the measure of the fair value at grant date of the share-based payment arrangement.

 
                          Share option      Share option         Share option 
                            programme       programme for        programme for 
                           for certain    certain employees    certain employees 
                            employees 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
                              2017              2016                 2015 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Fair value at 
  grant date                EUR0.123          EUR0.164             EUR0.125 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Share price at 
  grant date                EUR0.128          EUR0.169             EUR0.130 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Exercise price             EUR0.01           EUR0.01              EUR0.01 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Expected volatility 
  (weighted average 
  volatility)                  33%               35%                  39% 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Option life (expected 
  weighted average           3 years           3 years              3 years 
  life) 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Expected dividends            0%                0%                   0% 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 Risk free interest 
  rate (based on 
  German government 
  bonds)                      0.47%             0.21%                0.83% 
-----------------------  -------------  -------------------  ------------------- 
 

Expected volatility is estimated taking into account historic average share price volatility.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   14.     Acquisition of Subsidiary 

On 13 May 2016, the Group acquired the remaining 50% of the shares and voting interests in Digital Odyssey Limited (trading as CarsIreland.ie). As a result of acquiring the remaining 50% shareholding, the Group obtained control of Digital Odyssey Limited.

There are clear synergies with INM's existing motoring features across print and digital. CarsIreland.ie is a prominent destination for drivers looking to sell their car or buy a new vehicle and enjoys significant visitor numbers. The site's online position fits well with INM's strategy for both its online and print titles.

   a)   Acquisition Related Costs 

The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of EUR0.2m on legal fees and due diligence costs. These costs have been included in 'exceptional items'.

   b)   Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed 

The following table summarises the recognised amounts of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.

 
                               EURm 
 Intangible assets              1.7 
 Trade receivables              0.1 
 Cash and cash equivalents      0.5 
 Trade and other payables     (0.2) 
 Total identifiable net 
  assets acquired               2.1 
                             ------ 
 

The valuation techniques used for measuring the fair value of material assets acquired were as follows:

 
 Assets acquired     Valuation technique 
------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 Intangible          The brands were valued using the 
  Assets              relief-from-royalty method. The 
                      relief-from-royalty method considers 
                      the discounted estimated royalty 
                      payments that are expected to 
                      be avoided as a result of the 
                      acquisition. 
 
                      The customer list was valued using 
                      the multi-period excess earnings 
                      method. The multi-period excess 
                      earnings method considers the 
                      present value of net cash flows 
                      expected to be generated by the 
                      customer relationships, by excluding 
                      any cash flows related to contributory 
                      assets. 
------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 Trade Receivables   The trade receivables comprise 
                      gross contractual amounts due 
                      of EUR0.1m. 
------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 Other Assets        The carrying value of other assets 
                      acquired equate to their fair 
                      value. 
------------------  ---------------------------------------- 
 

No revision has been necessary to the above amounts in the twelve months following the acquisition.

NOTES TO THE INTERIM STATEMENT (unaudited) (continued)

   14.     Acquisition of Subsidiary (continued) 
   c)   Goodwill 

Goodwill arising from the acquisition has been recognised as follows:

 
                                  EURm 
 Consideration transferred 
  (in the form of cash)            3.5 
 Fair value of pre-existing 
  interest in Digital Odyssey 
  Limited                          3.5 
 Fair value of identifiable 
  net assets                     (2.1) 
                                ------ 
 Goodwill                          4.9 
                                ------ 
 

The remeasurement to fair value of the Group's pre-existing 50% interest in Digital Odyssey Limited resulted in a gain of EUR2.9m. This amount has been included in 'exceptional items'. The goodwill is attributable to synergies that will be realised through the Group's people, structures and business practices in acquiring the remaining 50% of Digital Odyssey Limited.

   15.     Subsequent Events 

There were no events since the period end that would require adjustment or disclosure in the interim group financial statements.

STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2017

The Directors are responsible for preparing this interim management report and the condensed interim financial information in accordance with the Transparency (Directive 2004/109/EC) Regulations 2007 (as amended), the Transparency Rules of the Central Bank of Ireland and with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting as adopted by the European Union.

The Directors as listed on pages 41 to 43 of our 2016 Annual Report (being the persons responsible within INM for making this statement) confirm that to the best of their knowledge:

(1) the condensed interim Group financial statements, comprising the condensed Group Income Statement, the condensed Group Statement of Comprehensive Income, the condensed Group Statement of Financial Position, the condensed Group Statement of Changes in Equity, the condensed Group Cash Flow Statement and the related notes, have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.

(2) the Interim Management Report and the condensed interim Group financial statements include a fair review of:

(a) the important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year, and their impact on the condensed interim Group financial statements;

(b) the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year;

(c) related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year that have materially affected the financial position or the performance of the Group during that period; and

(d) any changes in the related party transactions described in the last Annual Report, that could have a material effect on the financial position or performance of the Group in the first six months of the current financial year.

On behalf of the Board

Leslie Buckley

Group Chairman

This information is provided by RNS

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