WPP has recently appointed Mark Read as its new CEO.

He has released the following statement and financial report in support of his future endeavours and his plans for WPP's strategy as a whole.

Read below to discover more.

Mark Read, Chief Executive Officer, WPP states,“The second quarter of 2018 was WPP’s first quarter of like-for-like growth since Q1 2017, and the company has performed strongly in terms of winning and retaining business over the period. 

At our first quarter trading update we said there was no standing still, and in the last few months we have made progress in a number of important areas. We have focused our efforts on providing more effectively integrated solutions to clients and, in competitive pitches, we have won or grown business with clients including Adidas, Hilton, Mars, Mondelez, Shell and T-Mobile.

We have looked at our offering and begun to focus our portfolio through 15 disposals and divestments, including Globant and AppNexus, generating cash proceeds of £676 million so far this year, which will also strengthen our balance sheet and improve our average net debt to EBITDA ratio.

And we have accelerated initiatives that will simplify our organisation, making it easier for us to manage and clients to access, with, for example, co-locations opened or announced in New York, Kuala Lumpur, Prague and Toronto. 

The mix of performance by geography and function and a decision to invest in the growing areas of our business resulted in a slightly lower headline PBIT margin.

As Chief Executive, my focus will be on invigorating our company and returning the business to stronger, sustainable growth. Our review of strategy is underway, addressing our structure, our underperforming operations, particularly in the United States, and how we position the company for the future. We will provide an update by the year end.”

F

Reported billings were down 1.0% at £26.656 billion, but up 4.1% in constant currency. Estimated net new business billings of $3.2 billion were won in the first half of the year, a return to a strong performance. The Group won new assignments from Adidas, Hilton, Mondelez, Office Depot and TMobile and expanded its relationships including Danone, Mars and Shell.  

Reported revenue was down 2.1% at £7.493 billion. Revenue on a constant currency basis was up 2.9% compared with last year, the difference to the reported number reflecting the strengthening of the pound sterling in the first half, primarily against the US dollar. On a like-for-like basis, which excludes the impact of acquisitions and currency, revenue was up 2.4% in the second quarter, a significant improvement compared with the first quarter growth of 0.8%, giving 1.6% for the first half.

Revenue less pass-through costs was up 1.4% in the first half, on a constant currency basis, and up 0.3% like-for-like, again a significant improvement on the first quarter growth of 1.0% and -0.1% respectively. In the second quarter, like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs was up 0.7%, the first quarter of growth since the first quarter of 2017, following -0.1% in the first quarter, giving 0.3% for the first half. 

Operating profitability

Headline EBITDA was down 6.7% to £948 million, down 1.9% in constant currency. Headline PBIT before income from associates was £783 million, down 6.3%, down 1.6% or £13 million in constant currency. Headline PBIT was down 7.0% to £821 million from £882 million, down 2.3% or £20 million in constant currency.

Headline PBIT margin was down 0.5 margin points at 13.3%, down 0.5 margin points in constant currency, and down 0.4 margin points on a like-for-like basis. On the same basis, excluding all incentives, margins were down 0.2 margin points, with staff costs excluding incentives favourable 0.2 margin points and property and other operating costs worse by 0.4 margin points. In part this reflects continued focus on salary and freelance costs through control of staff numbers, with likefor-like average headcount, down 1.7% compared with the increase in like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs of 0.3%. In the first half, incentive costs amounted to £115.7 million or 12.9% of headline PBIT before incentives and income from associates, compared to £104.4 million or 11.1% last year, an increase of £11.3 million or 10.8%.

Exceptional gains and investment write-downs

In the first half of 2018, the Group generated exceptional gains of £188.5 million, primarily relating to the gain on the sale of the Group’s investment in Globant S.A. These were partly offset by the Group’s share of associate company exceptional losses of £28.4 million and restructuring costs of £45.5 million, the majority of which comprise severance costs arising from the continuing structural assessment of parts of the Group’s operations. This gives a net exceptional gain of £114.6 million. This compares with exceptional gains in the first half of 2017 of £18.9 million, relating primarily to the Group’s share of associate company exceptional gains, offset by restructuring costs of £19.2 million, giving a net exceptional loss of £0.3 million.

Interest and taxes

Net finance costs (excluding the revaluation of financial instruments) were £85.9 million compared to £88.6 million in the first half of 2017, a decrease of £2.7 million, or 3.0%, reflecting foreign exchange and higher levels of average net debt, more than offset by lower funding costs and more efficient management of cash pooling. 

