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ETO Entertainment One Ltd.

557.00
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Last Updated: 01:00:00
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Entertainment One Ltd. LSE:ETO London Ordinary Share CA29382B1022 COMM SHS NPV
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 557.00 557.00 557.50 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
0 0 N/A 0

Entertainment One Ltd Full Year Results (7992O)

22/05/2018 11:43am

UK Regulatory


Entertainment One (LSE:ETO)
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TIDMETO

RNS Number : 7992O

Entertainment One Ltd

22 May 2018

ENTERTAINMENT ONE LTD. (eOne)

FULL YEAR RESULTS

FOR THE YEARED 31 MARCH 2018

STRONG UNDERLYING EBITDA PERFORMANCE

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 
      --  Group reported revenue at GBP1,045 million (2017: 
           GBP1,083 million), with strong growth in Family 
           & Brands and Television offset by lower performance 
           in Film 
      --  Group reported underlying EBITDA up 11% at GBP177 
           million (2017: GBP160 million), driven by revenue 
           growth in Family & Brands and Television and lower 
           costs in Film 
      --  Group reported profit before tax up 116% at GBP78 
           million (2017: GBP36 million), Group adjusted 
           profit before tax up 11% at GBP144 million (2017: 
           GBP130 million) 
      --  Adjusted diluted earnings per share up 10% at 
           21.9 pence per share (2017: 20.0 pence per share) 
      --  Net debt leverage at 1.8x which is less than 2.0x 
           as previously guided 
      --  Full year dividend of 1.4 pence per share (2017: 
           1.3 pence) 
 

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

 
      --  Family & Brands generated US$2.4 billion in retail 
           sales in the year, an increase of 60%, driven 
           by rapid success of PJ Masks and the ongoing success 
           of Peppa Pig 
      --  Television revenue 19% higher driven by the strong 
           production slate 
      --  Reshaping of the Film distribution business from 
           physical to digital, which began in FY16, has 
           delivered the expected annualised cost savings 
           of GBP10 million 
      --  Mark Gordon appointed as Chief Content Officer, 
           Film, Television and Digital Division, bringing 
           him and his team in-house to help drive both Film 
           and Television content strategy and enhancing 
           eOne's ability to attract creative talent and 
           partners 
      --  On-going integration of Film, Television and Digital, 
           including integration of The Mark Gordon Company 
           (MGC), which is expected to generate GBP13-15 
           million of annualised cost savings by FY20 
      --  Independent library valuation of US$1.7 billion 
           at 31 March 2017 (31 March 2016: US$1.5 billion) 
           which does not include the value of any content 
           produced or acquired since 1 April 2017 
      --  On-track to double the size of the business over 
           the five years to FY20, including the impact of 
           IFRS 15 
 

ALLAN LEIGHTON, ChAIRMAN, commented:

"Entertainment One has delivered another year of double-digit growth in profits and earnings. This has been accomplished against the backdrop of continued change across the content industries and the evolution of the Group to fully align itself with its creative partners and customers. As we look forward to another year of continued performance, the Board is pleased to increase the dividend for the year to 1.4 pence per share, in line with the Group's progressive dividend policy."

DARREN THROOP, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, COMMENTED:

"It has been a strong year for the Group, as we combined our Film and Television operations into the Film, Television and Digital Division for FY19, completed the acquisition of the remaining stake in The Mark Gordon Company and continued the reshaping of our Film business. All of these initiatives sharpen our operational focus and facilitate success in today's evolving entertainment market.

The Family & Brands business goes from strength to strength, ahead of our expectations. Peppa Pig continues to engage and delight children in important markets such as the UK, the US and China, where we have just started to implement our licensing programme. We also started the global roll out of PJ Masks to consumer markets, where traction has been both immediate and strong.

In Television, our active pipeline delivered a number of new and recommissioned series across our scripted drama and unscripted reality slates. The completion of the MGC acquisition and the appointment of Mark Gordon as Chief Content Officer is an exciting milestone as he brings his proven skills, experience and talent relationships to bear on our current development pipeline to drive our creative direction.

The reshaping of the Film businesses is progressing well as we focus increasingly on our production activities with important partners such as Steven Spielberg and Brad Weston. This transition will enable us to improve the return on investment in film content and at the same time reduce risks across the business.

As ever, content is at the heart of everything we do. The value of our content library has grown once again as we add new, high quality shows and brands to our portfolio and our view remains that the best quality content will endure, even in a constantly-evolving entertainment market. Entertainment One is at the heart of this market and I remain confident that we will achieve our target of doubling the size of the business in the five years to FY20 and continue to deliver value to our shareholders."

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

 
                                      Reported 
                            =========================== 
 GBPm                           2018      2017   Change 
 Revenue                     1,044.5   1,082.7     (4%) 
 Underlying EBITDA (1)         177.3     160.2      11% 
 Net cash from operating 
  activities                    14.9      34.0    (56%) 
 Investment in acquired 
  content and productions 
  (2)                          440.8     407.9       8% 
==========================  ========  ========  ======= 
 
 
                                Reported                Adjusted 
                         =====================  ======================= 
 GBPm                     2018   2017   Change    2018    2017   Change 
                                       ======= 
 Profit before tax (3)    77.6   35.9     116%   144.4   129.9      11% 
 Diluted earnings per 
  share (pence) (3)       14.4    2.7     11.7    21.9    20.0      1.9 
=======================  =====  =====  =======  ======  ======  ======= 
 

1. Underlying EBITDA is operating profit or loss excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles; depreciation; amortisation of software; share-based payment charge; tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures; and operating one-off items. Underlying EBITDA is reconciled to operating profit in the Other Financial Information section of this Results Announcement.

2. Investment in acquired content and productions is the sum of "investment in productions, net of grants received" and "investment in acquired content rights", as shown in the consolidated cash flow statement.

3. Adjusted profit before tax and adjusted diluted earnings per share are the reported measures excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles; share-based payment charge; tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures; operating one-off items; finance one-off items; and, in the case of adjusted diluted earnings per share, one-off tax items. Refer to the Other Financial Information section of this Results Announcement for a reconciliation of adjusted profit before tax and Note 11 of the consolidated financial statements for the adjusted diluted earnings per share reconciliation.

4. Reported 2017 amounts have been restated, refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

Group reported revenue of GBP1,044.5 million (2017: GBP1,082.7 million) was 4% lower year-on-year and was positively impacted by strong growth in Family & Brands (56% higher) and Television (19% higher) offset by decline in Film due to the lower volume of releases in comparison to the prior year and the strength of the slate in FY17. On a constant currency basis (re-translating prior year reported financials at current year foreign exchange rates), Group revenue declined by 2% reflecting the net strengthening of the pound sterling against the Group's other operating currencies.

Group reported underlying EBITDA was 11% higher at GBP177.3 million (2017: GBP160.2 million), driven by strong growth in the high margin Family & Brands Division (48% higher) and Television (15% higher) offsetting a decline in Film (33% lower). The Family & Brands Division delivered financial performance ahead of expectations driven by significant growth in PJ Masks and the continued strong performance of Peppa Pig. Television Division underlying EBITDA was higher across eOne Television (18% higher), The Mark Gordon Company (12% higher) and Music (9% higher). Underlying EBITDA in Film declined by 33% reflecting the impact of lower revenue. The Film underlying EBITDA benefitted from gross margin improvement of 3.1pts due to lower amortisation and sales mix and cost savings arising from the divisional reshaping. On a constant currency basis, Group underlying EBITDA would have increased by 13%, reflecting the net strengthening of the pound sterling against the Group's other operating currencies.

Net cash from operating activities amounted to GBP14.9 million in comparison to GBP34.0 million in the prior year, driven by higher investment in acquired content and productions and timing of tax payments. This was partially offset by lower working capital outflows in comparison to prior year. Investment in productions was higher across all three segments which not only supports our current operations but also contributes to the value of our content library.

Adjusted profit before tax for the year was GBP144.4 million (2017: GBP129.9 million), due to the increase in underlying EBITDA, partly offset by increased interest costs. Reported profit before tax for the year was GBP77.6 million (2017: GBP35.9 million), impacted by lower one-off charges reflecting lower restructuring costs, partly offset by higher share-based compensation costs.

Adjusted diluted earnings per share were 21.9 pence (2017: 20.0 pence). On a reported basis, diluted earnings per share were 14.4 pence (2017: 2.7 pence) reflecting the higher reported profit before tax.

The Group adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers on 1 April 2018 on a fully retrospective basis and will present, within the 2019 financial statements, a restatement of the comparative periods. The most significant impact is to the Family Division where the recognition of minimum guarantees will now be spread over the consumption of the intellectual property as compared to recognition up front which is the current practice. The proforma impact of IFRS 15 to the current year is a reduction in Group revenue and Group underlying EBITDA of GBP15.5 million and GBP13.6 million, respectively. The expected impact to Group underlying EBITDA in FY19 is less than GBP2 million and the Company is still expected to double the size of the business over the five years to FY20 including the impact of IFRS 15.

STRATEGY

The content market today is characterised by consumers who are increasingly demanding freedom of choice. They want to watch what they like, when they like and where they like. With the exception of live sports, consumers now have less affinity to specific channels or networks and are increasingly focused on availability. The platforms that service this marketplace (which form eOne's core customer set) are focusing on creators who can provide them with the best content. This content is then used both to attract incremental audiences and to retain existing subscribers.

At eOne, we understand that in order to grow and prosper, the business needs to centre itself on building and growing a content portfolio of the very highest quality. We do this over a broad spread of entertainment formats, ranging from family brands, television shows, feature films and music.

Our strategy to achieve this is underpinned by three principles and successful execution enables us to forge long term partnerships with the very best content creators, monetise their content and share in the benefits:

 
Connect  We develop deep and lasting partnerships 
          with the very best creative minds in our 
          industries. We connect with this talent through 
          our scale, track record and relationships 
          with key customers in markets around the 
          world 
Create   Our partnerships with leading talent enable 
          us to capture the content they create at 
          an early stage. The creation process is enhanced 
          as we bring our commercial experience to 
          the development and production processes, 
          with our ability to finance a key attraction 
          for the creative community 
Deliver  eOne uses its global footprint and extensive 
          network of customer contacts across multiple 
          platforms and formats to ensure that content 
          is delivered and monetised as widely as possible. 
          Our contacts touch all parts of the content 
          value chain, from traditional formats like 
          cinemas to the latest digital video platforms 
          in developing markets like China 
 

The execution of this strategy focuses on continuing to drive growth in revenue and underlying EBITDA within the Family & Brands and Television activities of the Group. In Film, we are continuing to transition the business away from content acquisition and more towards production activities, which over time will improve the returns on this business and reduce our risks further.

STRATEGIC PROGRESS

Over the last year, the Group has achieved strong progress against its strategic objectives:

 
      --  Continued increase in the independent library 
           valuation (as at 31 March 2017) from US$1.5 
           billion to US$1.7 billion, supported by the 
           value of PJ Masks, which is starting to build 
           as the brand rolls out internationally 
      --  The ongoing integration of the Film and Television 
           Divisions to form a single, streamlined operating 
           structure - Film, Television and Digital. 
           Overall targeted annual savings from the 
           integration of MGC and the creation of the 
           Film, Television and Digital Division are 
           estimated at GBP13-15 million by FY20 
      --  The acquisition of the remaining stake in 
           The Mark Gordon Company. The transaction 
           is earnings enhancing in the first full year 
           of ownership and importantly brings Mark 
           Gordon fully into the Group's management 
           structure. He has been appointed Chief Content 
           Officer and can now bring his proven skills, 
           experience and talent relationships into 
           the wider eOne Group 
      --  Ongoing transition of the Film business towards 
           a production model gives the Group greater 
           control of risk, improved access and control 
           over global intellectual property rights 
           and enhanced financial returns 
      --  Brad Weston is currently in production on 
           the film A Million Little Pieces through 
           Makeready, with a development pipeline covering 
           both film and television content. This reflects 
           an ongoing trend in the industry as talented 
           content creators now work across both film 
           and television, eroding the distinction between 
           the two formats 
      --  Strong progress across our key brands such 
           as Peppa Pig continues to delight and entertain 
           children across all of our markets, including 
           the UK and the US, and newly entered markets 
           such as Japan and China, where we have started 
           the licensing programme for the brand. PJ 
           Masks continues to roll out globally across 
           consumer markets, creating high levels of 
           demand for consumer products 
      --  Family & Brands continues to develop new 
           properties in its pipeline. It is currently 
           working on eight projects at varying stages 
           of market readiness, aimed at different segments 
           of the pre-school demographic. This ensures 
           a steady flow of internally-created properties 
           with global appeal 
 

FY19 OUTLOOK

The Divisional Operational and Financial Reviews below include further details on the Company's strategy and progress made during the financial year.

In summary:

Family & Brands is expected to generate strong revenue and EBITDA growth across the portfolio in FY19. Peppa Pig and PJ Masks will continue to be the main drivers, with close to 2,000 live licensing and merchandising contracts anticipated by the end of the financial year. An additional 117 episodes of Peppa Pig are currently in production with the original creators of the show, with delivery beginning in FY19 through to spring 2021.

In October 2017 the business entered into a global partnership with Merlin Entertainments, which has now opened in-park areas in its resort theme parks in Italy and Germany. Merlin expects its first standalone Peppa Pig attraction to open in China in 2018, with a second anticipated in 2019.

Underlying EBITDA margins will be somewhat lower in percentage terms as a result of the growth of PJ Masks as a proportion of total sales and continued increase in brand management costs which are necessary to facilitate growth and support brand longevity.

From 1 April 2018 the Company is combining the Film and Television Divisions into one reporting segment: Film, Television and Digital. This follows on from the combination of the operations. Therefore the 2019 outlook is provided for the new Division.

Film, Television and Digital is well positioned for growth in FY19 in a landscape where premium original content is in demand more than ever before. The Division will continue to focus on early access to high quality premium content of all types by continuing to build deep partnerships with high quality creators.

In FY19, we anticipate 140 film releases, in total across all territories, of which 80 are expected to be unique titles. Investment in acquired content is expected to be lower at approximately GBP100 million. Investment in film production is expected to be higher than the current year at around GBP70 million reflecting the strategic shift towards content production.

The number of half hours of TV programming expected to be acquired/produced next year is expected to be over 1,000, with around 40% of the new financial year's budgeted margins already committed or greenlit. The Company currently has more than 30 scripted series set up with global platforms and broadcasters in the US, Canada and the UK, in various stages of development and a further 10 series expected to go to market in the next few months. Investment in acquired content is expected to be over GBP45 million and production spend is anticipated to be GBP309 million.

The integration of the Film, Television and Digital operations is ongoing with a number of opportunities identified to drive business efficiencies and centralisation of internal support functions from the combined operations. In addition, as part of the acquisition of the balance of The Mark Gordon Company completed in March 2018, MGC will be fully integrated into eOne. Overall annual cost savings are expected of approximately GBP13-15 million by FY20. Approximately half of these savings are expected to be realised in FY19.

DIVISIONAL OPERATIONAL & FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Divisional tables below are presented gross of inter-segment eliminations. For further information refer to Note 2 in the consolidated financial statements.

FAMILY & BRANDS

The Family & Brands business develops, produces and distributes a portfolio of children's television properties on a worldwide basis, its principal brands being Peppa Pig and PJ Masks, with much of its revenue generated through licensing and merchandising programmes across multiple retail categories.

 
 GBPm                               2018   2017   Change 
 Revenue                           138.6   88.6      56% 
 Underlying EBITDA                  82.3   55.6      48% 
 Investment in acquired content 
  and productions                    9.6    5.1      88% 
================================  ======  =====  ======= 
 

Revenue for the year was up 56% to GBP138.6 million (2017: GBP88.6 million), driven by the continued strong performance of Peppa Pig and significant growth from PJ Masks which was ahead of management expectations.

Underlying EBITDA increased 48% to GBP82.3 million (2017: GBP55.6 million), driven by increased revenue. The underlying EBITDA margin was 3.4pts lower reflecting the changing revenue mix from different properties and increased infrastructure and brand management costs which were necessary to facilitate further growth.

Investment in acquired content and productions of GBP9.6 million (2017: GBP5.1 million) was GBP4.5 million higher than the prior year. Investment spend in the year included season five of Peppa Pig, season two of PJ Masks and new properties Cupcake & Dino: General Services and Ricky Zoom.

The Family & Brands business continued to perform strongly with the ongoing success of Peppa Pig and rapid growth of PJ Masks. The business generated US$2.4 billion of retail sales in the year (2017: US$1.5 billion) largely driven by the successful retail rollout of PJ Masks and continued growth of Peppa Pig. More than 1,000 new and renewed broadcast and licensing agreements were concluded in the year, an increase of 25% year-on-year. At 31 March 2018, the business had almost 1,500 live licensing and merchandising contracts across its portfolio of brands (2017: almost 1,100).

Peppa Pig has continued to grow with retail sales of US$1.3 billion (2017: US$1.2 billion) and revenue of GBP84.7 million (2017: GBP70.0 million), an increase of 21% or GBP14.7 million. Year-on-year growth was driven by continued strong performance across all revenue streams, including continued growth in mature markets and emerging markets such as the UK and China, respectively. Over 40 million books have been sold in China since Peppa Pig's launch in April 2016 demonstrating the strength of the brand in this territory. There are now 43 live licensing agreements in China (2017: 22) across all key licensing categories. Performance has been bolstered by significant broadcast exposure from state owned CCTV and all major VOD platforms in the region, including Tencent, iQiYi and Youku, with over 60 billion VOD views since launch in October 2015 in China, across all platforms. In addition, Peppa Pig was launched on TV Tokyo in Japan in October 2017 and Disney Junior in January 2018. Master licensing partner for the country, Sega Toys, recently hosted an exclusive retail event in spring 2018 which will be followed by a nationwide retail rollout in June 2018. The US continues to be a key market for Peppa Pig. New episodes premiered in FY18 and the show transferred to the main Nickelodeon channel where it has been a ratings success, driving strong licensing and merchandising revenues.

PJ Masks has been a key driver of revenue growth for the business in the year with total retail sales of US$1.0 billion (2017: US$0.3 billion) and revenue increasing 261% from GBP13.5 million to GBP48.8 million. Similar to Peppa Pig, licensing and merchandising sales continue to be a fundamental growth driver with an overall increase of 285% in the year driven by the successful global rollout of the licensing programme. The US continues to be an important market in this respect, contributing the largest proportion of total licensing and merchandising sales. Building on this momentum, almost 500 new licences and broadcast deals have been signed globally in the year, which is indicative of the rising popularity of the brand across all territories.

PJ Masks is broadcasting in all key territories on the global Disney Junior network, and on key terrestrial broadcasters like France Televisions, RAI in Italy and ABC in Australia. Recently premiering on Tencent, iQiYi and Youku VOD in China, it attracted over 70 million views in the first three days and over 395 million by April 2018. Following the success of the first season of PJ Masks, season two commenced airing on Disney Junior US in January 2018 to strong ratings, season three has been greenlit and season four is in development, further supporting growth expectations for FY19 and beyond.

The business is in production on a number of other properties, including: Ricky Zoom, a pre-school vehicle-based series of 52 episodes from the same creative team as hit series PJ Masks with major broadcasters attached in France, Italy, and Latin America and a master toy arrangement currently in the final stages of negotiation; and Cupcake & Dino: General Services, a high profile 52 episode comedy series which is in full production with broadcast commitments from Teletoon in Canada, Disney Channel in Brazil and worldwide SVOD rights with Netflix. These properties are expected to make their broadcast debuts in FY19.

The second half of the year saw the retail landscape affected by Toys R Us store closures in the US and UK. The Group expects there to be some impact for its brands in the short term and is monitoring the situation closely with its partners; this impact is not anticipated to be significant. Overall, eOne's brands performed well across the key holiday season with strong sell-through outside of Toys R Us stores.

2019 OUTLOOK FOR FAMILY & BRANDS

Peppa Pig and PJ Masks will continue to drive the growth of eOne's Family & Brands Division in FY19. The business is on target to having close to 2,000 live licensing and merchandising contracts by the end of FY19.

Family & Brands continues to focus on building Peppa Pig into the most loved pre-school brand in the world. Asia, North America and Germany will be the key territories of growth for the brand. China will drive the growth in Asia building on the growing popularity of the brand thanks to strong VOD exposure in the region with expected growth in licensing and merchandising revenue aided by new toy partnership with Alpha and increased publishing formats. There is a growing franchise in Germany where broadcast started on Super RTL in March 2018. Leading toy firm, Jazwares is developing an extensive line of figures, playsets and plush toys that will launch from September 2018 ahead of the back to school and Christmas season.

The strong pipeline of content is a fundamental element of securing the evergreen status of the brand. The brand celebrates its 15(th) anniversary in the UK and Australia in 2019 with an exciting calendar of events anchored by a fresh pipeline of content. An additional 117 episodes of Peppa Pig are currently in production with the original creators of the show, with delivery beginning in FY19 through to spring 2021. This new content will introduce new characters, storylines and themes to keep the series relevant to each new generation of pre-school fans.

In October 2017, the business entered into a global partnership with Merlin Entertainments, to develop and operate location-based entertainment attractions based on Peppa Pig. Merlin have opened in-park areas in its resort theme parks in Italy and Germany, and expects its first standalone attraction to open in China in 2018, with a second anticipated in 2019.

PJ Masks will see a wider international licensing roll-out with the UK and China expected to be the key territories of growth. China will be a new licensing market in FY19 and a full product launch will commence in June 2018 with toy partner Alpha following a successful VOD launch. The UK will build upon the very successful toy roll-out in FY18. In the US it is expected that licensing revenue will continue to grow following the successful release of season two in January 2018. The second season is set to air in other territories from spring 2018 driving further licensing momentum.

Both Cupcake and Dino: General Services and Ricky Zoom will make their broadcast debut in FY19. In addition to this new content, Family & Brands currently has eight other projects in development.

The Division is expected to generate strong revenue and EBITDA growth across the portfolio in FY19. It is also expected that underlying EBITDA margins will be somewhat lower in percentage terms driven by the growth of PJ Masks as a proportion of total sales and continued increase in brand management costs which are necessary to facilitate growth and support brand longevity.

TELEVISION

The Television Division comprises eOne Television, The Mark Gordon Company, the Group's Music operation and Secret Location. The Division's primary focus is on the development, production and acquisition of high quality programming for sale to broadcasters and digital platforms around the world.

 
 GBPm                               2018    2017   Change 
 Revenue                           539.0   452.7      19% 
 Underlying EBITDA                  72.0    62.8      15% 
 Investment in acquired content     31.9    37.3    (14%) 
 Investment in productions         240.7   222.9       8% 
================================  ======  ======  ======= 
 

Revenue for the year was 19% higher at GBP539.0 million (2017: GBP452.7 million), driven by larger productions and higher international distribution sales across key titles. Television revenue is calculated net of intra-segment eliminations of GBP66.7 million (2017: GBP49.5 million) between eOne Television, The Mark Gordon Company and Music. The financial tables below are presented gross of intra-segment eliminations.

Underlying EBITDA increased by 15% to GBP72.0 million (2017: GBP62.8 million), driven by higher revenue. Investment in acquired content reduced by 14% and investment in productions increased by 8% driven by higher production volume.

eONE TELEVISION

 
 GBPm                               2018    2017   Change 
 Revenue                           382.1   328.2      16% 
 Underlying EBITDA                  36.4    30.9      18% 
 Investment in acquired content     27.8    34.1    (18%) 
 Investment in productions         159.5   121.4      31% 
================================  ======  ======  ======= 
 

Revenue for the year increased 16% to GBP382.1 million (2017: GBP328.2 million), driven by larger productions and higher international distribution sales across key titles. Underlying EBITDA was 18% ahead at GBP36.4 million (2017: GBP30.9 million), driven by revenue growth with underlying EBITDA margin percentage broadly in line.

Investment in productions grew by 31% in the year due to investment in premium series from eOne productions and was partly offset by lower investment in acquired content. 876 half hours of new programming were produced/acquired in the year compared to 1,023 in the prior year with the decrease due to fewer shows in the Canadian unscripted business and a lower volume of acquired content.

Key scripted deliveries in the year include the highly anticipated Sharp Objects, starring Amy Adams and airing on HBO in summer 2018, first season of legal drama Burden of Truth, which has been renewed for a second season, first season of The Detail, second season of Antoine Fuqua's Ice, second season of Private Eyes which has also been renewed for a third season, second and third seasons of detective show Cardinal and third season of comedy You Me Her.

The unscripted US business delivered season three of Growing Up Hip Hop, season two of spin-off Growing Up Hip Hop Atlanta, Ex on the Beach and new production Siesta Key where audiences continue to grow since the season premiere on MTV where the show ranks in the top 5 series of 2017/18 season across all demographics. Renegade 83 also delivered new seasons of Naked and Afraid, with four different seasons of the franchise providing revenue in the year. In addition, Aaron Hernandez was delivered and debuted on Oxygen as the highest-rated true crime programme in the network's history.

Key acquired content driving performance in the year included season three of Fear the Walking Dead, season eight of The Walking Dead, season two of Into the Badlands and the fourth and final seasons of both Halt & Catch Fire and Turn. International sales for Designated Survivor seasons one and two were strong due to a world-wide streaming deal with Netflix outside of North America.

THE MARK GORDON COMPANY (MGC)

 
 GBPm                          2018    2017   Change 
 Revenue                      174.2   119.9      45% 
 Underlying EBITDA             29.4    26.2      12% 
 Investment in productions     81.2   101.5    (20%) 
===========================  ======  ======  ======= 
 

Revenue for the year was up 45% to GBP174.2 million (2017: GBP119.9 million), driven by an increase in the number of Designated Survivor episodes delivered, delivery of new series of Youth & Consequences for YouTube Red, and delivery of MGC's first feature film with eOne, Molly's Game. Underlying EBITDA increased 12% to GBP29.4 million (2017: GBP26.2 million), driven by higher revenue. Underlying EBITDA margin percentage was lower than prior year reflecting a change in revenue mix.

Investment in productions decreased 20% to GBP81.2 million (2017: GBP101.5 million) due to phasing of productions, including Molly's Game where the majority of spend was incurred in FY17.

The studio continues to benefit from a strong library of television and film titles which have demonstrated enduring popularity and commercial success. The relatively high margins attributable to the library favourably contributes to the bottom line and cash generation. During the year MGC had five series airing on US network and premium cable, all with continued strong viewership including season twelve of Criminal Minds (renewed for season thirteen), season two of Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, season five of Ray Donovan (renewed for season six), season two of Quantico (renewed for season three) and season thirteen and fourteen of Grey's Anatomy (renewed for season fifteen) making it the longest running scripted prime-time show currently airing on the ABC network. The year also saw a straight-to-series order by ABC of the Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Station 19, which premiered in March 2018.

MUSIC

 
 GBPm                              2018   2017   Change 
 Revenue                           49.4   54.1     (9%) 
 Underlying EBITDA                  6.2    5.7       9% 
 Investment in acquired content     4.1    3.2      28% 
================================  =====  =====  ======= 
 

Revenue for the year decreased by 9% to GBP49.4 million (2017: GBP54.1 million), primarily due to the full year impact of lower physical sales driven by the termination of a number of distributed labels when the business outsourced physical distribution in January 2017 and lower performance of The Lumineers' second album, Cleopatra, which was released in the prior year. Underlying EBITDA increased 9% to GBP6.2 million (2017: GBP5.7 million) and underlying EBITDA margin increased 2.0pts, due to the continued shift of the business from physical to digital. ADA, a member of Warner Music Group, now handles all physical sales and distribution in the US and Canada which has allowed the business to focus on higher margin digital distribution and artist management.

Key titles during the year included continued strong performance of The Lumineers' highly successful first and second albums, The Lumineers and Cleopatra, 2Pac's All Eyez on Me, Snoop Doggy Dogg's Doggystyle, Dr Dre's The Chronic and the late Chuck Berry's new album Chuck demonstrating the strength of both new and catalogue music within the Music Division. In addition, numerous high profile signings were completed in the year bringing on board new artists including Dionne Warwick, Lil' Kim and Timbaland.

