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WPP Quarterly Trading Update; Reported Revenues up over 16%; Constant Currency Revenues up over 16%; Like-for-Like Revenues up Almost 6%; First Quarter Operating Margin above Budget; Full Year Operating Margin Forecast to Increase in Line with Target.


NEW YORK New York, state, United States
New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of
 & LONDON London, city, Canada
London, city (1991 pop. 303,165), SE Ont., Canada, on the Thames River. The site was chosen in 1792 by Governor Simcoe to be the capital of Upper Canada, but York was made capital instead. London was settled in 1826.
 -- WPP WPP Wire & Plastic Product PLC
WPP World Press Photo
WPP Web Presence Provider
WPP Wolf Pack Productions (anime fan subbing group)
WPP Witness Protection Program
WPP Wireless Packet Platform
WPP Work Package Planning
 (NASDAQ NASDAQ
 in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations

U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on
: WPPGY) today reported its 2005 first quarter trading update.

Current Trading

Reported revenues rose by over 16%. In constant currencies, first quarter revenues were up over 16%, primarily reflecting strong organic growth and a first-time contribution from Grey Global Group ("Grey") from 7 March. The impact of currency in the first quarter of 2005 was minimal. On a like-for-like basis, excluding acquisitions and currency fluctuations, revenues were up almost 6%. This maintains the improvement in the organic growth rate of the last two quarters of 2004 and reflects the growing focus by clients on improving profitability through innovation and branding and top line growth, rather than by relying solely on cost cutting.

As shown in the appendix appendix, small, worm-shaped blind tube, about 3 in. (7.6 cm) long and 1-4 in. to 1 in. (.64–2.54 cm) thick, projecting from the cecum (part of the large intestine) on the right side of the lower abdominal cavity. , on a constant currency basis, all regions showed double digit Noun 1. double digit - a two-digit integer; from 10 to 99
integer, whole number - any of the natural numbers (positive or negative) or zero; "an integer is a number that is not a fraction"
 revenue growth. In North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , revenues were up over 16%. In Europe Europe (yr`əp), 6th largest continent, c.4,000,000 sq mi (10,360,000 sq km) including adjacent islands (1992 est. pop. 512,000,000). , the UK was up 12% and Continental Europe Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands and, at times, peninsulas.  up over 15%. Asia Pacific, Latin America Latin America, the Spanish-speaking, Portuguese-speaking, and French-speaking countries (except Canada) of North America, South America, Central America, and the West Indies. , Africa and the Middle East was up 22%.

By communications services sector, advertising & media investment management was up over 17%, information, insight & consultancy up 19%, public relations public relations, activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most  & public affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information.  up over 12%, and branding & identity, healthcare and specialist communications up almost 15%.

Net new business billings Billings, city (1990 pop. 81,151), seat of Yellowstone co., S Mont., on the Yellowstone River, in a valley surrounded by seven mountain ranges; inc. as a city 1885.  of GBP GBP

In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the British Pound.

Notes:
The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion.
 875 million ($1.62 billion) were won during the first quarter. The Group continues to benefit from consolidation trends in the industry, winning several large assignments from existing and new clients.

In the first quarter both profitability and operating margin Operating Margin

A ratio used to measure a company's pricing strategy and operating efficiency.

Calculated by:
 were ahead of budget. Full year margin forecasts are in line with the Group's revised combined margin target for 2005, including Grey, of 14.3%.

The Group's operating companies operating company

A business that engages in transactions with outsiders.
 continued to improve productivity. On a pro-forma basis, the number of people in the Group (excluding associates) was up 3.8% at 31 March 2005 to 71,097, as compared to the previous year. In the first quarter of 2005, average headcount head count or head·count
n.
1. The act of counting people in a particular group.

2. The number of people counted in this way.

Noun 1.
 on a like-for-like basis was up 5.2% to 64,368, compared with the first quarter of 2004.

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

The Group continues to implement its strategy of using free cash flow to enhance share owner value through a judicious ju·di·cious  
adj.
Having or exhibiting sound judgment; prudent.



[From French judicieux, from Latin i
 combination of capital expenditure, acquisitions and share cancellations, whilst ensuring that these expenditures are covered by free cash flow.

Average net debt in the first quarter of 2005 was down GBP 240 million to GBP 586 million, compared to GBP 826 million in 2004, at 2005 exchange rates. The current net debt figure compares with a market capitalisation Noun 1. market capitalisation - an estimation of the value of a business that is obtained by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current price of a share
market capitalization
 of approximately ap·prox·i·mate  
adj.
1. Almost exact or correct: the approximate time of the accident.

2.
 GBP 7.5 billion. Net debt at 31 March 2005 was GBP 938 million compared to GBP 825 million in 2004 (at constant exchange rates) an increase of GBP 113 million, reflecting a GBP 384 million gross cash payment for Grey. In the twelve months to 31 March 2005, the Group's free cash flow was GBP 572 million. Over the same period, the Group's capital expenditure, acquisitions and share cancellations were GBP 646 million (including a GBP 384 million gross cash payment for Grey).

In the first quarter of 2005, in addition to the completion of the acquisition of Grey, the Group made acquisitions or increased equity interests in advertising and media investment management in the United Kingdom, Denmark Denmark (dĕn`märk), Dan. Danmark, officially Kingdom of Denmark, kingdom (2005 est. pop. 5,432,000), 16,629 sq mi (43,069 sq km), N Europe.  and Argentina Argentina (ärjəntē`nə, Span. ärhāntē`nä), officially Argentine Republic, republic (2005 est. pop. 39,538,000), 1,072,157 sq mi (2,776,889 sq km), S South America. ; in information, insight and consultancy in Hong Kong Hong Kong (hŏng kŏng), Mandarin Xianggang, special administrative region of China, formerly a British crown colony (2005 est. pop. 6,899,000), land area 422 sq mi (1,092 sq km), adjacent to Guangdong prov. ; in public relations and public affairs in Denmark; in healthcare in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. , Netherlands Netherlands (nĕth`ərləndz), Du. Nederland or Koninkrijk der Nederlanden, officially Kingdom of the Netherlands, constitutional monarchy (2005 est. pop. 16,407,000), 15,963 sq mi (41,344 sq km), NW Europe.  and Switzerland Switzerland (swĭt`sərlənd), Fr. Suisse, Ger. Schweiz, Ital. Svizzera, officially Swiss Confederation, federal republic (2005 est. pop. 7,489,000), 15,941 sq mi (41,287 sq km), central Europe. ; and in direct, internet and interactive in the United States.

In the first quarter of 2005, 3,367,000 ordinary shares were purchased, at an average price of GBP 6.17 per share and total cost of GBP 20.8 million. 2,250,000 of these shares were cancelled can·cel  
v. can·celed also can·celled, can·cel·ing also can·cel·ling, can·cels also can·cels

v.tr.
1. To cross out with lines or other markings. See Synonyms at erase.

2.
. The company's objective remains to repurchase re·pur·chase  
tr.v. re·pur·chased, re·pur·chas·ing, re·pur·chas·es
To buy (something) again.

n.
The act of buying something that one previously sold or owned.

