annual report 2014 / 15
2014/2015 Annual Report
Table of
contents
Strategic Report
Introduction
Board and Governance
62
Board of Directors
08 Chairman’s Letter
66 Corporate Governance Report
10
12
Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer’s Letter
81
Directors’ Remuneration Report
Senior Leadership Team
104 Directors’ Report
Burberry Group Overview
17
Business Model
18 Operating Model
19
Channel Mix
20
Regional Mix
21
Product Mix
23 Market Overview
Core Strategies
27
Core Strategies
28
Key Performance Indicators
30
Inspire with the Brand
32
Realise Product Potential
34 Optimise Channels
36 Unlock Market Opportunity
38
Pursue Operational Excellence
40
Build our Culture
Burberry Impact
44
Burberry Impact
Performance
50 Group Financial Review
56
Principal Risks
Financial Statements
110 Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
111
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Burberry Group plc
116 Group Income Statement
117 Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
118 Group Balance Sheet
119 Group Statement of Changes in Equity
120 Group Statement of Cash Flows
120 Analysis of Net Cash
121 Notes to the Financial Statements
161 Five Year Summary
163
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members
of Burberry Group plc
165 Company Balance Sheet
166 Notes to the Company Financial Statements
171 Shareholder Information
2
2014/2015 Annual Report
Financial
Highlights
Revenue (Year to 31 March)
£2,523m
Adjusted profit before tax (Year to 31 March)
£456m
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2,523
2,330
1,999
1,857
1,501
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Adjusted profit before tax is stated before adjusting items.
Reported profit before tax £445m (2014: £444m)
Adjusted diluted EPS (Year to 31 March)
Net cash (As at 31 March)
76.9p
£552m
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Adjusted diluted EPS is stated before adjusting items.
Reported diluted EPS 75.1p (2014: 72.1p)
76.9
75.4
70.0
61.6
48.9
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Dividend per share (Year to 31 March)
Capital expenditure (Year to 31 March)
35.2p
£156m
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
35.2
32.0
29.0
25.0
20.0
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
Adjusted profit before tax and adjusted diluted EPS is defined in note 2 of the financial statements.
3
456
461
428
376
298
552
403
297
338
298
156
154
176
153
108
Strategic Report
08
Chairman’s letter
25 Core Strategies
10 Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer’s letter
44
Burberry Impact
12
15
Senior Leadership Team
Burberry Group Overview
50 Group Financial Review
56
Principal Risks
Introduction
This is Burberry’s Strategic Report for the financial year ending 31 March 2015.
The Report sets out information on the Burberry brand, business operations, strategy,
culture and its activities aimed at driving positive environmental and social impact.
The following messages from Sir John Peace and Christopher Bailey highlight
Burberry’s performance during the year and the outlook for the Company.
7
Strategic Report Sir John Peace
Chairman
Strategic Report – Introduction
Chairman’s
Letter
In the context of a dynamic year, Burberry
delivers a strong performance for 2014/15.
I am pleased to report that Burberry has delivered a strong
financial performance for 2014/15, with revenue of £2.5bn,
up 11% underlying and adjusted profit before tax of £456m,
up 7% underlying.
Against a challenging external environment and with rapidly
changing consumer behaviour, Burberry has evolved and
executed on its key strategies and initiatives. Principal
drivers of growth were the Company’s continuing investment
in retail and digital, as well as the global team’s focus on
our core products, the British-made Heritage trench coats
and cashmere scarves.
Burberry continued to deliver robust growth during the
year, reflecting the strength of the brand and its products,
underpinned by continued investment in key growth
initiatives. These included new stores in flagship markets,
digital infrastructure improvements (such as the upgraded
mobile site and inventory fulfilment in China), and increased
marketing, particularly focused on our flagship stores,
iconic products and festive periods.
This Report sets out further detail on the progress made
during the year across all our core strategies.
Dividend
The Group ended the year with a £552m cash balance, and
the Board has recommended a 10% increase in the full year
dividend to 35.2p, a dividend payout ratio of 46% up from
42% last year. Returns to shareholders remain a key priority
for the Board and as stated in our Report last year, the aim
is to move progressively to a 50% payout ratio over the
three years to the 2016/17 financial year.
8
Strategic Report – Introduction
Management and Board changes
This has been a dynamic year for Burberry with Christopher
Bailey’s leadership fully embedded and a number of other
changes made to the Board as it continues to evolve for
the future.
Christopher has set a clear vision for the evolution of
the Group’s strategic agenda to enable the Company
to continue to innovate and move forward to achieve
its future ambitions, while continuing to create value
for shareholders. In this, he is supported by an excellent
senior management team.
During the year, in addition to supporting the management
transition, the Board has continued to focus on building on
its relevant skills and competencies for the future under its
succession plan. The composition of the Board has evolved
significantly over the past two years with the appointment of
four new non-executive directors, including the appointment
of Carolyn McCall and Fabiola Arredondo during the year.
These appointments bring important skills and experience
to the Board reflecting the Group’s strategy.
Shareholder engagement
The Board’s dialogue with our shareholders has been
a key focus during the year. In particular the Board has
been reflecting carefully on the voting results of last year’s
Annual General Meeting. While we received 84% of votes
in favour of the Group’s remuneration policy, we were very
disappointed that we did not receive majority support for
the advisory vote on the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
Consequently, there has been significant engagement with
our shareholders and other stakeholders on remuneration
matters, as set out in detail in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 81 to 103.
Governance and diversity
As Chairman, I am committed to Burberry seeking to
operate to the highest standards of corporate governance.
An independent evaluation was undertaken of the Board
and our Committees during the year. I am pleased to report
that the results were positive and confirmed that the Board
operates effectively, in an open and collegiate manner.
While all Board appointments are made on merit, the Board
believes in the importance of a diverse Board and has
always had strong gender diversity among its membership,
including at executive level. Female Board members
currently comprise 33% of the Board, exceeding the goal
of 25% set by Lord Davies in his review of the diversity in
Britain’s FTSE 100 boardrooms. The Board will continue
to monitor diversity and take such steps as it considers
appropriate to maintain Burberry’s position as a
meritocratic and diverse business.
Our new strategy ‘Build our Culture’ reflects our continuing
commitment to building our unique culture and ensuring
that our values are reflected in everything we do.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead to 2015/16, with the external environment
becoming more uncertain in some markets since the start
of the year, Burberry will continue to tightly control costs,
invest selectively to drive growth while embedding more
productive and efficient processes throughout the
business. Key investments will include stores in flagship
markets, technology and continued digital enhancements.
Finally, we recognise that our continued success is
dependent upon the hard work of our talented global teams
and on behalf of the Board I would like to thank them all
for their efforts. I would also like to thank our customers,
shareholders and others who engage with the brand for
their continued support.
9
Strategic Report – Introduction
Chief Creative and Chief
Executive Officer’s Letter
2014/15 was another successful year for Burberry, as we moved forward
into our next chapter and evolved our strategies for a new era.
Christopher Bailey
Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer
As a ‘young, old’ company, we have always looked to the
past as we have embraced the future. And so this year,
perhaps more than any other in recent memory, has also
been about going back to our roots, about remembering
what made Burberry the company it is today, and
celebrating anew the timeless and authentic products
that embody our 159-year-old brand.
As we have been writing our next chapter, the world has
been changing around us, with macroeconomic uncertainty
and rapidly evolving consumer behaviour demanding ever-
greater agility and a more dynamic mindset to stay ahead.
Through all this, certain fundamentals have remained
constant. Our objective to outperform. Our open and
united culture. Our passionate and committed teams.
These have been – and remain – critical to our success.
And we are proud of our achievements this past year.
With revenues of £2.5bn, up 11% underlying, and adjusted
profit before tax of £456m, up 7% underlying, Burberry
delivered a strong financial performance despite some
challenging conditions for the luxury sector globally, most
notably in Hong Kong. While exchange rate movements
negatively impacted reported numbers for the year, the
underlying health of the business remained robust and
brand momentum continued, underpinned by our ongoing
investment in long-term growth initiatives. Highlights
included a 9% increase in comparable store sales,
reflecting our strategic focus on the retail channel; the
sustained outperformance of our digital business; and
double-digit growth in the Americas and EMEIA regions.
Four themes have shaped this performance, guiding
our strategic focus and becoming the touchstones for
everything we do.
Our commitment to the principles of Brand First and
Famous for Product was vividly expressed during the year
in a global celebration of our heritage that emphatically
reasserted our identity and our brand.
At its core were the iconic, British-made trench coats and
cashmere scarves that represent the heart of our product
offer. We took the heritage trench back to its roots with a
10
Strategic Report – Introduction
radical simplification of styles that reconnected customers
to its meaning and purpose, while also bringing the scarf
centre stage to launch our first monogramming service
online. Every major brand event and initiative over the year
restated our pride in the craftsmanship of these products
and in our British roots, alongside the passion for music
and digital innovation that have become every bit as
relevant to our contemporary brand identity. From the
introduction of the runway poncho and the launch of
My Burberry, to our Festive partnership with Printemps in
Paris and a major brand event that brought the streets of
London to life in Shanghai, we aimed to make this unique
brand signature unmistakable – and unmissable.
The energy with which we pursued our brand and product
goals during the year was mirrored by a relentless focus
on being Customer-centric – the third of our four guiding
themes. The merging of our online and offline worlds
remained a hallmark of our efforts here, as we sought
to provide outstanding experiences to a luxury customer
who is ever more global, and ever more digital. Initiatives
including the relaunch of our mobile site and the roll-out
of our ‘Collect-in-Store’ programme resonated strongly,
as did the expansion of third-party digital partnerships
– giving customers on leading platforms globally a more
authentic experience of our brand. And we continued
to invest in enhancing our data and insight capabilities,
knowing that the key to serving our customers better is
understanding them better.
Stores remain a critical part of how customers experience
our brand in an omnichannel world, and we continued to
refine our physical presence in both retail and wholesale
during the year. New openings included a magnificent
flagship relocation in Los Angeles on Rodeo Drive, while
further investment in Travel Retail reinforced the exciting
future potential of this channel for the brand. Meanwhile,
in Japan, the outstanding customer response to the
global collection in our own retail stores underscored
our confidence in the prospects for this market under
direct operation, the transition to which we will complete
in the coming year.
The final theme shaping our activity has been our
commitment to becoming more Productive and
Responsible in everything we do.
As we look to build on the investments of recent years
to drive enhanced profitability, we are embedding a more
productive and efficient mindset throughout the business.
While we anticipate gains will build over time, some early
progress in 2014/15 points the way for the future – with an
intense focus on retail productivity, greater scrutiny of
operating costs and streamlined governance arrangements
all bringing benefits during the year. We know we have more
to do in this area and are developing plans to realise more
improvements over the coming years. Our collective will
to make progress is clear.
Alongside this push for greater productivity, we also placed
ever-greater emphasis on our drive towards social and
environmental responsibility over the year. Highlights
included the launch of a sustainable cotton farming
initiative in Peru; becoming the first luxury retailer and
manufacturer to gain full UK Living Wage accreditation;
and the creation of opportunities for the next generation
of talent through external partnerships and the work of the
Burberry Foundation, which remained the main beneficiary
of the 1% of annual profits we donate to charitable causes.
And, because we believe that greater shared responsibility
towards the communities and environment in which we
operate must go hand in hand with a strong sense of
individual responsibility to each other, we continued to
foster greater connectivity and a ‘one team’ mentality
across Burberry, including moving to a fully open-plan
working environment in our London headquarters. Named
by LinkedIn as the 36th most in-demand employer globally
in 2014, we know how important our unique culture is to
attracting and retaining the best talent, and to delivering
on our strategic ambitions. Our creation of a new cultural
strategy reflects this importance, and it will remain
a priority.
We end the year proud of our global teams’ achievements
in an external environment that presented challenges for
the luxury sector as a whole, and aware that experts predict
continued volatility into 2015/16 and beyond. In this context
we will maintain our focus on the things we can control,
staying agile and responsive to change as we target sector
outperformance through opportunities across channels,
product categories and markets. We have never been
clearer as a team about where we need to focus, nor
more united in pursuit of our goals.
To conclude, I would like to extend my thanks to the near
11,000-strong Burberry community for their exceptional
achievements over the year, and to the external network
of partners, customers and shareholders who play such
an important part in our success. It is my privilege to
be working alongside you at this Company that I love,
and of which we are all intensely proud.
11
12
Senior Leadership Team pictured left to right:
Paul Price Chief Merchandising Officer
Steve Sacks Chief Customer Officer
Donald Kohler Chief Merchandising Operations Officer
Simona Cattaneo Senior Vice President, Beauty
Fabrizio Fabbro Senior Vice President, Creative Operations
John Smith Chief Operating Officer
Sarah Manley Chief Marketing Officer
Michael Mahony Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and General Counsel
Roberto Canevari Chief Supply Chain Officer
Christopher Bailey Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer
Greg Stogdon Senior Vice President, Creative Media
Matt McEvoy Chief of Strategy and New Business Development
Luc Goidadin Chief Design Officer
Andrew Maag Chief Executive Officer, EMEIA & Americas
Jan Heppe President, Americas
Carol Fairweather Chief Financial Officer
Pascal Perrier Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific
Stephen Gilbert Senior Vice President, Architecture
13
Strategic Report
Burberry group
overview
Burberry is a global British luxury brand with a heritage of design, innovation
and craftsmanship. The following pages set out the Company’s business and
operating models and information relating to its sales channels, regional
presence, products and the external market in which it operates.
15
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
BUSINESS MODEL: A DISTINCTIVE
GLOBAL LUXURY BRAND
Founded in 1856, Burberry is a global luxury brand with a distinctive British
identity. Since then, the brand has built a reputation for design, innovation
and craftsmanship. With the invention of gabardine by Thomas Burberry
more than 130 years ago, outerwear has been at the core of the business and
remains so today – best expressed through the iconic Burberry trench coat.
The Company designs, makes, sources and sells products
under the Burberry brand. Product design and development
are centred in Burberry’s London headquarters. Fabrics
and other materials are bought from, and finished products
manufactured at, both Company-owned facilities in the UK
and through an external supplier network, predominantly
located in Europe. Creative and marketing content and
programmes are developed internally to engage and
connect the brand and its products with consumers.
Burberry products are sold globally through its stores and
Burberry.com, as well as through third-party wholesale
customers, both offline and online. In a few selected areas,
Burberry uses the product and distribution expertise of
licensing partners to develop the business. These activities
are executed by a global team of almost 11,000 employees.
Four key themes underpin the Company’s strategic agenda, shaping and
connecting its global activities. These key themes are set out below.
Brand first
The business is led by the brand, with decisions taken
in its best long-term interests.
· Authentic British heritage with rich cultural and
historical associations.
· Craftsmanship, innovation, design and creativity
are key characteristics.
· Broad global appeal across genders and generations.
· Global engagement driven by innovative creative content
and experiences, supported by digital, social and
traditional media.
Famous for product
Burberry is committed to the creation of authentic and
distinctive products and continuous innovation in design
and manufacturing.
· Globally recognised iconic products, including the
British-made Heritage trench coat and cashmere scarf.
· Product divisions are Womens, Mens and Childrens
apparel, Accessories, and Beauty (which includes
fragrance and make-up).
Customer-centric
The customer is central to the Company’s activities.
Burberry aims to be sector-leading in understanding,
engaging and serving its customers, both online
and offline.
· A culture of continuous improvement in the design and
execution of customer-facing initiatives and services.
· Online and in-store innovations which work together
to create a seamless experience wherever customers
encounter the brand.
Productive and responsible
More productive and efficient ways of working are a
priority across the organisation, together with ensuring
a culture of responsibility.
· Committed to sustainable business practices.
· Driving efficiency and productivity across the
organisation through the effective use of technology
and resources.
· A team-orientated approach, empowering a highly
connected organisation.
17
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
Operating
model
The business is structured by channel, region and
product division, supported by corporate functions.
Business Model
Design
Make
Source
Sell
Function
Design and
Creative Media
Product Development, Supply Chain,
Merchandising and Planning
Marketing, Architecture,
Customer Insight
People, Operations,
Information Technology, Finance, Corporate Affairs
Product
Region
Channel
Accessories, Womens, Mens, Children, Beauty
Asia Pacific, EMEIA*,
Americas
Retail (online and offline),
Wholesale, Licensing
* Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
18
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
Channel
mix
Burberry sells its products through retail (online and offline) and
wholesale channels. For 2014/15, retail accounted for 71% of revenue
and wholesale 26%. Burberry also has licensing agreements globally,
leveraging the local and technical expertise of its licence partners.
Revenue by channel
Growth is presented underlying and is calculated at constant exchange rates
Licensing
£68m
unchanged
Wholesale
£648m
+6%
Retail
£1,807m
+14%
Retail
Includes 214 mainline stores, 213 concessions
within department stores, digital commerce
and 57 outlets
· 14% underlying growth
· 9% comparable sales growth
· 16 mainline store openings, including
Los Angeles and Osaka flagships and
seven airport stores
Wholesale
Includes sales to department stores, multi-
brand specialty accounts, travel retail and
franchisees who operate 67 Burberry stores,
and Beauty to around 80 distributors globally
· 6% underlying growth (1% excluding
· Beauty wholesale revenue of £175m,
Beauty)
up 25% underlying
Licensing
Includes income from Burberry’s licensees,
approximately 80% from Japan with the
balance from global product licences (eyewear
and watches) and the European wholesale
childrens licence
· Unchanged revenue underlying
· £53m of royalty income from Japan
· Global product licences (watches and
in last full year of operation
eyewear) broadly unchanged underlying
The Japan licence will expire during 2015/16.
For information on plans for Burberry in Japan
see ‘Unlock Market Opportunity’ on page 36.
19
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
regional
mix
Burberry operates in three regions. For 2014/15, Asia Pacific
represented 38% of retail/wholesale revenue, Europe, Middle East,
India and Africa (EMEIA) 35% and Americas 27%.
Retail/wholesale revenue by destination
Growth is presented underlying and is calculated at constant exchange rates
Americas
£648m
Mainline stores: 78
Concession stores: 8
Asia Pacific
£938m
Mainline stores: 63
Concession stores: 143
EMEIA
£869m
Mainline stores: 73
Concession stores: 62
Americas
· 16% underlying growth
· Retail accounted for about 65% of revenue
· Double-digit comparable sales growth
· Digital penetration in the USA more than
twice the global average
Asia Pacific
· 9% underlying growth
· Retail accounted for over 85% of revenue
· Mid single-digit comparable sales growth
· Hong Kong impacted by a significant
decline in footfall in the second half
EMEIA · 12% underlying growth
· Retail accounted for over 65% of revenue
· Double-digit comparable sales growth
· About half of mainline sales were made
to travelling luxury customers
20
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
product
mix
Burberry has a diversified product offering across apparel, accessories and
beauty. For 2014/15, accessories represented 36% of retail/wholesale
revenue, womens 30%, mens 23%, childrens 3% and Beauty 8%.