The headline tax rate rose by 0.5% to 22.5% (2017: 22.0%), reflecting the levels and mix of profits in the countries in which the Group operates. The tax rate on the reported profit before tax was 16.7% (2017: 18.7%), lower than the headline tax rate, due to the revaluation of financial instruments, and gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries not being taxable. 

Earnings and dividend

Headline profit before tax was down 7.4% to £735 million from £793 million and down 2.5% in constant currency. 

Reported profit before tax rose by 8.6% to £846 million from £779 million, or up 14.2% in constant currency. This reflected the significant difference between the net exceptional gains in the first half of 2018 compared with the small net exceptional loss in the first half of last year. Reported profits attributable to share owners rose by 12.8% to £672 million from £596 million, again reflecting the impact of exceptional items in 2018. In constant currency, profits attributable to share owners rose by 18.4%.

Diluted headline earnings per share fell by 6.2% to 42.6p from 45.4p. In constant currency, diluted headline earnings per share fell by 1.3%. Diluted reported earnings per share rose by 14.6% to 53.4p from 46.6p and by 20.3% in constant currency, as a result of the net exceptional gains in the first half of 2018 compared with the first half of 2017.

Given the first half results, your Board considers it appropriate to declare an interim dividend of 22.7p per share, the same as last year, a pay-out ratio of 53%. The record date for the interim dividend is 5 October 2018, payable on 5 November 2018. Further details of WPP’s financial performance are provided in Appendices 1 and 2. 

Revenue analysis

£ million                              Q2 2018        ∆ reported         ∆ constant                    ∆ LFL                   % group           Q2 2017                   % group

5. America 1,346 -5.0% 0.6% -0.3% 34.2% 1,417 35.9% United Kingdom 560 2.0% 2.0% 1.0% 14.2% 549 13.9%
6. Cont. Europe 850 8.4%                   7.8%               4.6%                 21.6%                   783                 19.9%

AP, LA, AME, CEE¹⁵              1,182                  -1.2%                   5.2%               4.5%                 30.0%                1,197                 30.3%

Total Group                           3,938                  -0.2%                   3.7%               2.4%              100.0%                3,946              100.0%

First half

£ million                             H1 2018        ∆ reported       ∆ constant                      ∆ LFL                     % group            H1 2017            % group

7. America 2,598 -7.8% 0.4% -0.7% 34.7% 2,818 36.8% United Kingdom 1,092 4.2% 4.2% 3.1% 14.6% 1,047 13.7%
8. Cont. Europe 1,610 5.5%                   4.4%               1.7%                  21.5%                1,526                 20.0%

AP, LA, AME, CEE                2,193                  -2.9%                   4.1%               3.7%                  29.2%                2,259                 29.5%

Total Group                         7,493                  -2.1%                   2.9%               1.6%               100.0%                 7,650               100.0%

Revenue less pass-through costs analysis

Second quarter

£ million                           Q2 2018         ∆ reported        ∆ constant              ∆ LFL        % group              Q2 2017         % group

8. America 1,100 -8.6% -3.1% -3.3% 34.4% 1,204 36.8% United Kingdom 428 2.3% 2.3% 1.4% 13.4% 418 12.8%
9. Cont. Europe 693 8.8%                   8.1%               3.9%            21.6%                    637                19.5%

AP, LA, AME, CEE                   980                    -3.0%                   3.3%               2.9%            30.6%                 1,010                30.9%

Total Group      3,201     -2.1%     1.8%      0.7%      100.0% 3,269     100.0% First half                                                                                                             

£ million                             H1 2018         ∆ reported       ∆ constant             ∆ LFL         % group             H1 2017           % group

10. America 2,155 -10.5% -2.4% -2.9% 35.0% 2,407 37.7% United Kingdom 833 2.2% 2.2% 1.5% 13.5% 815 12.8%
11. Cont. Europe 1,319 6.7%                  5.5%              1.9%              21.5%                 1,236                19.4%

AP, LA, AME, CEE                1,842                    -4.0%                  3.1%              2.6%              30.0%                 1,918                30.1%

Total Group                         6,149                    -3.6%                  1.4%             0.3%          100.0%                 6,376              100.0%

As shown in the tables above like-for-like growth in revenue less pass-through costs improved in the second quarter, with a deterioration in North America but significant improvement in Western Continental Europe, with the United Kingdom slightly slower than the first quarter. There was a marked improvement in the faster growing markets of Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & the Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe.  