Noun 1.
 up to 2% annually of its share base in the open market at an approximate ap·prox·i·mate
v.
To bring together, as cut edges of tissue.

adj.
1. Relating to the contact surfaces, either proximal or distal, of two adjacent teeth; proximate.

2. Close together.
 cost of GBP 150 million, when market conditions are appropriate.

International Financial Reporting Standards International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are standards and interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Many of the standards forming part of IFRS are known by the older name of International Accounting Standards (IAS).
 ("IFRS IFRS International Financial Reporting Standard(s)
IFRS Inter Frame Relay Service
IFRS Indiana Facilities Registry System
")

In addition to the quarterly trading update, attached as a separate appendix are the changes to the full year 2004 financial statements as a result of adopting IFRS.

As disclosed dis·close  
tr.v. dis·closed, dis·clos·ing, dis·clos·es
1. To expose to view, as by removing a cover; uncover.

2. To make known (something heretofore kept secret).
 previously, the major impact on the Group results is a charge for share based compensation, a reduction in equity income as a result of showing equity income net of taxes, and an increase in the Group's reported tax rate. In addition there is a reduction of GBP 680 million in goodwill and corporate brands, the majority of which arises as a result of translating historic goodwill and brands (previously fixed in sterling), on the opening balance sheet at 31 December December: see month.  2003 exchange rates.

The impact of all this on reported earnings per share is a reduction of over 6%. This reduction at the after tax earnings level is greater than at the operating level, due to the disproportionate dis·pro·por·tion·ate  
adj.
Out of proportion, as in size, shape, or amount.



dispro·por
 impact of certain items on the Group's reported tax charge. None of these adjustments impact the cash earnings per share, cash taxes paid, or the cash generating ability of the Group.

Future Objectives

The Group continues to focus on its key objectives of improving operating profits Operating profit (or loss)

Revenue from a firm's regular activities less costs and expenses and before income deductions.


operating profit

See operating income.
 by 10% to 15% per annum Per annum

Yearly.
; improving operating margins by half to one margin point per annum; improving staff cost to revenue ratios by 0.6 margin points per annum; growing revenue faster than industry averages; improving our creative reputation and stimulating stim·u·late  
v. stim·u·lat·ed, stim·u·lat·ing, stim·u·lates

v.tr.
1. To rouse to activity or heightened action, as by spurring or goading; excite. See Synonyms at provoke.

2.
 co-operation among Group companies.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements forward-looking statement

A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections.
 within the meaning of the 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 Independent Auditor

An external auditor with a certified public accounting designation that qualifies him or her to provide an auditor's report.

Notes:
These auditors aren't affiliated with the company being audited.
. 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 press release should be considered in light of these risks and uncertainties.

Appendix: Revenue and revenue growth by region and communications services sector

3 months ended March 31, 2005
Revenue    Constant
Region                                              Growth    Currency
------                                            Reported    Growth 1
                       2005    %     2004    %   2005/2004   2005/2004
                        GBP  Total    GBP  Total         %           %

North America         443.9    40   390.3   41        13.7        16.6

United Kingdom        184.4    17   164.7   17        12.0        12.0

Continental Europe    291.5    26   246.0   26        18.5        15.5

Asia Pacific, Latin
America, Africa
& Middle East         194.7    17   159.3   16        22.2        22.0
                    -------  -----  -----  ----- ---------   ---------

TOTAL GROUP         1,114.5   100   960.3  100        16.1        16.4
                    -------  -----  -----  ----- ---------   ---------



Communications
--------------                                     Revenue    Constant
Services Sector                                     Growth    Currency
---------------                                   Reported    Growth 1
                       2005    %     2004    %   2005/2004   2005/2004
                       GBP   Total   GBP   Total         %           %

Advertising, Media
Investment
Management            515.9    46   439.5   46        17.4        17.3

Information, Insight
& Consultancy         188.7    17   158.3   16        19.2        19.0

Public Relations
& Public Affairs      117.1    11   105.3   11        11.2        12.4

Branding & Identity,
Healthcare and        292.8    26   257.2   27        13.8        14.8
Specialist
Communications
                    -------  -----  -----  ----- ---------   ---------

TOTAL GROUP         1,114.5   100   960.3  100        16.1        16.4
                    -------  -----  -----  ----- ---------   ---------

(1)Constant currency growth excludes the effects of currency
movements.

    Appendix II

                            WPP GROUP PLC
                Impact of IFRS on Preliminary Results
                For the year ended 31 December 2004


Introduction WPP Group WPP Group plc (LSE: WPP) (NASDAQ: WPPGY), based in London, United Kingdom, is one of the world's largest communications services groups (and one of the big six advertising holding companies, the others being Omnicom, Interpublic, Publicis, Dentsu and Havas) employing  plc (WPP) currently prepares its primary financial statements under UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP UK GAAP United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ). For periods beginning on or after 1 January January: see month.  2005, all listed companies listed company ncompañía cotizable

listed company nsociété cotée en Bourse

listed company list n
 in the European Union European Union (EU), name given since the ratification (Nov., 1993) of the Treaty of European Union, or Maastricht Treaty, to the

European Community
, including WPP, are required to prepare their consolidated financial statements Consolidated Financial Statements

The combined financial statements of a parent company and its subsidiaries.

Notes:
Because consolidated financial statements present an aggregated look at the financial position of a parent and its subsidiaries, they enable you to gauge
 in accordance Accordance is Bible Study Software for Macintosh developed by OakTree Software, Inc.[]

As well as a standalone program, it is the base software packaged by Zondervan in their Bible Study suites for Macintosh.
 with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) including International Accounting Standards (IAS See iPlanet Application Server.

1. (computer) IAS - The first modern computer. It had main registers, processing circuits, information paths within the central processing unit, and used Von Neumann's fetch-execute cycle.
). WPP's first IFRS results will be its interim results for the six months ending 30 June June: see month.  2005 and the Group's first Annual Report under IFRS will be for the year ending 31 December 2005. WPP's date of transition to IFRS is 1 January 2004 (the transition date).

The financial information contained in this appendix has been prepared by management using their best knowledge and judgement of the expected standards and interpretations of the International Accounting Standards Board An editor has expressed concern that this article or section is .
Please help improve the article by adding information and sources on neglected viewpoints, or by summarizing and
, facts and circumstances CIRCUMSTANCES, evidence. The particulars which accompany a fact.
     2. The facts proved are either possible or impossible, ordinary and probable, or extraordinary and improbable, recent or ancient; they may have happened near us, or afar off; they are public or
, and accounting policies that will be applied when the company prepares its first complete set of IFRS financial statements as at 31 December 2005. Therefore, until such time, the possibility cannot be excluded that the comparative information included in that first complete set of IFRS financial statements may not be consistent with the disclosures below. Moreover, attention is drawn to the fact that, under IFRSs, only a complete set of financial statements comprising a balance sheet, income statement, statement of changes in equity, cash flow statement, together with comparative financial information and explanatory ex·plan·a·to·ry  
adj.
Serving or intended to explain: an explanatory paragraph.



ex·plan
 notes, can provide a fair presentation of the company's financial position, results of operations and cash flow.

