New York Times Limited
Registered number: 01106659
Annual Report
For the year ended 31 December 2019
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
COMPANY INFORMATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chartered Accountants
&
Statutory Auditor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
Independent auditor's report
|
|
Statement of comprehensive income
|
|
Statement of financial position
|
|
Statement of changes in equity
|
|
Notes to the financial statements
|
|
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
The directors present their Strategic report on New York Times Limited ("The company") for the year ended 31 December 2019.
The company operates from its offices in London and is part of The New York Times Company and its consolidated subsidiaries ("The Group"). The Group’s principal business consists of distributing content generated by our newsroom through its digital and print platforms. The Group also distributes selected content on third-party platforms. The company’s principal activity in the UK is the provision of services to The Group and advertising sales for its fellow group member, New York Times SAS.
The turnover in 2019 increased by 9.35% driven by additional charges relating to the services provided to the Group during 2019.
Principal risks and uncertainties
|
Because the company's revenue is dependent on the continued demand for its services by the Group's business, the principal risks affecting the company are tied to the risks of the Group, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in the business and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the impact of national and local economic and other conditions and developments in technology, each of which could influence (rate and volume) of the Group's subscriptions and advertising, the growth of its business and the implementation of its strategic initiatives.
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic
|
In March 2020 the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy and society. We have assessed the impact this outbreak and the period to the date of this report has had on the business. The Group is well funded, and benefits from a strong online presence where it derives a significant proportion of its revenues. Activities have been affected and certain distribution channels saw a severe impact throughout 2020. The principal objectives of the directors are to protect the health and safety of personnel in the performance of their duties, ensure continuity of operations and to cooperate with public authorities on all matters within our scope.
Financial key performance indicators
|
|
The above financial key performance indicators are reviewed regularly.
|
- 1 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
STRATEGIC REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
This report was approved by the board
and signed on its behalf.
S Dunbar Johnson
Director
|
|
|
- 2 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
The directors present their report and the audited financial statements for the year ended
31 December 2019
.
The principal activities of the company continue to be to act as an advertising sales agency for its fellow group member, New York Times SAS, which publishes the daily international newspaper The International New York Times.
The profit for the year, after taxation, amounted to £
860,183
(2018: profit of
£
978,042
)
.
The directors did not recommend the payment of a dividend in the year (2018: £nil).
The directors who served during the year and to the date of this report were:
Directors' responsibilities statement
|
The directors are responsible for preparing the Strategic report, the Directors' report and the
audited financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare audited financial statements for each financial year
. Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the audited financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including Financial Reporting Standard 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’. Under company law the directors must not approve the audited financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing these audited financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
∙
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
∙
prepare the audited financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the audited financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of audited financial statements and other information included in Directors' reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
- 3 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
The directors consider that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Potential sources of uncertainty noted by the directors include the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities have been affected and certain distribution channels saw a severe impact throughout 2020. The principal objectives of the directors are to protect the health and safety of personnel in the performance of their duties, ensure continuity of operations and to cooperate with public authorities on all matters within their scope. Accordingly the directors have continued to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.
The withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union
|
The United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on 31 January 2020 and entered into an Implementation Period which is scheduled to end on 31 December 2020. During this period, the trading relationship between the UK and the EU is expected to remain unchanged, however the terms of the future relationship between the UK and the EU from 1 January 2021 onwards are still unknown. At the date of this report it is therefore impossible to assess in detail the opportunities and threats that this future relationship could present. The directors are managing these risks by closely monitoring developments, and are confident that the company will be able to amend and modify its procedures to remain fully compliant with any future rules and regulations, and to maintain its standing and reputation in the marketplace throughout Europe and worldwide.
Matters covered by the strategic report
|
As permitted by paragraph 1A of Schedule 7 to the Large and Medium-Sized Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 certain matters which are required to be disclosed in the directors’ report have been omitted as they are included in the Strategic report on page 1. These matters relate to future prospects.
Provision of information to auditor
|
Each of the persons who are
directors at the time when this Directors' report is approved has confirmed that:
∙
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware, and
∙
the director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditor is aware of that information.
Post balance sheet events
|
Between the year end and the date of this report, Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic emerged globally. For more detail regarding the directors' view of this event please refer to the Strategic report.
The auditor, Mazars LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with
section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
- 4 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
S Dunbar Johnson
Director
|
|
|
- 5 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of New York Times Limited (the ‘company’) for the year ended 31 December 2019 which comprise the Statement of comprehensive income, the Statement of financial position, the Statement of changes in equity and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework'.