North America showed continued pressure in the second quarter, with like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs down 3.3%, compared with -2.4% in the first quarter, as parts of the Group’s advertising, direct, digital & interactive, data investment management and brand consulting businesses came under pressure, partly offset by improving performance in the Group’s media investment management, public relations and public affairs and health & wellness businesses. 

United Kingdom like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs growth was 1.4% in the second quarter, slightly down on the first quarter of 1.6%, with the Group’s public relations and public affairs, health & wellness, direct, digital and interactive and specialist communications businesses stronger, offset by slippage in the Group’s advertising and media investment management businesses.    

Western Continental Europe was the strongest performing region in the second quarter, with likefor-like revenue less pass-through costs up 3.9%, a significant improvement over the first quarter of -0.2%. Germany performed particularly well, boosted by strong growth in the Group’s media investment management, public relations & public affairs and direct, digital & interactive businesses. The strong growth in the second quarter was also helped by improved performance in Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Sweden with Austria and Ireland slower compared with the first quarter. 

In Asia Pacific, Latin America, Africa & the Middle East and Central & Eastern Europe, like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs improved to 2.9% in the second quarter compared with 2.3% in the first quarter. In Asia Pacific, mainland China showed significant improvement in the second quarter with like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs up 9.0%, driven by strong performance in the Group’s media investment management, data investment management and brand consulting businesses. Japan also improved, together with Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines, with India and Thailand slower. On the same basis, growth in Latin America remained strong, similar to the first quarter, with like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs up over 8%. The Middle East & Africa improved slightly but remains difficult. 

Business sector review

Revenue analysis

Second quarter

In the second quarter of 2018, like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs in the Group’s advertising and media investment management businesses improved slightly compared with the first quarter, with significant improvement in media investment management, particularly in North America, Continental Europe and Asia Pacific. The Group’s advertising businesses remain difficult, with all regions, except Western Continental Europe, slower, but particularly in North America, where the Group’s major networks remain under pressure. 

Data investment management showed some improvement in the second quarter, with like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs down 1.3% compared with -1.7% in the first quarter. Although North America remains difficult, there was improvement in the United Kingdom, with double digit growth in Latin America and Asia Pacific up almost 3%. The Kantar Insights businesses, Kantar Public and Kantar Health remain challenged, but both Kantar Media and Kantar Worldpanel were stronger compared with the first quarter.

Public relations and public affairs was the strongest performing sector in the second quarter, with like-for-like revenue less pass-through costs up almost 6% compared with 1.1% in the first quarter. This was driven by strong growth in both the United Kingdom and Germany through the Group’s financial public relations businesses and double-digit growth in Latin America and the Middle East.

In the Group’s specialist communications businesses, direct, digital and interactive together with health & wellness were up strongly, but brand consulting remains challenging, particularly in the United States following some client losses towards the end of 2017.         

Cash flow highlights

In the first half of 2018, operating profit was £842 million, depreciation, amortisation and goodwill impairment £211 million, non-cash share-based incentive charges £42 million, net interest paid £50 million, tax paid £251 million, capital expenditure £178 million and other net cash outflows £216 million. Free cash flow available for working capital requirements, debt repayment, acquisitions, share buy-backs and dividends was, therefore, £400 million.

This free cash flow was boosted by £469 million of disposal proceeds, offset by £136 million of new acquisition payments and £38 million of earnout payments, resulting in net cash proceeds of £295 million. These proceeds were offset by £201 million in share buy-backs, giving a total inflow of £94 million. 

As a result, total net cash inflow amounted to £494 million, before any changes in working capital.  A summary of the Group’s unaudited cash flow statement and notes as at 30 June 2018 is provided in Appendix 1.

Balance sheet highlights

Average net debt in the first six months of 2018 was £4.979 billion, compared to £4.706 billion in 2017, at 2018 exchange rates, an increase of £273 million. The increase in the average net debt figure, reflects the increase in capital expenditure and dividends in the twelve months to 30 June 2018, together with a worsening net working capital position in the second half of 2017. 

Net debt at 30 June 2018 was £4.632 billion, compared to £4.716 billion on 30 June 2017, at 2018 exchange rates, a decrease of £84 million. The decrease in the net debt figure at 30 June 2018 reflects £469 million proceeds in relation to disposal of the Group’s interest in certain associates and investments, the principal one of which was Globant S.A., largely offset by a deterioration in net working capital in the month of June. At 31 July 2018 net debt was £5.038 billion compared to £5.546 billion at 31 July 2017, at 2018 exchange rates, a decrease of £508 million, following an improvement in net working capital.  