The following analysis has been prepared substantially on the basis of all IAS and IFRS, and related interpretations, published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB IASB

See International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
), and currently in issue. Certain of these standards are subject to ongoing amendment by the IASB, and subsequent approval by the European Commission European Commission, branch of the governing body of the European Union (EU) invested with executive and some legislative powers. Located in Brussels, Belgium, it was founded in 1967 when the three treaty organizations comprising what was then the European Community , and are therefore subject to possible change. Consequently, the information contained within this Appendix may also require amendment at a future date.

In preparing this financial information, the Group has assumed that the Amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits: Actuarial ac·tu·ar·y  
n. pl. ac·tu·ar·ies
A statistician who computes insurance risks and premiums.



[Latin
 Gains and Losses, Group Plans and Disclosures will, in due course, be endorsed by the European Commission.

The effect that the transition from UK GAAP to IFRS would have on the Group's reported financial position, financial performance and cash flows for 2004 is explained in the following schedules included in this Appendix:

--IFRS 1 exemptions

--Summary unaudited financial statements

--Key impact analysis

--Reconciliations of:

--Income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004

--Balance sheet as at 31 December 2004

--Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2004

The financial information presented is unaudited.

IFRS 1 Exemptions

IFRS 1 (First-time adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards) allows a number of exemptions from the full requirements of IFRS for those companies adopting IFRS for the first time. WPP has taken advantage of certain of these exemptions as follows:

Financial Instruments

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption exemption n. 1) in income taxation, a credit given for each dependent, blindness or other disability, and age over 65, which result in a downward calculation in tax levels.  available under IFRS 1 not to apply IAS 39 (Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement) and IAS 32 (Financial Instruments: Disclosure and Presentation) in respect of the year ended 31 December 2004. UK GAAP has continued to be applied in accounting for financial instruments in this period. The Group will adopt IAS 39 and IAS 32 with effect from 1 January 2005 and consequently restate re·state  
tr.v. re·stat·ed, re·stat·ing, re·states
To state again or in a new form. See Synonyms at repeat.



re·state
 the balance sheet at that date in accordance with the requirements of these standards, which will generally mean a recognition of financial instruments at fair value.

Business Combinations

The Group has elected e·lect  
v. e·lect·ed, e·lect·ing, e·lects

v.tr.
1. To select by vote for an office or for membership.

2. To pick out; select: elect an art course.
 not to apply IFRS 3 (Business combinations) retrospectively ret·ro·spec·tive  
adj.
1. Looking back on, contemplating, or directed to the past.

2. Looking or directed backward.

3. Applying to or influencing the past; retroactive.

4.
 to business combinations that completed prior to 1 January 2004.

Share-based Payments

IFRS 2 applies to all share-based payments granted since 7 November November: see month.  2002, but the Group has elected for full retrospective LAW, RETROSPECTIVE. A retrospective law is one that is to take effect, in point of time, before it was passed.
     2. Whenever a law of this kind impairs the obligation of contracts, it is void. 3 Dall. 391.
 restatement Restatement

A revision in a company's earlier financial statements.

Notes:
The need for restating financial figures can result from fraud, misrepresentation, or a simple clerical error.
 as this better represents the ongoing charge to the income statement.

Presentation of Financial Information

The primary financial statements contained in this appendix have been presented substantially in accordance with the requirements of IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements). This presentation may require further modification A change or alteration in existing materials.

Modification generally has the same meaning in the law as it does in common parlance. The term has special significance in the law of contracts and the law of sales.
 in the event that further guidance is published or as practice develops.

Summary unaudited financial statements

Summary reported income statement:
2004         2004
                              UK GAAP       IFRS

Revenue                      GBP 4,300m   GBP 4,300m
                             ----------   ----------
PBIT                          GBP 529m     GBP 507m
                              --------     --------
PBIT margin                    12.3%         11.8%
                               -----         -----
PBT                           GBP 457m     GBP 434m
                              --------     --------
Earnings                      GBP 292m     GBP 273m
                              --------     --------
Diluted earnings per share     25.0p         23.4p
                               -----         -----


Headline HEADLINE Hybrid Electronic Access and Delivery in the Library Networked Environment  PBIT, Headline PBT PBT Provider Backbone Transport (networking technology adding determinism to ethernet)
PBT Polybutylene Terephthalate
PBT Profit Before Tax
PBT Paper Based Test (education) 
 and Headline Earnings Headline Earnings

A basis for measuring earnings per share implemented by the Institute of Investment Management and Research. This method accounts for all the profits and losses from operational, trading, and interest activities, that have been discontinued or acquired at any


As a result of the change in presentation in the income statement in respect of income from associates, as well as other changes described below, the Group has redefined certain of its key performance metrics Performance metrics are measures of an organizations activities and performance. Performance metrics should support a range of stakeholder needs from customers, shareholders to employees [1].  or 'Headline' profits and margins. An analysis of how the Group will calculate these under IFRS is presented in Appendix IV.
2004         2004
                               UK GAAP       IFRS

Revenue                      GBP 4,300m   GBP 4,300m
                             -----------   -----------
Headline PBIT                 GBP 608m     GBP 560m
                              ---------    ---------
Headline PBIT margin            14.1%        13.0%
                                -----        -----
Headline PBT                 GBP 537m(1)   GBP 490m
                             -----------   ---------
Headline earnings            GBP 373m(1)   GBP 328m
                             -----------   ---------
Headline diluted earnings
   per share                   31.6p(1)     27.9p
                               --------     -----

(1)Restated to include interest on defined benefit pension schemes
of GBP 10m as a deduction from Headline profits

Summary Balance Sheet

                                 2004          2004
                                UK GAAP        IFRS

Non current assets            GBP 6,519m   GBP 5,959m
                              ----------   ----------
Net current liabilities       GBP (421)m   GBP (445)m
                              ----------   ----------
Net assets                    GBP 3,966m   GBP 3,057m
                              ----------   ----------
Total capital employed        GBP 3,966m   GBP 3,057m
                              ----------   ----------



Key Impact Analysis

The principal differences between UK GAAP and IFRS as they apply to WPP are set out below.

Changes in Presentation of Financial Statements

The financial statements in this appendix have been prepared substantially in accordance with IAS 1 (Presentation of Financial Statements). The most significant presentational differences arising from this change in format are as follows:

Income from Associates

In the current income statement format, in accordance with UK GAAP, the Group separately presents its share of operating profit, interest, minority interests and tax from associate undertakings. Under IAS 1, these results are aggregated into a single line in the income statement. The effect is to reduce reported profit before interest and taxes by GBP 19m in 2004, although there is no impact on earnings.

Working Capital Facility

In the balance sheet, the Group has historically presented its working capital facility (the advance of cash financing against which certain trade debts have been assigned as·sign  
tr.v. as·signed, as·sign·ing, as·signs
1. To set apart for a particular purpose; designate: assigned a day for the inspection.