Additional growth has come from the Artist Management and Publishing businesses. In Artist Management Jax Jones had a third number one song Breathe and Kah-Lo had a number one dance record in the UK.

In its Publishing and Music Supervision operations, the business continued to work in partnership with eOne television and film projects, including Makeready's A Million Little Pieces, Ice (season two), Let's Get Physical, as well as supervising the music on the recent PJ Masks Live! tour and providing the theme song for the upcoming Ricky Zoom series in Family & Brands.

The number of albums released in the year was marginally higher at 84, versus 79 in the prior year, and digital singles released remained steady at 205, compared to 206 in the prior year, demonstrating the robust pipeline of content driving the business forward.

FILM

eOne's Global Film Group is one of the world's largest independent film businesses with operations in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Benelux, Germany and Spain. The Division's primary focus is on the development, production and acquisition of high quality film productions for direct distribution in its territories and sales around the world.

 
 GBPm                                            2018    2017   Change 
 Revenue                                        402.2   594.2    (32%) 
                Theatrical                       57.1    97.2    (41%) 
                Home entertainment               79.2   149.3    (47%) 
                Broadcast and digital           141.4   189.4    (25%) 
                Production and international 
                 sales                           78.1   108.0    (28%) 
                Other                            48.5    54.5    (11%) 
                Eliminations                    (2.1)   (4.2)      50% 
=============================================  ======  ======  ======= 
 Underlying EBITDA                               35.1    52.7    (33%) 
 Investment in acquired content                 118.8   143.2    (17%) 
 Investment in productions                       47.0   (0.6)   7,933% 
=============================================  ======  ======  ======= 
 

As a result of lower volume in the year, revenue and underlying EBITDA decreased 32% and 33% to GBP402.2 million (2017: GBP594.2 million) and GBP35.1 million (2017: GBP52.7 million), respectively. Underlying EBITDA benefitted from gross margin improvement of 3.1pts driven by lower amortisation costs and sales mix and significant cost savings resulting from the reorganisation commenced in FY16 and substantially completed in FY17. The Group has achieved the targeted annualised cost savings of approximately GBP10 million related to the continued reduction of physical distribution infrastructure in this financial year. In addition, cost savings from the integration of the Film and Television Divisions of GBP1-2 million were realised in FY18 with a full run rate impact expected by FY20 of GBP13-15 million (including the integration of MGC).

Investment in acquired content reduced by GBP24.4 million to GBP118.8 million (2017: GBP143.2 million) driven by lower volume and mix of acquired titles. Investment in productions was higher by GBP47.6 million at GBP47.0 million (2017: (GBP0.6 million)), a significant increase over the prior year, reflecting the Group's strategic shift towards direct production of content over which it has ownership and control.

THEATRICAL

Overall, theatrical revenue decreased by 41% as a result of lower box office takings, (box office of US$207.6 million in FY18 versus US$337.4 million in FY17). The total number of film theatrical releases was 144 compared to 172 in the prior year and the number of individual film theatrical releases in the year was 85 compared to 102 in the prior year. The decrease in revenue is a result of volume and mix of titles compared to the higher profile releases in the prior year, which included The BFG, The Girl on the Train, and Arrival. The lower number of releases and spending on acquired content is consistent with the Group's strategy to shift investment towards content production.

The current year releases include Oscar nominated Molly's Game, a Mark Gordon Company production written and directed by Aaron Sorkin; Oscar nominated The Post from Amblin Partners, starring Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg; and Oscar nominated I, Tonya for which Allison Janney won Best Supporting Actress, which Sierra/Affinity sold internationally. eOne released the first film under its new partnership with Annapurna Pictures, Detroit directed by Academy Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow. Other key releases in the year included A Dog's Purpose, The Death of Stalin, Wonder and Finding Your Feet.

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Revenue decreased by 47% as a result of the lower volume of releases, continued shift from physical to digital formats, and the discontinuation of certain labels in the US and Canada as planned.

In total, 255 DVDs and Blu-ray titles were released during the year (2017: 366), a decrease of 30%, including key titles such as John Wick: Chapter 2, La La Land, season seven of The Walking Dead, Mom and Dad, Ballerina, A Dog's Purpose, Power Rangers and Jungle.

BROADCAST AND DIGITAL

The Division's combined broadcast and digital revenues were 25% lower on a reported basis and 12% on a like-for-like basis, which excludes the prior year digital revenues generated in the Film Division from the US Distribution business that related to music sales. The like-for-like revenues were lower reflecting the impact of fewer releases and the reduced volume of larger titles to support incremental sales opportunities.

Key broadcast and digital titles included The Girl on the Train, A Dog's Purpose, Arrival, John Wick: Chapter 2 and Bon Cop Bad Cop 2.

The Group entered into a new multi-year exclusive SVOD deal with Amazon in the first half of the year, for the first Pay TV window in the UK. This new deal gives Amazon Prime members exclusive access to all new releases in the territory during the window. In addition the Group entered into a new output deal with Amazon in Spain, extended its Pay TV output deal with Bell Media in Canada and executed an SVOD catalogue and second Pay TV deal with Netflix in the UK.

PRODUCTION AND INTERNATIONAL SALES

Revenue for production and international sales decreased by 28% to GBP78.1 million (2017: GBP108.0 million) as a result of the timing of the Sierra production slate, which did not include any deliveries in FY18 compared to Lost City of Z and Atomic Blonde in FY17.

During the year eOne delivered The Ritual which was released theatrically in the UK with the balance of worldwide distribution rights sold to Netflix, and Just Getting Started.

Sierra's key sales titles included I, Tonya, 24 Hours to Live, Molly's Game, Mark Felt and Anon.

2019 OUTLOOK FOR FILM, TELEVISION AND DIGITAL

From 1 April 2018 the Company is combining the Film and Television Divisions into one reporting segment: Film, Television and Digital. This follows on from the combination of the operations. Therefore the following 2019 outlook is provided for the new Division.

Film, Television and Digital is well positioned for growth in FY19 in a landscape where premium original content is in demand more than ever before. The Division will continue to focus on early access to high quality premium content of all types by continuing to build deep partnerships with high quality creators.

In FY19, we anticipate 140 film releases, in total across all territories, of which 80 are expected to be unique titles. Investment in acquired content is expected to be lower at approximately GBP100 million. The pipeline for the year is driven by releases from the Division's strategic partners, including Amblin Partners' The House with a Clock in Its Walls starring Cate Blanchett and Jack Black; On the Basis of Sex, a biopic of US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, starring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer; Green Book, a period drama starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali; Annapurna Pictures' If Beale Street Could Talk based on the James Baldwin novel and directed by Moonlight's Barry Jenkins; and Backseat, Adam McKay's project following his success on The Big Short about former US Vice President Dick Cheney starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell.

Investment in film production is expected to be higher than the current year at around GBP70 million reflecting the strategic shift towards content development and production. Films in production currently include: A Million Little Pieces, the first feature from Brad Weston's Makeready starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Charlie Hunnam and Billy-Bob Thornton; Mary, a low budget supernatural thriller starring recent Academy Award winner Gary Oldman, where eOne has enjoyed previous success with the Sinister and Insidious franchises; Official Secrets, starring Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightley and is directed by Gavin Hood, who also directed the eOne feature Eye in the Sky; Sierra/Affinity's Haunt and Australian co-production Nekromancer. Other Film titles in various stages of development and production include The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (Disney), The Killer (Universal), Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (CBS), and Come From Away. In addition, the Group expects production to continue to ramp-up as internal as well as partner development projects enter the packaging stage.

The television slate for FY19 will deliver a straight to series order from ABC, The Rookie, starring and executive produced by the former Castle star Nathan Fillion. eOne will handle all international distribution rights outside of the US. The production was featured in The Hollywood Reporter's Hot List for MipTV demonstrating the expected strong interest from the market. Also delivering are the remaining eight episodes of Ransom season two and renewed seasons of Burden of Truth, Private Eyes and Mary Kills People. There are a number of projects currently in development which are expected to be greenlit in the year including productions for sale to over the top platforms.

The US unscripted business will continue to grow with expected deliveries from the Growing Up Hip Hop franchise, Siesta Key and The Hollywood Puppet Show season two. Renegade 83 has a strong pipeline and is expected to deliver season five of the hugely popular Naked and Afraid, Sugar for YouTube and Buried in the Backyard for Oxygen. A majority stake in Whizz Kid Entertainment, a UK reality business, was acquired in April 2018 to further expand eOne's unscripted development and production capabilities in new territories. The slate for FY19 also includes Ex on the Beach season ten and the British Academy Film Awards 2019.

For international distribution, sales of third party titles Fear the Walking Dead and The Walking Dead are expected to continue at their existing robust levels with new seasons confirmed and although the AMC/Sundance output deal has now ended for new productions, Into the Badlands is selling strongly and a fourth season has been confirmed.

The number of half hours of TV programming expected to be acquired/produced next year is expected to be over 1000, with around 40% of the new financial year's budgeted margins already committed or greenlit. The Division currently has more than 30 scripted series set up with global platforms and broadcasters in the US, Canada and the UK in various stages of development from packaging through pilot and a further ten series expected to go to the market in the next few months. Investment in acquired content is expected to be over GBP45 million and production spend is expected to be GBP309 million.

The integration of Film, Television and Digital operations is ongoing with a number of opportunities identified to drive business efficiencies and centralisation of internal support functions from the combined operations. In addition, as part of the acquisition of the balance of The Mark Gordon Company completed in March 2018, MGC will be fully integrated into eOne. Overall annual cost savings are expected of approximately GBP13-15 million by FY20. Approximately half of these savings are expected to be realised in FY19.

Secret Location, eOne's new and emerging platforms group, is primarily focused on the fast-growing virtual reality and augmented reality business. VUSR, Secret Location's patented virtual reality content distribution platform, partners with large media companies including Discovery, The New York Times, AMC and Frontline to deliver their VR/AR content to consumers.

The Music Division expects revenue growth in FY19. The transition to higher margin digital sales will continue to drive profit growth into FY19. Releases scheduled from high profile artists such as Brandy in FY19 will drive growth of both legacy and new content. The Division will continue to develop new initiatives to position eOne as a worldwide Music brand. The Music Supervision business will continue to work in close partnership with eOne television and film projects, maximising Group synergies in this area. In January 2018, the Music Division acquired Round Room Entertainment, a leading live entertainment company, which expands eOne's comprehensive offering to artists and brands. The business is focused on live entertainment for family content and special events, this will lead to incremental revenue and EBITDA within the Music Division.

OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Adjusted operating profit increased by 12% to GBP173.7 million (2017: GBP155.3 million), reflecting the growth in the Group's underlying EBITDA. Adjusted profit before tax increased by 11% to GBP144.4 million (2017: GBP129.9 million), in line with increased adjusted operating profit, partly offset by higher underlying finance costs in the year. Reported operating profit increased by 69% to GBP114.4 million (2017: GBP67.6 million), with the Group reporting a profit before tax of GBP77.6 million, an increase of 116% over the prior year (2017: GBP35.9 million).

 
                                              Reported            Adjusted 
                                        ===================  ================== 
                                                   Restated 
                                            2018    2017(2)      2018      2017 
 GBPm                                       GBPm       GBPm      GBPm      GBPm 
 Revenue                                 1,044.5    1,082.7   1,044.5   1,082.7 
 Underlying EBITDA                         177.3      160.2     177.3     160.2 
======================================  ========  =========  ========  ======== 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles     (39.6)     (41.9)         -         - 
 Depreciation and amortisation 
  of software                              (3.6)      (4.9)     (3.6)     (4.9) 
 Share-based payment charge               (12.6)      (5.0)         -         - 
 One-off items                             (7.1)     (40.8)         -         - 
======================================  ========  =========  ========  ======== 
 Operating profit(1)                       114.4       67.6     173.7     155.3 
 Net finance costs                        (36.8)     (31.7)    (29.3)    (25.4) 
======================================  ========  =========  ========  ======== 
 Profit before tax                          77.6       35.9     144.4     129.9 
 Tax                                         0.6     (12.3)    (27.9)    (27.1) 
 Profit for the year                        78.2       23.6     116.5     102.8 
======================================  ========  =========  ========  ======== 
 

1. Adjusted operating profit excludes amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payment charge and operating one-off items.

2. Reported 2017 amounts have been restated, refer to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements for further details.

AMORTISATION OF ACQUIRED INTANGIBLES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION OF SOFTWARE

Amortisation of acquired intangibles, depreciation and amortisation of software has decreased by GBP3.6 million in the year. The decrease is primarily attributable to assets having been fully amortised in the prior year, resulting in a lower charge in FY18.

SHARE-BASED PAYMENT CHARGE

The share-based payment charge of GBP12.6 million has increased by GBP7.6 million during the year, reflecting additional awards issued in the period and also due to the fair value of the FY18 awards increasing as a result of the increase in the Company's share price in the year.

ONE-OFF ITEMS

One-off items resulted in a net charge of GBP7.1 million, compared to a net charge of GBP40.8 million in the prior year. The costs include restructuring costs of GBP8.0 million (2017: GBP51.0 million) and other costs of GBP1.0 million (2017: GBP2.5 million). These are partially offset by net acquisition related gains of GBP1.9 million (2017: GBP12.7 million).

The restructuring costs of GBP8.0 million consist of:

 
      --  GBP4.4 million of costs associated with the integration 
           of the Television and Film Divisions and includes 
           GBP3.6 million related to severance and staff 
           costs and GBP0.8 million related to consultancy 
           fees; 
      --  GBP2.0 million related to the integration of the 
           unscripted television companies within the wider 
           Canadian television production Division. The costs 
           primarily include severance, staff costs and onerous 
           leases; and 
      --  GBP1.6 million of costs associated with completion 
           of the 2017 strategy related restructuring programmes. 
           The costs include additional severance, onerous 
           leases and write-off of inventory. 
 

Acquisition gains of GBP1.9 million consist of:

 
      --  Credit of GBP3.9 million on re-assessment of the 
           liability on put options in relation to the non-controlling 
           interests over Renegade 83 and Sierra Pictures 
           put options; 
      --  These gains are partially offset by banking and 
           legal costs of GBP1.6 million associated with 
           the creation and set-up of Makeready in the current 
           year; and 
      --  Charge of GBP0.6 million on settlement of contingent 
           consideration in relation to Renegade 83 settled 
           in the year, partially offset by escrow of GBP0.2 
           million received in relation to the FY16 acquisition 
           of Last Gang Entertainment. 
 

Other costs of GBP1.0 million in FY18 primarily related to costs associated with aborted corporate projects during the year.

NET FINANCE COSTS

Reported net finance costs increased by GBP5.1 million to GBP36.8 million in the year. Excluding one-off net finance costs of GBP7.5 million, adjusted finance costs of GBP29.3 million (2017: GBP25.4 million) were GBP3.9 million higher in the year, reflecting the higher average debt levels year-on-year. The weighted average interest rate for the Group's senior financing was 6.5% compared to 6.6% in the prior year.

The one-off net finance costs of GBP7.5 million (2017: GBP6.3 million) comprise:

 
      --   GBP7.9 million (2017: GBP6.4 million) net losses 
            on fair value of derivative instruments; which 
            includes: 
             *    GBP5.2 million charge (2017: GBP7.6 million) in 
                  respect of losses on five forward currency contracts 
                  not in compliance with the Group's hedging policy. 
                  See Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements 
                  for further details; 
 
 
             *    GBP1.6 million charge (2017: gain of GBP1.2 million) 
                  in respect of fair-value losses (2017 were fair value 
                  gains) on hedge contracts which reverse in future 
                  periods; and 
 
 
             *    GBP1.1 million charge (2017: nil) in respect of 
                  fair-value losses on hedge contracts cancelled as a 
                  result of the re-negotiation of one of the Group's 
                  larger film distribution agreements in 2017; 
      --  GBP3.0 million charge (2017: GBP2.9 million) related 
           to unwind of discounting on put options issued 
           by the Group over the non-controlling interest 
           of subsidiary companies; and 
      --  The costs above are partly offset by a credit 
           of GBP3.4 million (2017: net credit of GBP3.0 
           million) relating to the reversal of interest 
           previously charged on tax provisions, which were 
           released during the year. 
 

TAX

On a reported basis, the Group's tax credit of GBP0.6 million (2017: charge of GBP12.3 million), which includes the impact of the release of tax provisions and one-off items, represents an effective rate of 0.8% compared to 33.6% in the prior year (excluding impact of JV loss of GBP0.7 million in FY17). On an adjusted basis, the effective rate is 19.3% compared to 20.9% in the prior year, driven by a different mix of profit by jurisdiction (with different statutory rates of tax). The FY19 effective tax rate on an adjusted basis is expected to be approximately 20%.

CASH FLOW & NET DEBT

The table below reconciles cash flows associated with the net debt of the Group, which excludes cash flows associated with production activities which are reconciled in the Production Financing section below.

 
                                        2018                                               2017 
                 Family                          Centre             Family                          Centre 
                      &                               &                  &                               & 
 GBPm            Brands   Television      Film    Elims     Total   Brands   Television      Film    Elims     Total 
                =======  ===========  ========  =======  ========  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ======== 
 Underlying 
  EBITDA           83.1         48.1      35.1   (12.1)     154.2     55.6         56.2      52.1   (10.9)     153.0 
 Amortisation 
  of 
  investment 
  in acquired 
  content 
  rights            1.0         32.1      87.5    (6.7)     113.9      0.5         36.4     131.4        -     168.3 
 Investment in 
  acquired 
  content 
  rights          (4.3)       (31.9)   (118.8)      6.8   (148.2)    (0.9)       (37.3)   (143.2)        -   (181.4) 
 Amortisation 
  of 
  investment 
  in 
  productions       2.4         71.3       7.2    (8.6)      72.3      1.3         30.9       0.6        -      32.8 
 Investment in 
  productions, 
  net of 
  grants          (3.2)       (81.6)    (27.4)      0.4   (111.8)    (2.8)       (31.2)     (0.2)        -    (34.2) 
 Working 
  capital           4.9          0.2    (33.8)      7.3    (21.4)    (3.3)        (7.6)    (48.1)        -    (59.0) 
 Joint venture 
  movements           -            -         -        -         -        -          0.6         -        -       0.6 
============== 
 Adjusted cash 
  flow             83.9         38.2    (50.2)   (12.9)      59.0     50.4         48.0     (7.4)   (10.9)      80.1 
==============  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ========  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ======== 
 Cash 
  conversion 
  (%)              101%          79%    (143%)                38%      91%          85%     (14%)                52% 
 Capital 
  expenditure                                               (3.2)                                              (3.2) 
 Tax paid                                                  (31.8)                                             (16.2) 
 Net interest 
  paid                                                     (25.5)                                             (24.2) 
============== 
 Free cash 
  flow                                                      (1.5)                                               36.5 
 Cash one-off 
  items                                                    (33.4)                                             (15.9) 
 Cash one-off 
  finance 
  items                                                    (14.1)                                              (1.7) 
 Transactions 
  with equity 
  holders and 
  acquisitions 
  , net of net 
  debt 
  acquired                                                (118.5)                                              (9.6) 
 Net proceeds 
 of share 
 issue                                                       52.0                                                  - 
 Dividends 
  paid                                                     (13.0)                                              (8.3) 
 Foreign 
  exchange                                                    1.4                                              (7.6) 
 Movement                                                 (127.1)                                              (6.6) 
==============  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ========  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ======== 
 Net debt at 
  the 
  beginning of 
  the year                                                (187.4)                                            (180.8) 
============== 
 Net debt at 
  the end of 
  the year                                                (314.5)                                            (187.4) 
==============  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ========  =======  ===========  ========  =======  ======== 
 

ADJUSTED CASH FLOW

Adjusted cash inflow at GBP59.0 million was lower than prior year by GBP21.1 million primarily due to an increase in spend on acquired content and productions of GBP44.4 million partly offset by an increase in EBITDA and reduced working capital outflow. The underlying EBITDA to cash flow conversion was 38% (2017: 52%).

FAMILY & BRANDS

Family & Brands adjusted cash inflow increased 66% to GBP83.9 million (2017: GBP50.4 million) representing an underlying EBITDA to adjusted cash flow conversion of 101% (2017: 91%), driven by the increase in underlying EBITDA and working capital inflows, partly offset by increased investment in acquired content and productions. Working capital inflows grew year-on-year driven by the increase in creditors as a result of increased royalties and agency commission associated with Peppa Pig and PJ Masks due to higher revenue in the year partially offset by the increase in receivables. The investment in acquired content and productions spend related to season five of Peppa Pig, season two of PJ Masks and new properties Cupcake & Dino: General Services and Ricky Zoom.

TELEVISION

Television adjusted cash inflow for the year was GBP38.2 million (2017: GBP48.0 million), representing an underlying EBITDA to adjusted cash flow conversion of 79% (2017: 85%). The reduction of cash inflow is driven by significantly higher investments in production due to ramp up in productions, particularly in unscripted US and MGC, including productions in progress and development spend. The working capital was broadly flat in the year reflecting inflows from the increase in royalty accruals and increase in intercompany trade payables relating to productions from MGC (which are offset within the Television working capital movement under production financing), offset by an outflow in movements in receivables from higher revenue in the last quarter.

FILM

Film adjusted cash outflow of GBP50.2 million was higher than prior year (2017: outflow GBP7.4 million) driven by lower underlying EBITDA, lower amortisation of investment in acquired content rights, higher investment in productions, net of grants, partly offset by lower investment in acquired content and lower working capital outflow.

The reduced investment in acquired content rights was driven by the lower volume and profile of theatrical releases in the year which has led to lower amortisation. The increased investment in productions mainly relates to spend on the Sierra production, How It Ends, which will be delivered to Netflix in FY19. Working capital outflow of GBP33.8 million was primarily due to a decrease in payables driven by the timing of payments in the distribution territories partly offset by greater collection of receivables.

FREE CASH FLOW

Free cash outflow for the Group of (GBP1.5 million) was GBP38.0 million lower than the previous year primarily due to higher investment in acquired content and productions spend, timing of certain tax payments of approximately GBP10 million offset by lower working capital outflow and EBITDA growth.

NET DEBT

At 31 March 2018, overall net debt of GBP314.5 million was GBP127.1 million higher than the prior year due to the lower free cash flow, higher one-off items, including payment of prior years' restructuring charges, higher one-off finance items and the impact of the MGC transaction.

Refer to the Appendix to this Results Announcement for the definition of adjusted cash flow and free cash flow and for a reconciliation to net cash from operating activities.

PRODUCTION FINANCING

Overall production financing decreased by GBP33.6 million year-on-year to GBP118.7 million reflecting the timing of certain programming. For example, in MGC within Television there were cash outflows associated with Conviction in FY17 and then the loan was repaid in FY18. There was not an equivalent MGC network show in FY18.

 
                                          2018                                        2017 
                           Family                                      Family 
 GBPm                    & Brands   Television     Film     Total    & Brands   Television     Film     Total 
 Underlying EBITDA          (0.8)         23.9        -      23.1           -          6.6      0.6       7.2 
 Amortisation of 
  investment in 
  productions                 0.2        153.7      4.2     158.1         0.9        138.6     41.1     180.6 
 Investment in 
  productions, net 
  of grants                 (2.0)      (159.2)   (19.6)   (180.8)       (1.4)      (191.7)      0.8   (192.3) 
 Working capital              0.8          7.8     16.5      25.1         0.5          4.4   (11.4)     (6.5) 
 Joint venture 
  movements                     -            -        -         -           -          0.1        -       0.1 
 Adjusted cash 
  flow                      (1.8)         26.2      1.1      25.5           -       (42.0)     31.1    (10.9) 
=====================  ==========  ===========  =======  ========  ==========  ===========  =======  ======== 
 Capital expenditure                                            -                                       (0.3) 
 Tax paid                                                   (0.7)                                       (2.2) 
 Net interest paid                                          (0.7)                                       (0.1) 
 Free cash flow                                              24.1                                      (13.5) 
 Cash one-off items                                         (3.5)                                       (0.9) 
 Acquisitions, 
  net of net debt 
  acquired                                                      -                                       (0.7) 
 Foreign exchange                                            13.0                                      (19.2) 
 Movement                                                    33.6                                      (34.3) 
=====================  ==========  ===========  =======  ========  ==========  ===========  =======  ======== 
 Net production 
  financing at the 
  beginning of the 
  year                                                    (152.3)                                     (118.0) 
=====================  ==========  ===========  =======  ========  ==========  ===========  =======  ======== 
 Net production 
  financing at the 
  end of the year                                         (118.7)                                     (152.3) 
=====================  ==========  ===========  =======  ========  ==========  ===========  =======  ======== 
 

The production cash flows relate to non-recourse production financing which is used to fund the Group's family brands, television and film productions. The financing is arranged on an individual production basis by special purpose production subsidiaries which are excluded from the security of the Group's corporate facility. It is short-term financing whilst the production is being made and is paid back once the production is delivered and the sales receipts and tax credits are received. The Company deems this type of financing to be short term in nature and it is therefore excluded from net debt.

FINANCIAL POSITION AND GOING CONCERN BASIS

The Group's net assets decreased by GBP45.3 million to GBP706.0 million at 31 March 2018 (2017: GBP751.3 million).

The directors acknowledge guidance issued by the Financial Reporting Council relating to going concern. The directors consider it appropriate to prepare the consolidated financial statements on a going concern basis, as set out in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

A presentation to analysts will take place at 9.00am on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 at eOne's UK office (45 Warren Street, London, W1T 6AG). For more information, or to register to attend, contact Alma PR +44 7961 075 844 or rsh@almapr.co.uk).

For further information please contact:

Alma PR

Rebecca Sanders-Hewett

Tel: +44 7961 075 844

Email: rsh@almapr.co.uk

Entertainment One

Darren Throop (CEO)

Joe Sparacio (CFO)

via Alma PR

Patrick Yau (Head of Investor Relations)

Tel: +44 20 3714 7931

Email: PYau@entonegroup.com

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

This Results Announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results, operations and businesses of Entertainment One Ltd. These statements and forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will occur in the future. These statements are made by the directors in good faith based on the information available to them up to the time of their approval of this report. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forecasts. Nothing in this Results Announcement should be construed as a profit forecast.

A copy of this Results Announcement for the year ended 31 March 2018 can be found on the Group's website at www.entertainmentone.com.

Independent auditors' report to the members of Entertainment One Ltd.

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

In our opinion, the Entertainment One Ltd.'s Group financial statements (the "financial statements"):

-- give a true and fair view of the state of the Group's affairs as at 31 March 2018 and of its profit and cash 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 have audited the financial statements, included within the 2018 Annual Report and Accounts (the "Annual Report"), which comprise: the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2018; the Consolidated Income Statement and Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, and the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; and the Notes to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence

We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, which includes the FRC's Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Our audit approach

Context

In this first year of our audit tenure our planning process involved meeting with Group and Divisional management and the board to understand the business, its challenges, opportunities and associated risks.

Overview

 
Materiality          Overall Group materiality: GBP4.2 million, based on 5% of profit before tax ('PBT') adjusted 
                      for one off operating items which principally relate to restructuring costs and acquisition 
                      related costs. 
-----------------    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Audit scope          We identified six reporting units across three countries which, in our view, required an audit 
                     of their complete financial information due to their size: Canada (three), US (one) and UK 
                     (two). 
                     The reporting units where we performed a full scope audit and the consolidation adjustment 
                     entities accounted for 70% of revenue and 60% of PBT. 
                     We identified six reporting units across three countries which, in our view, were not significant 
                     enough contributors to Group PBT to have a full scope audit, but for which certain specific 
                     financial statement line items were audited. The reporting units for which we performed specific 
                     financial statement line item audits were located in: Canada (one), the US (one) and the UK 
                     (one). We also identified certain Head Office reporting units (three) where an audit of specific 
                     financial statement line items was required. 
                     Further specific audit procedures over central functions and areas of significant judgement, 
                     including goodwill and intangibles and treasury were performed at the Group level. 
-----------------    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Key audit matters    Valuation of acquired content rights and investment in productions. 
                      Risk of fraud in revenue recognition 
                      Carrying values of goodwill and other intangible assets (Film). 
                      Valuation and completeness of hedging and derivatives. 
-----------------    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

The scope of our audit

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements. In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain.