The average net debt to EBITDA ratio in the 12 months to 30 June 2018 is 2.1x. As outlined in the First Quarter Trading Update, a decision was taken to reduce the target range of the average net debt/EBITDA ratio from 1.5-2.0x to 1.5-1.75x, to be achieved over the next 12 to 18 months. The cash disposal proceeds of £469 million, the majority of which were received in June 2018 will help in achieving the revised target ratio. In addition, the Group’s interest in AppNexus was sold, the proceeds of which amounted to £169 million, which were received in August, and more recently the sale of the Group’s interest in oOh!media was announced.  

A summary of the Group’s unaudited balance sheet and notes as at 30 June 2018 is provided in Appendix 1.

Return of funds to share owners

Your Board considers it appropriate to declare an interim dividend of 22.7p per share, the same as last year, a pay-out ratio of 53% for the first half, slightly above the target ratio of 50%. 

During the first six months of 2018, 15.9 million shares, or 1.3% of the issued share capital, were purchased at a cost of £201 million and an average price of £12.63 per share.

Current trading

In July, like-for-like revenue and revenue less pass-through costs were up 2.1% and 0.4% respectively, in line with the first half growth rates. Cumulative like-for-like revenue and revenue less pass-through costs growth for the first seven months of 2018 is now 1.7% and 0.3% respectively. 

Financial guidance

For 2018, reflecting the first half revenue less pass-through costs growth and second quarter revised forecast:

n Like-for-like revenue and revenue less pass-through costs growth similar to the first half  n Target full year headline PBIT margin similar to the first half decline of 0.4 margin points on a like-for-like basis

Strategy update

We intend to update share owners on the Group’s strategy before the end of the year. This update will address the actions that we will be taking to better position the business for growth and to address under-performing units and detail any restructuring costs that will be necessary, as well as the associated benefits.

Long-term targets

• Revenue and revenue less pass-through costs growth in line with the industry average n Improvement in headline PBIT margin of between zero and 0.3 margin points, before the impact of currency
• Annual headline diluted EPS growth of 5% to 10% p.a.
• Average net debt/EBITDA ratio of 1.5-1.75x

For further information:

Mark Read                   }

Andrew Scott               }

Paul Richardson           }           +44 20 7408 2204

Lisa Hau                       }            

Chris Wade                  }

Kevin McCormack        }

Fran Butera                 }           +1 212 632 2235

Juliana Yeh                              +852 2280 3790

Richard Oldworth,

Buchanan Communications    +44 207 466 5000  +44 7710 130 634

wpp.com/investors

This announcement has been filed at the Company Announcements Office of the London Stock Exchange and is being distributed to all owners of Ordinary shares and American Depository Receipts. Copies are available to the public at the Company’s registered office.

The following cautionary statement is included for safe harbour purposes in connection with the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 introduced in the United States of America. This announcement may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the US federal securities laws. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including adjustments arising from the annual audit by management and the Company’s independent auditors. For further information on factors which could impact the Company and the statements contained herein, please refer to public filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this announcement should be considered in light of these risks and uncertainties.

Appendix 1: Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018  

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim income statement for the six months ended 

30 June 2018

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim income statement.

consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income for the six months

ended 30 June 2018

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of comprehensive income.

consolidated interim cash flow statement for the six months

ended 30 June 2018

 Six months Six months Year   ended  ended  ended 

                                                                                                                                        30 June                 30 June      31 December

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim cash flow statement.

consolidated interim balance sheet as at 30 June 2018

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim balance sheet.

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity for the six months

ended 30 June 2

                                                                                                                                                                   Total equity                                                          

Profit for the period                                                                                             -                          -                          -                          -               672.4                 672.4                  33.1                 705.5

The accompanying notes form an integral part of this unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity.

Unaudited condensed consolidated interim statement of changes in equity for the six months ended 30 June 2018 (continued)

Total equity

Profit for the period                                                                                             -                          -                          -                          -               596.1                596.1                  37.6                 633.7

Profit for the period                                                                                             -                          -                          -                          -           1,220.5            1,220.5                  58.1             1,278.6

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements 

1.            Basis of accounting

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments as disclosed in our accounting policies.