2.
) as a deduction deduction, in logic, form of inference such that the conclusion must be true if the premises are true. For example, if we know that all men have two legs and that John is a man, it is then logical to deduce that John has two legs.  from debtors, in accordance with the 'linked presentation' required by FRS FRS
abbr.
Fellow of the Royal Society


FRS,
n “flexed rotated side-bent,” an osteopathic abbreviation used to describe vertebral position in cases of spinal dysfunction.
 5 (Reporting the substance of transactions). Under IFRS this presentation is not permitted, and the cash advance is shown as a bank borrowing within creditors: amounts falling due within one year. As a result of this change, net debt is restated to include this facility as a borrowing, whereas previously it was treated as a reduction in working capital. The impact is to increase net debt at 31 December 2004 by GBP 261m to GBP 561m. The cash flows of the Group in 2004 are unaffected by this change. There is also no change to the income statement presentation of the charges on this facility which are included in finance costs.

Changes in Accounting Policies IFRS 2 Share-based Payment

Under UK GAAP, where the Group grants share options at a strike price equal to or greater than the market price on the date of the grant, no compensation expense is recognised. For share awards other than stock options, the charge to the Group's income statement is based on the intrinsic value Intrinsic Value

1. The value of a company or an asset based on an underlying perception of the value.

2. For call options, this is the difference between the underlying stock's price and the strike price.
 (market value on grant date) of the award, spread over the relevant performance period, in accordance with UITF UITF Unit Investment Trust Fund
UITF Urgent Issue Task Force
 38 (Accounting for ESOP ESOP

See: Employee Stock Ownership Plan


ESOP

See Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
 trusts). IFRS 2 requires that share-based payments (including share options) are recognised in the income statement as an expense, spread over the relevant vesting Vesting

The process by which employees accrue non-forfeitable rights over employer contributions that are made to the employee's qualified retirement plan account.

Notes:
 period using a fair value model. The Group has used a Black-Scholes valuation model for this purpose.

IFRS 2 permits prospective adoption for grants made after November 2002, but the Group has chosen to adopt IFRS 2 on a full retrospective basis, for all option and share award grants as the resulting charge better reflects the ongoing impact on the Group. The impact on the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004 is an after-tax af·ter-tax also af·ter·tax
adj.
Relating to or being that which remains after payment, especially of income taxes: after-tax profits. 
 charge of GBP 27m.

Deferred tax is provided based upon the expected future tax deductions Tax deduction

An expense that a taxpayer is allowed to deduct from taxable income.


tax deduction

See deduction.
 relating to relating to relate prepconcernant

relating to relate prepbezüglich +gen, mit Bezug auf +acc 
 share-based payment transactions, and is recognised over the vesting period of the relevant share award schemes. For the year ended 31 December 2004, this results in an additional deferred tax credit to the income statement of GBP 2m.

IFRS 3 Business Combinations

The Group has elected not to apply IFRS 3 retrospectively to business combinations completed prior to 1 January 2004, an exemption permitted by IFRS 1.

IFRS 3 prohibits amortisation Noun 1. amortisation - the reduction of the value of an asset by prorating its cost over a period of years
amortization

reduction, step-down, diminution, decrease - the act of decreasing or reducing something

2.
 of goodwill and instead requires annual impairment Impairment

1. A reduction in a company's stated capital.

2. The total capital that is less than the par value of the company's capital stock.

Notes:
1. This is usually reduced because of poorly estimated losses or gains.

2.
 testing. Under UK GAAP, WPP amortises a number of acquisitions where the life of the goodwill is determined to be finite finite - compact . In the IFRS financial information presented, this amortisation has been reversed from the date of transition and the relevant goodwill tested for impairment at 31 December 2004.

The Group has also conducted an impairment review of goodwill at 1 January 2004, in accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets).

The impact on the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004 is to eliminate goodwill amortisation of GBP 42.5m. No additional impairment of goodwill arose at 1 January 2004, however there was additional impairment of GBP 5m for the year ended 31 December 2004.

When the Group makes acquisitions, deferred tax assets are established in relation to tax losses and other tax attributes to the extent that it is probable PROBABLE. That which has the appearance of truth; that which appears to be founded in reason.  that they will be utilised in the future. If the performance and profits of acquisitions are higher than originally anticipated then the Group may recognise the additional tax benefit of unbooked tax attributes in the IFRS income statement. IFRS 3 and IAS 12 (Income Taxes) require a write-down Write-Down

Reducing the book value of an asset because it is overvalued compared to the market value.

Notes:
This is usually reflected in the company's income statement as an expense, thereby reducing net income.
 of goodwill equal to the tax benefit of any tax attributes that are subsequently recognised if a deferred tax asset has not been established at the time of acquisition. The write-down of goodwill adjusts goodwill in the balance sheet to the amount it would have been had a deferred tax asset been established on all of the tax attributes utilised. Due to the better than expected performance of certain acquisitions in the year ended 31 December 2004 there was an additional goodwill adjustment of GBP 13m charged to operating profit relating to the utilisation of pre-acquisition tax attributes that previously couldn't could·n't  

Contraction of could not.


couldn't could not
 be recognised due to insufficient evidence insufficient evidence n. a finding (decision) by a trial judge or an appeals court that the prosecution in a criminal case or a plaintiff in a lawsuit has not proved the case because the attorney did not present enough convincing evidence.  that they were recoverable. The Group expects the annual goodwill adjustment to be lower in the future.

IAS 21 requires goodwill and fair value adjustments on acquisitions to be recorded in the functional currency of the acquiree rather than the functional currency of the acquirer. As permitted by IFRS 1 we are applying IAS 21 retrospectively to goodwill and fair value adjustments arising in business combinations that occurred before the date of transition to IFRS. We have retranslated our goodwill and corporate brands on this basis which has resulted in a decrease in the carrying value Carrying Value

Also know as "book value," it is a company's total assets minus intangible assets and liabilities, such as debt.

Notes:
This is different than market value, as it can be higher or lower depending on the circumstances.
 of these assets at 31 December 2004 of GBP 679m, and an equivalent reduction in equity.

IFRS 1 has a further impact in that goodwill previously written off to reserves under UK GAAP is not recycled to the income statement in the event of the disposal of the business concerned.

IAS 38 Intangible Assets Intangible Asset

An asset that is not physical in nature.

Notes:
Examples are things like copyrights, patents, intellectual property, and goodwill. These are the opposite of tangible assets.


The Group has also applied IAS 38 to acquisitions completed since the initial adoption date which has resulted in the recognition of intangible assets of GBP 7m at 31 December 2004 which would not qualify for recognition under UK GAAP. These largely comprise To embrace, cover, or include; to confine within; to consist of.

In the law governing patents—grants of an exclusive right or privilege to make, use, or sell an invention or product for a term of years—the term comprise
 corporate brand names.

These intangibles Property that is a "right" such as a patent, Copyright, or trademark, or one that is lacking physical existence, such as good will.  are amortised over their useful economic lives, which vary depending on the individual characteristics of the intangibles concerned, but are no more than 10 years. The impact on the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004 is not material.