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors' professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

As in all of our audits we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

 
Key audit matter                                     How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
-------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
Valuation of acquired content rights and                   Our audit procedures included understanding and evaluating 
investment in productions                                  the controls and systems related 
At 31 March 2018, the Group has recognised                 to the ultimates and investment in content / investment in 
GBP181.5 million of investment in productions and          production models, together with 
GBP253.4 million of investment in acquired                 performing substantive audit procedures. 
content on the Balance Sheet.                              We performed substantive testing, using sampling 
Ultimate revenues ("ultimates") are estimated              techniques, that were specific to each component 
based on assumptions related to expected future            based upon the nature of the content or title. The 
revenues generated from the ongoing exploitation           procedures performed included the following: 
of the content through the various exploitation             *    Discussing the expectations of the selected films and 
windows (i.e. through theatrical release, home                   shows with key personnel, including those outside of 
entertainment, digital and television).                          finance, to ensure consistency of expected 
Forecasting                                                      performance with key assumptions; 
these ultimates that support the valuation of the 
investment in acquired content and productions 
library is judgemental and is dependent upon                *    Where comparable titles existed, we assessed the key 
management estimates.                                            assumptions for consistency; 
There is a risk in respect of the accuracy of the 
ultimate forecasts and that inappropriate 
assumptions are made in respect of the forecast             *    Evaluating key assumptions in the analysis through 
future revenues that would mean that the                         historic sales data, contracts or available market 
valuation                                                        data; 
of the related investment in production and 
investment in content balances is incorrect. 
                                                            *    Assessing management's historical forecasting 
                                                                 accuracy by comparing past assumptions to actual 
                                                                 outcomes; 
 
 
                                                            *    Performing sensitivity analysis to identify if there 
                                                                 were any ultimate revenues forecasts and associated 
                                                                 investment in content / investment in production 
                                                                 balances that were sensitive to change; 
 
 
                                                            *    Testing the mathematical accuracy of the investment 
                                                                 in content and investment in productions models and 
                                                                 associated amortisation charge and tested a sample of 
                                                                 additions and disposals to third party supporting 
                                                                 documents. 
 
 
                                                           As the Group engagement team, we were specifically involved 
                                                           in assessing the appropriateness 
                                                           of the audit approach for each component in this area. This 
                                                           satisfied us that the area was 
                                                           well understood and that sufficient focus was placed on the 
                                                           risk area. 
-------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
Risk of fraud in revenue recognition                       Audit procedures have been performed by each of the 
Recognition of revenue is a key driver of the              in-scope components, the Group engagement 
presented results of the Group and executive               team and by one specified financial statement line item 
bonus and therefore there is an incentive for              component and included the following: 
management to manipulate revenue recognition                *    Understanding and evaluating the internal control 
to meet targets.                                                 environment around revenue recognition; 
We assessed each revenue stream and identified a 
significant risk that revenue is not recorded 
in the correct period associated with significant           *    Examination of significant contracts entered into 
transactions entered into close to year                          close to year end to ensure revenue recognition in 
and those revenue streams where there is more                    the appropriate period; 
judgement associated with the timing of their 
revenue recognition. These identified higher risk 
revenue streams were Licensing & Merchandising,             *    Substantive testing, on a sample basis, to ensure 
Production and Broadcast and Digital revenue                     revenue recognition in the appropriate period, by 
streams.                                                         agreeing information back to contracts and proof of 
                                                                 delivery or transmission as appropriate. 
 
 
                                                            *    Testing post year end credit notes. 
-------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
 
 
Carrying values of goodwill and other intangible           The audit procedures, performed by the Group engagement 
assets                                                     team, focused towards the Film CGU 
At 31 March 2018, the group's carrying value of            included the following: 
goodwill and other intangibles is GBP375.2                  *    Testing the mathematical integrity of management's 
million and GBP248.9 million respectively across                 impairment model; 
four cash generating units ('CGUs'). 
The recoverable amounts of these CGUs are 
dependent on certain key assumptions, including             *    Evaluating the process by which management prepared 
the weighted average cost of capital "WACC" rate                 their cash flow forecasts and comparing them against 
and future cash flows which are dependent                        the latest Board approved plans; 
upon management judgements and estimates. There 
is a risk that significant changes to assumptions 
or underperformance could give rise to an                   *    Assessing the historical accuracy of management's 
impairment.                                                      forecasting; 
We have identified a risk in respect of the 
valuation for the Film CGU, which has the largest 
carrying value of GBP499 million, has been                  *    Evaluating and challenging the reasonableness of 
undergoing a transition, has lower year-on-year                  management's key assumptions including the long and 
results, and is most sensitive to changes in                     short term growth rates and the WACC rate. We 
assumptions.                                                     benchmarked against the industry / peers, external 
                                                                 sources and country inflation rates; 
 
 
                                                            *    Performing our own sensitivity analysis to understand 
                                                                 the impact of reasonable changes in the key 
                                                                 assumptions. No impairments were identified though 
                                                                 our sensitivities; and 
 
 
                                                            *    Validating and confirming the appropriateness of the 
                                                                 related disclosures in note 12 of the financial 
                                                                 statements. 
-------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
Valuation and completeness of hedging and                  The audit procedures to address the identified risk were 
derivatives                                                performed by the Group team and included: 
In the first half of the year management                    *    Obtaining a detailed understanding and evaluated the 
identified certain forward currency contracts                    revised control environment through review of changes 
that                                                             proposed by Internal Audit and performance of 
were not in compliance with the Group's hedging                  additional walkthroughs; 
policy and had not been accounted for within 
the financial statements which resulted in a 
restatement to the prior year financial                     *    Requesting confirmation of all open trades, as at 31 
statements.                                                      March 2018, for Entertainment One Ltd. and all 
As a result of the identification of this error                  subsidiaries from all of the Group's brokers; 
we identified a risk of material misstatement 
associated with the valuation and completeness of 
hedging and derivatives.                                    *    Reconciling 100% of the open trades independently 
                                                                 confirmed to management's own records; and 
 
 
                                                            *    Recalculating the value of all open trades using spot 
                                                                 currency rates as at 31 March 2018. 
 
 
                                                           In addition to reviewing the completeness and valuation of 
                                                           the derivative position we have 
                                                           reviewed the cash flow hedging programme through reviewing 
                                                           the reconciliation of the cash 
                                                           flow hedge reserve and reviewing a sample of hedge 
                                                           documentation. 
                                                           Based on the procedures performed, we noted no material 
                                                           errors in respect of the completeness 
                                                           and valuation of hedging and derivatives as at 31 March 
                                                           2018. 
-------------------------------------------------    ----------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

How we tailored the audit scope

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which it operates.

The Group has three reporting segments being Film, Television and Family. Within these reporting segments are a number of different business units that are primarily split across the geographic locations of Canada, the US and the UK. The Group financial statements are a consolidation of approximately 90 reporting units, representing these operating business units and certain centralised functions and consolidation units.

The reporting units vary in size and we identified six reporting units which, in our view, required an audit of their complete financial information due to their individual size. These reporting units where we performed a full audit of their financial information were in Canada (three reporting units), the US (one reporting unit) and the UK (two reporting units). These reporting units, together with the Group consolidation adjustments, accounted for 70% of revenue and 60% of profit before tax.

Audits of specific financial statement line items, including revenue, inventory, intangibles and the associated amortisation and external borrowings, were performed on additional reporting units. These reporting units were in Canada (one reporting unit), the US (one reporting unit), the UK (one reporting unit) and certain head office entities (three reporting units). We also performed specific audit procedures over central functions such as the consolidation, and certain key areas of focus, including goodwill and treasury at the Group level.

Certain reporting units were audited by local component audit teams. The Group engagement team attended the year end audit clearance meetings of each full scope component team, maintained regular contact with the component teams and were involved in the oversight of work in respect of significant/judgemental areas.

Materiality

The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

 
Overall Group materiality  GBP4.2 million. 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
How we determined it       5% of profit before tax adjusted for operating one-off items. 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Rationale for benchmark    Overall materiality has been set based on a profit before tax, adjusted for one off items 
                           relating to restructuring costs, acquisition related costs and costs associated with 
                           aborted 
                           corporate projects and non-recurring finance costs. We believe that this is an appropriate 
                           benchmark as it removes volatility in order to present results on a more consistent basis 
                           and is a key performance measure for the Group. 
-------------------------  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The range of materiality allocated across components was between GBP2.0 million and GBP3.5 million.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above GBP0.2 million as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern

In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

 
Reporting obligation                                         Outcome 
---------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------------------------- 
We are required to report if we have anything material to    We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to. 
add or draw attention to in respect                          However, because not all future events 
of the directors' statement in the financial statements      or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a 
about whether the directors considered                       guarantee as to the Group's ability 
it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of           to continue as a going concern. 
accounting in preparing the financial statements 
and the directors' identification of any material 
uncertainties to the Group's ability to 
continue as a going concern over a period of at least 
twelve months from the date of approval 
of the financial statements. 
---------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------------------------- 
We are required to report if the directors' statement        We have nothing to report. 
relating to Going Concern in accordance 
with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent 
with our knowledge obtained in the 
audit. 
---------------------------------------------------------    --------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Reporting on other information

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form of assurance thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, ISAs (UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

 
      The directors' assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would 
       threaten the solvency or liquidity of the Group 
       We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding: 
        *    The directors' confirmation of the Annual Report 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 in the Annual Report that describe 
             those risks and explain how they are being managed or 
             mitigated. 
 
 
        *    The directors' explanation of the Annual Report 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 have nothing to report having performed a review of the directors' statement that they 
       have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group and director's 
       voluntary statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was 
       substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering 
       the directors' process supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment 
       with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the "Code"); and considering 
       whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the Group and 
       its environment obtained in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
      Other Code Provisions 
       We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when: 
        *    The statement given by the directors, that they 
             consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be 
             fair, balanced and understandable, and provides the 
             information necessary for the members to assess the 
             Group's position and performance, business model and 
             strategy is materially inconsistent with our 
             knowledge of the Group obtained in the course of 
             performing our audit. 
 
 
        *    The section of the Annual Report describing the work 
             of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address 
             matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 
 
 
        *    The directors' statement relating to the parent 
             company's compliance with the Code does not properly 
             disclose a departure from a relevant provision of the 
             Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review 
             by the auditors. 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors' Responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.

Use of this report

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the parent company's members as a body to enable the directors to meet their obligations under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Philip Stokes

For and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Chartered Accountants

London

21 May 2018

Consolidated Income Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2018

 
                                                                         Restated(1) 
                                                          Year ended      Year ended 
                                                       31 March 2018   31 March 2017 
                                               Note             GBPm            GBPm 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 Revenue                                        2            1,044.5         1,082.7 
 Cost of sales                                               (733.6)         (795.4) 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 Gross profit                                                  310.9           287.3 
 Administrative expenses                                     (196.5)         (219.0) 
 Share of results of joint ventures             28                 -           (0.7) 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 Operating profit                               3              114.4            67.6 
 Finance income                                 7                3.9             5.0 
 Finance costs                                  7             (40.7)          (36.7) 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 Profit before tax                                              77.6            35.9 
 Income tax credit/(charge)                     8                0.6          (12.3) 
 Profit for the year                                            78.2            23.6 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                                          64.5            11.7 
 Non-controlling interests                                      13.7            11.9 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 
 Operating profit analysed as: 
 Underlying EBITDA                              2              177.3           160.2 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles           13            (39.6)          (41.9) 
 Depreciation and amortisation of software    13, 15           (3.6)           (4.9) 
 Share-based payment charge                     31            (12.6)           (5.0) 
 One-off items                                  6              (7.1)          (40.8) 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 Operating profit                                              114.4            67.6 
===========================================  =======  ==============  ============== 
 
 
 Earnings per share (pence) 
 Basic                                  11   14.8    2.7 
 Diluted                                11   14.4    2.7 
 Adjusted earnings per share (pence) 
 Basic                                  11   22.5   20.3 
 Diluted                                11   21.9   20.0 
=====================================  ===  =====  ===== 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 March 2018

 
                                                          Restated(1) 
                                             Year ended    Year ended 
                                               31 March      31 March 
                                                   2018          2017 
                                                   GBPm          GBPm 
=========================================   ===========  ============ 
 Profit for the year                               78.2          23.6 
 Items that may be reclassified 
  subsequently to profit or loss: 
 Exchange differences on foreign 
  operations                                     (56.6)          75.6 
 Hedging reserve movements: 
 Fair value movements on cash flow 
  hedges                                          (5.0)           8.5 
 Reclassification adjustments for 
  movements on cash flow hedges                     1.4         (9.3) 
 Tax credit/(charge) related to 
  components of other comprehensive 
  (loss)/income                                     2.7         (1.7) 
 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income 
  for the year                                   (57.5)          73.1 
==========================================  ===========  ============ 
 
 Total comprehensive income for 
  the year                                         20.7          96.7 
==========================================  ===========  ============ 
 
 Attributable to: 
 Owners of the Company                             12.3          77.2 
 Non-controlling interests                          8.4          19.5 
==========================================  ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31 March 2018

 
                                                                          Restated(1) 
                                                        31 March 2018   31 March 2017 
                                                 Note            GBPm            GBPm 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 ASSETS 
 Non-current assets 
 Goodwill                                         12            375.2           406.9 
 Other intangible assets                          13            248.9           302.9 
 Interests in joint ventures                      28              1.0             1.1 
 Investment in productions                        14            181.5           160.8 
 Property, plant and equipment                    15             10.6            11.9 
 Trade and other receivables                      18             93.7            60.9 
 Deferred tax assets                              9              26.2            28.2 
 Total non-current assets                                       937.1           972.7 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                      16             39.6            48.6 
 Investment in acquired content rights            17            253.4           269.8 
 Trade and other receivables                      18            481.5           464.4 
 Cash and cash equivalents                        19            119.2           133.4 
 Current tax assets                                               3.5             1.5 
 Financial instruments                            24              1.9            10.6 
 Total current assets                                           899.1           928.3 
 Total assets                                                 1,836.2         1,901.0 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 
 LIABILITIES 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings            22            375.2           276.6 
 Production financing                             23             86.7            91.2 
 Other payables                                   20             28.0            35.4 
 Provisions                                       21              0.4             1.5 
 Deferred tax liabilities                         9              34.7            53.1 
 Total non-current liabilities                                  525.0           457.8 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Current liabilities 
 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings            22              0.4             0.5 
 Production financing                             23             90.1           104.8 
 Trade and other payables                         20            491.3           507.8 
 Provisions                                       21              5.9            30.6 
 Current tax liabilities                                         14.8            32.8 
 Financial instruments                            24              2.7            15.4 
 Total current liabilities                                      605.2           691.9 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Total liabilities                                            1,130.2         1,149.7 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Net assets                                                     706.0           751.3 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 
 EQUITY 
 Stated capital                                   30            594.8           505.3 
 Own shares                                       30            (0.2)           (1.5) 
 Other reserves                                   30           (23.6)          (22.7) 
 Currency translation reserve                                    28.5            79.8 
 Retained earnings                                               58.4           104.2 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Equity attributable to owners of the Company                   657.9           665.1 
 Non-controlling interests                                       48.1            86.2 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 Total equity                                                   706.0           751.3 
 Total liabilities and equity                                 1,836.2         1,901.0 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

These consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 May 2018.

Joseph Sparacio

Director

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 March 2018

 
                                                Other Reserves 
                                      ================================== 
                     Stated      Own      Cash       Put   Restructuring      Currency   Retained         Equity   Non-controlling     Total 
                    capital   shares      flow   options         reserve   translation   earnings   attributable         interests    equity 
                                         hedge      over                       reserve                    to the 
                                       reserve       NCI                                               owners of 
                                                                                                     the Company 
                       GBPm     GBPm      GBPm      GBPm            GBPm          GBPm       GBPm           GBPm              GBPm      GBPm 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 At 1 April 2016      500.0    (3.6)       1.4    (30.9)             9.3          11.8      100.3          588.3              69.9     658.2 
 Restatement(1)           -        -         -         -               -             -      (4.4)          (4.4)                 -     (4.4) 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 At 1 April 2016 
  restated            500.0    (3.6)       1.4    (30.9)             9.3          11.8       95.9          583.9              69.9     653.8 
 Profit for the 
  year                    -        -         -         -               -             -       11.7           11.7              11.9      23.6 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  (loss)/income           -        -     (2.5)         -               -          68.0          -           65.5               7.6      73.1 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (loss)/income 
  for the year            -        -     (2.5)         -               -          68.0       11.7           77.2              19.5      96.7 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 Credits in 
  respect of 
  share-based 
  payments                -        -         -         -               -             -        4.9            4.9                 -       4.9 
 Deferred tax 
  movement 
  arising on 
  share options           -        -         -         -               -             -        0.1            0.1                 -       0.1 
 Exercise of 
  share options         1.2        -         -         -               -             -      (1.2)              -                 -         - 
 Distribution of 
  shares to 
  beneficiaries 
  of the Employee 
  Benefit Trust           -      2.1         -         -               -             -      (2.1)              -                 -         - 
 Acquisition of 
  subsidiaries          4.1        -         -         -               -             -          -            4.1                 -       4.1 
 Dividends paid           -        -         -         -               -             -      (5.1)          (5.1)             (3.2)     (8.3) 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with equity 
  holders               5.3      2.1         -         -               -             -      (3.4)            4.0             (3.2)       0.8 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 At 31 March 2017     505.3    (1.5)     (1.1)    (30.9)             9.3          79.8      104.2          665.1              86.2     751.3 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 Profit for the 
  year                    -        -         -         -               -             -       64.5           64.5              13.7      78.2 
 Other 
  comprehensive 
  loss                    -        -     (0.9)         -               -        (51.3)          -         (52.2)             (5.3)    (57.5) 
 Total 
  comprehensive 
  (loss)/profit 
  for the year            -        -     (0.9)         -               -        (51.3)       64.5           12.3               8.4      20.7 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 Issue of common 
  shares net of 
  transaction 
  costs                51.8        -         -         -               -             -          -           51.8                 -      51.8 
 Credits in 
  respect of 
  share-based 
  payments                -        -         -         -               -             -       11.9           11.9                 -      11.9 
 Deferred tax 
  movement 
  arising on 
  share options           -        -         -         -               -             -        0.3            0.3                 -       0.3 
 Exercise of 
  share options         4.2        -         -         -               -             -      (4.2)              -                 -         - 
 Distribution of 
  shares to 
  beneficiaries 
  of the Employee 
  Benefit Trust           -      1.3         -         -               -             -      (1.3)              -                 -         - 
 Acquisition of 
  subsidiaries(2)       1.8        -         -         -               -             -          -            1.8                 -       1.8 
 Transactions 
  with equity 
  holders(2)           31.7        -         -         -               -             -    (111.4)         (79.7)            (39.1)   (118.8) 
 Dividends 
  paid(3)                 -        -         -         -               -             -      (5.6)          (5.6)             (7.4)    (13.0) 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 Total 
  transactions 
  with equity 
  holders              89.5      1.3         -         -               -             -    (110.3)         (19.5)            (46.5)    (66.0) 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 
 At 31 March 2018     594.8    (0.2)     (2.0)    (30.9)             9.3          28.5       58.4          657.9              48.1     706.0 
=================  ========  =======  ========  ========  ==============  ============  =========  =============  ================  ======== 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

2. Refer to Note 25 for details on transactions with equity holders and acquisition related movements.

3. Refer to Note 10 for details on dividends paid during the year.

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 March 2018

 
                                                                  Restated(1) 
                                                     Year ended    Year ended 
                                                       31 March      31 March 
                                                           2018          2017 
                                              Note         GBPm          GBPm 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Operating activities 
 Operating profit                                         114.4          67.6 
 Adjustment for: 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                15           2.0           2.4 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant 
  and equipment                                15             -           0.8 
 Amortisation of software                      13           1.6           2.5 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles          13          39.6          41.9 
 Amortisation of investment in productions     14         230.4         213.4 
 Investment in productions, net 
  of grants received                           14       (292.6)       (226.5) 
 Amortisation of investment in acquired 
  content rights                               17         113.9         168.3 
 Investment in acquired content 
  rights                                       17       (148.2)       (181.4) 
 Impairment of investment in acquired 
  content rights                               17             -           2.2 
 Fair value gain on acquisition 
  of subsidiary                                25             -         (2.3) 
 Share of results of joint ventures            28             -           0.7 
 Put option movements                          20         (3.9)         (6.3) 
 Share-based payment charge                    31          12.6           5.0 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Operating cash flows before changes 
  in working capital and provisions                        69.8          88.3 
 Decrease in inventories                       16           5.0           8.4 
 Increase in trade and other receivables       18        (65.5)       (102.1) 
 Increase in trade and other payables          20          62.4          30.5 
 (Decrease)/increase in provisions             21        (24.3)          27.3 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Cash from operations                                      47.4          52.4 
 Income tax paid                                         (32.5)        (18.4) 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Net cash from operating activities                        14.9          34.0 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Investing activities 
 Transactions with equity holders              25       (114.8)             - 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries and              25, 
  joint ventures, net of cash acquired         28         (3.7)         (6.8) 
 Purchase of financial instruments             24             -         (0.7) 
 Purchase of acquired intangibles                             -         (0.3) 
 Purchase of property, plant and 
  equipment                                    15         (1.7)         (1.5) 
 Purchase of software                          13         (1.5)         (2.0) 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Net cash used in investing activities                  (121.7)        (11.3) 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Financing activities 
 Net proceeds on issue of shares               30          52.0             - 
 Drawdown of interest-bearing loans 
  and borrowings                               22         374.7         209.8 
 Repayment of interest-bearing loans 
  and borrowings                               22       (269.7)       (211.7) 
 Drawdown of production financing              23         234.7         224.9 
 Repayment of production financing             23       (233.9)       (179.2) 
 Interest paid                                           (26.2)        (24.3) 
 Dividends paid to shareholders 
  and to non-controlling interests            10, 
  of subsidiaries                              29        (13.0)         (8.3) 
 Fees paid in relation to the Group's 
  bank facility, premium received              7, 
  on notes and one-off finance costs           22        (11.5)         (5.6) 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Net cash from financing activities                       107.1           5.6 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents                  0.3          28.3 
 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning 
  of the year                                  19         133.4         108.3 
 Effect of foreign exchange rate 
  changes on cash held                                   (14.5)         (3.2) 
                                                    ===========  ============ 
 Cash and cash equivalents at end 
  of the year                                  19         119.2         133.4 
===========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2018

1. Nature of operations and basis of preparation

Entertainment One is a leading independent entertainment group focused on the acquisition, production and distribution of family, television, music and film content rights across all media throughout the world. Entertainment One Ltd. (the Company) is the Group's ultimate parent company and is incorporated and domiciled in Canada, and is limited by shares. The registered office of the Company is 134 Peter Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 2H2.

Entertainment One Ltd. presents its consolidated financial statements in pounds sterling. These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the directors on 21 May 2018.

Statement of compliance

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of financial instruments that have been measured at fair value at the end of the reporting period as explained in the accounting policies, and in accordance with applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations. The consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group) comply with Article 4 of the EU IAS Regulation.

Going concern

In addition to its senior secured notes (due 2022) the Group meets its day-to-day working capital requirements and funds its investment in content through its cash in hand and through a revolving credit facility which matures in December 2020 and is secured on certain assets held by the Group. Under the terms of this facility the Group is able to draw down in the local currencies of its operating businesses. The amounts drawn down by currency at 31 March 2018 are shown in Note 22. The facility is subject to a series of covenants including interest cover charge, gross debt against underlying EBITDA and capital expenditure.

The Group has a track record of cash generation and is in full compliance with its bank facility and bond covenant requirements.

At 31 March 2018, the Group had GBP61.1m of cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash held by production subsidiaries) (refer to Note 19), GBP314.5m of net debt and undrawn-down amounts under the revolving credit facility of GBP134.4m (refer to Note 22).

The Group is exposed to uncertainties arising from the economic climate and uncertainties in the markets in which it operates. Market conditions could lead to lower than anticipated demand for the Group's products and services and exchange rate volatility could also impact reported performance. The directors have considered the impact of these and other uncertainties and factored them into their financial forecasts and assessment of covenant headroom. The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonable possible changes in trading performance (and available mitigating actions), show that the Group will be able to operate within the expected limits of the facility and provide headroom against the covenants for the foreseeable future. For these reasons the directors continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group. Subsidiaries are entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by the Group. Control of the Group's subsidiaries is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

The financial statements of subsidiaries are generally prepared for the same reporting periods as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition and continue to be consolidated until the date of disposal or at the point in the future when the Group ceases to have control of the entity. All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses, and unrealised profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions that are recognised in assets, are eliminated in full.

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of the arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. The Group accounts for its interests in joint ventures using the equity method. Under the equity method the investment in the entity is stated as one line item at cost plus the investor's share of retained post-acquisition profits and other changes in net assets.

An associate is an entity, other than a subsidiary or joint venture, over which the Group has significant influence. Significant influence is the power to participate in, but not control or jointly control, the financial and operating decisions of an entity. These investments are accounted for using the equity method.

Investments where the Group does not have significant influence are deemed 'available for sale' and held on the balance sheet as an available-for-sale financial asset and are held at fair value.

Foreign currencies

Within individual companies

The individual financial statements of each Group company are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which it operates (its functional currency). For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, the results and financial position of each Group company are expressed in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the Company and the presentation currency for the consolidated financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange differences arising on the settlement of such transactions and from translating monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at year end exchange rates are recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Retranslation within the consolidated financial statements

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the exchange rate ruling at the date of each transaction during the period. Foreign exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income as a separate component of equity and transferred to the Group's translation reserve. Such translation differences are subsequently recognised as income or expenses in the period in which the operation is disposed of.

Use of additional performance measures

The Group uses a number of non-IFRS financial measures that are not specifically defined under IFRS or any other generally accepted accounting principles, including underlying EBITDA, one-off items, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted cash flow, free cash flow, net debt, adjusted net debt and production financing. These non-IFRS financial measures are presented because they are among the measures used by management to measure operating performance and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting, and the Group believes that these measures are frequently used by investors in analysing business performance. Refer to the Appendix to the consolidated financial statements for definitions of these terms.

Prior period restatements

Non-compliant forward currency contracts

As noted in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2017, the Group identified three forward currency contracts, entered into between December 2015 and September 2016, that were not in compliance with the Group's hedging policy. The losses in respect of these forward currency contracts were not reflected in the consolidated audited financial statements for the years ended 31 March 2016 and 2017 or in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended 30 September 2016.

The effect of the prior period errors on the consolidated income statement amounted to a GBP4.4m reduction in profit for the year ended 31 March 2016, GBP6.2m reduction in profit for the period ended 30 September 2016 and GBP7.6m reduction in profit for the year ended 31 March 2017. The impact of the prior period errors on the consolidated statement of financial position amounted to a GBP4.4m reduction in total equity at 31 March 2016, GBP10.6m reduction in total equity at 30 September 2016 and GBP12.0m reduction in total equity at 31 March 2017. These forward currency contracts were settled through a payment of GBP9.8m in the year and application of payments on account made in FY17 in the amount of GBP4.9m. The cash payment GBP9.8m (2017: GBP4.9m) has been classified as 'Fees paid in relation to the Group's senior bank facility, premium and one-off finance costs' in the consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31 March 2018. Upon settlement, an additional loss of GBP2.7m (31 March 2017: loss of GBP7.6m) was recorded which has been reflected as a one-off finance cost, refer to Note 7. The restatement and current year impact does not impact the financial covenants on the Group's revolving credit facility or senior secured notes.

The Group concluded that the prior period errors were not fundamental to any of the Group's previously issued financial statements and therefore the accounts were not reissued. The Group has corrected the prior period errors retrospectively by restating the comparative amounts for the prior year presented in which the error occurred and restating the opening balances for the earliest prior year presented in these financial statements, as required under International Accounting Standard 8.

During the six months ended 30 September 2017, a further two forward currency contracts entered into in June 2017 and July 2017 were also identified as not being in compliance with the Group's hedging policy. These forward currency contracts were settled during the year, resulting in a one-off finance cost of GBP2.5m, refer to Note 7.