Retail/wholesale revenue by product
Growth is presented underlying and is calculated at constant exchange rates
Beauty
£185m
+26%
Childrens
£78m
+1%
Mens
£557m
+10%
Accessories
£892m
+12%
Womens
£743m
+11%
Accessories
· 12% underlying growth
· Heritage scarves and runway-inspired
· Mens represented about 20% of total
ponchos outperformed
accessories sales
Womens
· 11% underlying growth
· Heritage trench coats drove growth
· Strong performance from dresses,
an underpenetrated category
Mens · 10% underlying growth
· Heritage trench coats drove growth
· Strong performance from tailoring
· Further rationalisation in USA wholesale;
good growth in retail
21
Childrens
· 1% underlying growth
· Growth driven by wholesale, as optimise
presence in retail
Beauty
· 26% underlying growth
· Underpinned by successful launch
· Opened second standalone Burberry
of My Burberry fragrance
Beauty Box globally, in Seoul
Strategic Report – Burberry Group Overview
MARKET
OVERVIEW
Macroeconomic environment
Growth during 2014 was weaker than analysts expected,
with the global economy growing 3.4%, in line with 2013.
The year was marked by geopolitical concerns over Russia
and the Middle East and renewed anxiety over the future of
the Eurozone. Across the world, inflation remained low, driven
by an oil price that more than halved over the course of the
year. Among major economies, the USA rebounded after
a slow start. Annual GDP in the USA grew to 2.4% with
consumer confidence rising, helped by strong employment
growth and the drop in energy prices. In Asia, China’s
economy grew by 7.4%, a slight deceleration on 7.8%
in 2013 as property prices and fixed investment slowed.
Following a strong 2013, the Japanese economy fell back
into recession in the second quarter, with consumer
consumption severely impacted by the sales tax increase.
The Eurozone area returned to growth despite increasing
political uncertainty across the region. An acceleration from
Europe’s largest economy, Germany, from 0.2% to 1.5%
over the year offset flat growth in France and ongoing
recession in Italy. Across key developing luxury markets
growth was weak, most notably in Russia and Brazil.
Luxury sector*
Markets
Against this difficult global backdrop, analysts estimate
that luxury sector sales growth at retail value slowed
slightly to 2% in 2014, following growth of 3% in 2013. At
constant exchange rates, the sector grew at closer to 5%,
a slight slowdown on the previous year. As with the wider
economy, the key driver of overall sector growth during
the year was the USA, where the luxury market grew at 6%
at constant exchange rates, from 9% in 2013. Local luxury
consumption continued to strengthen, while tourists,
most notably from China, were becoming an increasingly
important growth driver. Hong Kong, one of the world’s
largest luxury markets, was severely impacted by the
disruptions in the latter part of 2014, which affected retail
sales and Chinese tourist flows. Mainland China† luxury
sales contracted in real terms, as government policies
on gift giving continued to impact demand. Despite
the slowdown in mainland China, the travelling Chinese
consumer continued to drive luxury growth in other
regions, particularly to the rest of Asia and Europe.
Europe remained a more challenging luxury market,
growing 2% at constant exchange rates, compared with
4% in 2013. Tourist spend, a fundamental driver of sales
in the region, slowed across most nationalities, particularly
in relation to Russian and Japanese consumers. Despite
the wider economic difficulties in the country, Japan was
the best performing luxury market in real terms, with 10%
growth. Local consumption helped to maintain momentum
despite price increases, while increasing Chinese tourist
flows also helped support growth. South Korea also
benefited from increasing Chinese tourist travel flows to
the country, with growth of 4% at constant exchange rates.
Channels
Globally, digital commerce continued to increase in
importance, growing 30% in the year at constant exchange
rates. While this channel was dominated by the USA, the
fastest growth rates were in Asia. Key structural changes
in digital commerce included mobile which was gaining
market share and shortened delivery times which were
creating competition with physical stores. The growth of
digital, both for sales and communication, had encouraged
brands to increase their focus on their ‘omni-channel’
presence. Airports were becoming an increasingly
important luxury sales channel, growing 10% in the year
and accounting for 5% of the luxury market globally. While
this channel had always been key for fragrance and make-
up sales, improving infrastructure and the growth of global
travel had increasingly led luxury brands to expand their
product offering to include apparel and accessories. Retail
remains the main growth driver for the industry, helping to
offset ongoing rationalisation across the wholesale channel.
Products
Considering demand across product categories,
accessories continued to outperform, growing at 4%, with
strong momentum from men’s accessories. Within apparel,
womens grew ahead of mens, which was impacted by
slowing mens sales among Chinese consumers.
Outlook
Industry analysts forecast that the luxury sector will
grow by low to mid-single digits in the medium term at
constant exchange rates, driven by American and Chinese
consumers, although the growth of domestic consumption
in China is expected to decelerate. The outlook in Hong
Kong remains uncertain. Long-term growth is supported
by favourable demographics, particularly the expansion of
the consuming classes in emerging markets and increasing
urbanisation. It is also supported by the expected
continuation of favourable socio-economic trends including
the growth of global travel and increasing digitisation.
Note:
References are to calendar years, unless otherwise stated.
* Bain & Company and Fondazione Altagamma 2014 Luxury Goods
Worldwide Market Report (October 2014).
† Mainland China excludes Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
23
Core Strategies
Burberry has focused on consistently delivering against its strategies.
During the year, these strategies have evolved to more accurately reflect
the current shape of the business and the scope of the Company’s future
ambitions, and are set out on the following pages.
25
Strategic Report Strategic Report – Core Strategies
core STRATEGIes
Burberry has focused on consistently delivering against its strategies, which have
underpinned its growth. During the year, Burberry evolved its core strategies to more
accurately reflect the current shape of the business and the scope of its future ambitions.
The five core strategies have evolved as set out below. The new sixth strategy, ‘Build our Culture’ has been added
to recognise the importance of Burberry’s culture and values, and how these are critical to its overall success.
‘Leverage the Franchise’
becomes ‘Inspire with the Brand’
To express more clearly the Company’s focus on ensuring Burberry
speaks to consumers with one equally inspiring and authentic brand
voice, wherever they encounter the brand.
‘Intensify Accessories’
becomes ‘Realise Product Potential’
To reflect the more balanced product mix and growth opportunities
across all Burberry product categories.
‘Accelerate Retail-led Growth’
becomes ‘Optimise Channels’
To recognise the successful evolution of the Company’s operating model
towards the retail channel and an enhanced focus on optimising all routes
to market whether directly operated or third party, both online and offline.
‘Invest in Underpenetrated Markets’
becomes ‘Unlock Market Opportunity’
To encompass opportunities to evolve and elevate the Company’s
footprint in both developed and younger markets.
‘Pursue Operational Excellence’
To expand the historical focus on operations to encompass efforts to
drive enhanced efficiency and productivity across all business areas.
‘Build our Culture’
A new strategy to reflect Burberry’s continued commitment to building its
unique culture, ensuring its values are reflected in everything it does.
The following pages set out the Company’s key activities throughout the year in executing these core strategies, and how it
measures its performance using key performance indicators. As the Company’s strategies have evolved, these measures
have also been reviewed and refined.
27
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
Key performance
indicators
The Company assesses its performance against a wide range of measures. These key
performance indicators (KPIs) help management measure progress against the Company’s
core strategies. As Burberry has evolved its core strategies, it has reviewed its KPIs.
Financial measures
The Board believes it is important to ensure alignment between executive management’s strategic focus and the long-term
interests of shareholders. Certain elements of executive remuneration are based on performance against the following
measures, which are linked to core strategies as shown. For details of the Group’s remuneration policy, see pages 83 to 103.
KPI
Strategy Measure
Revenue growth*
This measures the appeal of the Burberry brand
to customers, however its products are sold.
For more detail on the Company’s revenue
performance see pages 50 to 55.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
£m Underlying
growth
+11%
2,523
2,330
+17%
1,999
+8%
1,857
+23%
1,501
+24%
Performance
Revenue in FY 2015 grew by 11% at constant exchange rates, led by 14% growth in retail. Wholesale grew by 6% while
Licensing was unchanged, both in line with guidance.
Retail
Wholesale
Licensing
Adjusted PBT growth*#
Adjusted PBT growth is introduced as a
measure to align KPIs with those metrics which
are used in determining executive remuneration.
Adjusted PBT growth is a key measure used by
investors to assess the underlying performance
of the Company.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
£m Underlying
growth
+7%*
456
461
+8%*
428
+13%*
376
+24%*
298
+36%*
Performance
Adjusted PBT in FY 2015 reached £456m, after a foreign exchange impact of £38m, giving 7% growth at constant exchange
rates. Growth at constant exchange rates was 8% for Retail/Wholesale, and 1% for Licensing.
Adjusted retail/wholesale return
on invested capital~
Return on invested capital is introduced as a
measure to align KPIs with those metrics which
are used in determining executive remuneration.
Adjusted retail/wholesale ROIC measures the
efficient use of capital to deliver attractive returns
on incremental investment, which is important
given the Group’s investment in new projects. It
is calculated as the post-tax adjusted operating
profit divided by average operating assets over
the period for the retail/wholesale segment.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
%
+17.8
+19.6
+19.0
+20.0
+19.2
Performance
Retail/wholesale return on invested capital in FY 2015 was 17.8%, impacted by adverse exchange rate movements and
ongoing investment in the business including the evolution of the retail store portfolio.
Core strategies
Inspire with
the Brand
Realise Product
Potential
Optimise
Channels
Unlock Market
Opportunity
Pursue Operational
Excellence
Build our
Culture
28
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
KPI
Strategy Measure
Comparable sales growth
This measures the growth in productivity of
existing stores. It is calculated as the annual
percentage increase in sales from retail stores
that have been open for more than 12 months,
adjusted for closures and refurbishments and
includes all digital revenue.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
%
9
12
5
14
11
Performance
Comparable sales growth in FY 2015 was 9%, with double-digit growth from EMEIA and Americas and mid-single digit
growth in Asia Pacific as growth in Hong Kong slowed in the second half of the financial year.
Adjusted retail/wholesale operating margin#
This measures how the business balances
operational leverage and disciplined cost control,
with thoughtful investment for future growth,
building the long term value of the brand.
2015
2014
2013
2012
%
16.3
17.5
17.8
16.4
Performance
Operating margin in FY 2015 was 16.3% (16.9% at constant exchange rates) reflecting the impact of adverse exchange rate
movements, the modest benefit from operating leverage and tight cost control offset by various factors including a one-off
inventory cost and regional mix shifts.
2011
15.6
Adjusted diluted EPS growth#
Growth in EPS reflects the increase in
profitability of the business and is a key
valuation metric for Burberry’s shareholders.
2015
2014
2013
2012
Pence Reported
growth
+2%
76.9
75.4
+8%
70.0
+14%
61.6
+26%
Performance
Adjusted diluted EPS in FY 2015 was 76.9p, up 2%, reflecting the underlying growth in the business and the adverse impact
of exchange rate movements on reported profits.
2011
48.9
+39%
Non-financial measures
Non-financial measures have a useful role alongside financial measures to inform decision making and to evaluate Group
performance. For detail on Burberry’s efforts to drive positive social and environmental impact globally, including progress
against 2017 environmental targets, see pages 44 to 47. Burberry’s reporting in these areas will continue to be developed
in the future.
The Company believes that the KPIs set out above more effectively measure progress against the evolved core strategies.
The KPIs of growth in accessories, number of stores, number of stores in emerging markets and retail/wholesale gross
margin are no longer included. For more information on the Group’s performance during the year see the Group Financial
Review on pages 50 to 55.
Note:
For definition of underlying growth see page 50.
* At constant exchange rates.
# For definition of Adjusted see page 50.
~ For a reconciliation of Return on Invested Capital see page 162.
29
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
INSPIRE WITH
THE BRAND
Speak to consumers with one equally authentic and inspiring
brand voice, wherever they encounter the brand.
As a ‘young, old’ company Burberry has always looked
to the past while embracing innovation, celebrating anew
the timeless and authentic products that embody the
brand. This way of thinking underpins how Burberry
connects with its customers globally, whether through
its runway shows, marketing innovations, campaign talent
or music, using digital and customer insight to enhance
customer experiences.
· Beauty, the Group’s fifth product division, was an integral
feature of the Womenswear shows with the introduction
of exclusive runway looks and the latest nail collections
available immediately following the show through the
‘Runway Made To Order’ service. This was evolved
at the S/S15 show where Burberry was the first brand
to sell Beauty products to consumers in the USA via
Twitter’s ‘Buy Now’ functionality.
During the year, this spirit was embodied by the Heritage
campaign which continued to elevate Burberry’s British-
made iconic products, the Heritage trench coat and
cashmere scarf.
Key focus areas during 2014/15:
Runway shows
The runway shows take place four times a year in London
and are streamed live globally, connecting audiences
ever closer to the brand. Burberry explored new ways to
enhance the experience through innovative collaborations.
· A new YouTube functionality at the S/S15 Womenswear
show enabled audiences to move across multiple
interlinking videos and pieces of content.
· Burberry partnered with LINE offering Japanese users
access to the first-ever live stream on the platform, which
allowed them to watch Burberry’s A/W15 Womenswear
runway show in real time.
· Burberry also partnered with Twitter to offer users the
chance to capture pictures of the A/W15 Womenswear
show, live from the runway, from anywhere in the world
through Tweetcam.
· Music remained central to the expression of the brand,
with live performances at Burberry shows by British
talent, including artists featured on the Burberry Acoustic
online platform. The live tracks from the runway shows
are available to download on iTunes.
Flagship markets
Burberry opened several new stores in flagship markets in
the year, accompanied by city-wide events and extensive
marketing and social media campaigns.
· The Shanghai flagship opening was marked by the
‘Dreams of London’ celebration, bringing the creativity
and heritage of the brand from London to Shanghai.
Burberry partnered with WeChat to allow followers
globally to enhance their experience of the event through
their mobile devices. Media and online activity around
the event drove brand awareness and engagement both
in the region and globally.
· Burberry celebrated the opening of its new Los Angeles
flagship on Rodeo Drive with the highlight being the
‘London in Los Angeles’ event at the iconic Griffith
Observatory. Burberry launched on Snapchat as part
of this event, and used the new live streaming service
Periscope to offer the first ever ‘red carpet to runway’
stream on the platform. A series of other activities in
the city showcased the brand and Los Angeles including
‘Art of the Trench in Los Angeles’, Burberry’s social
platform celebrating the trench coat, and an exclusive
limited edition product collection.
· Further progress was made with the Company’s plans to
transform its operations in Japan, including the opening
of directly operated stores offering the global collection.
· In December, Burberry celebrated the opening of the
new standalone Beauty store in Seoul, South Korea.
Its first in Asia, the store is inspired by the first Burberry
Beauty Box in Covent Garden, London, bringing together
fashion, accessories and Beauty in a retail environment.
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Strategic Report – Core Strategies
Marketing innovation
To engage consumers with the brand, Burberry developed
increasingly personalised and connected experiences
across consumer touchpoints. Burberry again finished the
year as one of the most followed luxury brands on social
media, including over 16 million fans on Facebook, over
three million on Twitter and over two million on Instagram.
‘Heritage’ was a key theme developed throughout
the year to celebrate Burberry’s relaunch of its iconic
British-made trench coats and scarves, as well as a
focus on personalisation.
My Burberry/Heritage
· My Burberry, the new fragrance for women, was
introduced in September and was synchronised with
the Heritage relaunch. The campaign featured iconic
British models Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne wearing
Burberry Heritage trench coats.
· As part of the focus on personalisation, a new
monogramming service for My Burberry bottles was
introduced on Burberry.com and in selected retail and
wholesale stores. Customers were also able to interact
digitally with the campaign on billboards at selected
sites from London to New York and across social
media platforms.
Festive
· Burberry launched its global festive campaign ‘From
London with Love’, featuring a film with Romeo Beckham.
The film resulted in record engagement levels for the
brand across traditional and social media, with five
million views across Facebook and YouTube at the end
of the first week of launch and over nine million views on
these platforms by Christmas 2014. The global campaign
was also viewed worldwide across outdoor advertising,
cinema, and on Burberry’s ten social media platforms.
· Key partnerships also helped to strengthen the
brand’s presence in flagship markets. Burberry was
the first British luxury brand to partner with the French
department store Printemps for its festive celebrations,
taking over the atrium, windows and façade of its Paris
flagship store with interactive displays and offering
exclusive limited edition products.
External recognition
Burberry continued to be recognised externally for both
its creative and commercial leadership.
· 400 global magazine covers.
· Christopher Bailey was awarded ‘Designer Of The Year’
at the British GQ ‘Men Of The Year Awards’.
· Listed in Interbrand ‘Top 100 Global Brands’ for the sixth
consecutive year.
· Recognised by Fast Company as the seventh most
innovative brand in retail.
· Burberry was ranked the sixth most powerful brand
globally in the annual ‘Global 500’ report published
by Brand Finance.
31
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
REALISE PRODUCT
POTENTIAL
Reinforce the Company’s outerwear leadership while continuing to
realise the brand’s potential across all apparel and accessory categories.
Burberry’s focused attention on accessories in recent
years has contributed to the growth of this product
category, which will remain an important future growth
driver. The Company will also focus on underdeveloped
product categories, maximising opportunities in all mens
product categories and the further development of Beauty.
During the year, Burberry continued to lead in outerwear
with strong customer demand for Heritage trench coats
and scarves following the Heritage relaunch. Burberry
also reinforced its dominant position in soft accessories
such as scarves, and continued to develop bags and small
leather goods. Combined, mainline sales of outerwear
and soft accessories grew by nearly 20% in the year.
Key focus areas during 2014/15:
Heritage
· The relaunch of Burberry’s British-made Heritage trench
coats and scarves included a simplified assortment of
coats, with standardised fits, colours and elevated
features, while monogramming was introduced for
cashmere scarves. The roll-out to over 300 stores was
supported by sales associate training. Heritage trench
coats and scarves featured across key brand and
marketing activities.
Mens
· Mens, an underpenetrated product category, increased
sales by 10% underlying. Retail significantly outperformed
wholesale, where repositioning continued in the USA in
particular. Mainline retail sales were driven by outerwear,
supported by core replenishment styles and tailoring.
Accessories
· Heritage scarves drove growth in mens and womens
accessories. The introduction of monogramming online
for scarves attracted a very strong customer response.
The monogrammed poncho, which featured in the A/W14
Womenswear show finale, also generated strong
consumer and media interest.
· Growth in womens large leather goods was supported
by an increased focus on key shapes and success in
signature grain leather bags.
Beauty
· The linkage between Beauty and fashion continued
to drive the vision for the Beauty business and was a
key differentiator for the brand. Beauty delivered 26%
underlying growth in the year. Growth in fragrance
(over 95% of Beauty revenue) was underpinned by the
successful launch of My Burberry, product extensions
around Brit Rhythm and a strong operational supply chain.
· The launch of My Burberry, inspired by the trench coat,
supported the Heritage relaunch and the personalisation
theme including the monogramming offer. The fragrance
launch was Burberry’s most successful to date.
· Burberry continued its development of make-up as it
expanded its product portfolio. The new ‘Eye Statement’
and ‘Fresh Glow BB Cream’ ranges were launched
alongside the core campaigns which featured key looks
and products.
· My Burberry was recognised externally with leading industry
awards including the ‘Prix D’Or’ at the FiFi Awards, and
‘Prix International du Parfum’ in Marie Claire.
3232
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
OPTIMISE
CHANNELS
Optimise all routes to market, both online and offline, owned and third-party,
with a clear emphasis on enhancing retail productivity and service.