Under UK GAAP, capitalised computer software is included within tangible Possessing a physical form that can be touched or felt.

Tangible refers to that which can be seen, weighed, measured, or apprehended by the senses. A tangible object is something that is real and substantial. An automobile is an example of tangible Personal Property.
 fixed assets fixed assets nplactivo sg fijo

fixed assets nplimmobilisations fpl

fixed assets fix npl
 on the balance sheet. Under IFRS, only computer software that is integral to a related item of hardware should be included as property, plant and equipment. All other capitalised computer software should be shown as an intangible asset.

Accordingly, a reclassification Reclassification

The process of changing the class of mutual funds once certain requirements have been met. These requirements are generally placed on load mutual funds. Reclassification is not considered to be a taxable event.
 of GBP 24m has been made in the 31 December 2004 balance sheet from property plant and equipment to intangible assets.

IAS 28 Investments in Associates

IFRS requires equity accounting for associates' losses to cease at the point that the carrying value of the net assets Net assets

The difference between total assets on the one hand and current liabilities and noncapitalized long-term liabilities on the other hand.


net assets

See owners' equity.
 of the relevant associate are nil. Further losses are only accrued ac·crue  
v. ac·crued, ac·cru·ing, ac·crues

v.intr.
1. To come to one as a gain, addition, or increment: interest accruing in my savings account.

2.
 if the investor has a legal or constructive (mathematics) constructive - A proof that something exists is "constructive" if it provides a method for actually constructing it. Cantor's proof that the real numbers are uncountable can be thought of as a *non-constructive* proof that irrational numbers exist.  obligation for the losses. The Group has therefore ceased to recognise equity losses where the net assets of the associate concerned are nil or negative, where appropriate. This did not result in any impact on the 2004 income statement.

IAS 10 Events After the Balance Sheet Date

IAS 10 does not permit dividends proposed after the balance sheet date to be recognised as a liability at that date because they do not represent a present obligation as defined by IAS 27 (Provisions, Contingent Liabilities Contingent Liability

1. The possibility of an obligation to pay certain sums dependent on future events.

2. Defined obligations by a company that must be met, but the probability of payment is minimal.

Notes:
1.
 and Contingent Assets Contingent Asset

An asset in which the possibility of ownership depends solely upon future events uncontrollable by the company.

Notes:
An example might be a settlement from a lawsuit.
See also: Asset, Balance Sheet, Contingent Liability, Liability
).

The impact of this change is to exclude the final dividend of GBP 62m from the income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004, but include the prior year final dividend of GBP 52m as an expense in 2004. This results in a net increase in retained profit of GBP 10m. The respective restated balance sheets at 31 December 2004 and 1 January 2004 exclude these dividends.

IAS 19 Employee Benefits

The group fully implemented the UK Accounting Standard FRS 17 (Retirement Benefits) in 2001. This standard is consistent with IAS 19 and the Amendment to IAS 19 Employee Benefits: Actuarial Gains and Losses, Group Plans and Disclosures adopted by the IASB in December 2004, which encourages early adoption prior to its expected effective date of 1 January 2006. On the basis that the Amendment will be endorsed by the European Commission in the future, the Group has not made any changes to its accounting policies in respect of accounting for pensions.

IAS 32 and IAS 39 Financial Instruments

The Group has taken advantage of the exemption available under IFRS 1 not to apply IAS 32 and IAS 39 in respect of the year ended 31 December 2004. UK GAAP has continued to be applied to financial instruments in this period.

The Group will therefore adopt IAS 32 and IAS 39 on 1 January 2005 and consequently restate the opening balance sheet at that date to an IFRS basis in compliance with these standards.

The most significant impact on the income statement of adopting IAS 32 and IAS 39 at 1 January 2005 will be as follows:

Convertible Bonds

Under UK GAAP, convertible bonds are reported as a liability unless conversion actually occurs, and no gain or loss is recognised on conversion. Under IAS 32, classification of such compound instruments is undertaken based on the substance of the contractual arrangements and, consequently, the Group's compound instruments will be split into liability and equity elements, based on the fair value of the debt component at the date of issue.

The income statement charge for the finance cost will continue to be spread evenly over the term of the bonds so that at redemption The liberation of an estate in real property from a mortgage.

Redemption is the process by which land that has been mortgaged or pledged is bought back or reclaimed. It is accomplished through a payment of the debt owed or a fulfillment of the other conditions.
 the liability equals the redemption value Redemption Value refers to the value that is placed on a party's head after they wrong you in some way. It is seen as the payment you are willing to make to get justice. . However, under IFRS the initial recognition of the liability is for a lower amount than under UK GAAP and consequently the finance cost over the period is higher.

At 1 January 2005, the Group had in issue two convertible bonds: GBP 450m bond maturing in April 2007 and $287.5m bond maturing in January 2005. The impact on the 1 January 2005 transition balance sheet from these bonds will be:

--GBP 98m reclassification from debt to equity to separately account for the equity element of the convertible bonds (GBP 69m relating to the GBP 450m bond and GBP 29m relating to the $287.5m bond).

--GBP 66m adjustment to debt and retained earnings Retained Earnings

The percentage of net earnings not paid out in dividends, but retained by the company to be reinvested in its core business or to pay debt. It is recorded under shareholders equity on the balance sheet.
 to reflect the cumulative extra amount of financing costs that would have been expensed through the income statement as at 31 December 2004 (GBP 37m relating to the GBP 450m bond and GBP 29m relating to the $287.5m bond).

--The impact on the income statement for the year ending 31 December 2005 is expected to be an increase in interest payable and similar charges of GBP 14m, in relation to convertible bonds in issue at 1 January 2005 (GBP 13.7m relating to the GBP 450m bond and GBP 0.3m relating to the $287.5m bond).

--The expected total interest charges for these bonds under IFRS for the year ending 31 December 2005 will be GBP 30m on the GBP 450m convertible and GBP 0.5m on the $287.5m convertible.

On 7 March 2005 WPP completed the acquisition of Grey Global Group Inc (Grey). Grey had in issue $150m 5% Contingent Fortuitous; dependent upon the possible occurrence of a future event, the existence of which is not assured.

The word contingent denotes that there is no present interest or right but only a conditional one which will become effective upon the happening of the
 Convertible Subordinated Debentures subordinated debenture

An unsecured bond with a claim to assets that is subordinate to all existing and future debt. Thus, in the event that the issuer encounters financial difficulties and must be liquidated, all other claims must be satisfied before
 due in 2033. The principles described above will also apply to this bond.

Hedging hedging, in commerce, method by which traders use two counterbalancing investment strategies so as to minimize any losses caused by price fluctuations. It is generally used by traders on the commodities market.  Instruments

The Group has a number of hedging instruments which were accounted for as hedges under UK GAAP during 2004. On adoption of IAS 39, the Group will recognise these hedging instruments at fair value in the balance sheet at 1 January 2005. It is expected that subsequent movements in the fair value of these instruments will not have a significant impact on the income statement for the year ending 31 December 2005 as they also qualify for hedge accounting Why is hedge accounting necessary?
Many financial institutions and corporate businesses (entities) use derivative financial instruments to hedge their exposure to different risks (eg interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk, commodity risk, etc).
 under IAS 39.