2.            Accounting policies

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements comply with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), IAS 34: Interim Financial Reporting and with the accounting policies of the Group which were set out on pages 113 to 120 of the 2017 Annual Report and Accounts. With the exception of the implementation of IFRS 9: Financial Instruments and IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which are discussed below, no changes have been made to the Group’s accounting policies in the period ended 30 June 2018.

The Group changed its accounting policy in regard to the presentation of the income statement under IAS 1 for the year ended 31 December 2017, moving from a ‘nature of expense’ method of presentation to a ‘function of expense’ method of presentation. The Group considers this to be a more reliable and relevant presentation and prior periods have been re-presented accordingly. This change in accounting policy has not resulted in a change to revenue, operating profit, or profit for any of the periods presented.

IFRS 16: Leases is effective from 1 January 2019. The standard eliminates the classification of leases as either operating or finance leases and introduces a single accounting model. Lessees will be required to recognise a right-of-use asset and related lease liability for the majority of their operating leases and show depreciation of leased assets and interest on lease liabilities separately in the income statement. IFRS 16 will require the Group to recognise substantially all of its current operating lease commitments on the balance sheet and the financial impact of this, together with other implications of the standard, are currently being assessed.

Impact of the Adoption of IFRS 9: Financial Instruments

The Group has adopted IFRS 9: Financial Instruments from 1 January 2018 which resulted in the movements in fair value of certain equity investments previously designated as ‘available-for-sale’ being designated as fair value through other comprehensive income or fair value through profit or loss. The cumulative movements in fair value taken to equity up to 31 December 2017 for these investments have been transferred from other reserves to retained earnings, resulting in an increase in retained earnings of £407.4 million and a corresponding decrease in other reserves. Comparative periods have not been restated.

The requirement under IFRS 9 to use an expected loss method of impairment of financial assets did not have a material effect on the Group due to the short-term nature of the Group’s trade and other receivables, which are mainly due from large national or multinational companies.

Impact of the Adoption of IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The Group has adopted IFRS 15: Revenue from Contracts with Customers from 1 January 2018 which resulted in changes in certain aspects of our accounting policies and adjustments to the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In accordance with the transition provisions in IFRS 15, the Group 

2.            Accounting policies (continued)

has adopted the new rules retrospectively and has restated comparatives for each prior period presented in the consolidated interim financial statements.  

The new standard establishes a five step model where consideration received or expected to be received is recognised as revenue when contractual performance obligations are satisfied by transferring control of the relevant goods or services to the customer. Adopting IFRS 15 did not have a significant impact on the timing of the Group’s revenue recognition nor on the Group’s equity.  

However, for certain of our contracts, the adoption of IFRS 15 resulted in a change in our accounting for certain third-party costs. Third-party costs are included in revenue when the Group acts as principal with respect to the services provided to the client and are excluded when the Group acts as agent. Under IFRS 15, the principal versus agent assessment is based on whether the Group controls the relevant services before they are transferred to the client. As a result of the adoption of IFRS 15, there was an increase in third-party costs included in revenue and costs of services. This change increased revenue and costs of services by the same amount and therefore had no impact on gross profit or operating profit.

The following table summarises the impact of adopting IFRS 15 on the Group’s consolidated income statement for the six months ended 30 June 2017 and the year ended 31 December 2017.

£ million                                                Six months ended 30 June 2017                         Year ended 31 December 2017

                                                                         As                                                                              As

                                                           previously               IFRS 15                     As         previously               IFRS 15                         As

                                                             reported      adjustments          restated            reported      adjustments             restated 

Work in progress includes outlays incurred on behalf of clients, including production costs, and other third-party costs that have not yet been billed and are considered receivables under IFRS 15. As such, £410.6 million of ‘Work in progress’ has been reclassified as ‘Trade and other receivables’ as of 30 June 2017 (31 December 2017: £401.1 million). Other than this reclassification, the impact of the adoption of IFRS 15 on the consolidated balance sheet, consolidated cash flow statement, consolidated statement of changes in equity and earnings per share was immaterial.

IFRS 15 - Revenue Recognition Policy

The Group is a leading worldwide communications services organisation offering national and multinational clients a comprehensive range of communications services across the Group’s different agencies and specialisms. Contracts often involve multiple agencies offering different services in different countries. As such, the terms of local, regional, and global contracts can vary to meet client needs and regulatory requirements. Consistent with the industry, contracts are typically short-term in nature and tend to be cancellable by either party with 90 days notice. The Group is generally entitled to payment for work performed to date. 