Burberry has been successful in shifting its operating
model towards the retail channel. As a result the Company
has broadened its focus on improving and optimising all
routes to market.
During the year this included the elevation of wholesale
and third-party digital relationships as well as initiatives
to enhance retail productivity. Retail sales grew by 14%
underlying during the year, to reach 71% of Group revenue
(up from 70% in 2013/14).
Key focus areas during 2014/15:
Blurring physical and digital experiences
As luxury consumers become increasingly mobile and
global, Burberry continued to invest in digital commerce.
Online and in-store innovations worked together to create
a seamless experience wherever customers encountered
the brand.
· Burberry.com was the brand’s largest store in terms of
traffic and sales, servicing 44 countries in 11 languages.
· To further improve the user experience, Burberry
enhanced its mobile site and invested in search engine
and browser optimisation, data analytics, customer
management tools and delivery options.
· The roll-out of Collect-in-Store continued and was
available in around 200 stores worldwide across 24
countries, including China and Japan. This accounted
for over 20% of digital revenue.
Focused store investment
Burberry focused on strengthening the Group’s store
network through openings in key locations, and the
optimisation of the existing portfolio through relocations,
renovations and some closures.
· Burberry opened 16 mainline stores and closed 17
during the year, bringing the total number of stores
to 214 globally at the year end. Over half of the store
openings were in flagship markets, including Los Angeles
and Tokyo, with seven airport stores, predominantly in
Europe, capitalising on the opportunities in travel retail.
· 12 concessions were opened during the year, including
in Japan and the Middle East. Twenty-six concessions
were closed, reflecting the further planned elevation
of the portfolio in China and other parts of Asia Pacific,
including South Korea.
Driving retail productivity
With the customer at the centre of all activities, Burberry
focused on improving sales productivity online and in
stores. Comparable sales growth was 9%, as product
and customer service initiatives drove average selling
price and conversion, against ongoing weakness
in consumer traffic in store.
· Burberry continued to invest in customer insight and
analytics to better understand the core luxury consumer,
helping to drive improved service and retail productivity.
· Burberry introduced its customer value management
programme (CVM), a loyalty and retention tool used globally
to serve customers better. The programme had been
successfully rolled out to over 300 stores worldwide.
· Ongoing investments were made in sales associate
and store manager training, along with service initiatives
such as the Burberry Private Clients and Customer
1-2-1 programmes.
· Merchandising activities were refined to provide
customers with a clearer and more compelling
product assortment offering.
Third-party digital partnerships
To complement Burberry.com, Burberry partnered with
third-party digital retailers including existing wholesale
partners as well as Amazon and Tmall, to provide an
authentic, consistent brand experience and to enable
Burberry products to reach a wider customer audience.
· Burberry was one of the first brands to launch a dedicated
fragrance presence on Amazon’s luxury beauty online
store in the US, which was later rolled out in the UK,
France and Germany.
· Burberry launched dedicated online stores on Tmall.com
in China and SSG.com in South Korea.
34
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
Unlock market
opportunity
Fully realise Burberry’s opportunities among key consumer groups
and geographic markets – developed, young and newly opened.
Burberry aims to further evolve its footprint and positioning in
both developed and younger markets. Future opportunities
for the brand in China and Japan are an important part of
this, along with other areas of geographic focus including
the travel strategy and continued elevation of the business
in the USA.
Key focus areas during 2014/15:
Engaging the Chinese luxury consumer
Burberry continued to focus on improving engagement
with, and enhancing the service offering to, the Chinese
luxury consumer both while shopping in China and abroad.
Burberry achieved double-digit percentage revenue growth
from the Chinese customer globally in retail, although this
slowed somewhat during the second half of the year. In
Hong Kong there was a decrease in spend from Chinese
customers during the second half of the year, reflecting
disruption in this high margin market.
· Burberry continued to evolve and elevate its store
portfolio in China. Closing a net of 10 stores in the year,
the portfolio currently consists of 68 stores. A further
five net closures and a small reduction in average selling
space were planned for 2015/16.
· Brand engagement included the ‘Dreams of London’
event in Shanghai, which celebrated the opening of
its largest store in Asia in Shanghai’s Kerry Centre,
and an ‘Art of the Trench’ event in Hong Kong.
· To coincide with the key festivals of Lunar New Year
and Golden Week, Burberry launched festive campaigns,
including an exclusive edit of the film ‘From London
with Love’ and bespoke product assortments in China,
key tourist destinations around the world, and on
Burberry.com.
· Collect-in-Store was rolled out to selected stores in China
and delivery times for orders made on Burberry.com
were reduced significantly to further enhance the service
offering to consumers in that market.
Transforming Japan
With the Japan licences expiring in 2015, further progress
was made on plans to expand the brand’s presence and
to introduce Burberry’s global luxury collection in this
key luxury market through directly operated stores,
concessions and digital, supported by marketing
campaigns to engage the luxury Japanese consumer.
Comparable sales growth of around 30% during the year
demonstrated the appeal of the global brand to the
Japanese luxury customer.
· Burberry opened a flagship store in Osaka, three
concessions in leading department stores, and relocated
its store in Omotesando, Tokyo. Burberry now has five
mainline stores and 13 concessions in Japan. Further
mainline store and concession openings are planned
for the coming year as the Company continues to build
direct operations. However, the timing and availability of
brand and commercially appropriate retail space is likely
to impact the Company’s targets for 2016/17.
· Burberry partnered with LINE, Japan’s leading social
platform to share the brand with a wider audience in
Japan, offering Japanese subscribers access to the
first live stream of a fashion show on the platform.
Elevating Americas presence
The Americas remained a key focus area for Burberry as
it continued to strengthen and elevate the brand in both
its retail and wholesale channels in this attractive luxury
market. Revenue in the Americas grew by 16% underlying
during the year.
· Burberry opened its Los Angeles flagship and Miami Design
District stores, and renovated Post Street, San Francisco.
Advancing travel retail
With the increasing importance of the travelling luxury
consumer, Burberry intensified its focus on the high-growth
travel retail channel.
· Burberry continued to expand its travel retail footprint.
Key airport openings during the year included Hong Kong,
Heathrow Terminals 5 and 2, Rome, Milan-Malpensa,
Barcelona and Madrid.
· Marketing initiatives targeted travelling luxury consumers
before their journey, during travel and at destination, with
events in key transport hubs and global tourist destinations.
Building young markets
Burberry continued to build its presence in early stage
growth markets.
· Burberry opened five new franchise stores including in
Turkey, Panama and Aruba, and launched Burberry.com
in Russia.
36
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
PURSUE OPERATIONAL
EXCELLENCE
Drive greater efficiency and productivity throughout the business.
Burberry’s productivity agenda includes opportunities in
retail, products and processes. This will be the subject
of intense focus for the next phase of Burberry’s growth,
as the Company leverages the investments made in
recent years.
Key focus areas during 2014/15:
Supply chain
Key investments made in product engineering, and
sustainable manufacturing continued to drive greater
end-to-end control of the Burberry supply chain.
· During the second half of the year, the Company tested
a new inventory approach in China by allowing the digital
operation to draw on both the local distribution centre and
store data to create a virtual single pool of inventory in the
country. This provided customers and store associates
with full visibility of all stock within the country, improved
product availability online and in-store, and meaningfully
reduced delivery times, enhancing the customer shopping
experience. This model of integrating online and offline
inventory was planned to be implemented within both
the UK and USA in the coming year.
· Burberry further evolved its sourcing model to a more
collaborative and sustainable manufacturing approach,
focusing on key strategic raw material and finished
goods partners.
Ongoing investment
Burberry continued to invest in technology to support
the Company’s digital strategy, growth ambitions and to
improve operational efficiencies.
· During the year Burberry initiated a project to upgrade
the Company’s core IT systems, based around SAP
which was first introduced into the business in 2007.
Planning
Burberry evolved its inventory management and commercial
analysis processes to optimise retail execution.
· Global product buying and allocation activities were further
refined with the roll-out of a store profiling initiative. This
initiative allowed for a better alignment between product
assortments and the particular store characteristics
(such as local climate) and customer profile, to deliver
a more customer-centric product range by store.
· The ‘Brand Buy’ was further evolved, which aimed to
bring greater product consistency across Burberry’s
retail stores based on key design inspiration, optimising
product assortments and core product replenishment.
Process investments
Burberry continued to invest in its head office and
back-office functions to drive efficiencies.
· There was an ongoing focus on the commercial
procurement process to drive further efficiencies
and cost savings.
38
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
BUILD OUR
CULTURE
Through the creation of this new strategy, Burberry is focusing on
building its culture and ensuring its values are embedded globally.
The evolution of Burberry’s core business strategies and
the success with which they are delivered are inextricably
linked to Burberry’s continued commitment to building
its unique culture.
Key activities during 2014/15 included:
Employee engagement
Cultural initiatives evolved to build stronger connections
between global teams, drive closer engagement with the
brand, and to support the general well-being of employees.
Connecting teams
Burberry reinforced its connected culture through open
and transparent communication.
· A fully open-plan environment was introduced at the
London headquarters and was being rolled out globally
to encourage greater mobility and collaboration.
· ‘Chat Live’ global video broadcasts were launched on
the Company’s internal communications platform. Hosted
by Christopher Bailey, together with teams leading key
initiatives, the updates enabled real-time communication
through an interactive question and answer format.
· Ways of working and communication with internal
manufacturing and retail teams were enhanced to
further connect employees and improve productivity.
Rewarding talent
Burberry fostered a culture of recognition to support
the attraction, motivation and retention of employees.
· Enhancements to the Burberry Long Service Awards
were made which included benefits such as additional
annual leave.
· Seasonal programmes continued to offer enhanced
employee benefits.
· Burberry’s All Employee Freeshare Plan was extended
to 34 countries, enabling all employees to share in the
ongoing success of the business. All employees were
also eligible for a bonus or incentive scheme.
Nurturing talent
Burberry was committed to identifying, developing and
retaining high-potential talent.
· Over 50 employees took part in the Leadership Council
during the year, providing them with leadership training,
senior executive mentoring and international networking
opportunities.
· Burberry continued to support emerging creative talent,
including through the Burberry Design Scholarship at the
Royal College of Art and an apprenticeship programme
at the British Fashion Council.
· Over 200 placements were offered globally, including
apprenticeships, short-term work experience and
long-term internships.
· At the end of October, Burberry was listed by LinkedIn
as the 36th most sought-after employer globally, and
tenth in the UK.
40
Strategic Report – Core Strategies
· The Foundation continued to expand its bespoke
employability programme during the year, designed to
help disadvantaged young people develop key workplace
skills, confidence and aspirations. Over 100 young
people participated in London, Castleford, New York,
Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou,
Tianjin and Nanjing.
· Burberry focused on ensuring that its supply chain
is sustainable and responsible. The Ethical Trading
Programme, explained further in the Burberry Impact
section, continued to support labour rights in the
supply chain.
Environmental responsibility
Burberry remains committed to minimising its
environmental impacts. Burberry has set a number
of targets to achieve this, which are outlined in more
detail in the Burberry Impact section and online at
www.burberryplc.com.
Social responsibility
Burberry believes that it is important to be a socially
responsible business, including by supporting diversity
and equal opportunities in the workplace, promoting fair
and sustainable employment practices internally and
across its supply chain and investing in the communities
where its employees live and work.
· With employees in 34 countries, representing over
100 different nationalities and covering an age span
of between 16 to 78 years, the Company remained
committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunities.
As at 31 March 2015, of a global employee population
of 10,851, approximately 69% (7,457) were female and
31% (3,394) male, with women occupying 46 (37%)
of the 123 senior management roles.
· Consistent with efforts to promote fair and sustainable
employment practices, Burberry was proud to have
become the first luxury retailer and manufacturer to
achieve accreditation as a UK Living Wage employer.
· Burberry continued to encourage employees to dedicate
their time, skills and passion during working hours
to impactful community projects. Activities included
career inspiration events, employability workshops and
community revitalisation projects. In total, this year 2,300
employees in 82 cities dedicated almost 10,000 hours.
· Burberry continued to donate 1% of Group adjusted
profit before tax to charitable causes around the world,
totalling £4.6m in the year (2013/14: £4.6m), with the
majority going to the Burberry Foundation (UK registered
charity number 1154468), created to help young people
realise their full potential. Since its launch in 2008, the
Foundation has supported over 40 innovative youth
charities around the world, directly and indirectly
impacting the lives of over 150,000 young people.
41
Strategic Report
BURBERRY IMPACT
Burberry’s ‘Build our Culture’ strategy includes commitments to be a socially
responsible business and to drive positive environmental and social change.
This is underpinned by a programme of activities set out on the following pages.
43
43
Strategic Report Strategic Report – Burberry Impact
BURBERRY
IMPACT
Burberry Impact is the Company’s programme of activities that underpins its
commitment to drive positive environmental and social change globally.
The Burberry Impact programme includes commitments that
have been developed in partnership with the organisation
Forum for the Future and the tripartite Ethical Trading
Initiative and are informed by baseline assessments.
The programme is supported and monitored internally
by a number of Committees including the Responsibility
Working Group, which is chaired by the Chief Corporate
Affairs Officer and includes senior executives representing
key business operations, and is supported externally
by the Burberry Impact Advisory Committee, which
comprises external expert stakeholders.
Burberry also endeavours to achieve sustainable change by
collaborating with its peers in the luxury goods industry and
with other stakeholders, including the UN Global Compact,
through its membership of the Ethical Trading Initiative and
the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.
Ethical trading
Burberry is committed to making meaningful and long-lasting
improvements to workers’ employment and workplace
conditions to achieve both operational excellence and a
sustainable and responsible supply chain. This commitment
is underpinned by Burberry’s Ethical Trading Policy, which
includes the Burberry Code of Conduct and the Human
Rights, Migrant Worker and Homeworker Policy. The Ethical
Trading Policy is in alignment with the United Nations
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Fundamental
Conventions of the International Labour Organization and
the Ethical Trading Initiative Base Code. Burberry is proud
to be an accredited UK Living Wage employer.^
The majority of Burberry products are made in Europe, with
Italy being the largest individual sourcing country, whilst the
iconic Heritage trench coat is manufactured in England and
the Heritage cashmere scarf in Scotland.
Burberry’s Ethical Trading Programme drove improvements
in its supply chain through a number of engagement
activities. These included announced and unannounced
audits, monitoring, improvement programmes and
a confidential worker hotline in local languages.
Number of training and engagement activities
205^
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
205^
142
384
Improvement programmes were designed to address
specific challenges with individual factories, for example
by working to reduce working hours and building
human resources management systems.^ For case
studies and information on current projects see
www.burberryplc.com/corporate_responsibility.
Where access to grievance mechanisms was a particular
challenge, worker hotlines have helped to improve
communication channels between workers and factory
management. Over 15,000 workers across 54 factories
were provided with access to a confidential NGO- (non-
governmental organisation) run hotline during the year.^
Burberry also deepened its focus into the Company’s
supply chain to enable its activities to reach more workers.
In partnership with the sourcing and product development
teams, Burberry extended its ethical trading activities to
include key raw material suppliers and incorporated its
Beauty suppliers into the global Ethical Trading Programme,
the majority of which are located in France and Italy.
^ Selected information denoted by this symbol has received limited assurance
by Ernst & Young LLP. See page 47 for further information.
44
Strategic Report – Burberry Impact
As the Ethical Trading Programme has evolved, the
Company has focused on how it can make the most
meaningful, positive impacts on the lives of people
throughout its supply chain rather than increasing the
number of audits. Auditing remains, however, an important
tool to help Burberry and its manufacturers identify areas
that are in need of improvement. As measured through the
audit programme, this year Burberry recorded an overall
positive shift in supply chain ethical trading performance
of its strategic suppliers and their subcontractors,
representing 60% of the supply chain.^
Number of audits and assessments
541^
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
541^
713
455
Burberry has also focused on formalising the integration
of ethical trading activities into its sourcing functions.
The Supply Chain Impact Committee is responsible
for delivering improvements in the supply chain with
the support of the Ethical Trading team.^ The Sourcing
team has also started to integrate ethical trading into
performance objectives both at a team and individual level.^
Burberry believes that improving workers’ working
conditions is integral to its supply chain performance.
To achieve this, Burberry continued to invest time
and resources to sustain its long-standing strategic
partnerships with its key suppliers, with the aim of
ensuring their resilience and sustainability as they
provide the Company with important technical
knowledge, expertise and unique product capability.
Leveraging these partnerships, the Supply Chain team has
worked with its strategic partners to identify key Burberry
Impact targets to focus on. These range from energy
use reduction through to supplier ownership, which is a
programme to support suppliers in managing social and
environmental standards within their own supply chains.^
Human Rights statement
Burberry recognises its responsibility to respect human
rights wherever it operates and has conducted a materiality
analysis to identify its principal human rights impacts.
The Company believes that these impacts arise in relation
to its own workforce, its supply chain and communities,
and its customers. Burberry’s Human Rights Policy sets
out the Company’s commitments to respecting these
stakeholders’ human rights. The Policy is informed by
the International Bill of Human Rights and reflects the
UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
framework to Protect, Respect and Remedy. Responsibility
for the Policy lies with Burberry’s Chief Creative and Chief
Executive Officer.
Burberry has an established global team who work to
promote human rights and good labour practices in the
Burberry workplace as well as in the Company’s supply
chain as identified and prioritised through Human Rights
Impact Assessments.^ Burberry has established grievance
mechanisms, including hotlines in its supply chain where
local labour laws are weak, absent or poorly enforced,
as well as globally for its own employees.^
45
Strategic Report – Burberry Impact
Environmental sustainability
Burberry has a strong commitment to reducing its environmental impact globally and has an active programme dedicated
to reducing the impact of its supply chain and internal operations. All of the targets are based on the results of the 2012
independent baseline assessment of Burberry’s environmental impacts arising from materials, energy, water, chemical
inputs and waste measured in CO2e. Focused on resource efficiency and mitigating climate change, all 15 environmental
targets are owned and monitored by members of the Senior Leadership Team.
2017 Targets
Progress
Product
Burberry continues to invest in
the design and quality of every
product, and is committed to
dramatically reducing the
impact of its products.
Raw materials^
Reduce the environmental impact of Burberry’s four key raw materials:
· Cotton
· Leather
· PVC
· Cashmere (new target)
–
Process
Burberry is committed to
ensuring its future resilience
by integrating sustainability
decisions across the business
and collaborating with suppliers.
Chemical use in manufacturing
Eliminate chemicals from use that have a negative impact on the
environment, beyond legal limits
Packaging
100% of point of sale packaging to be sustainably sourced
(where alternatives are available)
Internal Manufacturing^
Reduce the energy use from Burberry’s two UK manufacturing sites by 25%*
Suppliers
Work with key suppliers to assist them in reducing their energy use by
up to 20%*
Mills
Work with key mills to assist them to reduce their water consumption by
up to 20%*
Transport^
Reduce carbon emissions from the transport of Burberry products by 10%*
Distribution centres^
Reduce energy use in Burberry’s five third party distribution centres by 10%*
Progress
Ahead of plan
On plan
Behind plan
* When normalised by a relevant productivity factor.