In response to the above, the Group conducted a broad and continuing review of the Treasury processes, systems and controls across the Group. Steps have been taken to improve controls within Treasury including changes in personnel and enhancement of the control environment. In addition, a detailed review of all, externally confirmed, open forward currency contracts at 31 March 2018 was completed to ensure that they were in compliance with the Group's hedging policies.

Put options over non-controlling interests

Put and call options have been granted over the non-controlling interests of prior year acquisitions with the options exercisable in FY21 based on average EBITDA for FY19 - FY21. During the year, the Group identified that the put option liability as at 31 March 2017 was overstated by GBP6.3m principally driven by the use of an incorrect foreign exchange rate.

The Group concluded that the prior period error was not fundamental to any of the Group's previously issued financial statements and therefore the accounts were not reissued. The Group has corrected the prior period error retrospectively by restating the comparative amounts for the prior year presented in which the error occurred and restating the balances as at 31 March 2017, as required under International Accounting Standard 8. The correction has resulted in a reduction in operating one-off expenses by GBP6.3m for the year ended 31 March 2017.

The calculation of the put liability at 31 March 2018 has been revised based on the appropriate exchange rates using Board approved budgets for FY19 and plans for FY20 and FY21. This resulted in a further decline in the value of the liability by GBP3.9m as a result of changes in the expectation of future earnings. The resulting credit has been recorded as an operating one-off gain, refer to Note 6 for details. The restatement and current year impact does not impact the financial covenants on the Group's revolving credit facility or senior secured notes.

A summary of the impact of the above restatements is shown below:

 
                                                                 Non-compliant forward currency 
                                      Previously reported                             contracts  Put Options  Restated 
 
For the year ended 31 March 2017 
 
Consolidated Income Statement 
Administrative expenses                           (225.3)                                     -          6.3   (219.0) 
Operating profit                                     61.3                                     -          6.3      67.6 
Net finance costs                                  (29.1)                                 (7.6)            -    (36.7) 
Profit before tax                                    37.2                                 (7.6)          6.3      35.9 
Income tax charge                                  (12.3)                                     -            -    (12.3) 
Profit for the year                                  24.9                                 (7.6)          6.3      23.6 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the Company                                13.0                                 (7.6)          6.3      11.7 
 
Earnings per share (pence) 
Basic                                                 3.1                                 (1.9)          1.5       2.7 
Diluted                                               3.0                                 (1.8)          1.5       2.7 
 
Consolidated Statement of 
Comprehensive Income 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the Company                                78.5                                 (7.6)          6.3      77.2 
 
At 31 March 2017 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Financial instruments                                 3.4                                  12.0            -      15.4 
Total current liabilities                           679.9                                  12.0            -     691.9 
Other payables                                       41.7                                     -        (6.3)      35.4 
Total non-current liabilities                       464.1                                     -        (6.3)     457.8 
Total liabilities                                 1,144.0                                  12.0        (6.3)   1,149.7 
Net assets                                          757.0                                (12.0)          6.3     751.3 
 
Retained earnings                                   109.9                                (12.0)          6.3     104.2 
Equity attributable to owners of the 
 Company                                            670.8                                (12.0)          6.3     665.1 
Total equity                                        757.0                                (12.0)          6.3     751.3 
 
For the year ended 31 March 2017 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 
Operating profit                                     61.3                                     -          6.3      67.6 
Put option movements                                    -                                     -        (6.3)     (6.3) 
Operating cash flows before changes 
 in working capital and provisions                   88.3                                     -            -      88.3 
Fees paid in relation to the Group's 
 bank facility, premium received on 
 notes and one-off 
 finance costs                                      (0.7)                                 (4.9)            -     (5.6) 
Net cash from financing activities                   10.5                                 (4.9)            -       5.6 
Net increase in cash and cash 
 equivalents                                         33.2                                 (4.9)            -      28.3 
Effect of foreign exchange rate 
 changes on cash held                               (8.1)                                   4.9            -     (3.2) 
 

The balance sheet for the year ended 31 March 2016 has not been represented as a comparative to the Group's consolidated balance sheet as at 31 March 2018 as the impact of restatement is not material. The impact to the balance sheet as at 31 March 2016 is as follows:

 
                                                                        Non-compliant 
                                                                     forward currency 
At 31 March 2016                               Previously reported          contracts  Restated 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet 
Financial instruments                                          3.1                4.4       7.5 
Total current liabilities                                    565.1                4.4     569.5 
Total liabilities                                            978.7                4.4     983.1 
Net assets                                                   658.2              (4.4)     653.8 
 
Retained earnings                                            100.3              (4.4)      95.9 
Equity attributable to owners of the Company                 588.3              (4.4)     583.9 
Total equity                                                 658.2              (4.4)     653.8 
 

Accounting judgements and sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of consolidated financial statements under IFRS requires the Group to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date and amounts reported for revenues and expenses during the year. The nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from those estimates.

Estimates and judgements are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects that period only, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

Key sources of estimation uncertainty:

 
      --    The Group's annual impairment test. See Note 12 
             for details. 
      --    Investment in productions and investment in acquired 
             content rights. See Notes 14 and 17 for details. 
 

Critical judgements in applying the Group's accounting policies:

 
      --    Assumptions are made as to the recoverability of 
             tax assets. See Note 9 for details. 
 

New Standards and amendments, revisions and improvements to Standards adopted during

the year

During the year ended 31 March 2018, the following were adopted by the Group:

 
                                                     Effective 
New, amended, revised and improved Standards              date 
---------------------------------------------------  --------- 
Amendments to IAS7 Statements of Cash Flows          1 January 
 - additional disclosure in respect of financing          2017 
 activities 
Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes - recognition      1 January 
 of deferred tax assets related to debt instruments       2017 
 measured at fair value 
Annual improvements 2014-2016 cycle: 
Amendments to IFRS 12 Disclosure of interests        1 January 
 in other entities - clarifying the scope of              2017 
 IFRS 12, specifically the disclosure requirements 
 for interests in subsidiaries, associates or 
 joint ventures that are classified as held 
 for sale 
 

The adoption of these new, amended and revised Standards had no material impact on the Group's financial position, performance or its disclosures.

New, amended and revised Standards issued but not adopted during the year

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers is effective 1 January 2018. An assessment of the impact on all of the Group's revenue streams has been completed. The Group adopted IFRS 15 on 1 April 2018 on a fully retrospective basis and will present, within the 2019 financial statements, a restatement of the comparative periods.

 
      --    In the Family & Brands Division the Group currently 
             recognises contractual minimum guarantees from 
             licensing arrangements when the licence terms have 
             commenced and collection of the fee is reasonably 
             assured. Under IFRS 15, the recognition of minimum 
             guarantees will change and be spread over the consumption 
             of the intellectual property. The impact of applying 
             IFRS 15 to the financial year ended 31 March 2018 
             would have been a reduction in licensing and merchandising 
             revenue of GBP14.7m and underlying EBITDA of GBP11.3m. 
      --    In addition, there are timing differences arising 
             from the way the Group recognises revenue for content 
             licensing in the Television and Film Divisions. 
             The new standard adds additional requirements that 
             revenue cannot be recognised before the beginning 
             of the period in which the customer can begin to 
             use and benefit from the licence; and revenue dependent 
             on the customer's sales or usage cannot be recognised 
             until the sale or usage occurs. The impact of applying 
             IFRS 15 to the financial year ended 31 March 2018 
             would have been a reduction in revenue of GBP0.8m 
             and underlying EBITDA of GBP2.3m. 
 

IFRS 15 will not have any impact on the cash flows generated in the year.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments is also effective from 1 January 2018. An assessment of the impact on all of the Group's financial instruments has been completed and adoption is not expected to have a material impact. The Group intends to apply the limited exemption in IFRS 9 and will elect not to restate comparative information in the year of initial adoption. As a result, the comparative information provided will continue to be accounted for in accordance with the Group's previous accounting policy. The analysis of the impact focussed on the following items:

 
      --    Classification and measurement of financial assets 
             - there is no material change in the classification 
             of financial assets and there are no changes to 
             the measurement of financial assets. 
      --    Impairment of financial assets - for trade receivables 
             and accrued income, the Group is expecting to apply 
             the simplified approach permitted by IFRS 9, which 
             requires the use of the lifetime expected loss 
             provision for all receivables. Based on the Group's 
             credit history and market outlook, the impact of 
             the change to the IFRS 9 basis of provision is 
             not expected to be material. 
      --    Hedge accounting - the Group intends to continue 
             to apply current IAS 39 accounting and will provide 
             the additional IFRS 7 disclosures required for 
             taking that option. 
 

IFRS 16 Leases is effective from 1 January 2019. IFRS 16 requires lessees to recognise a lease liability reflecting future lease payments and a right-of-use asset for lease contracts, subject to limited exceptions for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. The quantitative impact of IFRS 16 on the Group's net assets and results is in the process of being assessed with an initial data set to determine the impact on the Group. IFRS 16 will have an impact on the balance sheet as both assets and liabilities will increase, and also an impact on components within the income statement, as operating lease rental charges will be replaced by depreciation and finance costs. Please refer to Note 32 to the consolidated financial statements for details of the Group's total operating lease commitments. IFRS 16 will not have any impact on the cash flows generated in the year. The impact of the transitional arrangements is under review.

2. Operating analysis

Accounting policies

Revenue represents the fair value of consideration receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts and excluding value added tax (or equivalent). Revenue is derived from family licensing and merchandising and television and film production sales. Revenue is also derived from the licensing, marketing and distribution and trading of television, video programming, music rights and feature films. The following summarises the Group's main revenue recognition policies:

Revenue from the exploitation of television, music rights and film is recognised based upon the completion of contractual obligations relevant to each agreement. Revenue is recognised where there is reasonable contractual certainty that the revenue is receivable and will be received.

Licensing and merchandising

 
  --  Revenue from licensing and merchandising sales 
       represents the contracted value of licence fees 
       which is recognised when the licence terms have 
       commenced and collection of the fee is reasonably 
       assured. 
 

Broadcast and digital

 
  --  Revenue from digital sales is recognised on transmission 
       or during the period of transmission of the sponsored 
       programme or digital channel. 
  --  Revenue from broadcast television or digital licensing 
       represents the contracted value of licence fees 
       which is recognised when the licence term has commenced, 
       the production is available for delivery, substantially 
       all technical requirements have been met and collection 
       of the fee is reasonably assured. 
 

Theatrical

 
  --  Revenue from the theatrical release of films is 
       recognised when the production is exhibited. 
 

Home entertainment

 
  --  Revenue from the sale of home entertainment and 
       audio inventory is recognised at the point at which 
       goods are despatched. A provision is made for returns 
       based on historical trends. 
 

Production, international sales and other

 
  --  Revenue from the sale of own or co-produced television 
       or film productions is recognised when the production 
       is available for delivery and there is reasonable 
       contractual certainty that the revenue is receivable 
       and will be received. 
  --  Revenue from international licensing and trading 
       of film content represents the contracted value 
       of license fees and is recognised when notice of 
       delivery is provided to customers and collection 
       of the fee is reasonably assured. 
 

Operating segments

For internal reporting and management purposes, the Group is organised into three main reportable segments based on the types of products and services from which each segment derives its revenue - Family & Brands, Television and Film. The Group's operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources to the segment and to assess its performance. The Chief Executive Officer has been identified as the chief operating decision maker.

The types of products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues are as follows:

 
  --  Family & Brands - the production, acquisition and 
       exploitation, including licensing and merchandising, 
       of content rights across all media. 
  --  Television - the production, acquisition and exploitation 
       of television and music content rights across all 
       media. 
  --  Film - the production, acquisition, exploitation 
       and trading of film content rights across all media. 
 

Inter-segment revenues are charged at prevailing market prices.

Segment information for the year ended 31 March 2018 is presented below:

 
                                                    Family & Brands   Television    Film   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                                            Note               GBPm         GBPm    GBPm           GBPm           GBPm 
 Segment revenue 
 External revenue                                             133.2        521.6   389.7              -        1,044.5 
 Inter-segment revenue                                          5.4         17.4    12.5         (35.3)              - 
 Total segment revenue                                        138.6        539.0   402.2         (35.3)        1,044.5 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 Segment results 
 Segment underlying EBITDA                                     82.3         72.0    35.1            0.8          190.2 
 Group costs                                                                                                    (12.9) 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 Underlying EBITDA                                                                                               177.3 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles        13                                                                 (39.6) 
 Depreciation and amortisation of 
  software                                 13, 15                                                                (3.6) 
 Share-based payment charge                  31                                                                 (12.6) 
 One-off items                               6                                                                   (7.1) 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 Operating profit                                                                                                114.4 
 Finance income                              7                                                                     3.9 
 Finance costs                               7                                                                  (40.7) 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 Profit before tax                                                                                                77.6 
 Income tax credit                           8                                                                     0.6 
 Profit for the year                                                                                              78.2 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 
 Segment assets 
 Total segment assets                                         268.5        771.1   775.4            8.1        1,823.1 
 Unallocated corporate assets                                                                                     13.1 
 Total assets                                                                                                  1,836.2 
========================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============= 
 
 
                                                   Family & Brands   Television     Film   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                                           Note               GBPm         GBPm     GBPm           GBPm           GBPm 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  =======  =============  ============= 
 Other segment information 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles       13              (12.3)       (11.8)   (15.5)              -         (39.6) 
 Depreciation and amortisation of 
  software                                13, 15             (0.2)        (0.9)    (2.5)              -          (3.6) 
 One-off items                              6                (0.2)          0.9    (7.8)              -          (7.1) 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  =======  =============  ============= 
 

Segment information for the year ended 31 March 2017 is presented below:

 
                                                                                                           Restated(1) 
                                                   Family & Brands   Television    Film   Eliminations    Consolidated 
                                           Note               GBPm         GBPm    GBPm           GBPm            GBPm 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 Segment revenue 
 External revenue                                             86.3        411.3   585.1              -         1,082.7 
 Inter-segment revenue                                         2.3         41.4     9.1         (52.8)               - 
 Total segment revenue                                        88.6        452.7   594.2         (52.8)         1,082.7 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 Segment results 
 Segment underlying EBITDA                                    55.6         62.8    52.7              -           171.1 
 Group costs                                                                                                    (10.9) 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 Underlying EBITDA                                                                                               160.2 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles       13                                                                  (41.9) 
 Depreciation and amortisation of 
  software                                13, 15                                                                 (4.9) 
 Share-based payment charge                 31                                                                   (5.0) 
 One-off items                              6                                                                   (40.8) 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 Operating profit                                                                                                 67.6 
 Finance income                             7                                                                      5.0 
 Finance costs                              7                                                                   (36.7) 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 Profit before tax                                                                                                35.9 
 Income tax charge                          8                                                                   (12.3) 
 Profit for the year                                                                                              23.6 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 
 Segment assets 
 Total segment assets                                        260.3        788.7   835.2              -         1,884.2 
 Unallocated corporate assets                                                                                     16.8 
 Total assets                                                                                                  1,901.0 
=======================================  =======  ================  ===========  ======  =============  ============== 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

 
                                            Family 
                                          & Brands   Television     Film   Eliminations   Consolidated 
                                  Note        GBPm         GBPm     GBPm           GBPm           GBPm 
===============================  =====  ==========  ===========  =======  =============  ============= 
 Other segment information 
 Amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles                      13       (12.0)       (14.5)   (15.4)              -         (41.9) 
 Depreciation and amortisation    13, 
  of software                      15        (0.1)        (0.6)    (4.2)              -          (4.9) 
 One-off items                     6         (0.4)          8.4   (48.8)              -         (40.8) 
===============================  =====  ==========  ===========  =======  =============  ============= 
 

Geographical information

The Group's operations are located in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Benelux, Germany and Spain. Family & Brands Division operations are located in the UK. Television Division operations are located in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Germany. Film Division operations are located in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Benelux, Germany and Spain.

The following table provides an analysis of the Group's revenue based on the location of the customer and the carrying amount of segment non-current assets by the geographical area in which the assets are located for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017.

 
                    External revenue   Non-current assets   External revenue   Non-current assets 
                                2018                 2018               2017                 2017 
                                GBPm                 GBPm               GBPm                 GBPm 
================   =================  ===================  =================  =================== 
 US                            473.8                277.7              387.0                319.3 
 Canada                        151.3                286.0              197.9                292.8 
 UK                            101.1                308.9              153.0                289.8 
 Rest of Europe                190.0                 28.6              193.4                 31.3 
 Other                         128.3                  8.7              151.4                 10.2 
 Total                       1,044.5                909.9            1,082.7                943.4 
=================  =================  ===================  =================  =================== 
 

Non-current assets by location exclude amounts relating to interests in joint ventures and deferred tax assets.

3. Operating profit

Operating profit for the year is stated after charging:

 
                                                     Year ended   Year ended 
                                                       31 March     31 March 
                                                           2018         2017 
                                              Note         GBPm         GBPm 
===========================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 Amortisation of investment in productions     14         230.4        213.4 
 Amortisation of investment in acquired 
  content rights                               17         113.9        168.3 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles          13          39.6         41.9 
 Amortisation of software                      13           1.6          2.5 
 Depreciation of property, plant 
  and equipment                                15           2.0          2.4 
 Impairment of investment in acquired 
  content rights                               17             -          2.2 
 Staff costs                                   5          108.2         96.2 
 Inventory costs - costs of inventory 
  disposed of                                  16           2.7          1.5 
 Inventory costs - costs of inventory 
  recognised as expense                        16          47.1        100.9 
 Net foreign exchange losses                                2.7          0.4 
 Operating lease rentals                       32          10.8         10.8 
===========================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 

The total remuneration during the year of the Group's auditor was as follows:

 
                                                                       Year ended       Year ended 
                                                                    31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                                             GBPm             GBPm 
 Audit fees 
 - Fees payable for the audit of the Group's annual accounts                  0.6              0.4 
 - Fees payable for the audit of the Group's subsidiaries                     0.2              0.4 
 - Fees payable for the review of the Group's interim accounts                0.1                - 
 Other services 
 - Services relating to corporate finance transactions                        0.2                - 
 - Other                                                                      0.2                - 
=============================================================== 
 Total                                                                        1.3              0.8 
================================================================  ===============  =============== 
 

The fee for the year ended 31 March 2018 was payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP whereas the fee for the year ended 31 March 2017 was payable to Deloitte LLP.

4. Key management compensation and directors' emoluments

Key management compensation

The directors are of the opinion that the key management of the Group in the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

-- Darren Throop, Group Chief Executive Officer and executive director in the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017. All payments to Darren Throop during the financial years ended 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018 have been included within the table below.

-- Giles Willits, Group Chief Financial Officer and executive director of the Group until 21 November 2016. On 21 November 2016, Giles Willits resigned from office and payments after 21 November 2016 relating to service total GBP0.2m. The below table includes all payments made during the year ended 31 March 2017. The share-based payment options with respect to this director which were outstanding at 21 November 2016 were forfeited and as a result the share-based payment charge previously recognised of GBP0.3m was reversed during the year ended 31 March 2017 and not included within the below table.

-- Joseph Sparacio joined eOne as Interim Chief Finance Officer on 21 November 2016. The payments to Joseph Sparacio in the year ended 31 March 2017 are not included in the table below as he was not considered to be a key management person for that year. Joseph Sparacio was appointed as Group Chief Finance Officer on 2 May 2017 and executive director from 20 November 2017. All payments to Joseph Sparacio during the financial year ended 31 March 2018 have been included within the table below.

-- Margaret O'Brien, executive director from 18 May 2017 to 20 November 2017. Margaret O'Brien stepped down as an executive director from 20 November 2017 but continues to be the Group's Chief Corporate Development and Administrative Officer. The below table includes all payments made to Margaret O'Brien from 1 April 2017 to 20 November 2017. Payments after 20 November 2017 have not been included in the table as she is not considered to be a key management person from that date.

These persons had authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, directly or indirectly. The aggregate amounts of key management compensation are set out below:

 
                                      Year ended       Year ended 
                                   31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                            GBPm             GBPm 
==============================   ===============  =============== 
 Short-term employee benefits                2.7              1.6 
 Share-based payment benefits                5.7              0.5 
                                 ===============  =============== 
 Total                                       8.4              2.1 
===============================  ===============  =============== 
 

Short-term employee benefits comprise salary, taxable benefits, annual bonus and pensions and include employer social security contributions of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.1m).

Directors' emoluments

Full details of directors' emoluments can be found in the Directors' Remuneration Report.

5. Staff costs

Accounting policy

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit plans are charged as an expense as they fall due. Any contributions unpaid at the reporting date are included as a liability within the consolidated balance sheet.

Refer to Note 31 for the accounting policy for share-based payments.

Analysis of results for the year

The average numbers of employees, including directors, are presented below:

 
                                    Year ended       Year ended 
                                 31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                          GBPm             GBPm 
 Average number of employees 
 Canada                                    630              778 
 US                                        271              304 
 UK                                        232              220 
 Australia                                  46               46 
 Rest of World                              80               76 
 Total                                   1,259            1,424 
=============================  ===============  =============== 
 

The table below sets out the Group's staff costs (including directors' remuneration):

 
                                   Year ended       Year ended 
                                31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                         GBPm             GBPm 
============================  ===============  =============== 
 Wages and salaries                      87.9             83.6 
 Share-based payment charge              12.6              5.0 
 Social security costs                    6.0              5.9 
 Pension costs                            1.7              1.7 
 Total staff costs                      108.2             96.2 
============================  ===============  =============== 
 

Included within total staff costs is GBP6.0m (2017: GBP7.5m) of staff-related payments in respect to the restructuring costs as described in further detail in Note 6.

6. One-off items

Accounting policy

One-off items are items of income and expenditure that are non-recurring and, in the judgement of the directors, should be disclosed separately on the basis that they are material, either by their nature or their size, in order to provide a better understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance and enable comparison of underlying financial performance between years.

The one-off items recorded in the consolidated income statement include items such as significant restructuring, the costs incurred in entering into business combinations, and the impact of the sale, disposal or impairment of an investment in a business or an asset.

Analysis of results for the year

Items of income or expense that are considered by management for designation as one-off are as follows:

 
                                           Restated(1) 
                              Year ended    Year ended 
                                31 March      31 March 
                                    2018          2017 
                                    GBPm          GBPm 
===========================  ===========  ============ 
 Restructuring costs 
 Strategy-related                    7.6          28.2 
 Other                               0.4          22.8 
 Total restructuring costs           8.0          51.0 
===========================  ===========  ============ 
 
 Other items 
 Acquisition gains                 (1.9)        (12.7) 
 Other                               1.0           2.5 
 Total other items                 (0.9)        (10.2) 
===========================  ===========  ============ 
 
 Total one-off costs                 7.1          40.8 
===========================  ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Restructuring costs

The restructuring costs of GBP8.0m consist of:

 
      --    GBP4.4m of costs associated with the integration 
             of the Television and Film Divisions and includes 
             GBP3.6m related to severance and staff costs and 
             GBP0.8m related to consultancy fees; 
      --    GBP2.0m related to the integration of the unscripted 
             television companies within the wider Canadian 
             television production division. The costs primarily 
             include severance, staff costs and onerous leases; 
             and 
      --    GBP1.6m of costs associated with completion of 
             the 2017 strategy related restructuring programme. 
             The costs include additional severance, onerous 
             leases and write-off of inventory. 
 

Acquisition gains

In 2018, acquisition gains of GBP1.9m consist of:

 
      --    Credit of GBP3.9m on re-assessment of the liability 
             on put options in relation to the non-controlling 
             interests over Renegade 83 and Sierra Pictures 
             put options; 
      --    Partially offset by banking and legal costs of 
             GBP1.6m associated with the creation and set-up 
             of Makeready in the current year; and 
      --    Charge of GBP0.6m on settlement of contingent consideration 
             in relation to Renegade 83 settled in the year, 
             partially offset by escrow of GBP0.2m received 
             in relation to the 2016 acquisition of Last Gang 
             Entertainment. 
 

Other items

Other costs of GBP1.0m in 2018 primarily related to costs associated with aborted corporate projects during the year.

Prior year costs

In 2017, restructuring costs were as follows:

During the year ended 31 March 2017 the Group restructured the physical distribution business through the closure of a number of distribution warehouses, as well as terminating distribution agreements with partners in the UK and the Benelux. Restructuring costs incurred in implementing the change included GBP10.1m related to the ramp-down of facilities and GBP3.5m of costs for onerous rental leases on various properties. As a result, the Group reassessed the carrying value of certain balance sheet items, particularly physical inventory and tangible fixed assets, GBP5.9m of inventory and GBP0.9m of property, plant and equipment was written off. Other costs of GBP1.6m included settlement costs with local physical distribution partners.

There were additional costs driven by the continuing industry shift from physical to digital content, which resulted in the closure of a major customer HMV Canada in early 2017. Due to the resulting reduction in shelf-space the Group recorded a one-off charge of GBP1.2m to write down certain physical inventory titles and a GBP1.0m one-off bad debt expense.

In 2017, the Group integrated the Paperny Entertainment and Force Four Entertainment businesses in Vancouver into one Canadian unscripted business. Costs of GBP2.6m were incurred to facilitate the amalgamation of these two businesses, including staff and other transition-related payments. Other restructuring costs of GBP1.4m, were also incurred.

As part of the wider reshaping of the Film Division, the Group re-negotiated one of its larger film distribution arrangements. The previous arrangement was terminated and replaced with a new distribution arrangement and, associated with the termination, the Company made a one-time payment of GBP20.1m (US$25m). Further, an impairment charge of GBP2.2m was recognised related to the write-off of unamortised signing-on fees relating to the existing agreements, previously capitalised within investment in content, and GBP0.5m related to the release of other related balance sheet items. In total, one-off charges of GBP22.8m were incurred in relation to the re-negotiation of these arrangements and associated impacts.

In 2017, acquisition gains of GBP12.7m included:

 
      --    Credit of GBP6.3m on re-assessment of the liability 
             on put options in relation to the non-controlling 
             interests over Renegade 83 and Sierra Put Options. 
             See Note 1 Prior period restatements for details; 
      --    Credit of GBP4.0m resulted from the re-assessment 
             of contingent consideration in relation to previous 
             acquisitions; and 
      --    Credit of GBP2.3m related to the acquisition accounting 
             for the purchase of the remaining 50% stake in 
             Secret Location. 
 

In 2017, other costs included costs associated with aborted corporate projects of GBP1.7m and a one-off foreign exchange charge related to the alignment of the Television business with the Group hedging process of GBP0.8m.

7. Finance income and finance costs

Accounting policies

Interest costs

Borrowing costs, including finance costs, are recognised in the consolidated income statement in the period in which they are incurred. Borrowing costs are accounted for using the effective interest rate method.

Deferred finance charges

All costs incurred by the Group that are directly attributable to the issue of debt are initially capitalised and deducted from the amount of gross borrowings. Such costs are then amortised through the consolidated income statement over the term of the instrument using the effective interest rate method. Should there be a material change to the terms of the underlying instrument, any remaining unamortised deferred finance charges are immediately written off to the consolidated income statement as a one-off finance item. Any new costs incurred as a result of the change to the terms of the underlying instrument are capitalised and then amortised over the term of the new instrument, again using the effective interest rate method. During the year, the Group issued an additional GBP70.0m of senior secured notes (Notes) and all directly attributable costs have been capitalised within deferred finance charges and are being amortised through the consolidated income statement over the term of the Notes using the effective interest rate method.

Premium on senior secured notes

During the year, the Group issued an additional GBP70.0m of Notes at a premium to face value. The premium has been netted off from the amount of deferred finance charges and is then amortised through the consolidated income statement over the term of the instrument using the effective interest rate method.

One-off finance items

One-off finance items are items of income and expenditure that do not relate to underlying activities of the Group, that in the judgement of the directors should be disclosed separately on the basis that they are material, either by their nature or their size, in order to provide a better understanding of the Group's underlying finance costs and enable comparison of underlying financial performance between years. The items include interest on one-off tax items being the interest on tax provisions, the unwind of discounting on financial assets and liabilities, and charges in relation to refinancing activities.