From time to time, the Group uses certain short-term Short-term

Any investments with a maturity of one year or less.


short-term

1. Of or relating to a gain or loss on the value of an asset that has been held less than a specified period of time.
 derivative derivative: see calculus.
derivative

In mathematics, a fundamental concept of differential calculus representing the instantaneous rate of change of a function.
 financial instruments to mitigate mit·i·gate
v.
To moderate in force or intensity.



miti·gation n.
 interest rate and foreign exchange rate risks. These may not be held in qualifying hedge relationships and so movements in fair value of the relevant instrument will be taken to the income statement. However, owing to owing to
prep.
Because of; on account of: I couldn't attend, owing to illness.

owing to prepdebido a, por causa de 
 their short-term nature, the Group does not expect this to have a significant impact on the income statement.

IAS 12 Income Taxes

IAS 12 requires deferred tax to be provided on all taxable temporary differences between the book value and the tax base of assets and liabilities of the Group rather than timing differences under UK GAAP. As a result, the Group's IFRS balance sheet at 31 December 2004 includes additional deferred tax assets of GBP 11m and deferred tax liabilities of GBP 17m in respect of the differences between the carrying value and tax written down value of goodwill in the Group's balance sheet. In accordance with IAS 12, a liability of GBP 15m has been netted off against a deferred tax asset as both items relate to the same consolidated con·sol·i·date  
v. con·sol·i·dat·ed, con·sol·i·dat·ing, con·sol·i·dates

v.tr.
1. To unite into one system or whole; combine:
 tax group. There was an additional charge to the IFRS income statement of GBP 2m in the year ended 31 December 2004 in relation to movements in these balances. IAS 1 requires deferred tax to be classified as a 'non current' asset and accordingly GBP 77m of deferred tax assets reported under UK GAAP have been reclassified from 'current assets'.

IAS 12 requires a deferred tax liability to be booked in respect of the tax cost of remitting undistributed Adj. 1. undistributed - (of investments) not distributed among a variety of securities
undiversified - not diversified
 earnings of the Group's associated undertakings and joint ventures. At 1 January 2004 this deferred tax liability was GBP 8m. There was an additional charge to the IFRS income statement of GBP 2m in the year ended 31 December 2004 in relation to undistributed earnings arising in the year whilst foreign exchange movements led to an increase in the liability of GBP 1m. At 31 December 2004 the deferred tax liability was GBP 10m.

IAS 12 also requires deferred tax to be provided in respect of the Group's future deductions in respect of share-based payments. At 1 January 2004 an asset of GBP 3m was recognised in respect of anticipated future tax deductions of share-based payments.

The 2004 IFRS income statement expense for stock options was GBP 29m. Deferred tax of only GBP 2m is credited to the IFRS income statement in 2004; the majority of the expense cannot be tax effected due to either the expense not being deductible That which may be taken away or subtracted. In taxation, an item that may be subtracted from gross income or adjusted gross income in determining taxable income (e.g., interest expenses, charitable contributions, certain taxes).  for tax purposes or the recognition of the asset being restricted by existing tax losses. At 31 December 2004 a deferred tax asset of GBP 3m was held in the balance sheet as although the asset was increased by GBP 2m relating to the 2004 charge there were other adjustments, primarily the exercise of options, that reduced the asset by GBP 2m.

In accordance with IAS 12, in the year ended 31 December 2004 an amount of GBP 9m which had previously been credited to tax expense in the UK GAAP profit and loss account was credited directly to equity as it related to the tax benefits of share-based payments that exceeded the cumulative income statement expense for those payments.

The total IFRS income statement tax charge for the year ended 31 December 2004 is GBP 135m. In accordance with IAS 28, income from associates and joint ventures is now shown net of tax. A reconciliation from UK GAAP to IFRS tax charge is shown below. Under IFRS there is a net reduction of GBP 5m in the tax charge for the year ended 31 December 2004 which is comprised as follows:
GBP m

UK GAAP Profit and loss account tax charge               140
Reclass of tax charge relating to associates
  and joint ventures                                     (18)
Deferred tax charge on unremitted earnings
  of associates and joint ventures                         2
Deferred tax credit in relation to stock
  option expense                                          (2)
Tax charge in relation to the tax effect of
  share-based payments now credited to equity              9
Deferred tax charge relating to goodwill                   2
Other changes                                              2
                                                        ----
IFRS Income statement tax charge                         135


The effect of the adjustments required under IFRS is to increase the Group's tax rate on Headline PBT for the year ended 31 December 2004 to 27.6% as compared with 26.1% under UK GAAP. The primary reason for the increase in tax rate is the reduction in IFRS Headline PBT due to the additional income statement expense for stock options as the majority of this expense cannot be tax effected. The Group's estimate of tax rate on Headline PBT for 2005 and 2006 remains 28-30% (excluding the impact of Grey). The introduction of IFRS does not impact the amount of cash tax paid by the Group.

IAS 12 requires deferred tax liabilities of GBP 300m to be recognised at 31 December 2004 in respect of intangible assets such as corporate brands which were recognised at the time of various acquisitions including Ogilvy Ogilvy may refer to:
  • Clan Ogilvy of whom the Earl of Airlie is head.
  • Advertising agencies started by David Ogilvy, including Ogilvy & Mather.
  • A department store in Montreal, Canada, known as the Maison Ogilvy.
 & Mather Math·er   , Increase 1639-1723.

American clergyman and writer. He and his son Cotton (1663-1728) exerted great theological and political influence on the colony of Massachusetts through their staunch Puritanism and prolific writing.
, J. Walter Thompson Walter Thompson refers to:
  • Walter H. Thompson, bodyguard of Winston Churchill for eighteen years between 1921 and 1945.
  • Walter P. Thompson, President of the University of Saskatchewan 1949-1959.
, Hill & Knowlton Knowlton may refer to Places
  • Knowlton, Kent a parish in England
  • Knowlton, Dorset
  • Knowlton, Wisconsin, a town in Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States
  • Knowlton Township, New Jersey, a township in Warren County, New Jersey, United States
 and Young & Rubicam. As the Group acquired the shares in the respective holding companies there is no tax basis in the brands themselves and therefore the resulting deferred tax liabilities are equal to the carrying value of the corporate brands tax effected at the appropriate tax rate. The Group considers the appropriate tax rate to be the Group's combined US federal and state tax rate. Normally recognition of these deferred tax liabilities would result in a corresponding increase of goodwill in respect of these acquisitions, however under the exemptions provided by IFRS 1 relating to business combinations, the Group has not adjusted goodwill in respect of acquisitions before 1 January 2004.