46
Strategic Report – Burberry Impact
Property
Burberry continues to expand
its global footprint in existing
and new markets to enable
the growth of the business,
and is committed to minimising
the impact of this expansion.
2017 Targets
Progress
Energy use reduction
Reduce Burberry controlled store and office energy usage by up to 15%*
Sustainable consumables
60% of office consumables to be sustainably sourced (where available)
Renewable energy
All Burberry controlled stores and offices to be powered either by on site or
green tariff renewable energy (where available)
Build certifications
All new builds will be sustainable build certified LEED (silver), BREEAM
(very good) or Greenmark (silver)
Sustainable construction materials
30% of wood by spend is either recycled materials or sourced from certified
supply chains
Construction waste recycling^
30% of construction waste to be recycled for global major projects
LED lighting^
75% of lighting is LED or energy efficient in new concept stores
For those targets that are ‘behind plan’, action plans are in place to drive further progress. For additional information
on performance against the above targets and related action plans see www.burberryplc.com.
Energy and global greenhouse gas emissions data
(Year to 31 March)
Emissions from:
Current reporting year FY15
Comparison year FY14
Comparison year FY13
Combustion of fuel and operation
of facilities (Scope 1) (Kg CO2e)
Electricity, heat, steam and
cooling purchased for own
use (Scope 2) (Kg CO2e)
Total emissions (Scope 1 & 2)
(Kg CO2e)
Intensity measurement (Kg CO2e
per £1,000 sales revenue)
Renewable energy produced
on site (KWH)
1,661,533^
42,131,756^
43,793,289^
17^
1,247,270
1,777,714
40,285,055
1,734,580
35,404,754
42,062,769
37,139,334
18
–
19
–
Note:
Burberry applies an operational control approach to defining its organisational boundaries. Data is reported for sites where it is considered that Burberry has the
ability to influence energy management. Data is not reported for sites where Burberry has a physical presence, but does not influence the energy management
for those sites, such as a concession within a department store. Overall, the emissions inventory reported equates to 94%^ of our sq.ft (net selling space). We use
the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to estimate emissions and apply conversion factors from DEFRA and IEA guidance. All material sources of emissions are reported.
Refrigerant gases and fuels consumed in Company vehicles were deemed not material and are not reported. Burberry have updated greenhouse gas data for
2012/13 and 2013/14 to account for improvements in data availability and estimation methods. Further detail is within our basis of reporting.
External assurance and performance indicators
Burberry appointed Ernst & Young LLP to provide limited external assurance over selected statements and 2014/15
performance data. The statements and data that formed part of the review are denoted with a ^. See the full independent
assurance statement and Burberry’s basis of reporting at www.burberryplc.com.
47
Strategic Report
Performance
The following pages set out the highlights of the Group financial performance
during the year to 31 March 2015 and the outlook for the coming financial
year. The principal risks facing the Group during the year, including the
nature and extent of these risks, are also set out in this section.
4949
Strategic Report Strategic Report – Performance
Group Financial
Review
Revenue
(2014: £2,330m)
£2,523m
Adjusted profit before tax
(2014: £461m)
£456m
Retail revenue
(2014: £1,623m)
£1,807m
Year end net cash
(2014: £403m)
£552m
Adjusted diluted earnings per share
(2014: 75.4p)
Full year dividend per share
(2014: 32.0p)
76.9p
35.2p
£ million
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Operating expenses#
Adjusted operating profit
Net finance credit#
Adjusted profit before taxation
Adjusting items
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Non-controlling interest
Attributable profit
Adjusted EPS (pence)~
EPS (pence)~
Weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)~
Year to 31 March
% change
2015
2,523.2
(757.7)
1,765.5
(1,310.3)
455.2
0.6
455.8
(11.2)
444.6
(103.5)
(4.8)
336.3
76.9
75.1
447.8
2014
reported FX
underlying
2,329.8
(671.3)
1,658.5
(1,198.2)
460.3
0.7
461.0
(16.6)
444.4
(112.1)
(9.8)
322.5
75.4
72.1
447.3
11
7
7
8
(13)
6
(9)
(1)
–
(1)
–
2
4
Underlying performance is presented in this financial review as, in the opinion of the Directors, it provides additional understanding of the ongoing performance
of the Group. Underlying performance is calculated before adjusting items and removes the effect of changes in exchange rates compared to the prior period.
This takes into account both the impact of the movement in exchange rates on the translation of overseas subsidiaries’ results and also now on foreign currency
procurement and sales through the Group’s UK supply chain.
Adjusted measures exclude adjusting items. Details of adjusting items are contained in note 6 of the financial statements.
# Excludes adjusting items, which are:
– A charge of £14.9m in reported operating expenses being the amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset (2014: £14.9m)
– Put option liability finance income of £3.7m in the reported net finance income relating to the third party 15% economic interest in the Chinese business
(2014: a charge of £1.7m)
~ EPS is presented on a diluted basis
50
Strategic Report – Performance
Revenue analysis
Revenue by channel
£ million
Retail
Wholesale
Licensing
Revenue
Retail
71% of revenue (2014: 70%); with 214 mainline stores,
213 concessions within department stores, digital
commerce and 57 outlets.
· Retail sales up 14% underlying: up 11% at reported FX.
· Comparable sales up 9% (H1: 10%; H2: 9%).
· New space contributed the balance of growth (5%).
· Digital outperformed in all regions.
The 9% comparable sales growth was broadly evenly
balanced between halves, but reflected differing regional
trends. Americas delivered consistent double-digit
percentage growth throughout the year, while growth
in EMEIA improved in the second half and Asia Pacific
slowed, impacted by the disruption in Hong Kong.
In-store, footfall declined but was offset by improved
conversion and higher average transaction values. Online,
mobile doubled its share of revenue in the year, following
the launch of an upgraded mobile platform in the second
half of the year.
In mainline retail, comparable sales growth was relatively
balanced between womens, mens and accessories.
Replenishment product outperformed, with strength
from the heritage trench coat and cashmere scarves.
Year to 31 March
% change
2015
1,807.4
648.1
67.7
2,523.2
2014
1,622.6
628.0
79.2
2,329.8
reported FX
underlying
11
3
(14)
8
14
6
–
11
Asia Pacific
With retail accounting for over 85% of revenue in Asia
Pacific, comparable sales growth was mid single-digit
percentage for the year. Within this, China and South Korea
grew by a high and mid single-digit percentage respectively
and Burberry’s directly-operated stores in Japan delivered
about 30% growth. Hong Kong, a high margin market,
while positive for the year, decelerated to a mid single-digit
percentage decline in the second half as footfall was
significantly impacted by the disruption in the third quarter.
A net 14 mainline stores and concessions were closed
during the year (13 openings and 27 closures), reflecting
continued evolution of the store portfolio particularly
in China and South Korea.
Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA)
Retail accounted for over 65% of revenue with double-
digit percentage comparable sales growth for the
year, strengthening in the second half in major markets.
For the year, growth was robust in France, Germany and
Italy. About half of mainline transactions in EMEIA were
to travelling luxury customers, with growth coming from
both this group and domestic customers.
A net two stores and concessions were added during the
year (12 openings, ten closures), including six openings in
key European airports (Barcelona, two in London, Madrid,
Milan and Rome) and four concessions in the Middle East
as the store portfolio was elevated.
51
Strategic Report – Performance
Americas
About 65% of Americas revenue came from retail, with
double-digit comparable sales growth during the year
evenly balanced between halves. Domestic customers
still account for about 90% of transactions.
The number of mainline stores in the Americas was
unchanged year-on-year at 78. Openings included
a flagship in Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles and a store
in the Miami Design District, while Burberry also
refurbished its San Francisco store.
Wholesale
26% of revenue (2014: 27%); generated from sales of
apparel and accessories to department stores, multi-brand
specialty accounts, franchise stores and travel retail; as
well as Beauty to around 80 distributors worldwide.
· Wholesale revenue up 6% underlying, up 3% at reported FX.
· Excluding Beauty, wholesale revenue up 1% underlying,
down 2% at reported FX.
· Beauty wholesale revenue was £175m, up 25%
underlying, in line with guidance.
· At 31 March 2015, Burberry had 67 franchise stores
globally, a net decrease of three during the year.
During the first half of the year wholesale revenue,
excluding Beauty, increased by 5% underlying. This was
led by strong growth in Asia Pacific, specifically travel
retail, partly offset by the impact of ongoing strategic
initiatives, such as conversion from wholesale to retail
and account rationalisation concentrated in Europe
and in North America.
During the second half of the year, revenue was down 3%
underlying, reflecting cautious ordering from customers
selling to the European consumer and in Asian travel retail
markets. Revenue in the Americas was broadly unchanged.
The regional review below excludes Beauty.
Europe, Middle East, India and Africa
EMEIA is the Group’s largest wholesale region at around 45%
of the Group total. Revenue for the year was unchanged
underlying with account rationalisation and the termination
of Burberry’s Russian franchise operation (closing five
franchise stores as the business moves to direct operation)
offsetting growth from key strategic accounts.
Americas
The Company continued to refine its wholesale presence
in the Americas with the conversion of the Holt Renfrew
business in Canada to retail concessions in February 2014
and the withdrawal of menswear from brand inappropriate
locations in the United States. Excluding these factors,
there was mid single-digit percentage growth underlying,
with a strong brand performance on wholesale partners’
digital commerce sites.
Beauty
Beauty wholesale revenue increased by 25% underlying,
in line with guidance (up 21% at reported FX). My Burberry,
the iconic womens fragrance, was successfully launched
in September. The marketing campaign also featured
Burberry’s Heritage trench coats, providing a halo benefit to
the wider business and further reinforcing the brand message.
Licensing
3% of revenue (2014: 3%); of which about 80% was from
Japan, with the balance from global product licences
(eyewear and watches) and European wholesale
childrenswear.
· Licensing revenue unchanged underlying (down 14%
at reported FX).
· In line with full year guidance.
Royalty income from Japan was £53m, broadly unchanged
year-on-year underlying. Income from the main apparel
licence increased slightly, reflecting higher minimum
payments, offset by the planned downsizing of the
remaining short-term licences.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific, which is predominantly travel retail,
experienced mid single-digit percentage underlying
revenue growth for the year. Growth was weighted to the
first half, with a mid single-digit percentage underlying
decline in the second half.
Combined, income from eyewear and watches was broadly
unchanged underlying, reflecting phasing and the elevation
of watch distribution. The launch of the Trench eyewear
collection in September, planned to coincide with the
My Burberry and Heritage launch, was the Company’s
most successful to date.
52
Strategic Report – Performance
Operating profit analysis
Adjusted operating profit
£ million
Retail/wholesale
Licensing
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusted operating margin
Year to 31 March
% change
2015
399.2
56.0
455.2
18.0%
2014
393.5
66.8
460.3
19.8%
reported FX
underlying
1
(16)
(1)
8
1
7
Adjusted operating profit increased by 7% underlying, down 1% at reported FX, including a £38m adverse exchange rate
impact.
Adjusted retail/wholesale operating profit
£ million
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Adjusted operating profit
Operating expenses as % of revenue
Adjusted operating margin
Year to 31 March
2015
2,455.5
(757.7)
1,697.8
69.2%
(1,298.6)
399.2
52.9%
16.3%
2014
2,250.6
(671.3)
1,579.3
70.2%
(1,185.8)
393.5
52.7%
17.5%
% change
reported FX
9
(13)
8
(10)
1
Adjusted retail/wholesale operating profit was £399m
in FY 2015, up 8% at constant exchange rates and 1%
at reported FX. The adverse impact of exchange rate
movements reduced revenue by £60m and profit by
£26m in the year. Operating margin was 16.3%, or 16.9%
at constant exchange rates.
Gross margin was 69.2%, down 100 basis points. This
reflected the negative impact of exchange rate movements,
the one-off inventory cost discussed at the interim results
relating to a previous fragrance launch, as well as various
mix and other factors, including an adverse regional
mix shift in the second half, reflecting the slowdown
in Hong Kong, a high margin market.
The operating expense to sales ratio was 52.9%, up
20 basis points compared to the prior year. A modest
benefit from operating leverage and tight cost control
was more than offset by the adverse impact of exchange
rate movements.
About half of the underlying absolute increase in expenses
came from general inflation and net new space, with the
balance including volume-related costs and increased
investment in areas such as marketing and technology,
which supported revenue growth.
Licensing operating profit
Year to 31 March
£ million
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross margin
Gross margin
Operating expenses
Operating profit
Operating margin
2015
67.7
–
67.7
100%
(11.7)
56.0
82.7%
2014
79.2
–
79.2
100%
(12.4)
66.8
84.3%
% change
reported FX
(14)
–
(14)
6
(16)
The effective yen rate moved from £1:Yen137 in FY 2014
to £1:Yen164 in FY 2015, reducing reported licensing
operating profit by £11.5m. With a small decrease in
allocated operating expenses, licensing profit was £56.0m,
broadly unchanged underlying, down 16% at reported FX.
53
Strategic Report – Performance
Adjusting items
£ million
Amortisation of fragrance and beauty
licence intangible
China put option liability finance income/
(charge)
Year to 31 March
2015
2014
(14.9)
(14.9)
3.7
(11.2)
(1.7)
(16.6)
Net cash
Cash generated from operating activities was £568m,
6% higher than last year, reflecting tight control of working
capital. Capital expenditure was £156m, lower than
guidance, largely reflecting the phasing of new projects.
Other major outflows were tax of £114m and dividends
of £145m.
Net cash at 31 March 2015 was £552m, an increase
of £150m year-on-year. Taking into account lease
commitments, lease-adjusted net debt, which is calculated
as five times the annual minimum lease charge, less
net cash, increased slightly during the year to £402m
(2014: £380m). At constant exchange rates, inventory
was broadly unchanged year-on-year, compared to
14% retail and 6% wholesale revenue growth. Inventory
at 31 March 2015 was £437m (2014: £420m).
Outlook
Retail In FY 2016, net new space is expected to contribute
low single-digit percentage growth to total retail revenue,
with 15-20 mainline store openings and a similar number
of closures.
Wholesale Burberry expects total wholesale revenue at
constant exchange rates to be broadly unchanged in the
six months to 30 September 2015 (2014: £317m). Excluding
Beauty, wholesale revenue is expected to be down by a low
single-digit percentage.
For Beauty, wholesale revenue in FY 2016 is expected to
grow by 10-15% at constant exchange rates, with additional
contributions from retail and digital channels.
The charge of £14.9m related to the amortisation of the
fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset of £70.9m,
which was recognised in FY 2013. This asset will
be amortised on a straight line basis over the period
1 April 2013 to 31 December 2017.
The China put option liability finance income of £3.7m
related to fair value movements, including the discount
unwind, on the put option liability over the non-controlling
interest in the acquired Chinese business.
Taxation
The tax rate on adjusted profit in FY 2015 was 23.4%
(2014: 24.7%), largely reflecting the lower UK corporation
tax rate.
The tax charge of £103.5m (2014: £112.1m) resulted
in an effective tax rate on reported profit of 23.3%
(2014: 25.2%). Tax on exceptional items has been
recognised as appropriate.
Total tax contribution
The Group makes a significant economic contribution to
the countries where it operates through taxation, either
borne by the Group or collected on behalf of and paid
to the relevant tax authorities. In FY 2015, the total taxes
borne and collected by the Group in the UK and overseas
amounted to £405.0m. In the UK, where the Group is
headquartered and has significant operations, Burberry
paid business taxes of £88.3m and collected a further
£42.7m of taxes on behalf of the UK Exchequer. For
further information see www.burberryplc.com.
54
Strategic Report – Performance
Retail/wholesale profit In FY 2016, if exchange rates*
remain at current levels, current expectations for FY
2016 reported retail/wholesale profit would be about
£10m higher than at FY 2015 rates. This is a decrease
of about £40m since the guidance given at the Second
Half Trading Update in April 2015, reflecting the movement
in exchange rates.
For FY 2016 retail/wholesale operating margin, the
Company currently expects the benefit from FX and tight
cost control to be offset by geographic and channel mix
and continued investment in the business.
Licensing Total licensing revenue for FY 2016 is planned
to be down by about 40% at constant exchange rates
(2015: £68m), due to the expiry of the Japanese licences.
For FY 2016, Burberry expects double-digit percentage
growth from the global product licences and about £25m
revenue from Japan, as previously guided. The latter
comprises income from the existing licences, including
the orderly transition and exit of local licensed product
and the first income from the new Blue/Black Label licence.
At current exchange rates*, the impact of the movement
in the sterling/yen rate on reported licensing revenue in
FY 2016 is not expected to be material.
Group adjusted PBT In FY 2016, the Company expects
Group adjusted PBT at constant exchange rates to be
more second-half weighted than in FY 2015.
Tax rate The tax rate on adjusted profit for FY 2016 is
currently expected to be about 23%.
Capital expenditure Spend of about £180m is planned
in FY 2016.
* Effective rates as at 14 May 2015, taking into account the current
hedged positions
Store portfolio
At 31 March 2014
Additions
Closures
At 31 March 2015
Store portfolio by region
At 31 March 2015
Asia Pacific
EMEIA
Americas
Total
Directly-operated stores
Stores
Concessions
Outlets
215
16
(17)
214
227
12
(26)
213
55
3
(1)
57
Directly-operated stores
Stores
Concessions
Outlets
63
73
78
214
143
62
8
213
13
24
20
57
Total
497
31
(44)
484
Total
219
159
106
484
Franchise
stores
70
5
(8)
67
Franchise
stores
12
49
6
67
55
Strategic Report – Performance
PRINCIPAL
RISKs
Effective management of risk is essential to the execution of the
Group’s strategies, the achievement of sustainable shareholder value,
the protection of the brand and ensuring good governance.
The Board has overall responsibility for determining the
nature and extent of the significant risks it is willing to take
in achieving its strategic objectives (its risk appetite), and
for ensuring that risks are managed effectively. The Board
has delegated to the Audit Committee the responsibility
for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s systems
of internal control and risk management methodology.
As part of this review, the Audit Committee considers
the principal risks facing the Group and the nature and
extent of these risks. The Vice President – Group Risk
Officer facilitates a risk assessment process in each key
business area and global support function to review the
significant risks facing Group operations and to record
the relevant controls and actions in place to mitigate these.
The detailed assessments are then consolidated to provide
input into the overall Group risk assessment. See the
Corporate Governance Report for further details of the
Group’s risk management processes and internal controls.
The Board and the executive management team use a
combination of different and complementary skills to assess
the risks facing the business. In determining its risk appetite
the Board considers a variety of information when reviewing
the Group operations and in approving key matters reserved
for its decision. This information includes:
· updates provided by senior management on key
strategic and operational matters;
· discussion and approval by the Board of the Group’s
three-year Strategic plan and budget;
· information provided for the purposes of deciding
whether to approve those significant matters which
have been reserved for the Board; and
· Group risk assessments facilitated by the Group’s Risk
Function and the reports of the external auditors.
The risks set out in the table on the following pages
represent the principal risks and uncertainties which
may adversely impact the performance of the Group
and the execution of its core strategies. The Group’s core
strategies are set out on pages 27 to 41. Other factors
could also adversely affect Group performance and so
the risks set out should not be considered to be a complete
set of all potential risks and uncertainties.