Analysis of results for the year

 
                                                               Restated(1) 
                                                  Year ended    Year ended 
                                                    31 March      31 March 
                                                        2018          2017 
                                           Note         GBPm          GBPm 
========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Finance income 
 Other finance income                                    3.9           3.8 
 Gains on fair value of derivative 
  instruments                                              -           1.2 
 Total finance income                                    3.9           5.0 
========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 
 Finance costs 
 Interest cost                                        (26.8)        (22.8) 
 Amortisation of deferred finance 
  charges and premium on senior secured 
  notes                                     22         (1.9)         (1.7) 
 Other accrued interest charges                            -         (0.8) 
 Losses on fair value of derivative 
  instruments                                          (7.9)         (7.6) 
 Unwind of discounting on financial 
  instruments                                          (3.0)         (2.9) 
 Net foreign exchange losses on 
  financing activities                                 (1.1)         (0.9) 
 Total finance costs                                  (40.7)        (36.7) 
========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Net finance costs                                    (36.8)        (31.7) 
========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Comprised of: 
                                                              ============ 
 Adjusted net finance costs                           (29.3)        (25.4) 
 One-off net finance costs                  11         (7.5)         (6.3) 
========================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

The one-off net finance costs of GBP7.5m (2017: GBP6.3m) comprise:

 
      --       GBP7.9m (2017: GBP6.4m) net losses on fair value 
                of derivative instruments, which includes: 
                 *    GBP5.2m charge (2017: GBP7.6m) in respect of losses 
                      on five forward currency contracts not in compliance 
                      with the Group's hedging policy. See Note 1 of the 
                      consolidated financial statements for further 
                      details; 
 
 
                 *    GBP1.6m charge (2017: gain of GBP1.2m) in respect of 
                      fair-value losses on hedge contracts which reverse in 
                      future periods; and 
 
 
                 *    GBP1.1m charge (2017: nil) in respect of fair-value 
                      losses on hedge contracts cancelled as a result of 
                      the re-negotiation of one of the Group's larger film 
                      distribution agreements in 2017; 
      --  GBP3.0m charge (2017: GBP2.9m) related to unwind 
           of discounting on put options issued by the Group 
           over the non-controlling interest of subsidiary 
           companies; and 
      --  The costs above are partly offset by a credit 
           of GBP3.4m (2017: net credit of GBP3.0m) relating 
           to the reversal of interest previously charged 
           on tax provisions, which were released during 
           the year. 
 

8. Tax

Accounting policy

The income tax charge/credit represents the sum of the current income tax payable and deferred tax.

The current income tax payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from profit as reported in the consolidated income statement because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's asset or liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable in the future arising from temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. It is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method.

Provisions for open tax issues are based on management's interpretation of tax law as supported, where appropriate, by the Group's external advisers, and reflect the single best estimate of likely outcome for each liability.

The level of current and deferred tax recognised in the consolidated financial statements is dependent on subjective judgements as to the interpretation of complex international tax regulations and, in some cases, the outcome of decisions by tax authorities in various jurisdictions around the world, together with the ability of the Group to utilise tax attributes within the limits imposed by the relevant tax legislation.

The actual tax on the result for the year is determined according to complex tax laws and regulations. Where the effect of these laws and regulations is unclear, estimates are used in determining the liability for tax to be paid on past profits which are recognised in the consolidated financial statements. The Group considers the estimates, assumptions and judgements to be reasonable but this can involve complex issues which may take a number of years to resolve. The final determination of prior year tax liabilities could be different from the estimates reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Analysis of charge for the year

 
                                          Year ended       Year ended 
                                       31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                GBPm             GBPm 
==================================   ===============  =============== 
 Current tax (charge)/credit 
  - in respect of current year                (15.4)           (26.1) 
  - in respect of the prior years                2.2              1.5 
 Total current tax charge                     (13.2)           (24.6) 
===================================  ===============  =============== 
 
 Deferred tax credit/(charge) 
  - in respect of current year                  16.7             14.2 
  - in respect of the prior years              (2.9)            (1.9) 
 Total deferred tax credit                      13.8             12.3 
===================================  ===============  =============== 
 
 
 Income tax credit/(charge)                               0.6   (12.3) 
====================================================  =======  ======= 
 Of which: 
 Adjusted tax charge on adjusted profit before tax     (27.9)   (27.1) 
 One-off net tax credit                                  28.5     14.8 
====================================================  =======  ======= 
 

The one-off tax credit comprises tax credits of GBP1.9m (2017: GBP6.7m) in relation to the one-off items described in Note 6, GBP7.5m in relation to the reduction of the US Federal corporate income tax rate on deferred tax liabilities, GBP12.6m in relation to the release of the certain tax provision, GBP6.6m (2017: GBP7.1m) on amortisation of acquired intangibles described in Note 13, GBP0.4m (2017: GBP0.2m) on share-based payments as described in Note 31, and a tax credit of GBP0.2m (2017: GBP0.1m credit) on other non-recurring items and a tax charge of GBP0.7m (2017: GBP0.4m charge) relating to prior year current tax and deferred tax adjustments. 2017 also included a tax credit of GBP1.1m related to changes in corporation tax rates on calculation of deferred tax assets.

The charge for the year can be reconciled to the profit in the consolidated income statement as follows:

 
                               Year ended 31 March 2018                                  Year ended 31 March 2017 
 ====================================================================================  =========================== 
                                                                        GBPm        %           GBPm             % 
 ===========================================================================  =======  =============  ============ 
 Profit before tax (including joint ventures)                           77.6                    35.9 
 Deduct share of results of joint ventures                                 -                     0.7 
===================================================================  =======  =======  =============  ============ 
 Profit before tax (excluding joint ventures)                           77.6                    36.6 
 
 Taxes at applicable domestic rates                                   (18.1)   (23.3)         (11.1)        (30.3) 
 Effect of income that is exempt from tax                                3.8      4.9            6.7          18.3 
 Effect of expenses that are not deductible in determining taxable 
  profit                                                               (3.3)    (4.3)          (1.7)         (4.6) 
 Effect of decrease in tax provisions                                   13.5     17.4              -             - 
 Effect of losses/temporary differences not recognised in deferred 
  tax                                                                  (2.8)    (3.6)          (7.8)        (21.3) 
 Effect of non-controlling interests                                     0.9      1.2            0.9           2.5 
 Effect of tax rate changes                                              7.3      9.4            1.1           3.0 
 Prior year items                                                      (0.7)    (0.9)          (0.4)         (1.1) 
 Income tax charge and effective tax rate for the year                   0.6      0.8         (12.3)        (33.6) 
===================================================================  =======  =======  =============  ============ 
 
 

Income tax is calculated at the rates prevailing in respective jurisdictions. The standard tax rates in each jurisdiction in which the Group has a taxable presence are 26.5% in Canada (2017: 26.5%), 30.64% - 32.75% in the US (2017: 36.0% - 40.8%), 19.0% in the UK (2017: 20.0%), 25.0% in the Netherlands (2017: 25.0%), 30.0% in Australia (2017: 30.0%) and 25.0% in Spain (2017: 25.0%).

Prior year items include GBP2.2m relating to current tax credits and GBP2.9m in relation to deferred tax charges based on the final tax returns for FY17.

Analysis of tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income and equity

 
                                                                Year ended       Year ended 
                                                             31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                     Note             GBPm             GBPm 
==================================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 Deferred tax credit/(charge) on cash flow hedges                      2.7            (1.7) 
 Deferred tax credit on share options                                  0.3              0.1 
 Total credit/(charge) taken directly to equity       9                3.0            (1.6) 
==================================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 

9. Deferred tax assets and liabilities

Accounting policy

Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction (other than in a business combination) that affects neither the tax profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date 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 measured on an undiscounted basis at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the consolidated income statement, except when it relates to items charged or credited directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities. This applies when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority and the Group intends to settle its current assets and liabilities on a net basis.

In the UK and the US, the Group is entitled to a tax deduction for amounts treated as compensation on exercise of certain employee share options or vesting of share awards under each jurisdiction's tax rules. The deferred tax asset arising is calculated by comparing the estimated amount of tax deduction to be obtained in the future (based on the Company's share price at the balance sheet date) with the cumulative amount of the share-based payment charge recorded in the consolidated income statement. If the amount of estimated future tax deduction exceeds the cumulative amount of the compensation expense at the statutory rate, the excess is recorded directly in equity, against retained earnings.

Significant judgements

Deferred tax assets require the directors' judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised. In particular, judgement is used when assessing the extent to which deferred tax assets should be recognised with consideration to the timing and level of future taxable income.

Utilisation of deferred tax assets is dependent on the future profitability of the Group. In certain jurisdictions, the Group has recognised net deferred tax assets relating to tax losses and other short-term temporary differences carried forward as the Group considers that, on the basis of the most recent forecasts, there will be sufficient taxable profits in the future against which these items will be offset.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

The following are the major deferred tax assets and liabilities recognised by the Group and movements thereon during the year:

 
                                      Other 
                                 intangible        Unused   Financing 
                                     assets    tax losses       items   Other    Total 
                         Note          GBPm          GBPm        GBPm    GBPm     GBPm 
======================  =====  ============  ============  ==========  ======  ======= 
 At 1 April 
  2016                               (62.8)          27.1       (0.5)     2.3   (33.9) 
 Acquisition 
  of subsidiaries         25          (0.9)           0.3       (0.1)       -    (0.7) 
 Credit/(charge) 
  to income                             7.3           6.9       (0.1)   (1.8)     12.3 
 (Charge)/credit 
  to equity               8               -             -       (1.7)     0.1    (1.6) 
 Exchange differences                 (7.5)           3.7         3.2   (0.4)    (1.0) 
 At 31 March 
  2017                               (63.9)          38.0         0.8     0.2   (24.9) 
======================  =====  ============  ============  ==========  ======  ======= 
 Credit/(charge) 
  to income                            17.6         (6.1)       (0.4)     2.7     13.8 
 Charge to 
  equity                  8               -             -         2.7     0.3      3.0 
 Exchange differences                   3.3         (3.1)       (0.5)   (0.1)    (0.4) 
 At 31 March 
  2018                               (43.0)          28.8         2.6     3.1    (8.5) 
======================  =====  ============  ============  ==========  ======  ======= 
 

The category "Other" includes temporary differences on share options, accrued liabilities, certain asset valuation provisions, foreign exchange gains, investment in productions and investment in acquired content rights.

The deferred tax balances have been reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:

 
                                 31 March   31 March 
                                     2018       2017 
                                     GBPm       GBPm 
==========================      =========  ========= 
 Deferred tax assets                 26.2       28.2 
 Deferred tax liabilities          (34.7)     (53.1) 
 Total                              (8.5)     (24.9) 
==============================  =========  ========= 
 

At the balance sheet date, the Group had unrecognised unused tax losses of GBP156.3m (2017: GBP103.2m), the majority of which will expire in the years ending 2028 to 2036.

The Group also had unrecognised deferred tax assets of GBP4.8m (2017: GBP11.4m) in connection with the put options that were granted over the non-controlling interests of 35% in Renegade 83 and of 49% in Sierra Pictures, respectively.

At the balance sheet date, the aggregate amount of temporary differences associated with undistributed earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised was GBP70.1m (2017: GBP19.0m).

It is estimated that the net deferred tax liabilities of approximately GBP0.2m will reverse during the next financial year.

During the year ended 31 March 2018, the corporate income tax rate reduced from 35% to 21% in the US. During the year ended 31 March 2017, the corporate income tax rate in the UK was reduced from 18% to 17% effective from 1 April 2020. These rates are reflected in the deferred tax calculations as appropriate.

10. Dividends

Accounting policy

Distributions to equity holders are not recognised in the consolidated income statement under IFRS, but are disclosed as a component of the movement in total equity. A liability is recorded for a dividend when the dividend is declared by the Company's directors.

Amounts recognised by the Group

On 21 May 2018 the directors declared a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 March 2018 of 1.4 pence (2017: 1.3 pence) per share which will absorb an estimated GBP6.5m of total equity (2017: GBP5.6m). It will be paid on or around 7 September 2018 to shareholders who are on the register of members on 6 July 2018 (the record date).

This dividend is expected to qualify as an eligible dividend for Canadian tax purposes.

The dividend will be paid net of withholding tax based on the residency of the individual shareholder.

11. Earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing earnings for the year attributable to the owners of the Company by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, fully vested employee share awards exercisable for no further consideration and excluding own shares held by the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) which are treated as cancelled.

Adjusted basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing adjusted earnings for the year attributable to the owners of the Company by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year, fully vested employee share awards exercisable for no further consideration and excluding own shares held by the EBT which are treated as cancelled. Adjusted earnings are the profit for the year attributable to the owners of the Company adjusted to exclude amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payment charge, tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures, operating one-off items, finance one-off items and one-off tax items.

Diluted earnings per share and adjusted diluted earnings per share are calculated after adjusting the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year to assume conversion of all potentially dilutive shares. On 9 April 2018, the Group acquired 70% of the share capital of Whizz Kid Entertainment Limited, for a cash consideration of GBP5.0m and the issue of 637,952 shares of Entertainment One Ltd. Refer to Note 34 for details. There have been no other transactions involving common shares or potential common shares between the reporting date and the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements.

 
                                            Year ended      Year ended 
                                         31 March 2018   31 March 2017 
                                                 Pence           Pence 
                                        ==============  ============== 
 Basic earnings per share                         14.8             2.7 
 Diluted earnings per share                       14.4             2.7 
 Adjusted basic earnings per share                22.5            20.3 
 Adjusted diluted earnings per share              21.9            20.0 
======================================  ==============  ============== 
 

The weighted average number of shares used in the earnings per share calculations are set out below:

 
                                                                                          Year ended      Year ended 
                                                                                       31 March 2018   31 March 2017 
                                                                                             Million         Million 
===================================================================================   ==============  ============== 
 Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share and adjusted basic 
  earnings 
  per share                                                                                    436.3           425.7 
 Effect of dilution for basic and adjusted: 
 Employee share awards                                                                          10.9             5.9 
 Contingent consideration with option in cash or shares                                          0.4             1.1 
====================================================================================  ============== 
 Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings per share and adjusted 
  diluted earnings 
  per share                                                                                    447.6           432.7 
====================================================================================  ==============  ============== 
 

The shares held by the EBT are classified as own shares and excluded from earnings per share and adjusted earnings per share. Refer to Note 31 for details on employee share awards.

The Group holds an option to settle the contingent consideration payable in relation to the acquisition of Last Gang Entertainment in shares or in cash. At 31 March 2017, the Group also held an option to settle the contingent consideration payable in relation to the acquisition of Renegade 83 which has been settled during the year ended 31 March 2018. Refer to Note 25 for details.

Adjusted earnings per share

The directors believe that the presentation of adjusted earnings per share, being the fully diluted earnings per share adjusted for amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payment charge, tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures, operating one-off items, finance one-off items and one-off tax items, helps to explain the underlying performance of the Group. A reconciliation of the earnings used in the fully diluted earnings per share calculation to earnings used in the adjusted earnings per share calculation is set out below:

 
                                                                 Restated(1) 
                                               Year ended        Year ended 
                                                 31 March          31 March 
                                                   2018              2017 
                                            ----------------  ---------------- 
                                                       Pence             Pence 
                                                         per               per 
                                      Note     GBPm    share     GBPm    share 
===================================  =====  =======  =======  =======  ======= 
 Profit for the year attributable 
  to the owners of the Company                 64.5     14.4     11.7      2.7 
 Add back amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles                          13      39.6      8.8     41.9      9.7 
 Add back share-based payment 
  charge                               31      12.6      2.8      5.0      1.1 
 Add back one-off items                6        7.1      1.6     40.8      9.4 
 Add back one-off net finance 
  costs                                7        7.5      1.7      6.3      1.5 
 Deduct tax effect of above 
  items and discrete tax items         8     (28.5)    (6.4)   (14.8)    (3.4) 
 Deduct non-controlling interests 
  share of above items                        (4.6)    (1.0)    (4.4)    (1.0) 
===================================  =====  =======  =======  =======  ======= 
 Adjusted earnings attributable 
  to the owners of the Company                 98.2     21.9     86.5     20.0 
===================================  =====  =======  =======  =======  ======= 
 Adjusted earnings attributable 
  to non-controlling interests                 18.3              16.3 
 Adjusted profit for the year                 116.5             102.8 
===================================  =====  =======           ======= 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Profit before tax is reconciled to adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings as follows:

 
                                                                      Restated(1) 
===============================================  ===== 
                                                         Year ended    Year ended 
=============================================== 
                                                           31 March      31 March 
                                                               2018          2017 
                                                  Note         GBPm          GBPm 
===============================================  ===== 
 Profit before tax                                             77.6          35.9 
 Add back one-off items                            6            7.1          40.8 
 Add back amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles                                      13          39.6          41.9 
 Add back share-based payment charge               31          12.6           5.0 
 Add back one-off net finance costs                7            7.5           6.3 
===============================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 Adjusted profit before tax                                   144.4         129.9 
 Adjusted tax charge                               8         (27.9)        (27.1) 
 Deduct profit attributable to non-controlling 
  interests                                                  (13.7)        (11.9) 
 Deduct non-controlling interests' 
  share of adjusting items above                              (4.6)         (4.4) 
 Adjusted earnings attributable 
  to the owners of the Company                                 98.2          86.5 
===============================================  =====  ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

12. Goodwill

Accounting policy

Goodwill arising on a business combination is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (including other intangible assets) and liabilities assumed. Transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition form part of the acquisition cost for business combinations prior to 1 January 2010, but from that date such costs are written off to the consolidated income statement and do not form part of goodwill. Following initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses.

Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units (CGUs) which are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. The CGUs identified are the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows from other groups of assets. Gains or losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

Key source of estimation uncertainty

The Group determines whether goodwill is impaired on at least an annual basis. This requires an estimation of the value-in-use of the CGUs to which the goodwill is allocated. Estimating a value-in-use requires the directors to make an estimate of the expected future cash flows from the CGU and also to choose a suitable discount rate in order to calculate the present value of those cash flows.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                        Total 
                                Note     GBPm 
=============================  =====  ======= 
 Cost and carrying amount 
 At 1 April 2016                        360.3 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries     25       5.8 
 Exchange differences                    40.8 
 At 31 March 2017                       406.9 
=============================  =====  ======= 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries     25       0.8 
 Exchange differences                  (32.5) 
 At 31 March 2018                       375.2 
=============================  =====  ======= 
 

Goodwill arising on a business combination is allocated to the CGUs that are expected to benefit from that business combination. As explained below, the Group's CGUs are Family & Brands, Television, The Mark Gordon Company (MGC) and Film.

Impairment of non-financial assets, including goodwill

The carrying amounts of the Group's non-financial assets are tested annually for impairment (as required by IFRS, in the case of goodwill) or when circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may be impaired. If any such indication exists, or when annual impairment testing for an asset is required, the Group makes an estimate of the asset's recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's or CGU's fair value less costs to sell and its value-in-use and is determined for an individual asset, unless the asset does not generate cash flows that are largely independent of those from other assets or groups of assets. Where the carrying amount of an asset or CGU exceeds its recoverable amount, the asset is considered to be impaired and is written down to its recoverable amount. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. In determining fair value less costs to sell, an appropriate valuation model is used. These calculations are corroborated by valuation multiples or other available fair value indicators.

The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment, or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. An impairment loss is recognised if the carrying value of a CGU exceeds its recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined from value-in-use calculations based on the net present value of discounted cash flows. In assessing value-in-use, the estimated future cash flows are derived from the most recent financial budgets and plans and an assumed growth rate. A terminal value is calculated by discounting using an appropriate weighted discount rate. Any impairment losses are recognised in the consolidated income statement as an expense.

The Group has four CGUs being the smallest identifiable group of assets that generate cash flows that are largely independent of the cash flows from other groups of assets. The directors consider the CGUs to be Family & Brands, Television, MGC and Film.

Key assumptions used in value-in-use calculations

Key assumptions used in the value-in-use calculations for each CGU are set out below:

 
                             31 March 2018                    31 March 2017 
                    ===============================  =============================== 
                                             Period                           Period 
                      Pre-tax   Terminal         of    Pre-tax   Terminal         of 
                     discount     growth   specific   discount     growth   specific 
                         rate       rate       cash       rate       rate       cash 
 CGU                        %          %      flows          %          %      flows 
=================   =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 Family & Brands          8.1        3.0    3 years        9.7        3.0    3 years 
 Television               8.2        3.0    3 years        8.9        3.0    3 years 
 The Mark Gordon 
  Company                12.7        3.0    3 years       10.7        3.0    3 years 
 Film                     7.2        2.3    3 years        8.1        2.1    3 years 
==================  =========  =========  =========  =========  =========  ========= 
 

The calculations of the value-in-use for all CGUs are most sensitive to the operating profit, discount rate and terminal growth rate assumptions.

Operating profits - Operating profits are based on budgeted/planned growth in revenue resulting from new investment in acquired content rights, investment in productions and growth in the relevant markets.

Discount rates - The post-tax discount rate is based on the Group weighted average cost of capital of 7.2% (2017: 7.9%). The discount rate is adjusted where specific country and operational risks are sufficiently significant to have a material impact on the outcome of the impairment test. A pre-tax discount rate is applied to calculate the net present value of the CGUs as shown in the table above.

Terminal growth rate estimates - The terminal growth rates for Family & Brands, Television, MGC and Film of 3.0%, 3.0%, 3.0% and 2.3%, respectively (2017: Family & Brands ,Television, MGC and Film of 3.0%, 3.0%, 3.0% and 2.1%, respectively), are used beyond the end of year three and do not exceed the long-term projected growth rates for the relevant market.

Period of specific cash flows - Specific cash flows reflect the period of detailed forecasts prepared as part of the Group's annual planning cycle. The period of specific cash flows has been aligned with the Group's annual strategic planning process, which underpins the conclusions made within the viability statement.

The carrying value of goodwill, translated at year end exchange rates, is allocated as follows:

 
                            Year ended   Year ended 
                              31 March     31 March 
                                  2018         2017 
 CGU                              GBPm         GBPm 
=========================  ===========  =========== 
 Family & Brands                  57.4         57.3 
 Television                       58.6         64.3 
 The Mark Gordon Company          69.0         78.3 
 Film                            190.2        207.0 
 Total                           375.2        406.9 
=========================  ===========  =========== 
 

Sensitivity to change in assumptions

Family & Brands - The Family & Brands calculations show that there is significant headroom when compared to carrying values of non-current assets at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. As part of the impairment review, sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment identified (10% reduction in budgeted/planned operating profit, 15% increase in investment in acquired content rights/productions, 1.0% increase in pre-tax discount rate and 0% terminal growth rate). A 475.4% (38.7 percentage point) increase in the pre-tax discount rate would reduce the recoverable amount to the carrying amount. Consequently, the directors believe that no reasonable change in the above key assumptions would cause the carrying value of this CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.

Television - The Television calculations show that there is significant headroom when compared to carrying values of non-current assets at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. As part of the impairment review, sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment identified (10% reduction in budgeted/planned operating profit, 15% increase in investment in acquired content rights/productions, 1.0% increase in pre-tax discount rate and 0% terminal growth rate). A 140.0% (11.4 percentage point) increase in the pre-tax discount rate would reduce the recoverable amount to the carrying amount. Consequently, the directors believe that no reasonable change in the above key assumptions would cause the carrying value of this CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.

The Mark Gordon Company - The MGC calculations show that there is significant headroom when compared to carrying values of non-current assets at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. As part of the impairment review, sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment identified (10% reduction in budgeted/planned operating profit, 15% increase in investment in acquired content rights/productions, 1.0% increase in pre-tax discount rate and 0% terminal growth rate). A 176.0% (22.3 percentage point) increase in the pre-tax discount rate would reduce the recoverable amount to the carrying amount. Consequently, the directors believe that no reasonable change in the above key assumptions would cause the carrying value of this CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.

Film - The Film calculations show that there is significant headroom when compared to carrying values of non-current assets at 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017. As part of the impairment review, sensitivity was applied to the main assumptions with no impairment identified (10% reduction in budgeted/planned operating profit, 15% increase in investment in acquired content rights/productions, 1.0% increase in pre-tax discount rate and 0% terminal growth rate). A 56.2% (4.0 percentage point) increase in the pre-tax discount rate would reduce the recoverable amount to the carrying amount. Consequently, the directors believe that no reasonable change in the above key assumptions would cause the carrying value of this CGU to exceed its recoverable amount.

13. Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets acquired by the Group are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation. Amortisation is charged to administrative expenses in the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of intangible fixed assets unless such lives are indefinite.

Other intangible assets mainly comprise amounts arising on consolidation of acquired subsidiaries such as exclusive content agreements and libraries, trade names and brands, exclusive distribution agreements, customer relationships and non-compete agreements. Other intangible assets also include amounts relating to costs of software.

Other intangible assets are generally amortised over the following periods:

 
Exclusive content agreements and libraries  3-14 years 
Trade names and brands                      1-15 years 
Exclusive distribution agreements              9 years 
Customer relationships                      9-10 years 
Non-compete agreements                       2-5 years 
Software                                       3 years 
==========================================  ========== 
 

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                                  Acquired intangibles 
                       ========================================================================== 
                           Exclusive 
                             content 
                          agreements                     Exclusive 
                                 and    Trade names   distribution        Customer    Non-compete 
                           libraries     and brands     agreements   relationships     agreements   Software     Total 
                 Note           GBPm           GBPm           GBPm            GBPm           GBPm       GBPm      GBPm 
 Cost 
 At 1 April 
  2016                         197.4          199.0           25.2            45.1           16.9       11.1     494.7 
 Acquisition 
  of 
  subsidiaries    25            11.3              -              -               -              -          -      11.3 
 Additions                         -              -              -               -              -        2.0       2.0 
 Disposals                     (2.9)              -              -               -              -      (0.2)     (3.1) 
 Exchange 
  differences                   25.2            3.8            3.8             5.9            1.6        1.4      41.7 
 At 31 March 
  2017                         231.0          202.8           29.0            51.0           18.5       14.3     546.6 
==============  =====  =============  =============  =============  ==============  =============  =========  ======== 
 Additions                         -              -              -               -              -        1.5       1.5 
 Disposals                     (0.8)          (6.8)         (14.7)               -         (15.4)      (0.1)    (37.8) 
 Exchange 
  differences                 (19.9)          (2.7)          (2.0)           (4.7)          (1.1)      (1.2)    (31.6) 
 At 31 March 
  2018                         210.3          193.3           12.3            46.3            2.0       14.5     478.7 
==============  =====  =============  =============  =============  ==============  =============  =========  ======== 
 Amortisation 
 At 1 April 
  2016                        (66.8)         (34.8)         (24.5)          (29.4)         (16.1)      (8.3)   (179.9) 
 Amortisation 
  charge for 
  the year        3           (23.1)         (12.4)          (0.3)           (5.3)          (0.8)      (2.5)    (44.4) 
 Disposals                       0.6              -              -               -              -        0.2       0.8 
 Exchange 
  differences                  (6.9)          (2.9)          (3.8)           (4.0)          (1.6)      (1.0)    (20.2) 
 At 31 March 
  2017                        (96.2)         (50.1)         (28.6)          (38.7)         (18.5)     (11.6)   (243.7) 
==============  =====  =============  =============  =============  ==============  =============  =========  ======== 
 Amortisation 
  charge for 
  the the year    3           (23.4)         (11.9)          (0.3)           (4.0)              -      (1.6)    (41.2) 
 Disposals                       0.8            6.8           14.7               -           15.4        0.1      37.8 
 Exchange 
  differences                    7.3            2.0            2.1             3.8            1.1        1.0      17.3 
 At 31 March 
  2018                       (111.5)         (53.2)         (12.1)          (38.9)          (2.0)     (12.1)   (229.8) 
==============  =====  =============  =============  =============  ==============  =============  =========  ======== 
 Carrying 
 amount 
 At 31 March 
  2017                         134.8          152.7            0.4            12.3              -        2.7     302.9 
 At 31 March 
  2018                          98.8          140.1            0.2             7.4              -        2.4     248.9 
==============  =====  =============  =============  =============  ==============  =============  =========  ======== 
 

The amortisation charge for the year ended 31 March 2018 comprises GBP39.6m (2017: GBP41.9m) in respect of acquired intangibles.