2.              Accounting policies (continued)

The Group is generally paid in arrears for its services. Invoices are typically payable within 30 to 60 days. Revenue comprises commissions and fees earned in respect of amounts billed and is stated exclusive of VAT, sales taxes and trade discounts. Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers when they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media and data collection costs. Costs to obtain a contract are typically expensed as incurred as the contracts are generally short-term in nature.

In most instances, promised services in a contract are not considered distinct or represent a series of services that are substantially the same with the same pattern of transfer to the customer and, as such, are accounted for as a single performance obligation. However, where there are contracts with services that are capable of being distinct, are distinct within the context of the contract and are accounted for as separate performance obligations, revenue is allocated to each of the performance obligations based on relative standalone selling prices.   

Revenue is recognised when a performance obligation is satisfied, in accordance with the terms of the contractual arrangement. Typically, performance obligations are satisfied over-time as services are rendered. Revenue recognised over-time is based on the proportion of the level of service performed. Either an input method or an output method, depending on the particular arrangement, is used to measure progress for each performance obligation. For most fee arrangements, costs incurred are used as an objective input measure of performance. The primary input of substantially all work performed under these arrangements is labour. There is normally a direct relationship between costs incurred and the proportion of the contract performed to date. In other circumstances, relevant output measures such as the achievement of any project milestones stipulated in the contract is used to assess proportional performance.

For our retainer arrangements, we have a stand ready obligation to perform services on an ongoing basis over the life of the contract. The scope of these arrangements are broad and generally are not reconcilable to another input or output criteria. In these instances, revenue is recognised using a timebased method resulting in straight-line revenue recognition. 

The amount of revenue recognised depends on whether we act as an agent or as a principal. Certain arrangements with our clients are such that our responsibility is to arrange for a third party to provide a specified good or service to the client. In these cases we are acting as an agent and we typically do not control the relevant good or service before it is transferred to the client. When we act as an agent, the revenue recorded is the net amount retained. Costs incurred with external suppliers (such as production costs and media suppliers) are excluded from revenue and recorded as work in progress until billed.

The Group acts as principal when we control the specified good or service prior to transfer. When the Group acts as a principal (such as in-house production services, events, data investment management and branding), the revenue recorded is the gross amount billed. Out-of-pocket costs such as travel are also recognised at the gross amount billed with a corresponding amount recorded as an expense. 

2.          Accounting policies (continued)

Further details on revenue recognition are detailed by sector below:

Advertising and Media Investment Management

Revenue is typically derived from media placements and advertising services. Revenue may consist of various arrangements involving commissions, fees, incentive-based revenue or a combination of the three, as agreed upon with each client. Revenue for commissions on purchased media is typically recognised at the point in time the media is run. 

The Group receives volume rebates from certain suppliers for transactions entered into on behalf of clients that, based on the terms of the relevant contracts and local law, are either remitted to clients or retained by the Group. If amounts are passed on to clients they are recorded as liabilities until settled or, if retained by the Group, are recorded as revenue when earned.

Variable incentive-based revenue typically comprises both quantitative and qualitative elements. Incentive compensation is estimated using the most likely amount and is included in revenue up to the amount that is highly probable not to result in a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognised. The Group recognises incentive revenue as the related performance obligation is satisfied. 

Data Investment Management

Revenue for market research services is typically recognised over-time based on input measures. For certain performance obligations, output measures such as the percentage of interviews completed, percentage of reports delivered to a client and the achievement of any project milestones stipulated in the contract are used to measure progress. 

While most of the studies provided in connection with the Group’s market research contracts are undertaken in response to an individual client’s or group of clients’ specifications, in certain instances a study may be developed as an off-the-shelf product offering sold to a broad client base. For these transactions, revenue is recognised when the product is delivered. When the terms of the transaction provide for licensing the right to access a product on a subscription basis, revenue is recognised over the subscription period typically on a straight-line basis. 

Public Relations & Public Affairs and Brand Consulting, Health & Wellness and Specialist Communications

Revenue for these services is typically derived from retainer fees and fees for services to be performed subject to specific agreement. Most revenue under these arrangements is earned over-time, in accordance with the terms of the contractual arrangement.

Statutory Information and Independent Review

The unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the six months to 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2017 do not constitute statutory accounts. The financial information for the year ended 31 December 2017 does not constitute statutory accounts. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017 have been delivered to the Jersey Registrar and received an unqualified auditors’ report. The interim financial statements are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors and their report is set out on page 43.