The key steps the Group takes to address these principal
risks are described in the table under ‘Mitigation’. It is not
possible for the Group to implement controls to respond
to all the risks it may face, and the steps the Group has
taken to address certain risks (including those listed)
may not manage these risks effectively.
The principal risks are not listed in order of significance
and each of the risks should be considered independently.
If more than one of the events contemplated by the risks
set out occur, it is possible that the combined overall
impact of such events may be compounded.
The Group continues to identify as a principal risk that
Group revenues are increasingly dependent on consumers
from the Asia region with a significant proportion of the
Group’s sales to Asian consumers globally. Since the last
Annual Report, the Asian trading environment is becoming
more uncertain. In particular, there were disruptions in
Hong Kong, a high margin market, resulting in a deceleration
in comparable retail sales in Hong Kong in the second half
of the financial year.
56
Strategic Report – Performance
Risk
Business & Core Strategy impact
Mitigation
The Group’s operations depend
on IT systems and operational
infrastructure in order to
trade efficiently. Increasingly
technology is also being used
to stream major events and
to communicate through
social media.
Sustained economic slowdown.
The Group’s revenues are
increasingly dependent
on consumers from the
Asia region.
Major incidents such as natural
catastrophes, global pandemics
or terrorist attacks affecting
one or more of the Group’s key
locations could significantly
impact its operations.
Volatility in foreign exchange
rates could have a significant
impact on the Group’s
reported results.
A failure in these systems or a denial of service
could have a significant impact on the Group’s
operations and reputation, and potentially
result in the loss of sensitive information.
Inspire with the Brand
Optimise Channels
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Pursue Operational Excellence
The Group’s performance remains strong;
however, the sustained economic slowdown
has (or could): (i) reduced consumer wealth
leading to a reduction in demand; (ii) impacted
the financial stability of suppliers and customers
and their ability to secure finance which could
disrupt the Group’s supply chain or lead to an
increase in bad debts; and (iii) impacted the
financial stability and recovery of banks and
other financial institutions, all of which could
adversely impact sales and profitability.
Optimise Channels
Unlock Market Opportunity
A significant proportion of the Group’s sales
are to Asian consumers globally. Consequently
any change to consumer tastes or the
economic, regulatory, social and/or political
environment in Asia could adversely impact
Asian consumers’ disposable income,
confidence and travel which could impact
the Group’s revenue and profits.
Inspire with the Brand
Optimise Channels
Unlock Market Opportunity
Pursue Operational Excellence
A major incident at a key location could
significantly impact business operations,
with the impact clearly varying depending
on the location and its nature. The impact
of the loss of a distribution hub would
clearly differ from a global pandemic,
but both would impact revenue and profits.
All Core Strategies
The Group operates on a global basis and earns
revenues, incurs costs and makes investments
in a number of currencies. The Group’s financial
results are reported in Sterling. The majority of
reported revenues are earned in non-Sterling
currencies, with a significant proportion of
costs in Sterling. Therefore the Sterling value
of reported revenues, profits and cash flows
may be reduced as a result of currency
exchange rate movements.
All Core Strategies
A number of controls to maintain the integrity and
efficiency of the Group’s IT systems are in place, including
recovery plans which would be implemented in the event
of a major failure. The IT disaster recovery plans are tested
on a regular basis. IT security is continually reviewed and
updated and third-party IT security specialists are used
to regularly test these controls.
The global reach of the Group helps to mitigate local
economic risks. In addition, the Group’s financial reporting
and review processes are designed to highlight any
change in ongoing sales performance. Counterparty
credit checks are in place for all key customers and
suppliers, and flexible payment terms are used to assist
suppliers as required. Group Treasury monitors the credit
ratings of financial institutions which hold Group deposits
to enable the Group to take appropriate action should
there be a downgrade in their credit ratings.
The global reach of the Group helps to mitigate reliance on
particular consumers. In addition, the Group continues
to focus on engaging with the Chinese luxury consumer,
both in China and while travelling abroad, including: by
optimising product assortments and merchandising;
and investing in digital and in-store services such as
Mandarin-speaking sales associates across top tourist
destinations outside China. The Group has commenced
its plans for the transition of its global business in Japan
following the expiration of its licence with Sanyo Shokai
and Mitsui & Company in 2015.
Business continuity plans are in place to mitigate
operational risks, but cannot ensure the uninterrupted
operation of the business, particularly in the short term.
The regional spread of the Group’s key distribution hubs
also helps to mitigate risk. There is a Group incident
management framework in place that addresses the
reporting and management of major incidents, and this is
tested each year using third-party specialists in this field.
Tailored plans have also been produced for a number of
high-impact events. These plans are regularly reviewed
and updated.
The Group seeks to hedge anticipated significant external
transactional cash flows using financial instruments.
The Group monitors the desirability of hedging the net
assets of non-Sterling subsidiaries when translated into
Sterling for reporting purposes, but the Group has not
entered into any transactions for this purpose in the
current or previous year.
57
Strategic Report – Performance
Risk
Business & Core Strategy impact
Mitigation
Failure by the Group or
associated third parties to
act in accordance with ethical
and environmental standards.
A failure to act appropriately could result
in penalties, adverse press coverage and
reputational damage with a resulting drop
in sales and profit.
A number of initiatives are in place, led by the Corporate
Responsibility function. These include the continuing
activities set out in the Burberry Impact section.
The Group’s operations are
subject to a broad spectrum of
regulatory requirements in the
various jurisdictions in which
the Group operates. The pace
of change and the consistency
of application of legislation
can vary significantly across
these jurisdictions, particularly
in an environment where public
sector debt is often high and
tax revenues are falling.
Over-reliance on key vendors.
Loss of key management or
the inability to attract and
retain key employees.
The Group operates in a number
of emerging markets which
are typically more volatile than
developed markets, and are
subject to changing economic,
regulatory, social and political
developments that are
beyond the Group’s control.
Infrastructure and services
also tend to be less developed.
Inspire with the Brand
Failure to comply with these requirements
could leave the Group open to civil and/or
criminal legal challenge, significant penalties
and reputational damage.
All Core Strategies
The Group relies on a small number of vendors
in key product categories, and for specialist
digital and IT services. Failure of one of these
businesses to deliver products or services would
have a significant impact on business operations.
Inspire with the Brand
Realise Product Potential
The Group continually monitors and seeks to improve its
processes to gain assurance that its licensees, suppliers,
franchisees, distributors and agents comply with the
Group’s contractual terms and conditions, its ethical
and business policies and relevant legislation. Specialist
teams at corporate and regional level, supported by
third-party specialists where required, are responsible for
ensuring employees are aware of regulations relevant to
their roles. A number of these teams were strengthened
during the year. Assurance processes are in place to
monitor compliance in a number of key risk areas, with
results being reported to the Group Risk Committee
and Board Audit Committee.
The Group continues to evolve its supply chain
organisation design to develop its manufacturing base
to reduce dependence on key vendors. The Group
has continued to strengthen its internal digital and
IT teams and continues to facilitate knowledge transfer
to internal resources.
The loss of key individuals or the inability to
recruit and retain individuals with the relevant
talent and experience would disrupt the
operation of the business and adversely impact
the Group’s ability to deliver its strategies.
All Core Strategies
Competitive incentive arrangements currently exist,
with specific initiatives in place designed to retain key
individuals. Recent regulatory changes may make it
more difficult to remain competitive in the global market
for executive talent. Recruitment is ongoing and talent
review and succession planning programmes are in
place and are regularly reviewed and updated.
Seizure of assets or staff. Related party
business practice that is inconsistent with
the Group’s ethical standards and the UK
regulatory environment. Increased operational
costs due to country-specific processes driven
by the regulatory environment.
The Group uses the services of professional consultants
to advise on legal and regulatory issues when entering
new markets, to undertake due diligence and to monitor
ongoing developments. The Group works with franchisees
or partners who compensate for its relative lack of
experience in a number of these markets.
Inspire with the Brand
Optimise Channels
Unlock Market Opportunity
58
Strategic Report – Performance
Risk
Business & Core Strategy impact
Mitigation
The significant growth and pace
of change within the business
puts pressure on both internal
and external resources.
Failure to effectively manage the pace of
change will inevitably adversely impact the
Group’s operations and return on investment.
All Core Strategies
A substantial proportion of
Group profits is reliant upon
its licensed business in Japan
and other key licensed
product categories.
Unauthorised use of the
Group’s trade marks and
other proprietary rights.
The licence with Sanyo Shokai and Mitsui &
Company (Sanyo Shokai) in Japan (the ‘Sanyo
Licence’) expires in 2015, whereupon the
royalty income under the licence will cease.
The Group expects licensees to maintain
operational and financial control over their
businesses. Should licensees fail to manage
their operations effectively or be affected
by a major incident, the royalty income may
decline, directly impacting Group profits.
Inspire with the Brand
Pursue Operational Excellence
Trade marks and other intellectual property
(IP) rights are fundamentally important to the
Group’s reputation, success and competitive
position. Unauthorised use of these, as well
as the distribution of counterfeit products,
damages the Burberry brand image and profits.
Inspire with the Brand
Realise Product Potential
Optimise Channels
Unlock Market Opportunity
Governance processes are in place for each major
strategic initiative and these are supplemented by a
Group Programme Management Office which provides
governance to support the business change agenda.
Regular meetings with senior management are
undertaken to review operational performance.
Management and operational structures are continually
reviewed to ensure that these support the Group’s growth.
The Group has made further progress in transforming
its operations in Japan with the introduction of Burberry’s
global luxury collection in this market, through directly
operated stores and concessions, in department stores
and digital commerce.
To facilitate the brand transformation in Japan, the
Group has agreed an orderly transition with Sanyo Shokai.
In addition, a new three-year licence with Sanyo Shokai
allows them the continued use of the Blue and Black labels
in Japan in exchange for a licence fee. These labels do not
use the Burberry name.
There are minimum royalty payments specified in its
licence agreements. Under its licence agreements, the
Group can control product development, marketing and
distribution. Regular licensee royalty reviews take place
to monitor compliance with licence terms, which
can manage but not eliminate non-compliance.
The Group’s global Brand Protection team has
continued to expand during the year to enable the
Group to strengthen its brand protection efforts in a
number of high-risk markets, including in the digital
environment. Given the Group’s emphasis on digital
innovation the team places a particular focus on this
area. Where infringements are identified these are
addressed through a mixture of criminal and civil legal
action and negotiated settlement. IP rights are driven
largely by national laws which afford varying degrees of
protection and enforcement priorities depending on the
country. Consequently, the Group cannot necessarily
be as effective in all jurisdictions in addressing IP issues.
59
Board and
Governance
62
Board of Directors
81 Directors’ Remuneration Report
66 Corporate Governance Report
104 Directors’ Report
Board and Governance – Board of Directors
Board of
Directors
Chairman
Sir John Peace (66)†
Chairman
Sir John Peace became Chairman of the Board in June
2002 and is also Chairman of the Nomination Committee.
He is Chairman of Standard Chartered PLC. Previously he
was Chairman of Experian plc from 2006 to 2014 and Group
Chief Executive of GUS plc from 2000 to 2006. Sir John is
Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and was knighted in
2011 for services to business and the voluntary sector.
Executive directors
Christopher Bailey (44)
Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer
Christopher Bailey became Chief Creative and Chief
Executive Officer in May 2014 having previously served as
Chief Creative Officer since 2009. Christopher joined as
Design Director in May 2001. Prior to working at Burberry,
Christopher was the Senior Designer of Womenswear at
Gucci in Milan from 1996 to 2001. From 1994 to 1996 he
was the Womenswear Designer at Donna Karan.
Carol Fairweather (54)
Chief Financial Officer
Carol Fairweather became Chief Financial Officer in July
2013 having joined Burberry in June 2006. She previously
held the position of Senior Vice President, Group Finance.
Prior to joining Burberry, Carol was Director of Finance
at News International Limited from 1997 to 2005 and UK
Regional Controller at Shandwick plc from 1991 to 1997.
John Smith (57)
Chief Operating Officer
John Smith became Chief Operating Officer in March
2013, having previously been a non-executive director
from December 2009. John was Chief Executive of BBC
Worldwide from 2004 to 2012. John joined the BBC in
1989, where he held the positions of Chief Operating
Officer, Director of Finance, Property & Business Affairs
and Finance Director. He previously served as a non-
executive director of Severn Trent plc and Vickers PLC,
and on the Accounting Standards Board from 2001 to 2004.
Non-executive directors
Fabiola Arredondo (48)*†‡
Non-executive director
Fabiola Arredondo was appointed as a non-executive
director in March 2015. Fabiola is currently the Managing
Partner of Siempre Holdings, a private investment firm
based in Connecticut, US. She is also a non-executive
director of Experian plc, Rodale Inc., NPR Inc. (National
Public Radio), the World Wildlife Fund (US), and a trustee
of Sesame Workshop. Prior to Siempre Holdings, Fabiola
held senior operating roles at Yahoo! Inc, the BBC and
Bertelsmann AG. She has also previously served as a
non-executive director of Saks Incorporated, Intelsat Inc.,
BOC Group plc, and Bankinter S.A.
Philip Bowman (62)*†‡
Senior Independent Director
Philip Bowman was appointed as a non-executive director
in June 2002 and is the Senior Independent Director and
Chairman of the Audit Committee. Philip is Chief Executive
of Smiths Group plc. He previously held the positions of
Chief Executive at Scottish Power plc and Chief Executive
at Allied Domecq plc. His earlier career included five years
as a director of Bass plc. He was previously Chairman
of Liberty plc and Coral Eurobet plc and a non-executive
director of Scottish & Newcastle plc and British Sky
Broadcasting Group plc.
Ian Carter (53)*†‡
Non-executive director
Ian Carter was appointed as a non-executive director
in April 2007 and is Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee. He is President of Hilton Worldwide Global
Development and Chairman of Del Frisco’s Restaurant
Group, Inc. Previously Ian was CEO of Hilton International
Company and Executive Vice President of Hilton Hotels
Corporation, and a director of Hilton Group plc until
the acquisition of Hilton International by Hilton Hotels
Corporation in February 2006. He previously served as
an Officer and President of Black & Decker Corporation
between 2001 and 2004.
62
Board and Governance – Board of Directors
Jeremy Darroch (52)*†‡
Non-executive director
Jeremy Darroch was appointed as a non-executive director
in February 2014. He is Chief Executive Officer of Sky plc, a
position he has held since 2007 having joined the company
as Chief Financial Officer in 2004. Prior to Sky, Jeremy was
Group Finance Director of DSG International plc (formerly
Dixons Group plc) and spent 12 years at Procter & Gamble
in a variety of roles in the UK and Europe. Jeremy also
previously served as a non-executive director and Chairman
of the Audit Committee of Marks and Spencer Group plc.
Stephanie George (58)*†‡
Non-executive director
Stephanie George was appointed as a non-executive
director in March 2006. She is Vice Chairman of Fairchild
Fashion Media Inc (parent of Women’s Wear Daily) and also
sits on the Board of Lincoln Center. Previously Stephanie
was Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
at Time Inc. Before this, Stephanie spent 12 years at
Fairchild Publications.
Matthew Key (52)*†‡
Non-executive director
Matthew Key was appointed as a non-executive director
in September 2013. Matthew is a non-executive director
of Orbit Showtime Network, a leading multi-platform pay
TV network in the Middle East and North Africa. Previously
he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Telefónica
Digital, the global innovation arm of Telefónica. He also
previously served as Chairman and CEO of Telefónica
Europe plc (formerly O2 plc), Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer of O2 UK, and Chief Financial Officer
for Vodafone UK. Prior to this, he held various financial
positions at Kingfisher plc, Coca-Cola & Schweppes
Beverages Limited and Grand Metropolitan Plc. Matthew
is also Chairman of the Dallaglio Foundation, which is a
charity focused on disengaged youth.
Carolyn McCall (53)*†‡
Non-executive director
Carolyn McCall was appointed as a non-executive director
in September 2014. Carolyn is Chief Executive of easyJet
plc, a position she has held since July 2010. Prior to
easyJet, Carolyn held a number of roles at Guardian Media
Group plc including Chief Executive from 2006 to 2010.
She has also previously served as a non-executive director
of Lloyds TSB, Tesco PLC and New Look plc. Carolyn was
awarded the OBE for services to women in business in the
Queen’s Birthday Honours List in June 2008. In January
2014, Prime Minister David Cameron appointed Carolyn
as a UK Business Ambassador.
David Tyler (62)*†‡
Non-executive director
David Tyler was appointed as a non-executive director
in June 2002, having been a director of the Company
since 1997. He is currently Chairman of J Sainsbury plc
and Chairman of Hammerson plc. David was Group
Finance Director of GUS plc from 1997 until its demerger
in October 2006, Chairman of Logica plc from 2007 to 2012
and Chairman of 3i Quoted Private Equity plc from 2007 to
2009. He was a non-executive director of Experian plc from
2006 to 2012 and Reckitt Benckiser Group plc from 2007
to 2009. Earlier in his career, David worked at Unilever plc,
County NatWest Limited and Christie’s International plc.
Key to membership of committees
* Audit Committee
† Nomination Committee
‡ Remuneration Committee
63
Back row: Ian Carter, David Tyler, Stephanie George, Matthew Key, Carol Fairweather, John Smith, Fabiola Arredondo, Philip Bowman
Front row: Jeremy Darroch, Christopher Bailey, Sir John Peace, Carolyn McCall
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
Corporate
Governance report
Dear Shareholder,
This has been a dynamic year for Burberry with the
continued strong performance of the business, the
leadership transition to Christopher Bailey as Chief Creative
and Chief Executive Officer and the continuing evolution of
the Board through its ongoing succession plan.
As a Board it is our responsibility to support management
in its strategic aims, to enable the Company to continue to
perform successfully and sustainably for our shareholders
and wider stakeholders. Underpinning this is the Board’s
commitment to seek to operate to the highest standards
of corporate governance. I am pleased that following an
independent evaluation of the Board and our Committees
during the year, the results confirmed that the Board
operates effectively, in an open and collegiate manner.
It is also important to have an open dialogue with our
shareholders and other stakeholders. This year the Board
has been reflecting carefully on the results of last year’s
Annual General Meeting. Although we were pleased to gain
84% of votes in favour of our remuneration policy, we were
extremely disappointed that we did not receive a majority of
support for our Remuneration Report. The Chairman of the
Remuneration Committee and I have met with or spoken
to the majority of the Group’s largest 50 investors to better
understand and respond to the areas of concern, and have
met with a significant number of them. The Remuneration
Committee has invested considerable time during the year
considering the outcome of these discussions. More detail
on the activities of the Remuneration Committee can be
found on pages 81 to 103.
Board composition has been a particular focus over the past
two years as the Board continues to build on its relevant skills
and competencies for the future under its succession plan.
The Board has evolved significantly with the appointment
of four new non-executive directors and a new executive
team. I am delighted to welcome Carolyn McCall and
Fabiola Arredondo who have joined the Board as non-
executive directors during the year. Their appointments
bring important skills and experience to the Board,
reflecting the Group’s strategy. In the context of the
substantial changes to both executive and non-executive
Board membership, the Board believes that to ensure
stability and continuity of knowledge, new Board members
should be given the opportunity to settle into their roles
before longer-serving members step down. The Board will
continue to execute against its succession plan and it is
anticipated that there will be further changes to the Board
in the coming year.
While all Board appointments are made on merit, the Board
believes in the importance of a diverse Board and has
always had strong gender diversity among its membership,
particularly at executive level. As female Board members
currently comprise 33% of our Board, I am pleased that we
have exceeded the goal set by Lord Davies in his review of
the diversity of FTSE 100 boards.
With the expectation that the year ahead will continue to be
impacted by a challenging external environment, the Board
will continue to support management in the execution of its
strategies, while continuing to keep the long term interests of
our shareholders top of mind. This report outlines our approach
to governance and our key activities during the year.
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Governance
The Board is collectively responsible for promoting Burberry’s
long-term success, for setting its strategic aims and ensuring a
framework of prudent and effective controls.
This report sets out the Board’s approach and work during
the financial year 2014/15 and, together with the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 81 to 103, includes details
of how the Company has applied and complied with the
principles and provisions of the UK Corporate Governance
Code (the ‘Code’). The directors consider that the Company
has complied with the provisions of the Code throughout
the year. The Board has also reviewed the new provisions
set out in the UK Corporate Governance Code 2014, which
the Group will report on next year.
Our Board
The Board currently consists of 12 members – the
Chairman, the Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer,
the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and
eight independent non-executive directors. Christopher
Bailey was appointed as Chief Creative and Chief Executive
Officer and as a director on 1 May 2014 following Angela
Ahrendts stepping down on 30 April 2014. A list of directors
and their biographies is set out on pages 62 and 63.
The Chairman, Sir John Peace, has led the Board as
Chairman since 2002. The Chairman is responsible for
leading and managing the business of the Board and
ensuring its effectiveness. He sets the agenda for Board
discussions and ensures that the Board receives accurate,
timely and clear information, particularly in relation to
the Company’s performance. He promotes a culture
of openness and trust which allows for debate and
constructive challenge of the executive directors.
66
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
The Chairman works collaboratively with the Chief Creative
and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Bailey, in setting
the Board agenda and ensuring any actions agreed by the
Board are effectively implemented.
During the year, the Chairman maintained regular contact
and met with the Senior Independent Director and other
non-executive directors outside of formal Board meetings.
The Chairman also met with the non-executive directors
without the executive directors being present.
The Chairman is also responsible to shareholders for the
Company’s performance and has regular discussions with
the Company’s main institutional shareholders. The major
commitments of the Chairman are detailed in his biography
on page 62.
The Senior Independent Director, Philip Bowman,
supports the Chairman in his role and leads the non-
executive directors in the oversight of the Chairman.
The Senior Independent Director is also available as an
additional point of contact for shareholders.
The Non-executive directors provide strong experience
and independent support to the Board. They assist in the
development of strategy and provide constructive challenge
and support to management.
The Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer,
Christopher Bailey, is responsible for the management of
the business, developing the Group’s strategic direction for
consideration and approval by the Board and implementing
the agreed strategy. The Chief Creative and Chief Executive
Officer is assisted by members of his senior leadership
team who meet regularly. Members of the senior leadership
team are identified on page 13.
The Company Secretary, Catherine Sukmonowski,
acts as Secretary to the Board and all the Board’s
Committees and is responsible for supporting the Chairman
in the delivery of the corporate governance agenda.
Role of the Board
This has been a dynamic year for Burberry, with the transition
in its leadership and the continued growth and evolution of its
business. It is the responsibility of the Board to support management
in its strategic aims to enable the Company to continue to perform
successfully and sustainably for our shareholders and wider stakeholders.
The Board is ultimately responsible for promoting the
long-term success of the Group. The Board leads and
provides direction for management by setting strategy and
overseeing its implementation by management. The Board
is also responsible for oversight of the Group’s systems
of governance, internal control and risk management.
Specific key decisions and matters have been reserved
for approval by the Board. These include decisions on the
Group’s strategy, the annual budget and operating plans,
major capital expenditure and transactions, financial
results, the dividend, the approval of Group’s risk appetite
and other governance issues. The matters reserved for the
Board’s decision are available on the Company’s website
at www.burberryplc.com.
Role of the Board Committees
The Board is supported in its activities by a number of
committees including the following principal committees:
Audit Committee; Nomination Committee; and Remuneration
Committee. All the non-executive directors are members of
each of the principal committees of the Board. The Board
believes this to be important as it ensures the appropriate
linkages between the work of the Committees and the
Board as a whole. The terms of reference of each of the
principal committees can be viewed on the Company’s
website at www.burberryplc.com.
The Committees can engage third-party consultants and
independent professional advisers and can call upon other
resources of the Group to assist them in discharging their
respective responsibilities.
Board
Nomination
Committee
Remuneration
Committee
Audit
Committee
Risk
Committee
Chief Creative and
Chief Executive
Officer
Senior
Leadership Team
Global Health and
Safety Committee
Global Ethics
Committee
67
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
In addition to the relevant committee members and the
Company Secretary, external advisers and, on occasion,
other directors and members of the senior management
team attend committee meetings but only at the invitation
of the Chairmen of the Committees.
visiting the Group’s various operating facilities in the UK.
Between meetings, directors spend a significant amount of
time on Board and Committee related matters. The Board
considers that it met sufficiently often to enable the
directors to discharge their duties effectively.
Set out on pages 75 to 79 are reports from the Audit and
Nomination Committees. The report of the Remuneration
Committee is set out on pages 81 to 103.
Board effectiveness
The culture of the Board is open, transparent and collegiate.
The Chairman demonstrates leadership and encourages individual
and collective involvement.
Highlights of Board activities during 2014/15
During the year the Board held six scheduled meetings,
including an in-depth two-day session on strategy, and
one ad hoc meeting. In addition, the Board spent two days
The Board and Committee agendas were shaped to ensure
that discussion was focused on the Group’s strategic
priorities and key monitoring activities, as well as reviews
of significant issues. In addition, to allow for opportunities
for the Board to engage with senior management to discuss
key elements of the business, a number of Board dinners
were held during the year. The table below gives the
highlights of how the Board spent its time during its 2014/15
financial year (but it is not an exhaustive list of topics
covered). Further information on the Group’s strategic focus
during the year is set out in the Core Strategies section
starting on page 27.
Month
Strategy/Business Focus
Oversight and Risk
Governance
May
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Japan transition.
Productivity and efficiency.
July
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Productivity and efficiency.
September
Annual strategy session (two days).
Product showroom presentation and tour.
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Banking matters.
Capital structure.
Review of 2013/14 financial year
preliminary results announcement,
Annual Report and Accounts and
dividend policy.
Review of risk assessments and internal
controls process and risk appetite.
Business controls.
Review of non-audit fees.
UK Governance Code and other regulatory
requirements for the Annual Report.
Preparation for and review of Notice
of AGM.
Board succession matters.
Investor relations update.
Group Treasury Policy.
Shareholder engagement.
AGM.
Investor relations update.
Director indemnification.
Strategic risks and impact on the
three-year plan.
Board succession matters.
Shareholder engagement.
October/
November
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Review of 2014/15 interim results
and dividend.
Investor relations update.
New UK Corporate Governance Code.
Productivity and efficiency.
February
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Beauty business.
Product.
March
Focus on supply chain.
CC & CEO’s update on the business,
operations, brand and culture.
Year end review of the business/
sector outlook.
2015/16 budget.
Beauty business.
Capital structure.
Review of risk assessments, internal
control framework and business controls.
Review of audit plan for 2014/15 and
reappointment of auditors.
Group Treasury Policy.
Board succession matters.
Director’s and Officer’s
insurance renewal.
IT controls and cyber security.
Investor relations update.
Risk assurance map.
68
Board succession matters.
Review of conflicts of interest.
Group Treasury Policy.
External Board effectiveness review.
Shareholder engagement.
Independent investor audit results.
External Board effectiveness review.
Review of conflicts of interest.
Board succession matters.
Annual Report planning.
Charitable donations.
Shareholder engagement.
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
Evaluating our performance in 2014/15
The Board undertakes a formal review of its performance
and that of its Committees each financial year, and is
required to conduct an external evaluation once every
three years. This year an external review of the Board’s
and Committees’ effectiveness was conducted by Dr Tracy
Long of Boardroom Review. Boardroom Review has no
other connection with the Company. Dr Long facilitated
a Board effectiveness workshop which was designed to
enhance the Board’s current contribution and to assist
the Board in its consideration of future challenges by:
· sharing perspectives about the Board’s effectiveness
and role;
· benchmarking against best practice; and
· identifying priorities for the Board’s development agenda.
The workshop parameters were informed by a discussion
between Dr Long and the Chairman. Ahead of the workshop
each of the directors completed a questionnaire, followed
up by individual conversations with Dr Long. The workshop
was conducted with executive and non-executive directors
present, and included a case study. Following the workshop
Dr Long prepared a report which summarised the
discussion highlighting the strengths of the Board and its
Committees, future challenges and the key actions agreed
for the year ahead. The Chairman subsequently spoke to each
director individually to ascertain any further views from the
workshop and to discuss individual roles and performance.
Dr Long’s report focused principally on the culture and
environment in the boardroom, together with the changing
composition of the Board and key areas of engagement.
The overall view was that the Board worked well and there
was mutual trust and respect between Board members.
The changes being made to Board composition were positive
but Board members expressed the view that it was important
that the departures of longer-serving Board members were
phased to ensure the preservation of corporate memory
while newer Board members settle into their roles. This
resonated with the messages from last year’s Board
effectiveness review which had highlighted that it was
important to ensure stability while the Board evolves.
Below is a summary of the key challenges and actions
identified from the 2014/15 external Board effectiveness
review and views and actions arising from last year’s review.
Key Themes
Views
2014/15 Review
Actions
2013/14 Review
Views/Actions
Board
composition
The Board composition was enhanced by
the recent additional non-executive and
executive director appointments. There
was a diversity of perspective, fresh
thinking and relevant knowledge and
experience. With the changing Board
composition, there was a need to manage
levels of knowledge and experience and
consequently the importance of staggering
the tenure of longer-serving directors.
The Board needed to ensure that it had
experience in the key markets in which the
Group operates.
Continue to enhance non-executives’
engagement with strategy and
knowledge of the Company through
meetings with members of the senior
management team, specific focus on
key areas of the business and individual
site visits.
Consideration would be given
to ensuring experience relevant
to the Group’s key markets.
Board/
Committee
focus
There had been a good balance in terms
of strategic focus during the year with
Board time spent on considering growth,
products and customers, and continuing
to refine risk appetite.
Future Board focus would continue
to be on the strategic challenges
of managing growth, the uncertain
external environment and
shareholder engagement.
Continue to enhance non-executives’
knowledge and involvement (see above:
Board composition actions).
Board/
Committee
effectiveness
The culture of the Board was open,
transparent and collegiate and there
was mutual trust between executive
and non-executive directors. The
Chairman demonstrated leadership
and encouraged individual and
collective involvement.
There was a healthy balance of support
and constructive challenge in the Board
and its delegated Committees, and the
Board used its time formally and
informally to discuss priorities.
69
The Board succession process was not
yet complete but the consensus was that
it was progressing well.
Strategy must continue to be a strong
focus for the Board.
The Board would ensure that appropriate
support was provided to new Board
members during this time of transition.
The involvement of senior management
in Board meetings and more informal
meetings continued to be important,
particularly to provide non-executive
directors with additional insight.
The Board performed well, maintaining
its business focus despite a number
of key challenges during the year,
particularly changes to the management
team. The Chairman was commended
for his effectiveness in leading the Board.
The Committees performed well,
particularly in dealing with a number
of significant regulatory changes.
There was an opportunity to optimise
more ‘two-way’ engagement with
the Board during meetings to ensure
management was leveraging on
non-executive director experience,
particularly during this time of transition.
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
The table below gives details of directors’ attendance at Board and Committee meetings during the year ended 31 March 2015.
Sir John Peace
Christopher Bailey1
Fabiola Arredondo2
Philip Bowman3
Ian Carter
Jeremy Darroch4
Carol Fairweather
Stephanie George
Matthew Key5
Carolyn McCall6
John Smith
David Tyler
Board
Audit
Nomination
Remuneration
Scheduled
Ad hoc
6/6
6/6
1/1
5/6
6/6
5/6
6/6
6/6
5/6
4/4
6/6
6/6
1/1
0/1
–
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
1/1
–
–
–
3/3
3/3
2/3
–
3/3
2/3
2/2
–
3/3
3/3
–
–
2/3
3/3
3/3
–
3/3
3/3
3/3
–
3/3
–
–
1/1
3/4
4/4
4/4
–
4/4
4/4
3/3
–
4/4
1 An ad hoc meeting was convened at short notice to deal with a number of administrative formalities. Christopher Bailey was unable to attend due to a prior
business commitment.
2 Fabiola Arredondo was appointed to the Board and as a member of the Committees on 10 March 2015.
3 Philip Bowman was unable to attend one Board, Nomination and Remuneration Committee meeting (taking place on the same day), due to illness.
4 Jeremy Darroch was unable to attend one Board and Audit Committee meeting (taking place on the same day), due to a commitment made prior to his appointment.
5 Matthew Key was unable to attend one Board and Audit Committee meeting (taking place on the same day), due to personal reasons.
6 Carolyn McCall was appointed to the Board and as a member of the Committees on 1 September 2014.
Time allocation
Each of the non-executive directors has a letter of
appointment which sets out the terms and conditions of his
or her directorship. The Chairman and the non-executive
directors are expected to devote such time as is necessary
for the proper performance of their duties. This is expected
to be approximately 20 days each year for basic duties.
The Chairman and Senior Independent Director are expected
to spend additional time over and above this to discharge
their added responsibilities.
External directorships
The Board’s executive directors are permitted to hold only
one non-executive directorship of a FTSE 100 company.
Details of the directors’ other directorships can be found
in their biographies on pages 62 and 63.
Management changes
Angela Ahrendts stepped down as Chief Executive Officer
and as a director on 30 April 2014 and Christopher Bailey
was appointed as Chief Creative and Chief Executive
Officer and as a director on 1 May 2014.
Board and Committee composition and succession
The non-executive directors are drawn from a wide range
of industries and backgrounds, including mobile, digital,
technology, media, retail, financial services, consumer
travel, hotels and hospitality, marketing, accountancy
and general management expertise. They have extensive
experience of complex organisations with global reach,
including experience of the Group’s key markets of Europe,
the Americas and Asia reflecting the Group’s strategy.
Their varied yet relevant experience brings a diversity
of perspective and useful insight to Board discussions
and important support to the management team. The
biographical details of the current directors can be
found on pages 62 and 63.
The Board continued to focus on building on its relevant
skills and competencies for the future under its succession
plan and continued progress was made on this during
the year with the appointment of Carolyn McCall as a
non-executive director on 1 September 2014 and Fabiola
Arredondo as a non-executive director on 10 March 2015.
The composition of the Board has evolved significantly
over the past two years with the appointment of four new
non-executive directors and a new executive team, albeit
comprised of executives with many years of experience
at the Company. In the context of this substantial change
in both the executive and non-executive Board members,
the directors believe that to ensure stability and continuity
of knowledge, new Board members should be given
the opportunity to settle into their roles before the
longer-serving members step down (see Evaluating our
performance in 2014/15). The Board will continue to execute
against its succession plan and it is anticipated that there
will be further changes to the Board in the coming year.
All new Board appointments are based on merit, keeping
in mind the Board composition principles adopted by the
Committee. These principles are to:
· maintain current core competencies;
· add new competencies which reflect the evolution of the
Group’s business;
· ensure compatibility with Burberry’s culture and values;
and
· promote diversity, including in terms of gender.
Please see the Report from the Nomination Committee on
page 79 for more information on the appointment process.
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
The performance of Philip Bowman, David Tyler, Stephanie
George and Ian Carter has been subject to a rigorous
review, including with regard to their independence.
Their in-depth knowledge of the Group combined with the
consistency they provide through their continued service,
remains invaluable to ensure a smooth transition of the
Board and its Committees. Each of these individuals
continues to demonstrate the attributes of an independent
non-executive director, including contributing to constructive
challenge and debate at meetings, and there was no evidence
that their tenure has impacted on their independence.
The Board is satisfied that all of its non-executive directors
bring robust independent oversight and continue to
remain independent.
Information flow and professional development
The Chairman works closely with the Company Secretary
in the planning of the agendas and schedule of Board
and Committee meetings and in ensuring that information
is made available to Board members on a timely basis
and is of a quality appropriate to enable the Board to
effectively discharge its duties.
As set out in the table ‘Highlights of Board activities during
2014/15’ on page 68, the Board is kept up to date on legal,
regulatory, compliance and governance matters through
advice and regular papers from the Company Secretary,
the General Counsel and other advisers.
The Company Secretary assists the Chairman in designing
and facilitating a tailored induction programme for new
directors and their ongoing training. During the year newly
appointed directors received an induction covering the key
business areas and operations, the corporate functions,
strategy and the Burberry brand and culture. In addition,
non-executive directors are provided with opportunities
to meet with members of senior management and to visit
key stores, markets and facilities. This included visits to
the Group’s various operating facilities in the UK. The
Chairman considers the training needs of directors on
an ongoing basis.
The Board has direct access to the advice and services of
the Company Secretary and the appointment and removal
of the Company Secretary is a matter reserved for the
Board as a whole. Directors may also obtain, in the
furtherance of their duties, independent professional
advice, if necessary, at the Group’s expense.
Diversity and inclusion
Male
Female
Board succession planning is focused on ensuring the
right mix of skills and experience for the Board. The Board
believes in the importance of diverse Board membership,
including in relation to gender, and has exceeded the goal
set out by Lord Davies on diversity in Britain’s boardrooms
of a minimum of 25% female representation of FTSE 100
boards by 2015.
Currently, four out of our twelve Board members are female
(including our Chief Financial Officer) comprising 33% of
our Board membership, which exceeds Lord Davies’ target.
The Board will continue to monitor diversity and take such
steps as it considers appropriate to maintain Burberry’s
position as a meritocratic and diverse business.
The Board believes that it is critical that women are able
to succeed at all levels of the organisation. Currently, of
a total workforce of 10,851, approximately 69% is female
and approximately 37% of senior management is female.
More broadly, diversity is at the heart of Group culture
which is characterised by a meritocratic and collaborative
ethos. At our London headquarters, 60 different nationalities
are represented.
The Company continues to focus on evolving its strategies
for recruiting and developing key talent within the business
in a way which promotes the Group’s cultural values and
diverse and meritocratic environment. See the Build our
Culture section on page 40.
Board tenure
0 – 5 years
5 – 10 years
10 years or above
The balance of tenure of service of the directors is set
out in the diagram above. At the time of the 2015 Annual
General Meeting, Sir John Peace, Philip Bowman and David
Tyler will have served on the Board for 13 years. Stephanie
George will have been on the Board for nine years and
Ian Carter will have served for eight years.
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
Re-election of directors
At the Annual General Meeting in 2014, all continuing
directors offered themselves for re-election. Each director
was re-elected and no director received less than 93%
in favour of the votes cast. At the Annual General Meeting
in 2015, all of the directors will again retire and all will offer
themselves for re-election or, in the case of the newly
appointed directors, for election.