Included within exclusive content agreements and libraries is a carrying value of GBP38.1m relating to the value placed on the current libraries acquired as part of the acquisition of the stake in The Mark Gordon Company in May 2015, which is being amortised over a useful life of 10 years and GBP16.6m relating to libraries acquired as part of the acquisition of Sierra Pictures in December 2015 and Sierra Affinity in September 2016, which are being amortised over a useful life of 10 years.

Included within trade names and brands is a carrying value of GBP135.6m relating to the value placed on the 50% of the Peppa Pig brand acquired as part of the acquisition of Astley Baker Davies Limited in October 2015, which is being amortised on a straight-line basis over a useful life of 15 years.

As part of the acquisition of Sierra Pictures on 22 December 2015 an intangible asset was acquired representing the share of jointly held assets in Sierra Affinity. As part of the acquisition of Sierra Affinity on 30 September 2016 this asset was treated as if it were disposed of and re-acquired as part of the net assets of Sierra Affinity within exclusive content agreements and libraries. Refer to Note 25 for further details.

Disposals represent intangible assets that have been derecognised as no future economic benefits are expected from its use or disposal. These assets were fully amortised at 31 March 2018.

14. Investment in productions

Accounting policy

Investment in productions that are in development and for which the realisation of expenditure can be reasonably determined are capitalised as productions in progress within investment in productions. On delivery of a production, the cost of investment is reclassified as productions delivered. Also included within investment in productions are television and films programmes acquired on acquisition of subsidiaries.

Production financing interest directly attributable to the acquisition or production of a qualifying asset (such as investment in productions) forms part of the cost of that asset and is capitalised.

Amortisation of investment in productions, net of government grants, is charged to cost of sales using a model that reflects the consumption of the asset as it is released through different exploitation windows (e.g. theatrical release, home entertainment, and broadcast licences) and the expected revenue earned in each of those stages of release over a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of its initial release, unless it arises from revaluation on acquisition of subsidiaries in which case it is charged to administrative expenses. Amounts capitalised are reviewed at least quarterly and any portion of the unamortised amount that appears not to be recoverable from future net revenues is written off to cost of sales during the period the loss becomes evident.

A government grant is recognised and credited as part of investment in productions when there is reasonable assurance that any conditions attached to the grant will be satisfied and the grants will be received and the programme has been delivered. Government grants are recognised at fair value.

Key source of estimation uncertainty

The Group is required to exercise judgement in estimating future revenue forecasts for its underlying productions. These forecasts are based on the revenue generated from other similar productions, actual performance to-date of the production and the expectation of future revenue generated over the remaining useful life. The future revenue forecasts are reviewed periodically and any changes to forecasts are treated prospectively as of the beginning of the financial year during which the forecasts are revised. Sensitivities are considered as part of the respective production level forecasts.

Due to the varied nature of the productions, a sensitivity analysis on the overall balance of investment in productions is not considered to be meaningful.

Amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                                Year ended       Year ended 
                                             31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                     Note             GBPm             GBPm 
==================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 Cost 
 Balance at 1 April                                  846.3            542.8 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries          25                 -              0.6 
 Additions                                           274.5            230.0 
 Disposals                                           (0.5)                - 
 Exchange differences                               (94.6)             72.9 
 Balance at 31 March                               1,025.7            846.3 
==================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 Amortisation 
 Balance at 1 April                                (685.5)          (415.6) 
 Amortisation charge for the year     3            (230.4)          (213.4) 
 Exchange differences                                 71.7           (56.5) 
 Balance at 31 March                               (844.2)          (685.5) 
==================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 Carrying amount                                     181.5            160.8 
==================================  =====  ===============  =============== 
 

Borrowing costs of GBP6.9m (2017: GBP6.6m) related to Television and Film production financing have been included in the additions during the year.

Included within the carrying amount as at 31 March 2018 is GBP71.5m (2017: GBP73.4m) of productions in progress, which includes additions from the acquisition of subsidiaries of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.6m).

15. Property, plant and equipment

Accounting policy

Property, plant and equipment are stated at original cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to write-off cost less estimated residual value of each asset over their estimated useful lives using the following methods and rates:

 
Leasehold improvements            Over the term of the lease 
Fixtures, fittings and equipment  20%-30% reducing balance 
================================  ========================== 
 

The carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Group reviews residual values and useful lives on an annual basis and any adjustments are made prospectively.

An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset (determined as the difference between the sales proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset) is recorded in the consolidated income statement in the period of derecognition.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                                            Fixtures, 
                                           Leasehold         fittings 
                                        improvements    and equipment    Total 
                                Note            GBPm             GBPm     GBPm 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 Cost 
 At 1 April 2016                                11.4             13.8     25.2 
 Acquisition of subsidiaries     25                -              0.2      0.2 
 Additions                                       0.7              0.9      1.6 
 Disposals                                     (1.2)            (7.1)    (8.3) 
 Exchange differences                            1.3              2.0      3.3 
 At 31 March 2017                               12.2              9.8     22.0 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 Additions                                       0.3              1.4      1.7 
 Disposals                                     (0.2)            (0.6)    (0.8) 
 Exchange differences                          (1.0)            (0.8)    (1.8) 
 At 31 March 2018                               11.3              9.8     21.1 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 Depreciation 
 At 1 April 2016                               (2.7)           (10.5)   (13.2) 
 Depreciation charge for 
  the year                       3             (1.3)            (1.1)    (2.4) 
 Disposals                                       1.2              6.4      7.6 
 Exchange differences                          (0.4)            (1.7)    (2.1) 
 At 31 March 2017                              (3.2)            (6.9)   (10.1) 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 Depreciation charge for 
  the year                       3             (1.1)            (0.9)    (2.0) 
 Disposals                                       0.2              0.6      0.8 
 Exchange differences                            0.3              0.5      0.8 
 At 31 March 2018                              (3.8)            (6.7)   (10.5) 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 Carrying Amount 
 At 31 March 2017                                9.0              2.9     11.9 
 At 31 March 2018                                7.5              3.1     10.6 
=============================  =====  ==============  ===============  ======= 
 

16. Inventories

Accounting policy

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, including direct expenditure and other appropriate attributable costs incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition, and net realisable value. The cost of inventories is calculated using the weighted average method. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs of completion and the estimated costs necessary to make the sale.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

Inventories at 31 March 2018 comprise finished goods of GBP39.6m (2017: GBP48.6m). Refer to Note 3 for details on amounts recognised in the year.

17. Investment in acquired content rights

Accounting policy

In the ordinary course of business the Group contracts with television and film programme producers to acquire content rights for exploitation. Some of these agreements require the Group to pay minimum guaranteed advances (MGs). MGs are recognised in the consolidated balance sheet when a liability arises, usually on delivery of the television or film programme to the Group.

Investments in acquired content rights are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet if such amounts are considered recoverable against future revenues. These amounts are amortised to cost of sales using a model that reflects the consumption of the asset as it is released through different exploitation windows (e.g. broadcast licences, theatrical release and home entertainment) and the expected revenue earned in each of those stages of release over a period not exceeding 10 years from the date of its initial release, unless it arises from revaluation on acquisition of subsidiaries in which case it is charged to administrative expenses. Acquired libraries are amortised over a period not exceeding 20 years. Amounts capitalised are reviewed at least quarterly and any portion of the unamortised amount that appears not to be recoverable from future net revenues is written off to cost of sales during the period the loss becomes evident.

Balances are included within current assets as they are expected to be realised within the normal operating cycle of the Family & Brands, Television and Film businesses. The normal operating cycle of these businesses can be greater than 12 months. In general 65%-75% of television and film programme content is amortised within 12 months of theatrical release/delivery.

Key source of estimation uncertainty

The Group is required to exercise judgement in estimating future revenue forecasts for its underlying programmes. These forecasts are based on the revenue generated from other similar programmes, actual performance to-date of the programmes and the expectation of future revenue generated over the remaining useful life. The future revenue forecasts are reviewed periodically and any changes to forecasts are treated prospectively as of the beginning of the financial year during which the forecasts are revised. Sensitivities are considered as part of the respective programme level forecasts.

Due to the varied nature of the productions, a sensitivity analysis on the overall balance of investment in content is not considered to be meaningful.

Amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                            Year ended   Year ended 
                                              31 March     31 March 
                                                  2018         2017 
                                     Note         GBPm         GBPm 
==================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 Balance at 1 April                              269.8        241.3 
 Additions                                       108.3        177.2 
 Amortisation charge for the year     3        (113.9)      (168.3) 
 Impairment charge for the year       3              -        (2.2) 
 Exchange differences                           (10.8)         21.8 
 Balance at 31 March                             253.4        269.8 
==================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 

There was no impairment charge recognised during the year ended 31 March 2018.

The impairment charge recognised during the prior year ended 31 March 2017 of GBP2.2m was in respect of a write-off of unamortised signing-on fees relating to certain distribution agreements which were renegotiated during the year, which had previously been capitalised within investment in content.

18. Trade and other receivables

Accounting policy

Trade receivables are generally not interest-bearing and are stated at their fair value as reduced by appropriate allowances for estimated irrecoverable amounts.

Amounts are recognised as non-current when the balance is recoverable in a period of greater than 12 months from the reporting date.

Provisions for doubtful debts are based on estimated irrecoverable amounts, determined by reference to past default experience and an assessment of the current economic environment.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

 
 
                                                31 March     31 March 
                                                    2018         2017 
 Current                               Note         GBPm         GBPm 
====================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 Trade receivables                                 119.0        146.4 
 Less: Provision for doubtful debts                (3.0)        (1.9) 
====================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 Net trade receivables                  26         116.0        144.5 
 Prepayments                                        20.4         16.6 
 Accrued income                         26         220.2        198.5 
 Amounts owed from joint ventures                    0.2          0.2 
 Tax credits receivable                             77.1         67.9 
 Other receivables                                  47.6         36.7 
 Total                                             481.5        464.4 
====================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 
 Non-current 
 Trade receivables                                   8.0         14.2 
 Less: Provision for doubtful debts                    -        (0.4) 
====================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 Net trade receivables                  26           8.0         13.8 
 Prepayments                                         0.8            - 
 Accrued income                         26          83.9         46.0 
 Other receivables                                   1.0          1.1 
 Total                                              93.7         60.9 
====================================  =====  ===========  =========== 
 

As at 31 March 2018 and 2017 current trade receivables are aged as follows:

 
 
                                    31 March     31 March 
                                        2018         2017 
                                        GBPm         GBPm 
==============================   ===========  =========== 
 Neither impaired or past due           98.0        119.4 
 Less than 60 days                       8.9         11.2 
 Between 60 and 90 days                  2.5          6.2 
 More than 90 days                       6.6          7.7 
 Total                                 116.0        144.5 
===============================  ===========  =========== 
 

Trade receivables that are past due and not impaired do not have a significant impact on the credit quality of the counterparty. All these amounts are still considered recoverable. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.

The movements in the provision for doubtful debts in the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 
                                          Year ended       Year ended 
                                       31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                GBPm             GBPm 
==================================   ===============  =============== 
 Balance at 1 April                            (2.3)            (2.3) 
 Provision recognised in the year              (1.7)            (1.7) 
 Provision reversed in the year                  0.2              0.8 
 Utilisation of provision                        0.6              1.2 
 Exchange differences                            0.2            (0.3) 
 Balance at 31 March                           (3.0)            (2.3) 
===================================  ===============  =============== 
 

In determining the recoverability of a trade receivable the Group considers any change to the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date.

Management has credit policies in place and the exposure to credit risk is monitored by individual operating units on an ongoing basis. Refer to Note 26 for further details on the Group's exposure to credit risk.

The table below sets out the ageing of the Group's impaired receivables:

 
 
                              31 March 2018     31 March 2017 
                                       GBPm              GBPm 
========================   ================  ================ 
 Less than 60 days                    (0.1)                 - 
 Between 60 and 90 days               (0.1)             (0.1) 
 More than 90 days                    (2.8)             (2.2) 
 Total                                (3.0)             (2.3) 
=========================  ================  ================ 
 

Trade and other receivables are held in the following currencies at 31 March 2018 and 2017. Amounts held in currencies other than pounds sterling have been converted at their respective exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.

 
                     Pounds sterling   euros   Canadian dollars   US dollars   Other   Total 
                                GBPm    GBPm               GBPm         GBPm    GBPm    GBPm 
==================  ================  ======  =================  ===========  ======  ====== 
 Current                        56.3    38.7              134.6        233.1    18.8   481.5 
 Non-current                     6.7     4.5               13.8         67.7     1.0    93.7 
 At 31 March 2018               63.0    43.2              148.4        300.8    19.8   575.2 
==================  ================  ======  =================  =========== 
 Current                        59.0    38.0              137.9        214.2    15.3   464.4 
 Non-current                     6.5     2.8                7.3         44.0     0.3    60.9 
 At 31 March 2017               65.5    40.8              145.2        258.2    15.6   525.3 
==================  ================  ======  =================  =========== 
 

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates to their fair value.

19. Cash and cash equivalents

Accounting policy

Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated balance sheet comprise cash at bank and in hand. For the purpose of the consolidated cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

Production financing facilities are secured by the assets and future revenue of the individual Family & Brands, Television and Film production subsidiaries and are non-recourse to other Group companies or assets. Cash held only for production financing relates to cash at bank and in hand held by production subsidiaries and can only be used for investment in the specified productions and repayment of the specific production financing facility.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in the following currencies at 31 March 2018 and 2017. Amounts held in currencies other than pounds sterling have been converted at their respective exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The directors consider the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents is the same as their fair value.

 
 
                                           31 March     31 March 
                                               2018         2017 
                                  Note         GBPm         GBPm 
                                        ===========  =========== 
Cash and cash equivalents: 
 Pounds sterling                                4.7         13.0 
 euros                                          3.4          9.8 
 Canadian dollars                              14.4         20.0 
 US dollars                                    94.5         88.1 
 Australian dollars                             2.0          2.4 
 Other                                          0.2          0.1 
Cash and cash equivalents          26         119.2        133.4 
                                        ===========  =========== 
 
Held by production subsidiaries                58.1         43.7 
Other                                          61.1         89.7 
Cash and cash equivalents                     119.2        133.4 
                                        ===========  =========== 
 

The Group had no cash equivalents at either 31 March 2018 or 2017.

20. Trade and other payables

Accounting policy

Trade payables are generally not interest-bearing and are stated at their nominal value.

The potential cash payments related to put options issued by the Group over the non-controlling interest of subsidiary companies are accounted for as financial liabilities. The amount that may become payable under the option on exercise is initially recognised on acquisition at present value with a corresponding charge directly to equity. Such options are subsequently measured at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method, in order to accrete the liability up to the amount payable under the option at the date at which it first becomes exercisable; the charge arising is recorded as a financing cost. In the event that the option expires unexercised, the liability is derecognised with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

Amounts are recognised as non-current when the contractual payment date is in a period of greater than 12 months from the reporting date.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                                                          Restated(1) 
                                                        31 March 2018   31 March 2017 
Current                                          Note            GBPm            GBPm 
                                                =====                  ============== 
 Trade payables                                   26             49.7           120.3 
 Accruals                                                       388.6           325.8 
 Deferred income                                                 38.6            43.7 
 Payable to joint ventures                                        0.2               - 
 Contingent consideration payable                 26              2.5             4.0 
 Other payables                                   26             11.7            14.0 
 Total                                                          491.3           507.8 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 
Non-current 
 Accruals                                                         0.5               - 
 Deferred income                                  26              0.4             0.7 
 Contingent consideration payable                 26                -             2.0 
 Put liabilities on partly owned subsidiaries     26             27.1            32.7 
 Total                                                           28.0            35.4 
==============================================  =====  ==============  ============== 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Trade and other payables principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. For most suppliers no interest is charged, but for overdue balances interest may be charged at various interest rates.

The movements in contingent consideration payable during the year ended 31 March 2018 were as follows:

 
                                       Renegade 83  Sierra Affinity  Dualtone  Last Gang                    MGC  Total 
                                              GBPm             GBPm      GBPm       GBPm                   GBPm   GBPm 
At 1 April 2017                                4.0              0.2       0.7        1.1                      -    6.0 
Additions during the year                      0.6                -         -          -                    1.1    1.7 
Utilised during the year                     (4.5)                -     (0.5)          -                      -  (5.0) 
Exchange differences                         (0.1)            (0.1)         -          -                      -  (0.2) 
At 31 March 2018                                 -              0.1       0.2        1.1                    1.1    2.5 
 
Expected payment period                       2018          2018-19      2019       2019  Various (see Note 25) 
Total maximum consideration GBPm               n/a              4.0       0.8        1.2                   26.6 
 
Shown in the consolidated balance 
sheet as: 
Current                                          -              0.1       0.2        1.1                    1.1    2.5 
 

The maximum contractual consideration payable is calculated undiscounted and using the foreign exchange rates prevailing as at 31 March 2018.

Trade and other payables are held in the following currencies. Amounts held in currencies other than pounds sterling have been converted at their respective exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date.

 
                   Pounds sterling  euros  Canadian dollars  US dollars  Other  Total 
                              GBPm   GBPm              GBPm        GBPm   GBPm   GBPm 
Current                      105.0   15.8              91.0       273.9    5.6  491.3 
Non-current                      -      -                 -        27.9    0.1   28.0 
At 31 March 2018             105.0   15.8              91.0       301.8    5.7  519.3 
Current                       81.3   18.9             109.2       291.7    6.7  507.8 
Non-current                      -      -               1.6        33.7    0.1   35.4 
At 31 March 2017              81.3   18.9             110.8       325.4    6.8  543.2 
 

The directors consider that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates to their fair value.

21. Provisions

Accounting policy

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, where the obligation can be estimated reliably, and where it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at the directors' best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date, and are discounted to present value where the effect is material. Where discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to unwinding the discount is recognised as a finance expense.

Amounts recognised by the Group

 
                                                Onerous   Restructuring 
                                              contracts  and redundancy   Total 
                                                   GBPm            GBPm    GBPm 
At 31 March 2016                                    1.5             2.5     4.0 
Provisions recognised in the year                   1.5            33.3    34.8 
Provisions reversed in the year                   (0.6)               -   (0.6) 
Utilisation of provisions                         (0.7)           (5.7)   (6.4) 
Exchange differences                                  -             0.3     0.3 
At 31 March 2017                                    1.7            30.4    32.1 
Provisions recognised in the year                   0.2             7.0     7.2 
Provision reversed in the year                        -           (0.3)   (0.3) 
Utilisation of provisions                         (1.0)          (30.1)  (31.1) 
Exchange differences                              (0.2)           (1.4)   (1.6) 
At 31 March 2018                                    0.7             5.6     6.3 
Shown in the consolidated balance sheet as: 
Non-current                                         0.2             0.2     0.4 
Current                                             0.5             5.4     5.9 
 

Onerous contracts

Onerous contracts represent provisions in respect of:

 
      --  Provisions for onerous leasehold property leases 
           which comprise onerous commitments on leasehold 
           properties that were expected to be utilised over 
           the remaining contract period. These provisions 
           are expected to be utilised within two (2017: 
           three years) years from the balance sheet date. 
      --  Provisions for onerous contracts in respect of 
           loss-making film titles are recognised when the 
           unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under 
           the contract exceed the economic benefits expected 
           to be received under it and the general recognition 
           criteria of IAS 37 Provisions, contingent liabilities 
           and contingent assets are met. 
      --  Provisions for onerous contracts in respect of 
           loss-making film titles represent future cash 
           flows relating to film titles which are forecast 
           to make a loss over their remaining lifetime at 
           the balance sheet date. As required by IFRS, before 
           a provision for an onerous film title is recognised, 
           the Group first fully writes down any related 
           assets (generally these are investment in acquired 
           content rights balances). These provisions are 
           expected to be utilised within one year (2017: 
           two years) from the balance sheet date. 
 

Restructuring and redundancy

Restructuring and redundancy provisions represent future cash flows related to the cost of redundancy plans, outplacement, supplementary unemployment benefits and senior staff benefits. Such provisions are only recognised when restructuring or redundancy programmes are formally adopted and announced publicly and the general recognition criteria of IAS 37 Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets are met. These provisions are expected to be utilised within two years (2017: two years) from the balance sheet date.

22. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

Accounting policy

All interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs, with subsequent measurement at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Under the amortised cost method, the difference between the amount initially recognised and the redemption value is recorded in the income statement over the period of the borrowing on an effective interest rate basis.

Amounts recognised by the Group

The combination of the Group's non-amortising, fixed-rate debt financing and revolving credit facility provides the Group with a long-term capital structure appropriate for its strategic ambitions. In addition, the financing structure permits greater flexibility when undertaking acquisitions and other corporate activity, and allows the Group to react swiftly to commercial opportunities.

 
 
                                                                                        31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                                                Note             GBPm             GBPm 
============================================================================== 
Bank borrowings                                                                                  23.8                - 
Senior secured notes                                                                            355.0            285.0 
Deferred finance charges net of premium on senior secured notes                                 (5.7)            (8.4) 
Other                                                                                             2.5              0.5 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings                                                           375.6            277.1 
Cash and cash equivalents (other than those held by production subsidiaries)     19            (61.1)           (89.7) 
Net debt                                                                                        314.5            187.4 
 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings in the consolidated balance sheet is presented 
as: 
Non-current                                                                                     375.2            276.6 
Current                                                                                           0.4              0.5 
 

The weighted average interest rates on all bank borrowings are not materially different from their nominal interest rates. The weighted average interest rate on all interest-bearing loans and borrowings is 6.5% (2017: 6.6%).

Bank borrowings

The Group holds a super senior revolving credit facility (RCF) which matures in December 2020. Any amounts still outstanding at such date must be repaid in full provided that some or all of the lenders under the RCF may elect to extend their commitments subject to terms and conditions to be agreed among the relevant parties.

The RCF is subject to a number of financial covenants including interest cover charge, gross debt against underlying EBITDA and capital expenditure.

At 31 March 2018, the Group had available GBP134.4m of undrawn committed bank borrowings under the RCF (2017: GBP116.6m), consisting of funds available in Canadian dollars, euros, pounds sterling and US dollars. The directors consider that the carrying amount of the drawn bank borrowings at 31 March 2018 approximates its fair value.

Senior secured notes

The Group has issued GBP285.0m senior secured notes (Notes) bearing interest at a rate of 6.875% per annum which mature in December 2022. An additional GBP70.0m Notes were issued during the year.

The Notes are subject to a number of financial covenants including interest cover charge and gross debt against underlying EBITDA.

The fair value of the Notes as at 31 March 2018 is GBP377.6m (2017: GBP312.4m).

The Notes are secured against the assets of various Group subsidiaries which make up the 'Restricted group'.

Deferred finance charges

During the year ended 31 March 2018 the Group issued GBP70.0m of Notes and GBP3.3m of fees were capitalised relating to the Notes issued.

During the prior year ended 31 March 2017 the Group paid GBP0.6m relating to the December 2015 financing.

The fees were capitalised to the consolidated balance sheet and are amortised using the effective interest rate method.

Premium on senior secured notes

During the year ended 31 March 2018 the Group issued GBP70.0m of Notes for a premium of GBP4.0m. The premium has been netted off from deferred finance charges in the table above and will be amortised using the effective interest rate method.

Foreign currencies

The carrying amounts of the Group's gross borrowings at 31 March 2018 and 2017 are denominated in the currencies set out below. Amounts held in currencies other than pounds sterling are converted at their respective exchange rates as at the balance sheet date.

 
                       Pounds sterling  Canadian dollars  US dollars  Total 
                                  GBPm              GBPm        GBPm   GBPm 
Bank borrowings                      -               7.6        16.2   23.8 
Senior secured notes             355.0                 -           -  355.0 
Other                                -               0.4         2.1    2.5 
At 31 March 2018                 355.0               8.0        18.3  381.3 
Senior secured notes             285.0                 -           -  285.0 
Other                                -               0.5           -    0.5 
At 31 March 2017                 285.0               0.5           -  285.5 
 

The following are the movements in the Group's financing liabilities during the year.

 
                       Bank Borrowings  Senior secured notes  Other loans    Total 
                                  GBPm                  GBPm         GBPm     GBPm 
At 1 April 2017                      -                 285.0          0.5    285.5 
Drawdowns                        302.6                  70.0          2.1    374.7 
Repayments                     (269.7)                     -            -  (269.7) 
Exchange differences             (9.1)                     -        (0.1)    (9.2) 
At 31 March 2018                  23.8                 355.0          2.5    381.3 
 

23. Production financing

Accounting policy

Production financing relates to short-term financing for the Group's Family & Brands, Television and Film productions. Production financing interest directly attributable to the acquisition or production of a qualifying asset forms part of the cost of that asset and is capitalised.

Amounts recognised by the Group

Production financing is used to fund the Group's Family & Brands, Television and Film Productions. The financing is arranged on an individual production basis by special purpose production subsidiaries which are excluded from the security of the Group's corporate facility.

The production financing facilities are secured by the assets and future revenue of the individual Family & Brands, Television and Film production subsidiaries and are non-recourse to other Group companies or assets.

It is short-term financing, typically having a maturity of less than two years, whilst the production is being made and is paid back once the production is delivered and the government subsidies, tax credits, broadcaster pre-sales, international sales and/or home entertainment sales are received. The Company deems this type of financing to be short-term in nature and is excluded from net debt. The Company therefore shows the cash flows associated with these activities separately. In connection with the production of a television or film programme, the Group typically records initial cash outflows due to its investment in the production and concurrently records initial positive cash inflows from the production financing it normally obtains.

The Company also believes that higher production financing demonstrates an increase in the success of the Family & Brands, Television and Film production businesses, which helps drive revenues for the Group and therefore increases the generation of underlying EBITDA and cash for the Group, which in turn reduces the Group's net debt leverage.

 
 
                                                                       31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                               Note             GBPm             GBPm 
                                                              =====  ===============  =============== 
 Production financing held by production subsidiaries                          171.9            190.8 
 Other loans                                                                     4.9              5.2 
Production financing                                                           176.8            196.0 
                                                              =====  ===============  =============== 
Cash and cash equivalents (held by production subsidiaries)    19             (58.1)           (43.7) 
Production financing (net of cash)                                             118.7            152.3 
 
 Production financing in the consolidated balance sheet as: 
Non-current                                                                     86.7             91.2 
Current                                                                         90.1            104.8 
                                                              =====  =============== 
 

The directors consider that the carrying amounts of the Group's production financing and other loans approximates to their fair values. Interest is charged at bank prime rate plus a margin. The weighted average interest rate on all production financing is 3.9% (2017: 3.0%).

The Group has Canadian dollar and US dollar production credit facilities with various banks. Amounts held in currencies other than pounds sterling have been converted at their respective exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts are denominated in the following currencies:

 
                    Pounds sterling  Canadian dollars  US dollars   Total 
                               GBPm              GBPm        GBPm    GBPm 
At 31 March 2018               10.2              64.6       102.0   176.8 
At 31 March 2017                  -              66.9       129.1   196.0 
 

The following are the movements in the Group's production financing and other loans during the year.

 
                       Production financing  Other loans     Total 
                                       GBPm         GBPm      GBPm 
At 1 April 2017                       190.8          5.2     196.0 
                       ====================  ===========  ======== 
Drawdowns                             234.4          0.3     234.7 
Repayments                          (233.9)            -   (233.9) 
Exchange differences                 (19.4)        (0.6)    (20.0) 
At 31 March 2018                      171.9          4.9     176.8 
                       ====================  ===========  ======== 
 

24. Financial instruments

Accounting policy

The Group may use derivative financial instruments to reduce its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate movements. The Group does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for financial trading purposes.

Derivative financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Derivative financial instruments are classified as held-for-trading and recognised in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives designated as hedging instruments are classified on inception as cash flow hedges, net investment hedges or fair value hedges. Changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recognised in equity to the extent that they are deemed effective. Ineffective portions are immediately recognised in the consolidated income statement. When the hedged item affects profit or loss then the amounts deferred in equity are recycled to the consolidated income statement.