The announcement of the interim results was approved by the board of directors on 4 September 2018.

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

3.             Currency conversion

The presentation currency of the Group is pound sterling and the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared on this basis. The 2018 unaudited condensed consolidated interim income statement is prepared using, among other currencies, average exchange rates of US$1.3763 to the pound (period ended 30 June 2017: US$1.2591; year ended 31 December 2017: US$1.2887) and €1.1366 to the pound (period ended 30 June 2017: €1.1624; year ended 31 December 2017: €1.1413). The unaudited condensed consolidated interim balance sheet as at 30 June 2018 has been prepared using the exchange rates on that day of US$1.3194 to the pound (30 June 2017: US$1.3008; 31 December 2017: US$1.3524) and €1.1299 to the pound (30 June 2017: €1.1397; 31 December 2017: €1.1250).

The basis for calculating the constant currency percentage changes, shown on the face of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim income statement, is described in the glossary attached to this appendix.

4.            Revenue and contract balances

Substantially all of the Group's revenue is from contracts with customers. A breakdown of revenue by operating sector and geographical area is provided in note 8.

Contract assets and contract liabilities were as follows:

Six months Six months Year  ended  ended  ended 

                                                                                                                                    30 June                 30 June              31 December

Accrued income is recognised when a performance obligation has been satisfied but has not yet been billed. Contract assets are transferred to receivables when the right to consideration is unconditional and billed per the terms of the contractual agreement. Impairment losses on contract assets were immaterial for the periods presented. 

In certain cases, payments are received from customers prior to satisfaction of performance obligations and recognised as deferred income on the Group’s balance sheet. These balances are typically related to prepayments for third party expenses that are incurred shortly after billing.

The Group has applied the practical expedient permitted by IFRS 15 to not disclose the transaction price allocated to performance obligations unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) as of the end of the reporting period as contracts typically have an original expected duration of a year or less.

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

5.           Costs of services and general and administrative costs

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

5.            Costs of services and general and administrative costs (continued)

Other costs of services and general and administrative costs include:

In 2018, restructuring costs of £45.5 million (2017: £19.2 million) predominantly comprise severance costs arising from a structural reassessment of certain of the Group’s operations. In the year ended 31 December 2017, restructuring costs of £56.8 million predominantly comprise £33.7 million of severance costs and £12.8 million of costs resulting from the project to transform and rationalise the Group’s IT services and infrastructure, including costs relating to the cyber attack in June 2017.

Gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries in 2018 include a gain of £185.3 million on the disposal of the Group’s interest in Globant S.A. Gains in the year ended 31 December 2017 include a gain of £92.3 million on the sale of the Group’s interest in Asatsu-DK Inc following its acquisition by Bain Capital.

Investment write-downs in the year ended 31 December 2017 includes £53.1 million in relation to comScore Inc, which had not released any financial statements in relation to its 2015, 2016 or 2017 results due to an internal investigation by their Audit Committee. In 2017, the market value of comScore Inc fell below the Group’s carrying value.

6.            Share of results of associates 

Share of results of associates include:

7.           Finance income, finance costs and revaluation of financial instruments 

Finance income includes:

8.           Segmental analysis

Reported contributions by operating sector were as follows:

Advertising and Media Investment Management                               14.4%             15.2%     18.8% Data Investment Management                                11.9%    13.0%     17.1%

8.          Segmental analysis (continued)

Reported contributions by geographical area were as follows:

                                                                                                                                 Six months           Six months                      Year 

9.           Taxation

The tax rate on reported PBT was 16.7% (30 June 2017: 18.7%; 31 December 2017: 9.3%). The headline tax rate was 22.5% (30 June 2017: 22.0%; 31 December 2017: 22.0%). The reported tax rate is lower than the headline tax rate largely due to gains on disposal of investments and subsidiaries, and the revaluation of financial instruments, not being taxable. 

Given the Group’s geographic mix of profits and the changing international tax environment, the headline tax rate is expected to increase slightly over the next few years. The tax charge may also be affected by the impact of acquisitions, disposals and other corporate restructurings, the resolution of open tax issues, and the ability to use brought forward tax losses. 

Changes in local or international tax rules, or challenges by tax or competition authorities, for example, the European Commission’s state aid investigation into Group Financing Exemption in the UK CFC rules announced in October 2017, may expose us to additional tax liabilities or impact the carrying value of our deferred tax assets, which could affect the future tax charge.