At 31 December 2004 the tax related adjustments under IFRS, excluding the adjustments for corporate brands, increase total assets by GBP 3m and total liabilities by GBP 27m. As a result, a net amount of GBP 24m was debited to IFRS Capital and Reserves as at 31 December 2004 in relation to these adjustments. As detailed above, additional deferred tax liabilities of GBP 300m were recognised at 31 December 2004 in relation to corporate brands; a corresponding amount was also debited to IFRS Capital and Reserves.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share have been calculated in accordance with IAS 33 (Earnings per share). As noted above, in accordance with IFRS 2, the Group has charged the fair value of stock options to the income statement for 2004. IFRS 2 does not permit any reduction in the number of shares used in the diluted earnings per share diluted earnings per share

An earnings measure calculated by dividing net income less preferred stock dividends for a period by the average number of shares of common stock that would be outstanding if all convertible securities were converted into shares of
 calculation in respect of the dilutive effect Dilutive effect

Result of a transaction that decreases earnings per common share (EPS).
 of stock options, in spite of in opposition to all efforts of; in defiance or contempt of; notwithstanding.

See also: Spite
 the fact that a charge to the income statement has been made.
Appendix III

                             WPP GROUP PLC

        Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2004
        Unaudited preliminary consolidated income statement for
                    the year ended 31 December 2004
                          IFRS Reconciliation

                       31 Dec       IFRS 3  IFRS 2    IAS 28    IAS 10
                         2004     Business  Share Associates Dividends
                      Reported Combinations Options
                         under
                       UK GAAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                        GBPm         GBPm    GBPm       GBPm     GBPm

Revenue               4,299.5
Operating profit
 before goodwill
 amortisation           559.6               (28.9)
Goodwill amortisation
 and impairment -
 subsidiaries           (75.0)        34.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit        484.6         34.4  (28.9)       0.0      0.0
Goodwill amortisation
 and impairment -
 associates              (3.5)         3.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from
 associates and joint
 ventures                48.1
Tax, interest and
 minority interest on
 associates               0.0                          (18.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income from
 associates and joint
 ventures                48.1                          (18.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary
 activities before
 interest, taxation
 and amounts written
 off fixed asset
 investments            529.2         37.9  (28.9)     (18.6)     0.0
Profits on disposal
 of fixed assets          3.0
Amounts written off
 fixed asset
 investments             (5.0)
Investment income         0.0
Finance costs (shown
 net under UK GAAP)     (70.7)                           0.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary
 activities before
 taxation               456.5         37.9  (28.9)     (18.5)     0.0
Taxation on profit on
 ordinary activities   (140.2)                2.0       17.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary
 activities after
 taxation               316.3         37.9  (26.9)      (0.6)     0.0
Minority interests      (24.0)                           0.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit attributable
 to ordinary share
 owners                 292.3         37.9  (26.9)       0.0      0.0
Ordinary dividends      (92.0)                                   10.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained profit for
 the year               200.3         37.9  (26.9)       0.0     10.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline PBIT (1)       607.7          0.0  (28.9)     (18.6)     0.0
Headline PBIT (1)
 margin                  14.1%
Headline PBT (1)        537.0(2)       0.0  (28.9)     (18.5)     0.0
======================================================================

                                      IAS 12  Other Total IFRS  31 Dec
                                       Income       adjustment   2004
                                        Taxes                 Restated
                                                                 Under
                                                                  IFRS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        GBPm   GBPm     GBPm    GBPm

Revenue                                                       4,299.5
Operating profit before goodwill
 amortisation                                           (28.9)  530.7
Goodwill amortisation and impairment -
 subsidiaries                          (12.6)            21.8   (53.2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating profit                       (12.6)  0.0       (7.1)  477.5
Goodwill amortisation and impairment -
 associates                                               3.5     0.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Income from associates and joint
 ventures                                                 0.0    48.1
Tax, interest and minority interest on
 associates                                             (18.6)  (18.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income from associates and joint
 ventures                                               (18.6)   29.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary activities before
 interest, taxation and amounts
 written off fixed asset investments   (12.6)  0.0      (22.2)  507.0
Profits on disposal of fixed assets                               3.0
Amounts written off fixed asset
 investments                                                     (5.0)
Investment income                             56.4       56.4    56.4
Finance costs (shown net under UK
 GAAP)                                       (56.4)     (56.3) (127.0)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary activities before
 taxation                              (12.6)  0.0      (22.1)  434.4
Taxation on profit on ordinary
 activities                            (14.7)             5.2  (135.0)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit on ordinary activities after
 taxation                              (27.3)  0.0      (16.9)  299.4
Minority interests                            (3.0)      (2.4)  (26.4)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Profit attributable to ordinary share
 owners                                (27.3) (3.0)     (19.3)  273.0
Ordinary dividends                                       10.3   (81.7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained profit for the year           (27.3) (3.0)      (9.0)  191.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline PBIT (1)                        0.0   0.0      (47.5)  560.2
Headline PBIT (1) margin                                         13.0%
Headline PBT (1)                         0.0   0.0      (47.4)  489.6
======================================================================



(1) Headline PBIT: Profit on ordinary activities before interest, taxation, goodwill impairment and fixed asset gains and write-downs. Headline PBT: Profit on ordinary activities before taxation, goodwill impairment and fixed asset gains and write-downs.

(2) Restated to include interest on defined benefit pension schemes of GBP9.5m as a deduction from Headline profits. The Calculation of Headline PBIT and Headline PBT is set out in Appendix IV.
Appendix III

                             WPP GROUP PLC

        Preliminary results for the year ended 31 December 2004
           Unaudited consolidated summary interim cash flow
             statement for the year ended 31 December 2004


                                            UK GAAP     IFRS    IFRS
                                             (IFRS  adjustments
                                            format)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              GBPm     GBPm      GBPm

Net cash flows from operating activities     489.0      0.0     489.0

Investing activities
Acquisitions and disposals                  (218.2)            (218.2)
Purchases of property, plant and equipment   (95.6)             (95.6)
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
 equipment                                     9.3                9.3
Proceeds on disposal of current asset
 investments                                   9.3                9.3
Interest received                             48.9               48.9
Dividends from associates                     18.5               18.5
Net cash outflow from investing activities  (227.8)     0.0    (227.8)

Financing activities
Issue of shares                               17.9               17.9
Share repurchases and buybacks               (88.7)             (88.7)
Repayments of borrowings                     128.6              128.6
Financing and share issue costs               (5.0)              (5.0)
Equity dividends paid                        (81.7)             (81.7)
Dividends paid to minority shareholders in
 subsidiary undertakings                     (22.5)             (22.5)
Net cash outflow from financing activities   (51.4)     0.0     (51.4)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    209.8      0.0     209.8
Translation differences                      (44.6)             (44.6)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
 year                                      1,117.8            1,117.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   1,283.0      0.0   1,283.0


Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement
 in net debt:
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents    209.8      0.0     209.8
Cash inflow from (increase)/decrease in
 debt financing                             (124.2)            (124.2)
Debt acquired                                 (9.6)              (9.6)
Other movements                               (8.2)              (8.2)
Translation difference                        (6.7)    19.4      12.7
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Movement in net debt in the year              61.1     19.4      80.5
Net debt at beginning of period             (361.5)  (280.4)   (641.9)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt at end of period                   (300.4)  (261.0)   (561.4)
======================================================================


Appendix III

                             WPP GROUP PLC
              Unaudited preliminary consolidated balance
                     sheet as at 31 December 2004


                      31 Dec        IFRS 3     IAS 28    IAS 10 IAS 12
                         2004    Business  Associates Dividends Income
                    Reported  Combinations                         Tax
                        under
                      UK GAAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non current assets      GBPm        GBPm       GBPm      GBPm    GBPm
Intangible assets:
 Corporate brands      950.0       (207.4)
 Goodwill            4,845.7       (436.4)                      (12.6)
 Other                   0.0
Property plant and
 equipment             333.8
Deferred tax assets      0.0                                     91.8
Investments            389.3          3.2        1.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                     6,518.8       (640.6)       1.1       0.0   79.2
Current assets
Inventories and work
 in progress           220.6
Debtors              2,677.6                                    (76.6)
Trade debtors within
 working capital
 facility:
 Gross debts           545.7
 Non-returnable
  proceeds            (261.0)
                    ---------
                       284.7
Current asset
 investments
(short-term bank
 deposits)             244.0
Cash and cash
 equivalents         1,372.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                     4,798.9          0.0        0.0       0.0  (76.6)
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts
 falling due within
 one year           (5,220.0)                             62.6    0.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net current
 liabilities          (421.1)         0.0        0.0      62.6  (76.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets less
 current liabilities 6,097.7       (640.6)       1.1      62.6    2.6
Non current
 liabilities
Creditors: amounts
 falling due after
 more than one year
 (including
 convertible bonds) (1,852.6)
Deferred tax
 liabilities             0.0                                   (312.3)
Provisions for
 liabilities and
 charges               (91.2)         4.3
Post employment
 benefits             (187.8)                                   (14.4)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets           3,966.1       (636.3)       1.1      62.6 (324.1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital and reserves
Called up share
 capital               118.5
Share premium
 account             1,002.2
Shares to be issued     49.9
Merger reserve       2,920.6
Other reserves        (125.5)      (174.7)                       28.6
Own shares            (277.7)
Retained earnings      226.5       (461.6)       1.1      62.6 (352.7)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity share owners'
 funds               3,914.5       (636.3)       1.1      62.6 (324.1)
Minority interests      51.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital
 employed            3,966.1       (636.3)       1.1      62.6 (324.1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------


                                    IAS 38   Other    Total   31 Dec
                                Intangibles           IFRS    2004
                                       and         adjustment Restated
                                  software                    under
                                    reclass                   IFRS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Non current assets                   GBPm     GBPm     GBPm     GBPm
Intangible assets:
 Corporate brands                                     (207.4)   742.6
 Goodwill                             (7.0)           (456.0) 4,389.7
 Other                                31.0              31.0     31.0
Property plant and equipment         (24.0)            (24.0)   309.8
Deferred tax assets                                     91.8     91.8
Investments                                              4.3    393.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       0.0     0.0    (560.3) 5,958.5
Current assets
Inventories and work in
 progress                                                       220.6
Debtors                                                (76.6) 2,601.0
Trade debtors within working
 capital facility:
 Gross debts                                                    545.7
 Non-returnable proceeds                     261.0     261.0      0.0
                                           ---------------------------
                                             261.0     261.0    545.7
Current asset investments
(short-term bank deposits)                  (244.0)   (244.0)     0.0
Cash and cash equivalents                    244.0     244.0  1,616.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       0.0   261.0     184.4  4,983.3
Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due
 within one year                            (270.4)   (207.8)(5,427.8)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net current liabilities                0.0    (9.4)    (23.4)  (444.5)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets less current
 liabilities                           0.0    (9.4)   (583.7) 5,514.0
Non current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due
 after more than one year
 (including convertible bonds)                (2.6)     (2.6)(1,855.2)
Deferred tax liabilities                              (312.3)  (312.3)
Provisions for liabilities and
 charges                                                 4.3    (86.9)
Post employment benefits                               (14.4)  (202.2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets                             0.0   (12.0)   (908.7) 3,057.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital                                         118.5
Share premium account                                         1,002.2
Shares to be issued                                              49.9
Merger reserve                                                2,920.6
Other reserves                               181.0      34.9    (90.6)
Own shares                                                     (277.7)
Retained earnings                           (196.0)   (946.6)  (720.1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity share owners' funds             0.0   (15.0)   (911.7) 3,002.8
Minority interests                             3.0       3.0     54.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capital employed                 0.0   (12.0)   (908.7) 3,057.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix IV

                            WPP GROUP PLC
                 Impact of IFRS on Preliminary Results
                  For the year ended 31 December 2004


Reconciliation to Non-GAAP measures of performance

Reconciliation of profit on ordinary activities before interest,
taxation, fixed asset gains and write-downs to Headline PBIT for the
year ended 31 December 2004

                                                     UK GAAP      IFRS
                                                      GBP  m    GBP  m
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Profit on ordinary activities before interest,
 taxation, fixed asset gains and write-downs          529.2     507.0

Goodwill amortisation                                  42.5         -
Goodwill impairment                                    36.0      40.6
Goodwill write-down of historical deferred tax
 losses                                                   -      12.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline PBIT                                         607.7     560.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Reported margins

                                                     UK GAAP      IFRS
                                                      GBP  m    GBP  m
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Revenue                                             4,299.5   4,299.5
Headline PBIT                                         607.7     560.2

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline PBIT margin                                   14.1%     13.0%
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Appendix IV

Reconciliation of profit on ordinary activities before taxation to
Headline PBT and Headline earnings for the year ended 31 December 2004

                                                     UK GAAP      IFRS
                                                      GBP  m    GBP  m
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation         456.5     434.4

Goodwill amortisation                                  42.5         -
Goodwill impairment                                    36.0      40.6
Goodwill write-down of historical deferred tax
 losses                                                   -      12.6
Profits on disposal of fixed assets                    (3.0)     (3.0)
Amounts written off fixed asset investments             5.0       5.0

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline PBT                                         537.0(a)   489.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------


Taxation on profit on ordinary activities            (140.2)   (135.0)
Minority interests                                    (24.0)    (26.4)

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline earnings                                    372.8(a)   328.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Calculation of effective tax rate on Headline profit before tax

                                                     UK GAAP      IFRS
                                                      GBP  m    GBP  m
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Taxation on profit on ordinary activities            (140.2)   (135.0)
Headline PBT                                         537.0(a)   489.6

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective tax rate on Headline profit before tax     26.1%(a)    27.6%
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings per ordinary share

                                                 UK GAAP          IFRS
                                                  GBP  m        GBP  m
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Headline earnings                                372.8(a)       328.2
Earnings adjustment:
   Dilutive effect of convertible bonds            12.2          12.2
Weighted average number of ordinary
   shares                                 1,219,588,084 1,219,588,084

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Headline diluted earnings per ordinary
 share                                          31.6p(a)        27.9p
----------------------------------------------------------------------
(a)Restated to include interest on defined benefit pension schemes of
GBP 9.5m as a deduction from Headline profits.
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