In our opinion, the financial statements:
∙
give a true and fair view of the state of the company’s affairs as at 31 December 2019 and of its
profit for the year then ended;
∙
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable law); and
∙
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Emphasis of matter – Impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the financial statements
In forming our opinion on the company’s financial statements, which is not modified, we draw your attention to the directors’ view on the impact of COVID-19 as disclosed on page 1, and the consideration in the going concern basis of preparation on page 12 and non- adjusting post balance sheet events on page 32.
Since the balance sheet date there has been a global pandemic from the outbreak of COVID-19, The potential impact of COVID-19 became significant in March 2020 and is causing widespread disruption to normal patterns of business activity across the world, including the UK.
The full impact following the recent emergence of COVID-19 is still unknown. It is therefore not currently possible to evaluate all the potential implications to the company’s trade, customers, suppliers and the wider economy.
- 6 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:
∙
the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
∙
the directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the company’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a year of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Other information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion 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 such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in 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 in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙
the information given in the Strategic report and the Directors' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙
the Strategic report and the Directors' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Director's report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
∙
adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
∙
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
∙
certain disclosures of directors' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
∙
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
- 7 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
Responsibilities of Directors
As explained more fully in the directors' responsibilities statement set out on page 3, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors 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 company’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 intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's 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 auditor’s 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 Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of the audit report
This report is made solely to the company's members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company and the company's members as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Gerhard Bonthuys
(Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Mazars LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditor
2nd Floor
6 Sutton Plaza
Sutton Court Road
Sutton
Surrey
SM1 4FS
18 December 2020
- 8 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest receivable and similar income
|
|
|
|
Interest payable and similar expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
The statement of comprehensive income has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
|
The notes on pages 12 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
|
- 9 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
REGISTERED NUMBER:
01106659
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT
31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets less current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provisions for liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by
:
The notes on pages 12 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
- 10 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income for the year
|
|
|
|
Total transactions with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss for the period
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss for the year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive loss for the year
|
|
|
|
Total transactions with owners
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The notes on pages 12 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
|
|
|
- 11 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
New York Times Limited is a private company limited by shares incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office address is 18 Museum Street, London, WC1A 1JN.
The principal activities of the company continue to be to act as an advertising sales agency for its fellow group member, New York Times SAS, which publishes the daily international newspaper The International New York Times.
2.
Accounting policies
|
|
Basis of preparation of financial statements
|
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 'Reduced Disclosure Framework'
and the Companies Act 2006
.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the company's accounting policies (see note 3).
The financial statements have been presented in Pounds Sterling, as this is the currency of the primary economic environment in which the company operates, and is rounded to the nearest pound.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
|
|
New standards, amendments and IFRIC interpretations
|
IFRS 16 is a new accounting standard that is effective for the year ended 31 December 2019 and has had a material impact on the company (see note 2.5).
The company elected to adopt the modified retrospective approach to recognise the cumulative effect of initially applying the new standard on 1 January 2019 but has not restated comparatives for the 2018 reporting period, as permitted under the specific transition provisions in the standard. The reclassifications and the adjustments arising from the new leasing rules are therefore recognised in the opening balance sheet on 1 January 2019. The new accounting policies are disclosed in note 2.7.
- 12 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
Financial reporting standard 101 - reduced disclosure exemptions
|
The company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions under FRS 101:
∙
the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures
∙
the requirements of paragraph 52, the second sentence of paragraph 89, and paragraphs 90, 91 and 93 of IFRS 16 Leases. The requirements of paragraph 58 of IFRS 16, provided that the disclosure of details in indebtedness relating to amounts payable after 5 years required by company law is presented separately for lease liabilities and other liabilities, and in total
∙
the requirement in paragraph 38 of IAS 1 'Presentation of Financial Statements' to present comparative information in respect of:
- paragraph 79(a)(iv) of IAS 1;
- paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment;
∙
the requirements of paragraphs 10(d), 10(f), 16, 38A, 38B, 38C, 38D, 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D, 111 and 134-136 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements
∙
the requirements of IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows
∙
the requirements of paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
∙
the requirements of paragraph 17 and 18A of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures
∙
the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more members of a group, provided that any subsidiary which is a party to the transaction is wholly owned by such a member
∙
the requirements of paragraphs 130(f)(ii), 130(f)(iii), 134(d)-134(f) and 135(c)-135(e) of IAS 36 Impairment of Assets.
The directors consider that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Potential sources of uncertainty noted by the directors include the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic. Activities have been affected and certain distribution channels saw a severe impact throughout 2020. The principal objectives of the directors are to protect the health and safety of personnel in the performance of their duties, ensure continuity of operations and to cooperate with public authorities on all matters within their scope. Accordingly the directors have continued to prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis.
- 13 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
Impact of new international reporting standards, amendments and interpretations
|
IFRS 16
On adoption of IFRS 16, the company recognised lease liabilities in relation to leases which had previously been classified as ‘operating leases’ under the principles of IAS 17 Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments, discounted using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate as of 1 January 2019. The weighted average lessee’s incremental borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities on 1 January 2019 was 5.307% to 5.481%.
The company has applied IFRS 16 using the modified retrospective approach, under which the cumulative effect of initial application is recognised in retained earnings at 1 January 2019.
On transition to IFRS 16, the company elected to apply the following practical expedients:
∙
the company has not reassessed contracts that were not identified as leases under IAS 17 and IFRIC 4 to determine whether these is a lease under IFRS 16. Therefore, the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 was applied only to contracts entered into or modified on or after 1 January 2019.
for leases previously classified as operating leases under IAS 17
∙
the company has applied a single discount rates to a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics.
∙
the company has adjusted the right-of-use assets by the amount of IAS 37 onerous contract provisions immediately before the date of initial application, as an alternative to an impairment review.
∙
the company has applied the exemption not to recognise right-of-use assets and liabilities for leases with less than 12 months of remaining lease term at the date of application.
∙
the company has excluded initial direct costs from measuring the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application.
∙
the company has used hindsight when determining the lease term if the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.
- 14 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
The following table sets out a reconciliation from the operating lease commitments disclosed in the 2018 financial statements to the lease liability recognised at 1 January 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Measurement of lease liabilities
|
|
|
Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 December 2018
|
|
|
Discounted using the lessee's incremental borrowing rate at 1 January 2019
|
|
|
Lease liabilities recognised at 1 January 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turnover is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the company and the turnover can be reliably measured. Turnover is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts, rebates, value added tax and other sales taxes. The following criteria must also be met before turnover is recognised:
The company does not expect to have any contracts where the period between the transfer of the promised goods or services to the customer and payment by the customer exceeds one year. As a consequence, the company does not adjust any of the transaction prices for the time value of money.
Rendering of services
Turnover from providing services is recognised in the accounting period in which the services are rendered.
For fixed-price contracts, turnover is recognised based on the actual service provided to the end of the reporting period as a proportion of the total services to be provided because the customer receives and uses the benefits simultaneously.
The company as a lessee
The company assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of a contract. The company recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee, except for short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets. For these leases, the company recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
- 15 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the rate implicit in the lease. If this rate cannot be readily determined, the company uses its incremental borrowing rate as per note 3.
Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:
∙
fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives;
∙
variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;
∙
the amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;
∙
the exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and
∙
payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.
The lease liability is included in 'Creditors' on the Statement of financial position.
The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.
The company did not make any such adjustments during the periods presented.
The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the commencement day and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the company expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.
The right-of-use assets are included in the 'Tangible Fixed Assets' lines, as applicable, in the Statement of financial position.
The company applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for any identified impairment loss as described in note 2.10.
As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The company has used this practical expedient.
Rentals paid on short term leases
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of comprehensive income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
- 16 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
The company as a lessor
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee.
When the company is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for the head lease and the sublease as two separate contracts. The sublease is classified as a finance or operating lease by reference to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease.
|
|
Operating leases (pre adoption of IFRS 16)
|
Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to profit or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term. Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.
Tangible fixed assets under the cost model are stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management.
The company adds to the carrying amount of an item of fixed assets the cost of replacing part of such an item when that cost is incurred, if the replacement part is expected to provide incremental future benefits to the company. The carrying amount of the replaced part is derecognised. Repairs and maintenance are charged to profit or loss during the period in which they are incurred.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Straight line over the lease term
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
- 17 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
Impairment of fixed assets
|
Assets that are subject to depreciation are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication that the assets are impaired. Where there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, the carrying value of the asset or (cash-generating unit to which the asset has been allocated) is tested for impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's or (CGU's) fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which they are separately identifiable cash flows (CGUs). Non-financial assets that have been previously impaired are reviewed at each reporting date to assess whether there is any indication that the impairment losses recognised in prior periods may no longer exist or may have decreased.
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable without penalty on notice of not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash with insignificant risk of change in value.
- 18 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
The company recognises financial instruments when it becomes a party to the contractual arrangements of the instrument. Financial instruments are de-recognised when they are discharged or when the contractual terms expire. The company's accounting policies in respect of financial instruments transactions are explained below:
Financial assets and financial liabilities are initially measured at fair value.
Financial assets
All recognised financial assets are subsequently measured in their entirety at either fair value or amortised cost, depending on the classification of the financial assets.
Fair value through profit or loss
All of the company's financial assets are subsequently measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period, with any fair value gains or losses being recognised in profit or loss to the extent they are not part of a designated hedging relationship. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss includes any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset.
Impairment of financial assets
The company always recognises lifetime ECL for trade receivables and amounts due on contracts with customers. The expected credit losses on these financial assets are estimated based on the company's historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, general economic conditions and an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting date, including time value of money where appropriate. Lifetime ECL represents the expected credit losses that will result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument.
Financial liabilities
Fair value through profit or loss
Financial liabilities are classified as at fair value through profit or loss, when the financial liability is held for trading, or is designated as at fair value through profit or loss. This designation may be made if such designation eliminates or significantly reduces a measurement or recognition inconsistency that would otherwise arise, or the financial liability forms part of a group of financial instruments which is managed and its performance is evaluated on a fair value basis, or the financial liability forms part of a contract containing one or more embedded derivatives, and IFRS 9 permits the entire combined contract to be designated as at fair value through profit or loss. Any gains or losses arising on changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss to the extent that they are not part of a designated hedging relationship.
- 19 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
Financial instruments (continued)
|
At amortised cost
Financial liabilities which are neither contingent consideration of an acquirer in a business combination, held for trading, nor designated as at fair value through profit or loss are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or where appropriate a shorter period, to the amortised cost of a financial liability.
Creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers.
Creditors are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
|
|
Foreign currency translation
|
Functional and presentation currency
The company's functional and presentation currency is Pounds Sterling.
Transactions and balances
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.
At each period end foreign currency monetary items are translated using the closing rate. Non-monetary items measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and non-monetary items measured at fair value are measured using the exchange rate when fair value was determined.
Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of transactions and from the translation at period-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the Statement of comprehensive income.
All other foreign exchange gains and losses are presented in the statement of comprehensive income within 'administrative expenses'.
Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the term of the debt using the effective interest method so that the amount charged is at a constant rate on the carrying amount.
- 20 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
Defined contribution pension plan
The company operates a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the company has no further payment obligations.
The contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they fall due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals as a liability in the Statement of financial position. The assets of the plan are held separately from the company in independently administered funds.
Interest income is recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest method.
|
|
Provisions for liabilities
|
Provisions are made where an event has taken place that gives the company a legal or constructive obligation that probably requires settlement by a transfer of economic benefit, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Provisions are charged as an expense to profit or loss in the year that the company becomes aware of the obligation, and are measured at the best estimate at the Statement of financial position date of the expenditure required to settle the obligation, taking into account relevant risks and uncertainties.
When payments are eventually made, they are charged to the provision carried in the Statement of financial position.
- 21 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
2.
Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
Current and deferred taxation
|
The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax. Tax is recognised in profit or loss except that a charge attributable to an item of income and expense recognised as other comprehensive income or to an item recognised directly in equity is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date in the countries where the company operates and generates income.
Deferred tax balances are recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed by the statement of financial position date, except that:
∙
The recognition of deferred tax assets is limited to the extent that it is probable that they will be recovered against the reversal of deferred tax liabilities or other future taxable profits; and
∙
Any deferred tax balances are reversed if and when all conditions for retaining associated tax allowances have been met.
Deferred tax balances are not recognised in respect of permanent differences except in respect of business combinations, when deferred tax is recognised on the differences between the fair values of assets acquired and the future tax deductions available for them and the differences between the fair values of liabilities acquired and the amount that will be assessed for tax. Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
- 22 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
Judgements in applying accounting policies and key sources of estimation uncertainty
|
In applying the company’s accounting policies, the directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The directors’ judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made, and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to the inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates and assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the year in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that year, or in the year of the revision and future years, if the revision affects both current and future years.
Critical judgements in applying the company’s accounting policies
The critical judgements that the directors have made in the process of applying the company’s accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the statutory financial statements are discussed below.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
(i) Incremental borrowing rate in lease liabilities
The interest rate used to calculate the finance charge on the lease liabilities is the same as the interest rate used by the parent company on loans to the company. This being the cost of money to the company if it were to borrow funds to satisfy the lease obligation and is determined with reference to the yield curve of the US Communications index of a BB- rating, adjusted to that of one notch higher rating to factor in the fact that the index is unsecured. The spread is then added as premium to treasury rates
- 23 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
Analysis of turnover by country of destination:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from subleasing right-of-use assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The operating profit is stated after charging/(crediting):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other operating lease rentals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 24 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
Staff costs were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of defined contribution scheme
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The average monthly number of employees, including the directors, during the year was as follows:
|
|
During the year remuneration of £668,462 (2018: £678,218) was paid to one director. The remuneration of another director was paid by The New York Times Company, the ultimate parent company. It is not possible to reliably estimate the proportion of remuneration that is attributable to the services carried out within the United Kingdom.
During the year pension payments of £24,455 (2018: £35,383) were made on behalf of the director.
|
|
Interest receivable and similar income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other interest receivable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 25 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
Interest payable and similar expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on lease liability
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current tax on profits for the year
|
|
|
|
Adjustments in respect of previous periods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed asset timing differences
|
|
|
|
Adjustments in respect of prior period
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taxation on profit on ordinary activities
|
|
|
- 26 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
12.
Taxation (continued)
|
Factors affecting tax charge for the year
|
|
The tax assessed for the year is higher than
(2018 - higher than)
the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of
19
% (2018 -
19
%)
. The differences are explained below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Profit on ordinary activities before tax
|
|
|
|
Profit on ordinary activities multiplied by standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018 - 19%)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
|
|
|
|
Other timing differences leading to an increase (decrease) in taxation
|
|
|
|
Amounts (charged)/credited directly to
SORIE or otherwise transferred
|
|
|
|
Adjust deferred tax to average rate
|
|
|
|
Total tax charge for the year
|
|
|
|
Factors that may affect future tax charges
|
The UK Budget 2020 announced that the corporation tax rate was to be held at 19% rather than reduced to 17% with effect from 1 April 2020 as previously enacted. This provision was substantially enacted on 17 March 2020, after the accounting period, and so deferred tax closing balances have been calculated at 17%.
- 27 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
Right-of-use assets - buildings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recognised on adoption of IFRS 16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- 28 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
|
|
The company has lease contracts for two properties used in the operations of the company with a fixed term of 10 years; one with 5 years remaining and the other with 9 years remaining on the lease.
|
|
Lease liabilities are due as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following amounts in respect of leases, where the company is a lessee, have been recognised in profit or loss:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses relating to short-term leases
|
|
|
Income from sub-leasing right-of-use assets
|
|
|
The total cash outflow for leases in 2019 was £540,802 (2018: £411,625).
|
|
|
|
The company sub leases part of its office space to tenants with rentals payable monthly.
|
|
|
|
The following table summarises the undiscounted lease payments receivable after the reporting date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
|
|
|
Total undiscounted lease payments receivable
|
|
- 29 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts owed by group undertakings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepayments and accrued income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts owed by group undertakings are unsecured, non interest bearing and repayable on demand.
Trade debtors are stated after provisions for impairment of £119,913 (2018: £nil).
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts owed to group undertakings
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other taxation and social security
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accruals and deferred income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts owed to group undertakings are unsecured, non interest bearing and repayable on demand.
|
- 30 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Charged to profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
The provision for deferred taxation is made up as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fixed asset timing differences
|
|
|
|
Charged to profit or loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capitalised to fixed assets
|
|
|
|
|
- 31 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
|
Authorised, allotted, called up and fully paid
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
(2018 -
5,000
)
ordinary
shares of £
1
each
|
|
|
|
All shares rank pari passu in all respects.
|
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £
736,216
(2018: £
683,052
).
|
Commitments under operating lease
|
|
At 31 December 2019 the company had future minimum lease payments due under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From 1 January 2019, the company has recognised the right-of-use assets for these leases along with the lease liability and these are included on balance sheet, see notes 2.5, 13 and 14 for information.
|
- 32 -
|
|
|
01106659
31 December 2019
|
NEW YORK TIMES LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
|
Related party transactions
|
|
The company has taken advantage of the exemption permitted by IAS 24 paragraph 17 ‘Related party disclosures’ from the requirement to disclose transactions with group companies on the grounds that consolidated financial statements are prepared by the ultimate parent company. At the period end the following balances were due from group companies as below:
During the year, an amount of £nil (2018: £822) was paid to Louis Dunbar-Jones, the son of Stephen Dunbar-Jones, a director of the company, for an internship completed with the company.
|
|
Amounts owed by group undertakings
|
|
|
|
The New York Times Company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post balance sheet events
|
Between the year end and the date of this report, Coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic emerged globally. For more detail regarding the directors' view of this event please refer to the Strategic report.
The immediate parent company is
NYT International LLC
, incorporated in the United States, and the ultimate parent company is
The New York Times Company
, incorporated in the United States.
The parent company of the smallest group to include the company in its consolidated financial statements is NYT International LLC, a company incorporated in the United States.
The parent company of the largest group to include the company in its consolidated financial statements is The New York Times Company and financial statements can be obtained from its website www.nytco.com.
- 33 -
|