Fair value hedges record the change in the fair value in the consolidated income statement, along with the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are immediately recognised in the consolidated income statement.

Under IFRS, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

 
         Fair value measurements are derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical 
Level 1   assets or liabilities. 
Level 2  Fair value measurements are derived from inputs, other than quoted prices included within 
          Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly 
          (derived from prices). 
Level 3  Fair value measurements are derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the 
          asset or liability that are not based on observable market data. 
 

At 31 March 2018, the Group had the following financial assets and liabilities grouped into Level 2:

 
 
                                                  31 March 2018     31 March 2017 
                                                           GBPm              GBPm 
                                               ================ 
 Derivative financial instrument assets                     1.1               9.9 
Derivative financial instrument liabilities               (2.7)            (15.4) 
                                               ================ 
 

At 31 March 2018, the Group had the following financial assets and liabilities grouped into Level 3:

 
 
                                               31 March 2018     31 March 2017 
                                      Note              GBPm              GBPm 
                                            ================ 
Contingent consideration payable       20              (2.5)             (6.0) 
Available-for-sale financial assets                      0.8               0.7 
                                      ====  ================ 
 

The movements in contingent consideration payable and available-for-sale financial assets during the year ended 31 March 2018 were as follows:

 
                                     Contingent 
                                  consideration 
                                        payable     Available-for-sale 
                                on acquisitions              financial     Total 
                                                                assets 
                        Note               GBPm                   GBPm      GBPm 
At 1 April 2017                           (6.0)                    0.7     (5.3) 
Amounts settled         25                  5.0                      -       5.0 
Additions               25                (1.1)                      -     (1.1) 
Change in fair value     6                (0.6)                      -     (0.6) 
Exchange differences                        0.2                    0.1       0.3 
At 31 March 2018                          (2.5)                    0.8     (1.7) 
 

The key assumptions taken into consideration when measuring the value of contingent consideration payable are the performance expectations of the acquisition and a discount rate that reflects the size and nature of the new business. There is no reasonable change in discount rate or performance targets that would give rise to a material change in the liability in these financial statements.

The key assumption in measuring the value of the available-for-sale financial assets is the long term performance of the available for sale investments. There is no reasonable change in the performance of the investments that would give rise to a material change in the assets in these consolidated financial statements.

Foreign exchange forward contracts

The Group uses forward currency contracts to hedge transactional exposures. The majority of these contracts are denominated in the subsidiaries' functional currency and cover minimum guaranteed advances (MGs) payments in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Benelux, Germany and Spain and hedging of other significant financial assets and liabilities.

At 31 March 2018, the total notional principal amount of outstanding currency contracts was US$230.6m, EUR55.9m, C$102.1m, A$63.4m, GBP5.0m, Hungarian Forint 1,458.9m, CYen5.0m and South African Rand 6.0m (2017: US$220.7m, EUR51.9m, C$49.2m, A$50.4m, GBP27.6m and Brazilian Real 1.8m). The forward currency contracts are all expected to be settled within two years.

The GBP0.9m loss (2017: GBP2.5m loss) recognised in other comprehensive income during the year relates to the effective portion of the revaluation gain or loss associated with these contracts. During the year ended 31 March 2018 there was a GBP0.3m gain (2017: GBP1.0m gain) recycled to the consolidated income statement and a GBP1.7m loss (2017: GBP10.3m gain) transferred to the carrying value of hedged assets held on the consolidated balance sheet.

Valuation techniques and inputs

 
                              Valuation technique and key     Significant unobservable    Relationship of unobservable 
                                         inputs                        input                  inputs to fair value 
Level 2:                      Discounted cash flow -                    n/a                           n/a 
Derivative financial          future cash flows are 
instruments                   estimated based on forward 
                              exchange rates (from 
                              observable forward exchange 
                              rates at the end of the 
                              reporting period) and 
                              contract forward 
                              rates, discounted at a rate 
                              that reflects the credit 
                              risk of various 
                              counterparties. 
 
 
Level 3:                      Income approach - in this     The value of the contingent   The higher the underlying 
 Contingent consideration     approach, the discounted      consideration is dependent    EBITDA growth rate, the 
 payable                      cash flow method was used to  on future performance of the  higher the value of 
                              capture the                   business.                     contingent consideration 
                              present value of the          Underlying EBITDA for a       payable. 
                              expected future economic      period of up to two years is  See Note 20 for details on 
                              benefits to be derived from   used taking into account      the expected payment period 
                              the ownership of              management's                  and maximum amount payable. 
                              these investees.              experience and knowledge of 
                              The expected cash flow is     market conditions of the 
                              based on the Group's          specific industries. 
                              Board-approved budget and 
                              plans adopted for 
                              the applicable period. 
Level 3:                      Income approach - in this     Long-term performance of the  The greater the cash 
Available for sale financial  approach, the discounted      available for sale            generation of the investment 
assets                        cash flow method was used to  investments, taking into      over time, the higher the 
                              capture the                   account management's          fair value. 
                              present value of the          experience and knowledge of 
                              expected future economic      market conditions of the 
                              benefits to be derived from   specific industries. 
                              the ownership of 
                              these investees. 
 

25. Business combinations and transactions with equity holders

Accounting policy

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisition date fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interest issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are written off in the consolidated income statement as incurred.

Goodwill arising on a business combination is recognised as an asset and initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred and the amount recognised for non-controlling interests over the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired (including other intangible assets) and liabilities assumed. If this consideration is lower than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary or business acquired, any negative goodwill is recognised immediately in the consolidated income statement.

Any contingent consideration to be transferred by the acquirer is recognised at fair value at the acquisition date. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the contingent consideration which is deemed to be an asset or liability are recognised either in the consolidated income statement or as a change to the consolidated income statement.

Contingent payments made to selling shareholders, to the extent they are linked to continuing service conditions, are treated as remuneration and expensed within the consolidated income statement. The Group considers such payments to be capital in nature and they are recognised as an adjustment to the Group's underlying EBITDA.

When a business combination is achieved in stages, the Group's previously-held interests in the acquired entity is remeasured to its acquisition date fair value and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is recognised in the consolidated income statement. Amounts arising from interests in the acquiree prior to the acquisition date that have previously been recognised in other comprehensive income are reclassified to the consolidated income statement, where such treatment would be appropriate if that interest were disposed of.

Transactions that result in changes in ownership interests while retaining control are accounted for as transactions with equity holders in their capacity as equity holders. As a result, no gain or loss on such changes is recognised in profit or loss; instead, it is recognised in equity. Also, no change in carrying amount of assets (including goodwill) or liabilities is recognised as a result of such transactions.

Year ended 31 March 2018

Acquisitions

The Group acquired 60% of Round Room Live, LLC (Round Room) on 31 January 2018 for a consideration of GBP0.5m. No acquired intangibles were identified on the acquisition and the results of Round Room will be presented within the Music Division of the Television segment, and had an immaterial impact on the Group results for the year ended 31 March 2018.

Settlement of contingent consideration

During the year, contingent consideration payable relating to the prior year acquisition of Renegade Entertainment, LLC was settled by issuing 778,516 shares in Entertainment One Ltd. amounting to GBP1.8m and a cash payment of GBP2.7m. A payment of GBP0.5m was also made in part settlement of contingent consideration payable relating to the prior year acquisition of Dualtone Music Group. See Note 24 for details on movements in contingent consideration payable in the year ended 31 March 2018.

Transactions with equity holders

On 2 March 2018, the Group acquired the remaining 49% in The Mark Gordon Company (MGC) for a total consideration of GBP146.5m settled by a cash payment of GBP114.8m and by issuing 10,826,566 shares in Entertainment One Ltd amounting to GBP31.7m. In addition, the seller will be entitled to a maximum aggregate amount of GBP26.6m (US$37.5m) in respect of its pro-rata share of certain pre-acquisition contingent receipts, if actually received by MGC.

The carrying value of the non-controlling interest in MGC on 2 March 2018 GBP37.0m was de-recognised, contingent consideration of GBP1.1m was recognsied and transaction costs of GBP0.7m were recorded and the difference of GBP111.3m has been recognised as a charge to the Group's retained earnings.

Year ended 31 March 2017

The following table summarises the fair values, as at the acquisition date, of the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and the total consideration transferred as part of the acquisitions made during the year ended 31 March 2017. Information provided below is calculated based on current information available.

 
                                                                     Sierra Affinity   Secret Location   Total 
                                                              Note              GBPm              GBPm    GBPm 
                                                                                      ================ 
Acquired intangibles                                           13                7.7               3.6    11.3 
Investment in productions                                      14                  -               0.6     0.6 
Property, plant and equipment                                  15                  -               0.2     0.2 
Trade and other receivables (1)                                                 16.2               3.2    19.4 
Cash and cash equivalents                                                        0.3                 -     0.3 
Interest-bearing loans and borrowings                                              -             (2.5)   (2.5) 
Trade and other payables                                                      (18.5)             (2.0)  (20.5) 
Deferred tax liabilities                                       9                   -             (0.7)   (0.7) 
Total net assets acquired                                                        5.7               2.4     8.1 
 
Satisfied by: 
Cash                                                                             2.8                 -     2.8 
Shares in Entertainment One Ltd.                                                   -               4.1     4.1 
Contingent consideration                                                         0.5                 -     0.5 
Assets forgiven                                                                  0.1                 -     0.1 
Total consideration transferred                                                  3.4               4.1     7.5 
Add: Fair value of previously held equity interest                               2.3               4.1     6.4 
Less: Fair value of identifiable net assets of the acquiree                    (5.7)             (2.4)   (8.1) 
Goodwill                                                       12                  -               5.8     5.8 
 

1. The trade and other receivables shown are considered to be at their fair value. No amounts recorded are expected to be uncollectable.

Secret Location

The Group purchased the remaining 50% share in Secret Location for consideration of C$6.9m (equivalent to GBP4.1m), funded through the issue of 1,728,794 common shares in Entertainment One Ltd. settled as at 15 August 2016.

eOne held an equity interest previously in Secret Location which qualified as a joint venture under IFRS 11. As part of accounting for the business combination the equity interest is treated as if it were disposed of and re-acquired at fair value on the acquisition date. Accordingly, the 50% equity interest held in Secret Location at book value of GBP1.8m was re-measured to its acquisition-date fair value of GBP4.1m, resulting in a GBP2.3m gain recognised in the year ended 31 March 2017.

Acquired intangibles of GBP3.6m were identified which represent the value of technologies in development. The resulting goodwill of GBP5.8m represents the value placed on the opportunity to grow the content and formats produced by the company. None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The acquired Secret Location business was integrated into the Television CGU.

Sierra Affinity

On 30 September 2016, Sierra Pictures purchased the remaining 67% equity interest in Sierra Affinity for total consideration of GBP3.4m consisting of cash consideration of US$3.6m (equivalent of GBP2.8m), which was settled in full during October/November 2016, contingent consideration of GBP0.5m representing amounts payable dependent on future sales fees generated by the company on specific titles and GBP0.1m of assets forgiven relating to trade receivables due to Sierra Pictures from Sierra Affinity which were forgiven as part of the transaction.

Prior to control being obtained, the investment in the equity interest of Sierra Affinity was accounted for as a joint operation under IFRS 11. As part of accounting for the business combination the equity interest is treated as if it were disposed of and re-acquired at fair value on the acquisition date. Accordingly, it is re-measured to its acquisition-date fair value, with no resulting gain or loss compared to its carrying amount.

Acquired intangibles of GBP7.7m were identified which represent the value of the acquired exclusive content agreements. The acquired Sierra Affinity business was integrated into the Film CGU.

26. Financial risk management

The Group's overall risk management programme seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on its financial performance and focuses on mitigation of the unpredictability of financial markets as they affect the Group.

The Group's activities expose it to certain financial risks including interest rate risk, foreign currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. These risks are managed by the Chief Financial Officer under policies approved by the Board, which are summarised below.

Interest rate risk management

When the Group is exposed to fluctuating interest rates the Group considers whether to fix portions of debt using interest rate swaps, in order to optimise net finance costs and reduce excessive volatility in reported earnings. Requirements for interest rate hedging activities are monitored on a regular basis.

Interest rate sensitivity

The Group holds GBP355.0m in principal amount of 6.875% senior secured notes (Notes), due December 2022, and a super senior revolving credit facility (RCF), which matures in December 2020.

At 31 March 2018, the Group's fixed rate debt represented 93% of total gross debt (2017: 100%). Consequently, a 1% movement in interest rates on floating rate debt would impact the 2018 post-tax profit for the year by less than GBP0.3m (2017: nil).

For financial assets and liabilities classified at fair value through profit or loss, the movements in the year relating to changes in fair value and interest are not separated.

Foreign currency risk management

The Group is exposed to exchange rate fluctuations because it undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currency and it is exposed to foreign currency translation risk through its investment in overseas subsidiaries.

The Group manages transactions with foreign exchange exposures by undertaking foreign currency hedging using forward foreign exchange contracts for significant transactions (principally minimum guaranteed advanced payments). The implementation of these forward contracts is based on highly probable forecast transactions and qualifies for cash flow hedge accounting. The Group further manages its exposure to fair value movements on foreign currency assets and liabilities through using forward foreign exchange contracts for significant exposures.

The Group seeks to create a natural hedge of this exposure through its policy of aligning approximately the currency composition of its net borrowings with its forecast operating cash flows.

Foreign exchange rate sensitivity

The following table illustrates the Group's sensitivity to foreign exchange rates. Sensitivity is calculated on financial instruments at 31 March 2018 denominated in non-functional currencies for all operating units within the Group. The sensitivity analysis includes only unhedged foreign currency denominated monetary items. The percentage movement applied to each currency is based on management's measurement of foreign exchange rate risk.

 
 
                                                 31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                     Impact on        Impact on 
                                                  consolidated     consolidated 
                                                        income           income 
                                                     statement        statement 
 Percentage movement                                  +/- GBPm         +/- GBPm 
=========================================== 
 10% appreciation of the US dollar                         9.4              8.8 
 10% appreciation of the Canadian dollar                 (0.9)            (0.6) 
 10% appreciation of the euro                              0.3              0.9 
 10% appreciation of the Australian dollar                 0.2              0.3 
============================================ 
 

Credit risk management

Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents, deposits with banks and financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to customers, including outstanding receivables and committed transactions. The Group manages credit risk on cash and deposits by entering into financial instruments only with highly credit-rated, authorised counterparties which are reviewed and approved regularly by management. Counterparties' positions are monitored on a regular basis to ensure that they are within the approved limits and there are no significant concentrations of credit risk. Trade receivables consist of a large number of customers spread across diverse geographical areas. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of counterparties.

As at 31 March 2018 the Group had two (2017: two) customers that owed the Group more than 5% of the Group's total amounts receivable which accounted for approximately 32% (2017: 35%) of the total amounts receivable.

The Group considers its maximum exposure to credit risk as follows:

 
 
                                      31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                             Note              GBPm             GBPm 
                            =====  ================ 
Cash and cash equivalents     19              119.2            133.4 
Net trade receivables         18              124.0            158.3 
Accrued income                18              304.1            244.5 
Other receivables             18               48.6             37.8 
Total                                         595.9            574.0 
                            =====  ================ 
 

Liquidity risk management

The Group maintains an appropriate liquidity risk management position by having sufficient cash and availability of funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities. Management continuously monitors rolling forecasts of the Group's liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows in the short, medium and long-term. At 31 March 2018, the undrawn committed borrowings under the RCF are equivalent to GBP134.4m (2017: GBP116.6m). The facility was entered into in December 2015 (see Note 22) and matures in 2020.

Analysis of the maturity profile of the Group's financial liabilities including interest payments, which will be settled on a net basis at the balance sheet date, is shown below:

 
                                                    Trade     Interest-bearing 
                                                and other                loans   Production 
                                                 payables    and borrowings(1)    financing   Total 
Amounts due for settlement at 31 March 2018          GBPm                 GBPm         GBPm    GBPm 
                                              ===========  ===================  ===========  ====== 
Within one year                                      63.9                 24.7         90.1   178.7 
One to two years                                        -                 24.3         86.7   111.0 
Two to five years                                    27.1                454.1            -   481.2 
Total                                                91.0                503.1        176.8   770.9 
                                              ===========  ===================  ===========  ====== 
 
Amounts due for settlement at 31 March 2017 
                                              ===========  ===================  ===========  ====== 
Within one year                                     138.3                 20.1        104.8   263.2 
One to two years                                        -                 19.6         91.2   110.8 
Two to five years                                    34.7                 58.8            -    93.5 
After five years                                        -                304.6            -   304.6 
Total                                               173.0                403.1        196.0   772.1 
                                              ===========  ===================  ===========  ====== 
 

1. Amounts for interest-bearing loans and borrowings include interest payments.

Capital risk management

The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The Group's overall strategy remains unchanged from the year ended 31 March 2017.

The capital structure of the Group consists of net debt, being the interest-bearing loans and borrowings disclosed in Note 22 after deducting cash and bank balances which are not held repayable only for production financing (disclosed in Note 19), and equity of the Group (comprising issued capital and reserves disclosed in Note 30 and retained earnings and non-controlling interests).

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to safeguard its ability to continue as a going concern in order to grow the business, provide returns for shareholders, provide benefits for other stakeholders and optimise the weighted average cost of capital and optimise efficiencies.

The objectives are subject to maintaining sufficient financial flexibility to undertake its investment plans. There are no externally imposed capital requirements. The management of the Group's capital is performed by the Board. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

27. Subsidiaries

The Group's principal wholly-owned subsidiary undertakings are as follows:

 
Name                                           Country of incorporation  Principal activity 
Entertainment One Films Canada Inc.            Canada                    Content ownership and distribution 
Entertainment One Limited Partnership          Canada                    Content ownership and distribution 
Entertainment One Television International                               Sales and distribution of films and 
Ltd.                                           Canada                    television programmes 
Entertainment One Television Productions Ltd.  Canada                    Production of television programmes 
Videoglobe 1 Inc.                              Canada                    Content distribution 
Entertainment One UK Limited                   England and Wales         Content ownership and distribution 
Alliance Films (UK) Limited                    England and Wales         Content ownership and distribution 
Entertainment One UK Holdings Limited          England and Wales         Holding company 
Entertainment One US LP                        US                        Content ownership and distribution 
                                                                         Sales and distribution of films and 
Entertainment One Television USA Inc.          US                        television programmes 
MR Productions Holdings, LLC (Makeready)       US                        Production of film and television programmes 
Deluxe Pictures d/b/a The Mark Gordon Company 
*                                              US                        Production of film and television programmes 
 

* As a result of the purchase of the remaining 49% of The Mark Gordon Company, it is a wholly owned subsidiary from 2 March 2018. Refer to Note 25 for details.

All of the above subsidiary undertakings are 100% owned and are owned through intermediate holding companies. The proportion held is equivalent to the percentage of voting rights held.

All of the above subsidiary undertakings have been consolidated in the consolidated financial statements under the acquisition method of accounting.

28. Interests in joint ventures

Accounting policy

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of the arrangement, which exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

The Group's interests in its joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method. The investment is initially recognised at cost and is subsequently adjusted to recognise changes in the Group's share of net assets of the associate or joint venture since the acquisition date. The share of results of its joint ventures are shown within single line items in the consolidated balance sheet and consolidated income statement, respectively.

The financial statements of the Group's joint ventures are generally prepared for the same reporting period as the Group. Where necessary, adjustments are made to bring the accounting policies in line with those of the Group.

Year ended 31 March 2018

Details of the Group's joint ventures at 31 March 2018 are as follows:

 
Name                                     Country of incorporation  Proportion held  Principal activity 
Suite Distribution Limited               England and Wales         50%              Production of films 
Squid Distribution LLC                   US                        50%              Production of films 
Automatik Entertainment LLC              US                        40%              Film development 
The Girlaxy LLC                          US                        50%              Content ownership and distribution 
LVK Distribution Limited                 England and Wales         50%              Dormant company 
Creative England-Entertainment One       England and Wales         50%              Development of television shows 
Global Television Initiative Limited 
eOne/Fox Home Ent Distribution Canada    Canada                    50%              Home entertainment distribution 
Ltd 
 

Contractual arrangements establish joint control over each joint venture listed above. No single venturer is in a position to control the activity unilaterally.

The movements in the carrying amount of interests in joint ventures in the years ended 31 March 2018 and 2017 were as follows:

 
                                       31 March   31 March 
                                           2018       2017 
                                           GBPm       GBPm 
===================================   =========  ========= 
 Carrying amount of interests in 
  joint ventures                            1.1        3.2 
 Transfer from joint venture to 
  fully consolidated subsidiary               -      (1.8) 
 Group's share of results of joint 
  ventures for the year                       -      (0.7) 
 Foreign exchange                         (0.1)        0.4 
 Carrying amount of interests in 
  joint ventures                            1.0        1.1 
====================================  =========  ========= 
 

The transfer from joint venture to fully consolidated subsidiary during the year ended 31 March 2017 relates to the carrying value of equity in Secret Location on acquisition of the remaining 50% of the share capital on 15 August 2016 to fully consolidate Secret Location into the Group's consolidated financial statements.

The Group's share of results of joint ventures for the year of GBPnil (2017: GBP0.7m loss) includes a charge of GBPnil (2017: GBPnil charge) relating to the Group's share of tax, finance costs and depreciation.

The following presents, on a condensed basis, the effects of including joint ventures in the consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Each joint venture is considered individually immaterial to the Group's consolidated financial statements.

 
                                       31 March   31 March 
                                           2018       2017 
                                           GBPm       GBPm 
===================================   =========  ========= 
 Revenue                                    2.4        3.2 
 Profit/(loss) for the year                 0.1      (1.1) 
 Profit/(loss) attributable to the 
  Group                                       -      (0.7) 
====================================  =========  ========= 
 
 Dividends received from interests 
  in joint ventures                           -          - 
====================================  =========  ========= 
 

As a result of the purchase of the remaining 50% of Secret Location, Secret Location was fully consolidated into the Group's consolidated financial statements as a subsidiary from 15 August 2016 and as a result Secret Location is not presented in the table below.

 
                                                  31 March 2018  31 March 2017 
                                                           GBPm           GBPm 
Non-current assets                                          2.0            2.4 
 Current assets (including GBP1.0m 
  (2017: GBP0.3m) of cash and cash equivalents)             2.9            2.1 
 Non-current liabilities                                  (1.7)          (0.7) 
 Current liabilities                                      (1.3)          (1.8) 
 Net assets of joint ventures                               1.9            2.0 
================================================ 
 

29. Interests in partly-owned subsidiaries

Accounting policy

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries (the Group). Control of the Group's subsidiaries is achieved when the Group is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

The financial statements of the subsidiaries are generally prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition and continue to be consolidated until the date of disposal or at the point in the future in which the Group ceases to have control of the entity. All intra-group balances, transactions, income and expenses, and unrealised profits and losses resulting from intra-group transactions that are recognised in assets, are eliminated in full.

Principal subsidiaries with non-controlling interests

The Group's principal subsidiaries that have non-controlling interests are provided below:

 
Name                                   Country of incorporation  Proportion held  Principal activity 
Astley Baker Davies Limited            England and Wales         70%              Ownership of IP 
Round Room Live, LLC                   US                        60%              Production of live events 
 
Sierra Pictures group companies 
                                                                                  Production and international sales 
Sierra Pictures, LLC                   US                        51%              of films 
999 Holdings, LLC                      US                        51%              Production of films 
999 NY Productions, Corp               US                        51%              Production of films 
999 Productions, LLC                   US                        51%              Production of films 
Blunderer Holdings, LLC                US                        51%              Production of films 
Blunderer NY Productions, Corp         US                        51%              Production of films 
Blunderer Productions, LLC             US                        51%              Production of films 
Coldest City Productions, LLC          US                        51%              Production of films 
Coldest City, LLC                      US                        51%              Production of films 
Coldest City II, LLC                   US                        51%              Production of films 
Danger House Holding Co, LLC           US                        51%              Production of films 
Danger House Productions, LLC          US                        51%              Production of films 
How it Ends LLC                        US                        51%              Production of films 
LCOZ Holdings, LLC                     US                        51%              Production of films 
LCOZ NY Productions, Corp              US                        51%              Production of films 
LCOZ Productions Limited               England and Wales         51%              Production of films 
Osprey Distribution, LLC               US                        51%              Production of films 
Poms Holdings Co, LLC                  US                        51%              Production of films 
Poms Pictures LLC                      US                        51%              Production of films 
PPZ Holdings, LLC                      US                        51%              Production of films 
PPZ NY Productions, Corp               US                        51%              Production of films 
Promise Acquisition, LLC               US                        51%              Production of films 
Sierra Pictures Development, LLC       US                        51%              Production of films 
Sierra Affinity, LLC                   US                        51%              International sales of films 
 
Renegade Entertainment companies 
4 x 4 Productions, LLC                 US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Battle Beat Productions, LLC           US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Beaker Productions, LLC                US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Brute Force Entertainment, LLC         US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Burnt Biscuit Productions, LLC         US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Citrus Amor, LLC                       US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Detail Productions, LLC                US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Double Time Productions, LLC           US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
First Stand Entertainment, LLC         US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Flip Tied Productions, LLC             US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Gum Shoe Productions, LLC              US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Inside Industry Depot, LLC             US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
King Crow Productions, LLC             US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Lean 2 Productions, LLC                US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Lucky Dozen Productions, LLC           US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Math Quest Productions, LLC            US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Miracle Mile Post, LLC                 US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Moon Breeze Productions, LLC           US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
OTF Productions, LLC                   US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
R 83 Productions, LLC                  US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Renegade Entertainment, LLC            US                        65%              Holding company 
Renegade 83, LLC                       US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Ticking Time Productions, LLC          US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Triple Ridge Entertainment, LLC        US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Two Pack Productions, LLC              US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
Zip Line Entertainment, LLC            US                        65%              Production of television programmes 
 
Television production and other 
companies 
Westventures IV Productions Ltd *      Canada                    50%              Production of television programmes 
She-Wolf Season 1 Productions Inc *    Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
She-Wolf Season 2 Productions Inc *    Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
She-Wolf Season 3 Productions Inc *    Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
JCardinal Productions Inc *            Canada                    50%              Production of television programmes 
Cardinal Blackfly Productions Inc *    Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
Oasis Shaftesbury Releasing Inc *      Canada                    50%              Production of television programmes 
Bon Productions (NS) Inc *             Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Da Vinci Releasing Inc *               Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Hope Zee One Inc *                     Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Hope Zee Two Inc *                     Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Hope Zee Three Inc *                   Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
Hope Zee Four Inc *                    Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
HOW S3 Productions Inc *               Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
HOW S4 Productions Inc *               Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
HOW S5 Productions Inc *               Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Klondike Alberta Productions Inc *     Canada                    49%              Production of television programmes 
Amaze Film + Televisions Inc *         Canada                    33%              Production of television programmes 
iThentic Canada Inc *                  Canada                    33%              Production of television programmes 
FD Media 2 Inc *                       Canada                    50%              Production of television programmes 
Read This Productions Inc *            Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
Second Detail Productions Inc *        Canada                    51%              Production of television programmes 
Union Station Media LLC *              US                        50%              Production of television programmes 
Insomnia VR Productions Inc *          Canada                    50%              Ownership of IP 
Wacken VR Productions Inc *            Canada                    50%              Ownership of IP 
The Other Guy Productions Pty Ltd *    Australia                 50%              Production of television programmes 
TOG Series One SPV Pty Ltd *           Australia                 50%              Production of television programmes 
 

* These production companies within the Television Division have been classified as fully consolidated subsidiaries based on an assessment that, under IFRS 10, the Group has power and control over the activities of the companies. Through these companies, the Group produces or co-produces television programmes. These production companies are structured in such a way that the Group retains the risks and rewards of ownership and has the ability to vary the return it receives from the production company. At the end of the co-production, the production company has zero or minimal net income and zero or minimal tax and other obligations. As such the directors do not consider the production companies to have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. The impact of the non-controlling interests on the consolidated income statement for the year ended 31 March 2018 for these entities is GBPnil (31 March 2017: GBPnil).