The tax charge comprises:

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

10.         Ordinary dividends

The Board has recommended an interim dividend of 22.7p (2017: 22.7p) per ordinary share. This is expected to be paid on 5 November 2018 to share owners on the register at 5 October 2018. The Board recommended a final dividend of 37.3p per ordinary share in respect of 2017. This was paid on 9 July 2018.

11. Earnings per share

Basic EPS

The calculation of basic reported and headline EPS is as follows:

                                                                                       Six months       Six months                                                                       Year 

Diluted EPS

The calculation of diluted reported and headline EPS is as follows:

At 30 June 2018 there were 1,332,637,877 ordinary shares in issue.

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

12.          Analysis of cash flows 

The following tables analyse the items included within the main cash flow headings on page 12:

Net cash inflow from operating activities:

                                                                                                                          Six months                Six months                        Year 

12.       Analysis of cash flows (continued)

Acquisitions and disposals:

Share repurchases and buy-backs:

Purchase of own shares by ESOP Trusts                                                                 (96.5)                    (145.3)                      (214.6)

13.         Net debt

                                                                                                                                     30 June                   30 June           31 December

The Group estimates that the fair value of corporate bonds is £6,035.1 million at 30 June 2018 (30 June 2017: £5,868.2 million; 31 December 2017: £5,816.5 million). The Group considers that the carrying amount of bank loans at 30 June 2018 of £624.6 million (30 June 2017: £1,343.0 million; 31 December 2017: £993.4 million) approximates their fair value. 

The following table is an analysis of future anticipated cash flows in relation to the Group’s debt, on an undiscounted basis which, therefore, differs from the carrying value:

                                                                                                                                     30 June                  30 June           31 December

14.         Goodwill and acquisitions

Goodwill in relation to subsidiary undertakings decreased by £2.4 million (30 June 2017: £132.2 million) in the period. This movement includes the effect of currency translation, goodwill arising on acquisitions completed in the period and adjustments to goodwill relating to acquisitions completed in prior years. 

The contribution to revenue and operating profit of acquisitions completed in the period was not material. There were no material acquisitions completed during the period or between 30 June 2018 and the date the interim financial statements were approved.

15.         Other intangible assets

The following are included in other intangibles:

Trade receivables              7,422.6   6,901.7   7,889.7 Work in progress   405.8      410.6      401.1 VAT and sales taxes recoverable               245.5     187.7      202.3

A bad debt expense of £21.8 million (30 June 2017: £8.3 million; 31 December 2017: £19.0 million) was recognised on the Group’s trade receivables in the period.  

The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates their fair value. 

17.         Trade and other payables: amounts falling due within one year

The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value. 

18.         Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year

The Group considers that the carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their fair value. 

The following table sets out payments due to vendors, comprising contingent consideration and the directors’ best estimates of future earnout-related obligations:

The Group’s approach to payments due to vendors is outlined in note 23.

18. Trade and other payables: amounts falling due after more than one year

              (continued)

The following table sets out the movements in contingent consideration during the period:

20.          Related party transactions

From time to time the Group enters into transactions with its associate undertakings. These transactions were not material for any of the periods presented.

Notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements (continued)

21.           Non-GAAP measures of performance

Management includes non-GAAP measures as they consider these measures to be both useful and necessary. They are used by management for internal performance analyses; the presentation of these measures facilitates comparability with other companies, although management’s measures may not be calculated in the same way as similarly titled measures reported by other companies; and these measures are useful in connection with discussions with the investment community.

Reconciliation of revenue to revenue less pass-through costs:

Pass-through costs comprise fees paid to external suppliers when they are engaged to perform part or all of a specific project and are charged directly to clients, predominantly media and data collection costs. This includes the cost of media where the Group’s media investment management sub-sector is buying digital media for its own account on a transparent opt-in basis and, as a result, the subsequent media pass-through costs have to be accounted for as revenue, as well as billings. In addition, the data investment management sector, which forms a significant part of the Group’s revenue and in which none of the Group’s direct competitors have a significant presence, includes pass-through costs, principally for data collection. Therefore, management considers that revenue less pass-through costs gives a helpful reflection of top-line growth.

Headline PBIT margin^[48] before and after share of results of associates:

Six months  Six months    Year   ended   ended   ended   

21.            Non-GAAP measures of performance (continued)

Reconciliation of profit before interest and taxation to headline PBIT: