Experian 2015 Annual Report Download - page 105

The directors present their report and
the audited financial statements for the
year ended 31 March 2015. The Corporate
governance report forms part of this
Directors’ report. The Strategic report
contains certain information equivalent to
that required in this Directors’ report.
Research and development
Research and development plays a key
role in supporting Experian’s activities.
Details of such activities are given in the
Strategic report.
Results and dividends
The Group income statement shows a
profit for the year ended 31 March 2015 of
US$772m (2014: US$754m). The directors
have announced the payment of a second
interim dividend, in lieu of a final dividend,
of 27.00 US cents per ordinary share
(2014: 26.00 US cents) to be paid on
24 July 2015 to shareholders on the
register of members on 26 June 2015.
An interim dividend of 12.25 US cents per
ordinary share was paid on 30 January
2015, giving a total dividend for the year
of 39.25 US cents per ordinary share
(2014: 37.50 US cents).
Directors
The directors’ names, biographical details
and key skills and experience are shown
in the Board of directors section. Details
regarding Board changes are contained
in the Corporate governance report.
Particulars of directors’ remuneration,
service contracts and interests in the
Company’s ordinary shares are shown in
the Report on directors’ remuneration.
There have been no changes in the
directors’ interests in the ordinary shares
between the end of the financial year and
11 May 2015.
In accordance with the UK Corporate
Governance Code, all directors (with
the exception of Alan Jebson, who will
retire from the Board with effect from the
conclusion of the 2015 AGM on 22 July
2015), being eligible, will offer themselves
for election or re-election at the AGM.
An evaluation of the performance of the
Board, its committees and individual
directors was carried out during the
financial year. The Board is satisfied that
all directors contribute effectively and
demonstrate commitment to their roles.
The Corporate governance report contains
details of the evaluation process.
Insurance and third-party
indemnification
During the year and up to the date of
approval of this Annual Report, the
Company maintained liability insurance
and third-party indemnification provisions
for its directors and officers.
Acquisitions and disposals
Information in respect of acquisitions and
disposals made during the year is contained
in note 39 and note 13 respectively to the
Group financial statements.
Post balance sheet events
Details of events occurring after the end
of the reporting period are contained in
note 43 to the Group financial statements.
Share capital
Details of the Company’s share capital
and changes during the year ended 31
March 2015 are set out in note L to the
Company financial statements. The rights
and obligations attaching to the ordinary
and deferred shares are also set out in
that note and in the Company’s articles
of association, a copy of which can be
obtained from the Experian website,
www.experianplc.com.
Substantial shareholdings
The Company’s articles of association oblige shareholders to comply with the notification obligations to the Company, contained
in the UK Disclosure and Transparency Rules. As at 11 May 2015, the Company had been notified of the interests below in its
issued ordinary share capital or voting rights.
Date of notification Shareholder Direct/indirect interest
Number of ordinary
shares/voting rights
Percentage of issued share
capital/voting rights
30 January 2014 Harris Associates L.P Indirect 50,233,366 5.02%
19 November 2014 BlackRock, Inc. Indirect 49,666,105 5.02%
13 March 2015 Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited Indirect 56,050,175 5.67%
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103Governance •Directors’ report
Directors’ report