As a result of the purchase of the remaining 49% of The Mark Gordon Company, The Mark Gordon Company is a wholly owned subsidiary from 2 March 2018 and as a result The Mark Gordon entities are not included in the table above.

Television production and other companies are not classified as Group principal subsidiaries.

The following presents, on a condensed basis, the effects of including partly-owned subsidiaries in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017:

 
 
                               Astley Baker Davies           The Mark Gordon 
                                           Limited                Company(1)  Sierra Pictures  Renegade 83  Round Room 
Year ended 31 March 2018                      GBPm                      GBPm             GBPm         GBPm        GBPm 
Revenue                                       20.5                     126.3             68.8         41.8           - 
Profit for the year                            8.0                      17.5              2.2          5.0       (0.2) 
Profit attributable to 
 the Group                                     5.6                       8.9              1.1          3.3       (0.1) 
 
Dividends paid to 
 non-controlling 
 interests                                     5.6                         -              0.3          1.5           - 
 
Non-current assets                           135.5                         -             34.0          2.1           - 
Current assets                                14.6                         -             26.8         10.2           - 
Non-current liabilities                     (23.3)                         -            (5.6)            -           - 
Current liabilities                          (3.4)                         -           (37.6)        (4.6)       (0.6) 
Net assets of partly 
 owned subsidiaries                          123.4                         -             17.6          7.7       (0.6) 
 

1. As a result of the purchase of the remaining 49% of The Mark Gordon Company on 2 March 2018, the above table relating to partly-owned subsidiaries is calculated for the year up to 2 March 2018.

 
 
                                    Astley Baker Davies Limited  The Mark Gordon Company  Sierra Pictures  Renegade 83 
Year ended 31 March 2017                                   GBPm                     GBPm             GBPm         GBPm 
Revenue                                                    18.0                    119.9             91.6         28.6 
Profit for the year                                         6.9                     14.2              2.8          3.2 
Profit attributable to the Group                            4.8                      7.2              1.4          2.1 
 
Dividends paid to non-controlling 
 interests                                                  2.7                        -              0.5            - 
 
Non-current assets                                        150.2                     96.7             22.7          8.4 
Current assets                                             12.3                    106.4             34.3          6.2 
Non-current liabilities                                  (25.5)                   (84.4)                -            - 
Current liabilities                                       (2.9)                   (49.6)           (38.9)        (7.0) 
Net assets of partly owned 
 subsidiaries                                             134.1                     69.1             18.1          7.6 
 

30. Stated capital, own shares and other reserves

Accounting policy

Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Own shares

The Entertainment One Ltd. shares held by the Trustees of the Company's Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) are classified in total equity as own shares and are recognised at cost. Consideration received for the sale of such shares is also recognised in equity, with any difference between the proceeds from sale and the original cost being taken to reserves. No gain or loss is recognised on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of equity shares.

Analysis of amounts recognised by the Group

Stated capital

 
                                                               Year ended 31 March 2018    Year ended 31 March 2017 
                                                                 Number of shares  Value     Number of shares  Value 
                                                                             '000   GBPm                 '000   GBPm 
Balance at 1 April                                                        429,647  505.3              427,343  500.0 
Shares issued on exercise of share options                                  1,384    4.2                  575    1.2 
Shares issued as part-consideration for acquisitions                            -      -                1,729    4.1 
Shares issued as part-consideration for acquisitions of 
 non-controlling interests                                                 10,827   31.7                    -      - 
Shares issued on settlement of contingent consideration                       779    1.8                    -      - 
Shares issued as part of equity raise                                      17,475   51.8                    -      - 
Balance at 31 March                                                       460,112  594.8              429,647  505.3 
 

During the years ended 31 March 2018 and 31 March 2017, the Group issued the following stated capital:

 
      --  1,384,360 common shares (2017: 574,921) were issued 
           to employees (or former employees) exercising 
           share options granted under the Long Term Incentive 
           Plan (see Note 31). The total consideration received 
           by the Company on the exercise of these options 
           was GBPnil (2017: GBPnil). 
      --  On 4 July 2017, 778,516 common shares (equivalent 
           to GBP1.8m) were issued as part consideration 
           for the settlement of contingent consideration 
           relating to the 2016 acquisition of Renegade Entertainment, 
           LLC (see Note 25). 
      --  On 1 February 2018, the Group completed a private 
           placement of 17,475,000 new common shares at 305.0 
           pence per new common share. Net of expenses, the 
           total amount raised was GBP51.8m. The fees of 
           GBP1.6m in relation to the equity raise have been 
           capitalised to equity. 
      --  On 2 March 2018, 10,826,566 new common shares 
           (equivalent to GBP31.7m) were issued as part consideration 
           for the purchase of the remaining 49% share in 
           The Mark Gordon Company (see Note 25). 
      --  In 2017, 1,728,794 common shares (equivalent to 
           GBP4.1m) were issued as at 15 August 2016 as consideration 
           for the purchase of the remaining 50% share in 
           Secret Location. See Note 25. 
 

Subsequent to these transactions, and at the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, the Company's stated capital comprised 460,749,271 common shares (2017: 429,646,877). Refer to Note 34 for details.

Own shares

At 31 March 2018, 194,663 common shares (2017: 1,599,674 common shares) were held as own shares by the Employee Benefit Trust (EBT) to satisfy the exercise of future options under the Group's share option schemes (see Note 31 for further details). The book value of own shares at 31 March 2018 was GBP0.2m (2017: GBP1.5m).

During the year ended 31 March 2018, 1,405,011 shares (2017: 2,310,654) were issued to employees (or former employees) exercising share options granted under the Long Term Incentive Plan and Employee Save-As-You-Earn scheme (see Note 31). The total consideration received by the Company on the exercise of these options was GBPnil (2017: GBPnil).

The Company has obtained authority to make market purchases of its own shares at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders held on 27 September 2017.

Other reserves

Other reserves comprise the following:

 
  --  Cash flow hedging reserve at 31 March 2018 of debit 
       balance GBP2.0m (2017: debit balance of GBP1.1m). 
  --  Permanent restructuring reserve of credit balance 
       GBP9.3m at 31 March 2018 and 2017 which arose on 
       completion of the Scheme of Arrangement in 2010 
       (the Scheme) and represents the difference between 
       the net assets and share capital and share premium 
       in the ultimate parent Company immediately prior 
       to the Scheme. 
  --  Put option over non-controlling interests of subsidiaries 
       reserve of debit balance GBP30.9m (2017: debit 
       balance of GBP30.9m), which represents the potential 
       cash payments related to put options issued by 
       the Group over the non-controlling interest of 
       subsidiary companies and are accounted for as financial 
       liabilities. The amount that may become payable 
       under the option on exercise is initially recognised 
       on acquisition at present value within other payables 
       with a corresponding charge directly to equity. 
 

31. Share-based payments

Accounting policy

The Group issues equity-settled share-based payments to certain employees. Equity-settled share-based payments are measured at fair value at the date of grant. The fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period, based on the Group's estimate of shares that will eventually vest. Fair value is measured by means of a binomial or monte carlo valuation model with the assistance of external advisers. The expected life used in the model has been adjusted, based on management's best estimate, for the effect of non-transferability, exercise restrictions and behavioural considerations.

Equity-settled share schemes

At 31 March 2018, the Group had four equity-settled share-based payment schemes approved for its employees (including the executive directors). These are the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Executive Share Plan (ESP), the Executive Incentive Scheme (EIS) and the Employee Save-As-You-Earn scheme (SAYE).

The ESP is now closed and no further awards will be made from the scheme. The EIS was approved at the Group's AGM on 16 September 2015. No awards have been granted during the year under the EIS.

The total charge in the year relating to the Group's equity-settled schemes was GBP12.6m (2017: GBP5.0m), inclusive of a charge of GBP0.7m (2017: charge of GBP0.1m) relating to movements in associated social security liabilities.

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

On 28 June 2013, an LTIP for the benefit of employees (including executive directors) of the Group was approved by the Company's shareholders. A summary of the arrangements is set out below:

 
Nature                                          Grant of nil cost options 
Performance period                              Up to five years 
Performance conditions                          (i) 50% vesting over the three-year performance period and 50% vesting 
 (examples of existing performance conditions)  dependent on performance 
                                                against annual Group underlying EBITDA targets; 
                                                (ii) Time only. 
Maximum term                                    10 years 
 

During the year, grants were made under the LTIP. The fair value of each grant was measured at the date of grant using the binomial model. The assumptions used in the model were as follows:

 
             Fair value                                  Share 
                     at     Number                    price on 
            measurement         of      Performance    date of                                               Risk free 
                   date    options   period (period      grant   Exercise    Expected  Expected    Dividend   interest 
Grant date      (pence)    granted          ending)    (pence)      price  volatility      life       yield       rate 
24 May 
 2017             238.3    678,000         May 2020      242.2        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
4 July 
 2017             218.1  2,194,930         May 2020      222.0        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.6%        n/a 
8 August                             May 2018 - May 
 2017             241.5    225,000             2020      244.1        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
13 
 September 
 2017             250.2    200,000         May 2020      254.1        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
19 
 September 
 2017             246.2    150,000         May 2020      250.1        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
27 
 September 
 2017             251.1    661,412         May 2020      255.0        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
29 
 September 
 2017(1)          254.1  3,000,000         May 2019      258.0        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
29 
 September 
 2017 (1)         254.1    402,353         May 2020      258.0        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
28 
 February                            Feb 2018 - Nov 
 2018(1)          304.0    659,440             2020      304.0        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
Other 
 ad-hoc 
 grants(2)        239.0    144,946         May 2020      242.8        Nil         n/a  10 years        0.5%        n/a 
 

1. These are special grants which follow the LTIP rules except for certain specific conditions.

2. The options were granted on various days between 30 June 2017 and 28 September 2017. The information presented has been calculated using the weighted average for the individual grants.

Details of share option movements during the year are as follows:

 
                                                   2018                     2017 
                                               Weighted                 Weighted 
                                   2018         average     2017         average 
                                 Number  exercise price   Number  exercise price 
                                Million           Pence  Million           Pence 
Outstanding at 1 April              8.4               -     11.4               - 
Exercised                         (2.8)               -    (2.9)               - 
Granted                             8.3               -      1.9               - 
Granted (rights issue uplift)         -               -        -               - 
Forfeited                         (0.6)               -    (0.4)               - 
Lapsed                                -               -    (1.6)               - 
Outstanding at 31 March            13.3               -      8.4               - 
Exercisable                         2.8               -      1.5               - 
 

The weighted average contractual life remaining of the LTIP options in existence at the end of the year was 6.4 years (2017: 6.7 years).

Employee Save-As-You-Earn scheme (SAYE)

On 30 September 2016, a SAYE for the benefit of employees (including executive directors) of the Group was approved by the Company's shareholders. Employees make a monthly contribution, depending on jurisdiction, for up to three years. At the end of the savings period the employee has the opportunity to retain their savings, in cash, or to buy shares in Entertainment One Ltd. at a price fixed at the date of grant. A summary of the arrangement is set out below:

 
Nature                  Grant of options, with an exercise price of 241.0 pence (2017: 151.9 pence) 
Performance period      Up to three years 
Performance conditions  100% of the options vest on the completion of three years' service in every territory with 
                         the exception of the US which vest on the completion of two years' service. 
Maximum term            Three years. The options expire six months after vesting. 
 

During the year, 177,368 options were granted under the SAYE. The fair value of each grant was 84.4 pence per share and the assumptions are consistent with prior year. The resulting charge for the options granted in the year is not significant and the total charge in respect of all outstanding SAYE options is GBP0.4m (2017: GBP0.3). The movement in options in the year is presented below.

 
                                             2018 
                                         Weighted 
                             2018         average 
                           Number  exercise price 
                          Million           Pence 
Outstanding at 1 April        2.2           151.9 
Granted                       0.2            24.1 
Outstanding at 31 March       2.4           149.3 
Exercisable                     -               - 
 

The weighted average contractual life remaining of the SAYE options in existence at the end of the year was 1.2 years (2017: 2.1 years).

Makeready

On 17 May 2017, the Group incorporated MR Productions Holdings, LLC (Makeready), a new global content creation company. On that date, Makeready issued to Brad Weston 500,000 B shares, at nil cost, which incrementally vest over a three year period. The fair value of the share awards granted has been determined as at the grant date as required by IFRS 2 and a charge of GBP0.4m has been recorded in the year ended 31 March 2018.

32. Commitments and contingencies

Accounting policy

The determination of whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at inception date, whether fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets or the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement. Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the consolidated income statement on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Operating lease commitments

The Group operates from properties in respect of which commercial operating leases have been entered into.

At the balance sheet date, the Group had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

 
 
                                                 31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                          GBPm             GBPm 
Within one year                                           10.7              9.6 
Later than one year and less than five years              26.6             17.9 
After five years                                          26.8             28.9 
Total                                                     64.1             56.4 
 

Future commitments

 
 
                                                                          31 March 2018    31 March 2017 
                                                                                   GBPm             GBPm 
Investment in acquired content rights contracted for but not provided             143.6            190.3 
 

33. Related party transactions

Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note.

Transactions with significant shareholders

Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) held 85,597,069 common shares in the Company at 31 March 2018 (2017: 84,597,069), amounting to 18.60% (2017: 19.69%) of the issued capital of the Company. CPPIB is deemed to be a related party of Entertainment One Ltd. by virtue of this significant shareholding. The Group pays CPPIB an annual fee equivalent to the annual fee paid by the Group to its other non-executive directors in consideration for CPPIB allowing Scott Lawrence to allocate time to his role as a non-executive director of the Company. The fee payable to CPPIB in respect of Scott Lawrence's services for the year ended 31 March 2018 was C$98,500 (2017: C$91,700).

At 31 March 2018 the amounts outstanding payable to CPPIB are C$17,700 (2017: C$7,500).

Transactions with Joint Ventures

The Group owns 50% shares in the Joint Venture eOne Fox Distribution Canada. During the year the Group made purchases of GBP569,717 from eOne Fox Distribution Canada. At 31 March 2018 the amounts outstanding payable to eOne Fox Distribution Canada are GBP49,254.

The Group owns 50% shares in the Joint Venture Suite Distribution Limited. During the year the Group made no purchases from Suite Distribution Limited. At 31 March 2018 the amounts outstanding payable to Suite Distribution Limited are GBP157,000.

With the exception of the items noted above the nature of related parties disclosed in the consolidated financial statements for the Group as at and for the year ended 31 March 2017 has not changed.

34. Post balance sheet events

On 9 April 2018 the Group acquired a 70% controlling stake in Whizz Kid Entertainment Limited (Whizz Kid) for consideration of GBP6.9m, which was satisfied by payment of GBP5.0m in cash and the issuance of 637,952 Entertainment One Ltd. common shares. Whizz Kid is a UK-based non-scripted television production company. The acquisition further enhances eOne's non-scripted television production capabilities in the UK, in line with the Group's strategy.

Appendix to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Reconciliation of additional performance measures

The Group uses a number of non-IFRS financial measures that are not specifically defined under IFRS or any other generally accepted accounting principles, including underlying EBITDA, one-off items, adjusted profit before tax, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted cash flow, free cash flow, net debt and production financing. These non-IFRS financial measures (adjusted measures) are presented because they are among the measures used by management to measure operating performance and as a basis for strategic planning and forecasting, and the Group believes that these measures are frequently used by investors in analysing business performance. Adjusted measures in management's view, reflects the underlying performance of the business and provides a more meaningful comparison of how the business is managed and measured on a day-to-day basis and form the basis of the performance measures for remuneration. Adjusted measures exclude certain items because if included, these items could distort the understanding of our performance for the year and the comparability between years. The terms "underlying", "one-off items" and "adjusted" may not be comparable with similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

Underlying EBITDA

The term underlying EBITDA refers to operating profit or loss excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, depreciation, amortisation of software, share-based payment charge, tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures, and operating one-off items. A reconciliation is presented on the consolidated income statement.

Adjusted profit before tax and adjusted earnings

The terms adjusted profit before tax and adjusted diluted earnings per share refer to the reported measures excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, share-based payment charge, tax, finance costs and depreciation related to joint ventures, operating one-off items, finance one-off items, and, in the case of adjusted diluted earnings per share, one-off tax items. Refer to Note 11 Earnings per share for a reconciliation of profit before tax and earnings per share to the adjusted measures.

Adjusted cash flow and free cash flow

Adjusted cash flow is underlying EBITDA, amortisation of investment in acquired content rights, investment in acquired content rights, amortisation of investment in productions, investment in productions, net of grants, working capital and joint venture movements.

Free cash flow is adjusted cash flow less capital expenditure, tax paid and net interest paid. It is measured excluding one-off items.

Return on capital employed

The Group presents the term return on capital employed as the adjusted net operating profit as a percentage of average capital employed.

Adjusted net operating profit is defined as the adjusted profit for the year, adding back underlying income tax charge/(credit) related to joint ventures, interest cost related to the Group's bank facilities, net foreign exchange gains or losses on financing activities, amortisation of deferred finance charges and premium on senior secured notes and the tax effect of these net finance costs (at the Group's adjusted effective tax rate).

Average capital employed is defined as the average of the current year and prior year adjusted total assets less adjusted current liabilities. Total assets are adjusted by deducting the cash and cash equivalents related to the Group's net debt group. Current liabilities are adjusted by deducting interest-bearing loans and borrowings and include non-current production financing.

This measure is used by the directors for internal performance analysis and incentive compensation arrangements for the executive directors.

The Group's return on capital employed is calculated as follows:

 
                                        31 March 2018  31 March 2017 
                                                 GBPm           GBPm 
                                       ============== 
Adjusted net operating profit                   140.1          122.9 
Average capital employed                      1,056.2          983.9 
Return on capital employed (ROCE)               13.3%          12.5% 
 

The reconciliation of adjusted net operating profit to profit before tax for the year is as follows:

 
                                                                                               31 March   31 March 
                                                                                                   2018       2017 
                                                                                        Note       GBPm       GBPm 
                                                                                       =====  =========  ========= 
Profit before tax                                                                                  77.6       35.9 
Add back: 
  One-off net finance costs                                                              7          7.5        6.3 
  Amortisation of acquired intangibles                                                   13        39.6       41.9 
  Share-based payment charge                                                             31        12.6        5.0 
  One-off items                                                                          6          7.1       40.8 
                                                                                       =====  =========  ========= 
Adjusted profit before tax                                                                        144.4      129.9 
Adjusted tax                                                                             8       (27.9)     (27.1) 
  Interest cost on Group bank facilities                                                 7         26.8       22.8 
  Net foreign exchange losses on financing activities                                    7          1.1        0.9 
  Amortisation of deferred finance charges and premium on senior secured notes and 
   premium on 
   senior secured notes                                                                  7          1.9        1.7 
  Other finance income                                                                   7        (0.5)          - 
                                                                                       =====  ========= 
Add back net finance costs                                                                         29.3       25.4 
Tax effect of net finance costs (at the Group's adjusted effective tax rate of 19.3% 
 (2017: 
 20.9%))                                                                                          (5.7)      (5.3) 
                                                                                       ===== 
Adjusted net operating profit                                                                     140.1      122.9 
 

The reconciliation of average capital employed to the consolidated financial statements is as follows:

 
                                                           Restated(1)    Restated(1) 
                                          31 March 2018  31 March 2017  31 March 2016  Average 2017-18  Average2016-17 
                                    Note           GBPm           GBPm           GBPm             GBPm            GBPm 
                                          ============= 
Total assets                                    1,836.2        1,901.0        1,636.9 
Less: Cash and cash equivalents      19         (119.2)        (133.4)        (108.3) 
Add: Cash held only for production 
 financing                           19            58.1           43.7           13.6 
Average total assets                            1,775.2        1,811.3        1,542.2          1,793.3         1,676.8 
 
Current liabilities                             (605.2)        (691.9)        (569.5) 
Less: current interest-bearing 
 loans and borrowings                22             0.4            0.5              - 
Add: non-current production 
 financing                           23          (86.7)         (91.2)         (33.6) 
                                          ============= 
Average total liabilities                       (691.5)        (782.6)        (603.1)          (737.1)         (692.9) 
Average capital employed                        1,083.7        1,028.7          939.1          1,056.2           983.9 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Library valuation

Underpinning eOne's focus on growth through content ownership, the Group commissions an annual independent library valuation calculated using a discounted cash flow model (discounted using the Group's published post-tax weighted average cost of capital) for all of eOne's Family & Brands, Television, Music and Film assets on a rateable basis with eOne's ownership of such assets. The cash flows represent forecast of future amounts which will be received from the exploitation of the assets, net of payments made as royalties or non-controlling interests and an estimate of the overheads required to support such exploitation.

Currency related adjustments

The Group presents revenue and underlying EBITDA on a constant currency basis, which is calculated by retranslating the comparative figures using weighted average exchange rates for the current year.

A reconciliation of the revenue growth on a constant currency basis is shown below:

 
                                                      Year ended     Year ended 
                                                   31 March 2018  31 March 2017  Change 
                                                            GBPm           GBPm       % 
Revenue (per IFRS consolidated income statement)         1,044.5        1,082.7   (3.5) 
Currency adjustment                                            -         (14.3) 
Revenue (constant currency)                              1,044.5        1,068.4   (2.2) 
 

A reconciliation of the underlying EBITDA growth on a constant currency basis is shown below:

 
                                                                 Year ended      Year ended 
                                                              31 March 2018   31 March 2017   Change 
                                                                       GBPm            GBPm        % 
Underlying EBITDA (per IFRS consolidated income statement)            177.3           160.2     10.7 
Currency adjustment                                                       -           (3.7) 
Underlying EBITDA (constant currency)                                 177.3           156.5     13.3 
 

Cash flow and net debt

The Group defines net debt as interest-bearing loans and borrowings net of cash and cash equivalents. Interest-bearing loans and borrowings include senior secured notes and revolving credit facility net of deferred finance charges, bank overdrafts and other interest-bearing loans.

The table below reconciles free cash flow associated with the net debt of the Group, shown in the Financial Review section of this Announcement, to the net cash from operating activities and net movement in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated cash flow statement. It excludes cash flows associated with production activities which are reconciled in the Cash flow and production financing section below.

 
                                                                                                          Restated(1) 
                                                                                             Year ended    Year ended 
                                                                                               31 March      31 March 
                                                                                                   2018          2017 
                                                                                                   GBPm          GBPm 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
Underlying EBITDA                                                                                 154.2         153.0 
Adjustment for: 
  One-off items                                                                                   (3.0)        (38.1) 
  Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment                                                   -           0.8 
  Amortisation of investment in productions                                                        72.3          32.8 
  Investment in productions, net of grants received                                             (111.8)        (34.2) 
  Amortisation of investment in acquired content rights                                           113.9         168.3 
  Investment in acquired content rights                                                         (148.2)       (181.4) 
  Impairment of investment in acquired content rights                                                 -           2.2 
  Fair value gain on acquisition of subsidiary                                                        -         (2.3) 
  Put option movements                                                                            (3.9)         (6.3) 
  Share of results of joint ventures                                                                  -           0.6 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
Operating cash flows before changes in working capital and provisions                              73.5          95.4 
Working capital movements                                                                        (48.1)        (31.2) 
Income tax paid                                                                                  (31.8)        (16.2) 
Net cash from operating activities                                                                (6.4)          48.0 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
 
Cash one-off items                                                                                 33.4          15.9 
Purchase of plant, property and equipment and software                                            (3.2)         (3.2) 
Interest paid                                                                                    (25.5)        (24.2) 
Free cash flow                                                                                    (1.5)          36.5 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
 
Cash one-off items                                                                               (33.4)        (15.9) 
Cash one-off finance items                                                                       (14.1)         (1.7) 
Transactions with equity holders and acquisitions, net of debt acquired                         (118.5)         (9.6) 
Net proceeds on issue of shares                                                                    52.0             - 
Dividends paid                                                                                   (13.0)         (8.3) 
Net (increase)/decrease in net debt                                                             (128.5)           1.0 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
 
Net debt at beginning of the year                                                               (187.4)       (180.8) 
Net (increase)/decrease in net debt                                                             (128.5)           1.0 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on net debt held                                            1.4         (7.6) 
Net debt at the end of the year                                                                 (314.5)       (187.4) 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
 
The table below reconciles the movement in net debt to movement in cash associated with net 
 debt of the Group: 
 
                                                                                             Year ended    Year ended 
                                                                                               31 March      31 March 
                                                                                                   2018          2017 
                                                                                                   GBPm          GBPm 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
Net (increase)/decrease in net debt                                                             (128.5)           1.0 
Net drawdown/(repayment) of interest-bearing loans and borrowings                                 105.0         (1.9) 
Fees paid in relation to the Group's bank facility, premium received on notes and one-off 
 finance costs                                                                                      0.7         (5.5) 
Acquisitions, net debt acquired                                                                       -           2.5 
Amortisation of deferred finance charges and premium on senior secured notes                        1.9           1.7 
Write-off of deferred finance charges and other items                                             (0.2)         (0.1) 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year                                 (21.1)         (2.3) 
                                                                                            ===========  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

Cash flow and production financing

The Group defines production financing as non-recourse production financing net of cash and cash equivalents which is used to fund the Group's Family & Brands, Television and Film productions. The financing is arranged on an individual production basis by special purpose production subsidiaries which are excluded from the security of the Group's corporate facility. It is short-term financing whilst the production is being made and is paid back once the production is delivered from the sales receipts and tax credits received. The Group deems this type of financing to be short-term in nature and is excluded from net debt. The Group therefore shows the cash flows associated with these activities separately. The Group also believes that higher production financing demonstrates an increase in the success of the Family & Brands, Television and Film production businesses, which helps drive revenue for the Group and therefore increases the generation of EBITDA and cash for the Group, which in turn reduces the Group's net debt leverage.

The table below reconciles free cash flow associated with the production financing of the Group, shown in the Finance Review of this Announcement, to the net cash from operating activities and net movement in cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated cash flow statement. It excludes cash flows associated with net debt which are reconciled in the Cash flow and net debt section above.

 
                                                                                            Restated(1) 
                                                                               Year ended    Year ended 
                                                                                 31 March      31 March 
                                                                                     2018          2017 
                                                                                     GBPm          GBPm 
Underlying EBITDA                                                                    23.1           7.2 
Adjustment for: 
  One-off items                                                                     (4.1)         (2.7) 
  Amortisation of investment in productions                                         158.1         180.6 
  Investment in productions, net of grants received                               (180.8)       (192.3) 
  Share of results of joint ventures                                                    -           0.1 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
Operating cash flows before changes in working capital and provisions               (3.7)         (7.1) 
Working capital movements                                                            25.7         (4.7) 
Income tax paid                                                                     (0.7)         (2.2) 
Net cash from operating activities                                                   21.3        (14.0) 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
 
Cash one-off items                                                                    3.5           0.9 
Purchase of plant, property and equipment and software                                  -         (0.3) 
Interest paid                                                                       (0.7)         (0.1) 
Free cash flow                                                                       24.1        (13.5) 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
 
Cash one-off items                                                                  (3.5)         (0.9) 
Acquisitions, net of production financing acquired                                      -         (0.7) 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
Net decrease/(increase) in production financing                                      20.6        (15.1) 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
 
Production financing at the beginning of the year                                 (152.3)       (118.0) 
Net decrease/(increase) in production financing                                      20.6        (15.1) 
Effects of foreign exchange rate changes on production financing held                13.0        (19.2) 
Production financing at the end of the year                                       (118.7)       (152.3) 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
 
The table below reconciles the movement in production financing to the movement in cash associated 
 with production financing taken out by the Group: 
 
                                                                               Year ended    Year ended 
                                                                                 31 March      31 March 
                                                                                     2018          2017 
                                                                                     GBPm          GBPm 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
Net decrease/(increase) in production financing                                      20.6        (15.1) 
Net drawdown of production financing                                                  0.8          45.7 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year                     21.4          30.6 
                                                                             ============  ============ 
 

1. See Note 1 'Prior period restatements' for details.

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END

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May 22, 2018 02:01 ET (06:01 GMT)

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