The Board believes that each of the directors standing
for re-election or election are effective and, accordingly,
the Board recommends that shareholders approve the
resolutions to be proposed at the 2015 Annual General
Meeting relating to the re-election or election of
the directors.
Managing conflicts of interest
All directors have a duty under the Companies Act 2006 to
avoid a situation in which they have, or could have, a direct
or indirect conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest
with the Company and the Group.
Under the Group’s Articles of Association, the Board has
the authority to approve ‘situational’ conflicts of interest
and has adopted procedures to manage and, where
appropriate, to approve such conflicts. Authorisations
granted by the Board are recorded by the Company
Secretary in a register and are noted by the Board at
its next meeting.
A review of situational conflicts which have been authorised
is undertaken by the Board annually. Following the last
review, the Board concluded that the conflicts had been
appropriately authorised, no circumstances existed which
would necessitate that any prior authorisation be revoked
or amended, and the authorisation process continued to
operate effectively.
Engagement with shareholders
The Board recognises the importance of regular open
and constructive dialogue with shareholders and other
stakeholders, not just ahead of the Annual General
Meeting, but throughout the year.
The Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other
members of senior management give presentations
to institutional shareholders and analysts immediately
following the release of the half and full year results
which are then made available on the Group’s website
at www.burberryplc.com. The Group’s Investor Relations
and Company Secretariat departments act as the centre
for ongoing communication with shareholders, investors
and analysts. The Board receives regular updates on the
views of the Group’s key shareholders and stakeholders
from this engagement or direct contacts.
The Board has spent time reflecting on the disappointing
vote received on the Directors’ Remuneration Report at
the 2014 Annual General Meeting. Consequently there
has been a focus during the year on enhancing the Group’s
engagement with our shareholders and stakeholders on
remuneration matters. Our Chairman Sir John Peace and
the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee Ian Carter
met with or spoke to the majority of the Group’s largest
50 investors to discuss remuneration matters.
In addition during the year, executive management
and our Investor Relations team met with the Group’s 25
largest investors. Topics discussed included (but were
not limited to) the Company’s performance and strategy,
the management transition, the Directors’ Remuneration
Policy and the operation of the Group’s new share plan.
The Senior Independent Director and all the other
non-executive directors are available to meet with
shareholders as required.
The Group also conducted its regular independent investor
audit of its major investors through Makinson Cowell, a
capital markets advisory firm, to gauge investor perception.
The investor audit findings were presented to the Board.
Effective internal controls
The Group’s core strategies have been developed to exploit
identified opportunities through the Group’s business model.
Where material risks have been identified within the business,
the Group has implemented an appropriate internal control
environment to endeavour to mitigate such risks.
The Board is ultimately responsible for the Group’s system
of internal controls and risk management, and it discharges
its duties in this area by:
· determining the nature and extent of the significant risks
it is willing to accept in achieving the Group’s strategic
objectives (the Board’s risk appetite); and
· ensuring that management implement effective systems
of risk identification, assessment and mitigation.
The Audit Committee has been delegated the responsibility
for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s internal
controls and risk management framework. The Audit
Committee uses information drawn from a number of
different sources to carry out this responsibility including:
· objective assurance provided by Internal Audit through
its annual audit plan, which is approved by the Audit
Committee and is formulated on the basis of a number
of factors including the principal risks identified in the
risk assessment and key internal controls;
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
· regular reports to the Audit Committee from executive
management and key Group assurance functions
detailing their risk management and compliance
approaches and highlighting any significant issues;
· key outcomes from discussions at the Group’s Risk
Committee; and
· further objective assurance provided by external auditors.
The internal control framework has been in operation for the
whole of the year under review and continues to operate up
to the date of approval of the Annual Report and Accounts.
Regular self-certification has also been in place for key
finance processes to confirm the documented control
framework continues to efficiently and effectively manage
risk. The system of internal controls is designed to manage
rather than eliminate the risk of not achieving business
objectives, and can only provide reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The Board, through the Audit Committee, has reviewed
the assessment of risks and the Group’s internal control
framework and has considered the effectiveness of the
system of internal control in operation in the Group for the
year covered by the Annual Report and Accounts and up to
the date of its approval by the Board. This covered all material
controls including financial, operational and compliance
controls and risk management systems. The process
followed by the Board in reviewing the system of internal
controls (as set out above) accords with the guidance on
internal control issued by the Turnbull Committee. It also
accords with the provisions of the Code.
Group approach to managing risks
The Group has an integrated approach to risk management
and internal controls to ensure that its review of risk is
used to inform the internal audit process and the design
of internal controls.
A detailed three-year strategic plan and annual budget
process provides the principal metrics against which the
performance of the Group is measured. The strategic plan
and budget are agreed with the Board together with defined
performance targets and risks. The plan and the principal
risks for delivering the strategy also form part of the Board’s
annual review of Group strategy.
Executive management assesses risk on a regular basis
through the Group’s Risk Committee which meets at least
three times per year and reports any key findings to the
Audit Committee. The Group’s Risk Committee evaluates
risk through reports made to it by Internal Audit and other
assurance teams and management committees. The
Committee benefits from cross-functional attendance
encompassing senior management of key areas such as IT,
Finance, Legal, Brand Protection, Corporate Responsibility,
Human Resources, Supply Chain, Asset and Profit
Protection, and Health and Safety. The Risk Committee
is chaired by the Chief Operating Officer and its members
include the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Corporate
Affairs Officer & General Counsel, the Vice President –
Group Risk Officer, the Director of Audit, the Company
Secretary and other members of senior management.
The executive directors also meet with senior management
on a regular basis to discuss performance, operational and
budget issues to identify any emerging risks to achieving
the budget and strategic plan.
As part of the Audit Committee’s ongoing monitoring of
the robustness of the Group’s internal controls, during the
year Grant Thornton conducted an independent review
of the effectiveness of the Group’s Internal Audit function.
The report findings concluded that the Group’s Internal
Audit function was effective and included a high-calibre
team which operated under a continuous improvement
philosophy. Actions have been taken to address the
areas identified where the function could improve further.
With the succession planning for the head of Internal
Audit already being considered and in the context of the
continued growth of the business, the review supported
the Group’s decision to evolve the Internal Audit function to
create a separate Risk function in addition to Internal Audit.
All internal audit activity is conducted by the Internal
Audit team under the leadership of the Director of Audit,
who reports to the Chief Financial Officer but who also
has an independent reporting line to the Chairman of
the Audit Committee. In view of Internal Audit’s findings,
management agrees and implements corrective action
plans, which are tracked to completion by Internal Audit,
with the results reported to executive management, the
Audit Committee and the Board.
A newly created role following the Internal Audit function
review, the Vice President – Group Risk Officer reports to
the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for ensuring
that the Board’s requirements relating to business risk
management are met. This includes the design and
facilitation of the risk assessment process, the risk appetite
framework and providing oversight of key business change
processes. As part of the Board’s consideration of the
principal risks facing the Group, the Vice President – Group
Risk Officer facilitates a risk assessment process in each
key business area and global support function to review
the significant risks facing its operations and to record
the relevant controls and any actions in place to mitigate
the risks. The materiality of the risk is measured based on
financial and non-financial criteria, and the probability of
the risk arising is also mapped. The detailed assessments
are then consolidated to provide input into the Group
risk assessment which is discussed and agreed by
management at the Risk Committee prior to presentation
to the Audit Committee. The outcome of these assessments
also inform the work of Internal Audit during the year and
contribute to the development of the annual audit plan.
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
There are areas of the Group’s business where it is
necessary to accept risks to achieve a satisfactory return
for shareholders, with such risks reflecting the Board’s
overall appetite for risk. During 2014/15 the Audit
Committee, in conjunction with the full Board, considered
and reviewed the nature and extent of these risks. It is the
Group’s objective to manage rather than eliminate such
risks including keeping them under regular review.
For details of the principal risks which may adversely
impact the performance of the Group and the execution
of its strategies and the steps the Group takes to address
these risks (where they are matters within Group control),
see the Principal Risks section on pages 56 to 59.
Financial reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and
maintaining adequate internal controls over financial
reporting. These controls are designed to provide
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for
external reporting purposes.
The Group has comprehensive planning, budgeting,
forecasting and monthly reporting processes in place.
A summary of the Group’s financial results supported
by commentary and performance measures is provided
to the Board each month.
In relation to the preparation of the Group financial
statements, the controls in place include:
· a centre of expertise responsible for reviewing
new developments in reporting requirements
and standards to ensure that these are reflected
in Group accounting policies;
· a dedicated financial governance team which is
responsible for developing the Group’s financial
control processes and procedures and overseeing
their implementation across the Group; and
· a global finance structure consisting of employees
with the appropriate expertise to ensure that Group
policies and procedures are correctly applied.
Effective management and control of the finance
structure is achieved through the finance leadership
team, consisting of key finance employees from the
regions and London headquarters.
The reporting process is supported by transactional and
consolidation finance systems. Reviews of controls are
carried out by senior finance management. The results
of these reviews are considered by the Board as part
of its monitoring of the performance of controls around
financial reporting.
The Audit Committee reviews the application of financial
reporting standards and any significant accounting
judgements made by management.
Control environment
The Group’s business model is based primarily on a
central design, supply chain and distribution operation
to supply products to global markets via retail (including
digital) and wholesale channels. This is reflected in the
internal control framework which includes centralised
direction, resource allocation, oversight and risk
management of the key activities of marketing, inventory
management, brand and technology development.
This includes central support in relation to corporate
governance, legal, brand protection, human resources,
information systems and financial practice.
The Group has established procedures for the delegation
of authorities to ensure that approval for matters that are
considered significant is provided at an appropriate level,
either because of their value or their materiality to the
Group. In addition, the Group has policies and procedures
in place that are designed to support risk management
across the Group. These include policies relating to
treasury, the conduct of employees and third parties with
which the Group conducts business including prohibiting
bribery and corruption. These authorities, policies and
procedures are kept under review as the Group continues
to develop.
Accountability and audit
The Annual Report and Accounts taken as a whole, is
required to be fair, balanced and understandable and
provide the information necessary for shareholders
to assess the Group’s performance, business model
and strategy. The Board is satisfied that it has met this
obligation. A summary of the directors’ responsibilities for
the financial statements is set out on page 110. The report
of the Auditors on page 111 includes a statement by the
auditors concerning their reporting responsibilities.
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
Audit Committee membership
The following directors served as members of the
Committee during the year ending 31 March 2015:
Members
Appointment date
Philip Bowman (Chairman)
Fabiola Arredondo
Ian Carter
Jeremy Darroch
Stephanie George
Matthew Key
Carolyn McCall
David Tyler
21 June 2002
10 March 2015
18 May 2007
5 February 2014
19 May 2006
26 September 2013
1 September 2014
21 June 2002
The Audit Committee met three times during the year. The
attendance record of Committee members is recorded in
the table on page 70. In addition to the scheduled meetings
the Chairman of the Committee meets separately with
representatives of the Auditor, the Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President – Financial Controller, the Director of Internal
Audit and Vice President – Group Risk Officer on a regular
basis, including prior to each meeting. In addition he meets
with other members of management on an ad hoc basis as
required to fulfil his duties.
Regular attendees at Committee meetings include: the
Chairman of the Board, the Chief Financial Officer,
the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer & General Counsel,
the Company Secretary, the Vice President – Group Risk
Officer, the Director of Audit, the Senior Vice President
– Group Finance, the Vice President – Group Financial
Controller, the Senior Vice President – Group Tax and
the representatives of the external auditors.
The Board is satisfied that Philip Bowman as Chairman
has recent and relevant financial experience and that
all other Committee members have past employment
experience in either finance or accounting roles or broad
experience and knowledge of financial reporting and/or
international businesses. Details of their experience
can be found in their biographies on pages 62 and 63.
Report of the Audit Committee
Dear Shareholder,
The role of the Audit Committee is to monitor the integrity of
financial information and to provide assurance to the Board
that the Group’s internal controls and risk management
systems are appropriate and regularly reviewed, together
with overseeing the work of the external auditors, approving
their remuneration and recommending their appointment.
During the year the Committee continued to focus on
ensuring that the Group’s systems and controls are
operating effectively, are responsive to a challenging
external environment and are evolving in line with the
Group’s growth. This included the independent review by
Grant Thornton of the effectiveness of the Group’s Internal
Audit function which found that the function operated
effectively. In addition the Group separated the Internal
Audit and Risk function into two distinct areas of expertise
to support the continuing evolution of the business.
The Committee also considered the significant matters
set out in the table on page 77. Where these significant
matters related to the financial statements for the year, the
Committee requested papers from management setting out
their approach, the key estimates and judgements applied
and management’s recommendation. The Committee
reviewed and challenged these papers, together with the
findings of the external auditors, in order to conclude on the
appropriateness of the treatment in the financial statements.
During the year the Committee conducted a review of the
standing agenda items for each meeting and refreshed
the agenda to ensure that it continues to reflect the areas
where the Committee might most usefully focus its
attention to reflect the changing nature of the business.
In addition to the significant matters considered by the
Committee, the usual work of the Committee is set out
in the table on page 76.
The Committee has a constructive and open relationship
with management and the auditors and we thank them for
their assistance during the year. With the requirement that
the auditors rotate the audit engagement partner every five
years, PricewaterhouseCoopers partner Andy Kemp will
be replaced commencing with the 2015/16 audit. The
Committee would like to thank Andy for his work over the
last five years.
Philip Bowman
Chairman, Audit Committee
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report
Role of the Committee
The main roles and responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set out in written terms of reference which are available on
the Company’s website at www.burberryplc.com. The Committee reviews its terms of reference annually. In light of its key
responsibilities, the Committee considered the following items of usual business during the financial year as set out in the
table below.
Key Committee roles
and responsibilities
Financial Reports:
The integrity of the Group’s financial
statements and formal announcements
of the Group’s performance.
Risks and Internal Controls:
The Group’s internal financial, operational
and compliance controls and risk identification
and management systems. Review of Group
policies for identifying and assessing risks and
arrangements for employees to raise concerns
(in confidence) about possible improprieties.
Internal Audit:
Review of the annual internal audit programme
and the consideration of findings of any internal
investigations and management’s response.
Review of effectiveness of the internal
audit function.
External Auditors:
Recommending the appointment of external
auditors, approving their remuneration and
overseeing their work. Policies on the
engagement of the external auditors for the
supply of non-audit services.
Usual business conducted during 2014/15
· Review of the Annual Report and Accounts, annual financial statements, preliminary
announcement, and interim announcement. On behalf of the Board the consideration
of whether the processes and procedures in place ensure that the Annual Report and
Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business
model and strategy.
and risk management.
and on the year end audit.
· Assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future.
· Consideration of the report of the external auditors on the financial statements for the year,
· Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations for financial reporting and the Code.
· Review of the Group’s statement in the Corporate Governance Report on internal controls
· Review of financial, IT and cyber security control frameworks.
· Review of business risk assessments.
· Treasury Policy review and compliance.
· Risk Committee and Ethics Committee updates.
· Health and safety reviews.
· Whistleblowing reports.
· Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy compliance.
· Consideration of the result of internal audits and management responses to the findings.
· Approval of the internal audit plan for 2015/16.
· Independent review of the effectiveness of the internal audit function.
· Review and approval of the proposed audit fee and terms of engagement for the Group’s
external auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), for the 2014/15 financial year
(see below).
· Review and approval of the audit plan for the year presented by the Group’s auditors in
October 2014. Consideration of the key areas of risk and the audit approach applied to
these areas, the proposed areas of coverage of the audit, changes of scope and areas
of risk in the current year plan and the resource plan.
· Review of all non-audit services provided by the Group’s auditors during the period and
· On the five year rotation of the audit engagement partner, the approval of new PwC audit
the fees relating to the services provided (see page 78).
engagement partner starting from the 2015/16 financial year.
76
Significant matters
The significant matters considered by the Committee during the year are set out below.
Significant matters for the year
ended 31 March 2015
The calculation of the fair value of the put option
over the non-controlling interest in the Group’s
business in China.
Impairment assessment of intangible assets.
The recoverability of the cost of inventory and
the resulting amount of provisioning required.
Income and deferred taxes.
Fair, balanced and understandable reporting.
Other matters.
How the Audit Committee addressed these matters
The Committee reviewed and challenged the appropriateness of the key inputs used in the
calculation of the fair value of this option. The Committee also considered the sensitivity of the
fair value to reasonable changes in inputs and disclosures made in relation to the valuation,
including the potential impact of the call option on the future accounting for the put option
liability. Further details of the valuation of the put option, which is valued at £54.4m at the year
end, are set out in note 19 of the financial statements. The Committee concluded that the fair
value of the put option, the disclosure of the valuation methodology and of the impact of the
judgements applied were appropriate in the financial statements for the year.
The Committee considered management’s assessment of the recoverability of the intangible
asset relating to the termination of the fragrance and beauty relationship. Given the materiality
of this asset, the Committee requested management to update the valuation to reflect latest
projected sales and margins, at each balance sheet date. The reasonableness of these
projections was considered, taking into account the current performance of the business
and the headroom in the valuation over book value. No impairment in this intangible asset
was recorded during the year. Further details of the intangible asset are provided in note
12 of the financial statements.
The Committee considered the Group’s current provisioning policy, the historic loss rates
incurred on inventory held at the balance sheet date and the nature and condition of current
inventory. Particular focus was given to the policy and provisioning for Beauty inventory,
given the limited history of loss rates in Beauty compared to the other product divisions.
The Committee requested management to provide a detailed analysis of Beauty inventory
at the interim and year end, in order to consider the appropriateness of the provision
recognised. The Committee concluded that the carrying value of inventory was appropriate.
The Committee also requested management to continue to evolve their methodology
for estimating the recoverable amount of Beauty inventory as more history of loss rates
became available. Movements in inventory provisioning are set out in note 16 of the
financial statements.
The Senior Vice President – Group Tax, who reports to the Committee at each meeting,
presented a detailed update of the Group’s tax strategy, developments relating to discussions
with tax authorities and the status of ongoing tax audits. The Committee reviewed and
challenged the appropriateness of assumptions and judgements applied in order to estimate
the amount of assets and liabilities to be recognised in relation to uncertain income tax and
deferred tax positions. The Committee concluded that the assets and liabilities recognised
and disclosures contained in the financial statements for the period were appropriate. Details
of movements in tax balances are set out in notes 9 and 14 of the financial statements and
further disclosure of tax contingent liabilities is given in note 30.
The Committee considered the Annual Report and Interim Report, on behalf of the Board, to
ensure that they were fair, balanced and understandable, in accordance with requirements of
the UK Corporate Governance Code. As part of this review, the Committee reviewed the report
from the Strategic Report Drafting Team, highlighting key considerations. The Committee
considered comments arising from the review of accounts by the executive directors. For
instance, given the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, the Committee requested
management to provide a detailed reconciliation of the calculation of the constant currency
performance, which is included in the Strategic Report in the Group Financial Highlights. An
independent review of the constant currency reporting was also sought to provide additional
comfort. There were no changes to the constant currency reporting as a result of these reviews.
At the May and November meetings, the Committee also considered management’s papers
on the following subjects:
· assessment of the carrying value of goodwill;
· impairment assessments of property, plant and equipment;
· impairment assessments of trade receivables; and
· consideration of the potential impact of supplier rebates, which concluded that amounts
received from supplier rebates did not have a material impact on the Group results.
77
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report External auditors
The Committee oversees the work undertaken by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. During the year the
Committee met with the external auditors without
members of management being present.
Appointment and fees
The Committee has primary responsibility for making
a recommendation on the appointment, reappointment
and removal of the external auditors. The Committee
assesses on an annual basis the qualifications, expertise,
resources and independence of the external auditors
and the effectiveness of the previous audit process.
Over the course of the year, the Committee has reviewed
the audit process and the quality and experience of the
audit partners engaged in the audit. The Committee also
reviewed the proposed audit fee and terms of engagement
for the 2014/15 financial year. Details of the fees paid to
the external auditors during the financial year can be
found in note 7 in the financial statements.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have remained in place
as auditors since prior to the IPO of the Company in 2002.
They were reappointed with a new lead audit partner
following a formal tender process undertaken by the
Group for the 2010/11 financial year. The external auditors
are required to rotate the audit engagement partner every
five years. The current audit partner commenced his
engagement for the 2010/11 financial year and is subject to
rotation after the audit of the Group’s financial statements
for the 2014/15 financial year has been concluded. A new
audit engagement partner is in place for the 2015/16
financial year.
During the year, the Committee approved the
reappointment, remuneration and terms of engagement
of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Group’s external
auditor. The Committee recommended to the Board that
it proposes to shareholders that PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP be reappointed as the Group’s external auditors at the
Group’s forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Non-audit services
The Committee recognises that the independence of the
external auditors is an essential part of the audit framework
and the assurance that it provides. The Committee has
adopted a policy which sets out a framework for determining
whether it is appropriate to engage the Group’s auditors for
non-audit services. This policy was reviewed during the year
in view of EU Audit Reform legislation. Key considerations
set out in the policy include whether the services:
· are naturally tangential to the audit and which the
auditors are best placed to provide;
· cannot be regarded as naturally tangential to the audit,
but where the external auditors are in a position to provide
the best service to the Group due to their previous
experience, network within and knowledge of the
Group, or market leadership in a particular area; and
· represent a real threat to the perceived or actual
independence of the audit team.
Under the policy, the auditors may provide non-audit
services that do not prejudice their independence, subject to
prior approval as set out in the policy. Proposed fees above
a certain level must be approved by the Chairman of the
Audit Committee, and fees must be activity based and not
success related. Fees paid to the external auditors for non-
audit services in any given financial year cannot exceed
70% of the average of the Group audit fees received over
the last three years. This is monitored jointly by Internal
Audit and the external auditors on an ongoing basis and
prior to any additional non-audit services being approved.
At the half year and year end, the Audit Committee reviews
all non-audit services provided by the auditors during the
period and the fees relating to such services.
During the year, the Group spent £673,000 on non-audit
services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (being
38% of the average of Group audit fees received over the
last three years). Further details can be found in note 7.
78
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report Report of the Nomination Committee
Dear Shareholder,
The role of the Nomination Committee is to:
· review the balance and composition of the Board and
its Committees, ensuring that they remain appropriate;
· be responsible for overseeing the Board’s succession
planning requirements including the identification and
assessment of potential Board candidates and making
recommendations to the Board for its approval; and
· keep under review the leadership needs of, and
succession planning for, the Group in relation to both
its executive directors and other senior executives. This
includes the consideration of recommendations made
by the Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer for
changes to the executive membership of the Board.
During 2014/15 the Committee has continued to focus on
executive and Board succession with the following key
outcomes.
· The appointment on 1 May 2014 of Christopher Bailey
as Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer succeeding
Angela Ahrendts.
· The ongoing implementation of the Board succession plan
to evolve the Board’s relevant skills and competencies
for the future. Further progress has been made on this
during the year with the appointment of Carolyn McCall
and Fabiola Arredondo as non-executive directors. (See
Board succession on page 70 and Diversity and inclusion
on page 71).
Board succession and composition will continue to remain
a priority for the coming year as the Board continues to
execute its succession plan.
Sir John Peace
Chairman, Nomination Committee
Nomination Committee membership
The following directors served as members of the
Committee during the year ended 31 March 2015:
Members
Appointment date
Sir John Peace (Chairman)
Fabiola Arredondo
Philip Bowman
Ian Carter
Jeremy Darroch
Stephanie George
Matthew Key
Carolyn McCall
David Tyler
21 June 2002
10 March 2015
21 June 2002
18 May 2007
5 February 2014
23 March 2007
26 September 2013
1 September 2014
23 March 2007
Role of the Committee
The main roles and responsibilities of the Nomination
Committee are set out in written terms of reference which are
available on the Company’s website at www.burberryplc.com.
The Committee reviews its terms of reference annually.
Activities during the year
The Committee met three times during the year under
review. The table on page 70 gives details of directors’
attendance at these meetings. The Committee spent a
significant amount of time overseeing the process which
led to the appointment of Christopher Bailey as Chief
Creative and Chief Executive Officer, and the appointments
of Carolyn McCall and Fabiola Arredondo as non-executive
directors. The external search firm, Lygon Group, advised on
the appointments of Carolyn McCall and Fabiola Arredondo.
Lygon Group has no other connection with the Group.
Other regular attendees at Committee meetings include
the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and General Counsel
and the Company Secretary.
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Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report Other governance disclosures
Tax strategy
The Group is committed to complying with global tax
regulations in a responsible manner with due regard to
governments and shareholders, and to engage in open
and constructive relationships with tax authorities in the
territories in which it operates. The Group’s tax planning
is consistent with this responsible approach, and it will not
enter into arrangements simply to achieve a tax advantage.
The Group tax strategy is implemented through the Group’s
tax policy which directs and aligns the activities of the
various functions within the Group in order to achieve
the strategy’s objectives.
Tax governance framework
The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for the Group’s
tax policy which is implemented with the assistance of the
finance leadership team. This is reviewed on an ongoing
basis as part of the regular financial planning cycle. In
addition, the Group’s tax status is reported regularly to the
Group Risk and Audit Committees. The Audit Committee
is responsible for monitoring all significant tax matters
including the Group’s tax policy. Audit Committee meetings
are regularly attended by a number of Group officers and
employees including the Chief Financial Officer, the Senior
Vice President – Group Tax and the Chief Corporate Affairs
Officer & General Counsel, who oversees all corporate
responsibility matters.
Share capital
Further information about the Company’s share capital,
including substantial shareholdings, can be found in the
Directors’ Report on pages 104 to 107.
Annual General Meeting and annual re-election
of directors
As required by the UK Corporate Governance Code, the
Notice of the 2014 Annual General Meeting was sent to
shareholders at least 20 working days before the meeting.
A poll vote was taken on each of the resolutions put before
shareholders. All directors serving at the time of the 2014
Annual General Meeting, attended and the Chairman of the
Board and the Chairmen of each of the Committees were
available to answer shareholders’ questions.
Voting at the upcoming 2015 Annual General Meeting will
be by way of poll. The results of the voting at the Annual
General Meeting will be announced and details of the
votes will be available to view on the Group’s website
at www.burberryplc.com as soon as possible after
the meeting.
It is the intention that all directors, including the Chairmen
of the Audit, Remuneration and Nomination Committees,
will attend the 2015 Annual General Meeting and will be
available to answer shareholders’ questions.
All directors have, since the 2011 Annual General Meeting,
offered themselves for annual re-election in accordance
with the UK Corporate Governance Code. At the 2015
Annual General Meeting, all of the directors will again
retire and all will offer themselves for re-election or, in
the case of the newly appointed directors, for election.
The biographical details of the current directors can be
found on pages 62 and 63 of this Annual Report. The
Chairman confirms that, following the external evaluation
conducted during the year and the review of individual
director roles and performance led by the Chairman, the
performance of each of the directors standing for election
continues to be effective and demonstrates commitment
to their roles, including commitment of time for Board and
Committee meetings and any other duties. Accordingly,
the Board recommends that shareholders approve the
resolutions to be proposed at the 2015 Annual General
Meeting relating to the re-election or election of
the directors.
The terms and conditions of appointment of the directors,
including the expected time commitment, are available for
inspection at the Company’s registered office.
80
Board and Governance – Corporate Governance Report Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
Directors’
Remuneration Report
Dear Shareholder,
On behalf of the Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’), I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our shareholders,
as many of you have taken time to consider and provide views to the Committee on executive remuneration matters at
Burberry. As you would expect, the Committee has reflected carefully on the results of the 2014 Annual General Meeting
(‘AGM’). Although we were pleased to gain 83.9% of votes in favour of our remuneration policy, we were extremely
disappointed that we did not receive majority support for the remuneration report. The Committee has invested
considerable time since the AGM to engage with and listen to shareholders to endeavour to better understand and
respond to the areas of Burberry executive remuneration that have caused concern. The Committee takes shareholders’
concerns very seriously and the Chairman and I have both taken a personal role in following up on the AGM vote, with
the team having met with or spoken to the majority of our 50 largest shareholders, specifically to discuss the subject
of Burberry executive remuneration.
Based on our analysis of the votes against the remuneration report and our follow-up discussions with shareholders,
concerns centred largely around the structure of the remuneration package for Christopher Bailey, our Chief Creative
and Chief Executive Officer, and in particular, his award of one million shares granted in 2013 and his award of 500,000
performance-based shares granted in 2014 as part of his appointment to the CEO role. We acknowledge that we released
information regarding Christopher Bailey’s remuneration package through a number of different mediums and therefore
may not have been sufficiently clear on the context for the package and these exceptional share awards. We have sought
to better explain Christopher Bailey’s remuneration package to our major shareholders during our engagement and I set
out below the rationale behind our decisions.
Remuneration Philosophy
Our philosophy on remuneration is based on the following three key points:
· Creativity is at the heart of everything we do and is the key driver of sales and profit. We must attract and retain the best
creative talent available.
· We aim to reward our people on a basis that is strongly aligned to sustainable long-term performance and commitment
to the brand that delivers value to our shareholders.
· Burberry is an international luxury brand and in key areas we compete with, and recruit from, an international rather than
domestic talent pool.
Christopher Bailey’s Remuneration
Christopher Bailey has been with Burberry for 14 years, working in close partnership with two CEOs – first Rose-Marie Bravo
and, from 2006, Angela Ahrendts. Over that period, he led the creative side, overseeing everything the customer sees and
touches including brand imagery, product design and development, creative marketing and architecture. He also led the
consumer technology and digital innovation for which Burberry is renowned and is the basis for our leadership in this area
when compared to our luxury peers. Christopher Bailey was also a strong commercial partner to his CEOs, which is why,
through our succession planning, he was the Board’s clear choice when Angela Ahrendts announced her intention to leave
Burberry in 2014.
A number of our major shareholders have made it clear how important it is that the Company retain Christopher Bailey,
given his value to the Company and its ongoing success and the difficulty of replacing him. The Committee has also taken
this view and over the years considered it appropriate to make a number of decisions regarding his remuneration. These
decisions were not taken lightly. They were difficult decisions which were made after considerable debate at the Committee
meetings, given that the quantum and structure of Christopher Bailey’s remuneration would look unusual, especially in a
UK context. I set out below the key decisions that have been made, and the Committee’s rationale for these decisions:
· In 2010, Christopher Bailey was granted an exceptional award of 350,000 shares that would vest if he remained at the
Company for five years. These will vest ahead of the 2015 AGM and he has committed to retain 50% of these to achieve
his shareholding guideline and demonstrate his commitment to Burberry and alignment with shareholders.
· In 2013, and as the Chairman explained at the 2014 AGM, Christopher Bailey was approached for a role at another brand,
rewarding him at much higher levels than his then existing Burberry package. Put simply, the market value for his creative
talents was far in excess of what he was earning.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
· The Committee believed it was essential to take action to retain Christopher Bailey, and while we could not match the
offer, we increased his remuneration package accordingly, including an exceptional award of one million shares that
would vest in full only if he stayed at Burberry until 2018.
· The Committee also considered it appropriate to provide Christopher Bailey with a cash allowance of £440,000. This was
specifically chosen as a method of increasing Christopher Bailey’s fixed remuneration without increasing other costs to
Burberry for his annual bonus, performance-related share awards and pension allowance.
· Upon taking up the combined role as CC & CEO in 2014, the Committee made no changes to Christopher Bailey’s
ongoing remuneration package. To reflect his additional role and responsibilities as CC & CEO, we did, however, make
Christopher Bailey a grant of an exceptional performance-related award of 500,000 shares that may vest between
2017 and 2019, subject to performance. Recognising that we did not provide sufficient information on the performance
conditions attached to this award in the 2013/14 Directors’ Remuneration Report, the Committee disclosed further details
of the performance conditions on our website on 25 June 2014, as summarised in section 5 of this report. These are a
mixture of financial, strategic and personal performance conditions.
In addition to the information and context we have shared on the 2014 award of 500,000 performance-based shares, the
Committee would like to further improve transparency around the performance conditions for the benefit of shareholders.
While there will be a degree of discretion applied when determining any outcome, we will provide detail (subject to
commercial sensitivity) on how in practice performance has been tested at the end of each year. Section 5 of this report
includes this commentary on progress towards the objectives for the first year of the performance period and the Committee
reached the conclusion, in the light of strong financial performance, outstanding shareholder returns, excellent strategic
progress and Christopher’s own exceptional personal contribution, that overall there was an 85% performance achievement
in the year.
Christopher Bailey is clearly in demand in the international luxury space and the Board is delighted that he has chosen to
stay at Burberry, demonstrating his full commitment to the Company and shareholders during his first year as CC & CEO.
As further demonstration of his long-term commitment to Burberry and strong alignment with the interests of shareholders,
Christopher Bailey has committed to achieving his shareholding guideline requirement of 500,000 shares shortly after the
2015 AGM. On 31 March 2015, the closing share price was £17.33 and so this level of shareholding represented almost
8 times his salary.
A second area of shareholder concern was the level of discretion the Committee has in parts of the policy. While the
Committee might at times require the flexibility to apply discretion, this will be done infrequently, after careful consideration
and, if material, after consultation with major shareholders. Discretion can work both in favour of and against executives.
Executive Share Plan – Final Design
The Committee consulted extensively with shareholders on the design of the new Executive Share Plan (‘ESP’) and was
pleased that the plan received strong support at the 2014 AGM, with 91.2% of votes cast in favour. Whilst the ESP design
has been agreed, the remuneration policy allows a degree of flexibility around a number of the ESP design elements.
This flexibility allows the Committee to determine the most appropriate approach to the following parameters ahead of
each annual award:
· the weighting of each performance measure (within the specified ranges);
· the definition (and calculation approach) of each performance measure; and
· the threshold and maximum performance targets for each performance measure.
The parameters for the 2015 ESP awards are explained in detail in section 4 of this report. The Committee has also decided
to apply an additional holding period on all new ESP awards granted to executive directors. To increase long-term alignment
with shareholders, while executive directors are employed by Burberry, no ESP shares may be sold until five years from the
date of grant.
Remuneration Policy Operation
The Remuneration Committee is pleased to confirm that all remuneration payments to executive directors made during
the year have been in line with the policy approved by shareholders at the 2014 AGM. The Committee is satisfied that
the remuneration policy has proved fit-for-purpose, reflecting the long-term performance of the Company, and remains
appropriate going forward.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
In 2014/15, underlying growth in Group Revenue and Adjusted Profit Before Tax (‘Adjusted PBT’) were 11% and 7% in a
challenging global external environment. Management’s consistent execution of key strategies and dynamic response to
challenges and opportunities delivered this strong performance. Against this backdrop, the annual bonus paid out at 81%
of maximum, as Adjusted PBT for the year was between the target and maximum levels set by the Committee. Underlying
growth in Adjusted PBT over the last three years has been 8.3% per annum and so the Co-Investment Plan awards granted
in 2012 will vest at 75% of maximum. The Restricted Share Plan awards granted to senior executives in 2012 did not vest,
as the performance conditions for these awards were not met.
Finally, in terms of how the remuneration policy will be operated during the 2015/16 year, section 4 sets out the Committee’s
intended approach in detail. The points I would draw to your attention are that:
· the executive directors will be receiving zero increases to salaries;
· awards under the ESP will be 350% of salary for Christopher Bailey and 250% of salary for the other directors; and
· a clawback measure will be introduced on the annual bonus and ESP awards going forward.
The Committee will continue to engage with shareholders to ensure an open dialogue and improved transparency around
executive remuneration arrangements at Burberry. Once again, I would like to personally thank shareholders for all the
feedback this year and I look forward to gaining your support on the remuneration report when it is put to the vote at the
Annual General Meeting in July 2015.
Ian Carter
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
Summary contents
The remuneration report is set out in the following sections:
1. Directors’ remuneration policy
2. Directors’ remuneration in 2014/15 (Annual Report on Remuneration)
3. Outstanding share interests
4. Directors’ remuneration in 2015/16
5. Further information on Christopher Bailey’s 2014 exceptional performance-based award of 500,000 shares
6. Payments made in the year to former directors
7. Remuneration Committee in 2014/15
8. Six-year performance graph and Chief Executive Officer remuneration
1. Directors’ remuneration policy
Burberry’s directors’ remuneration policy (‘remuneration policy’) was approved by shareholders at the 2014 Annual General
Meeting (‘AGM’) and took effect from the date of the 2014 AGM, 11 July 2014. Since the policy has a maximum life of three
years, we are not seeking approval for it this year and it is set out in this report for reference only. There have been no
changes to the remuneration policy and the Committee intends that this policy should apply until the 2017 AGM. The charts
illustrating indicative levels of total remuneration for the executive directors have not been included this year, and the full
original version of the remuneration policy can be found in the 2013/14 Annual Report, available on the Company’s website.
The Committee believes the Group’s remuneration should be strongly linked to performance and internationally competitive,
taking into account the global markets in which it operates and from which it recruits. The remuneration policy is based on
the following principles.
Linked to the success and strategy of the business: the overall remuneration framework should provide a balance between
key short-term and long-term business objectives. Variable pay for executive directors includes (1) an annual cash bonus
based on the financial performance of Burberry (currently Adjusted Profit Before Tax as per the audited income statement
(‘Adjusted PBT*’) is the sole performance measure), and (2) long-term share-based incentives linked primarily to the financial
performance of the Company but having regard to the delivery of objectives set in accordance with the Company’s long-
term strategic themes.
Shareholder value: remuneration should provide close alignment with long-term value creation for shareholders through
the selection of appropriate performance measures and targets, be tied to the future success of the Company, emphasise
variable pay and deliver a significant proportion of remuneration in shares, some of which are expected to be retained in
accordance with the Group’s executive shareholding policy.
* Adjusted Profit Before Tax is defined in note 2 of the Financial Statements and all references to Adjusted PBT in this report refer to this definition.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
Competitive in the global talent market: total remuneration should be sufficient to attract, motivate and retain exceptional
talent within the global luxury goods and digital sectors. Total remuneration for executive directors and other senior
executives is therefore benchmarked against Burberry’s main global competitors for talent and comparable UK companies.
The Committee recognises that, for each executive, the relative importance of each of these reference groups may be
different depending on the skills and experience required to undertake the specific role. Benefits are based on competitive
market practice for each executive depending on individual circumstances.
1.1 Directors’ remuneration policy effective from 11 July 2014
Purpose
Maximum annual opportunity and link
to performance
Operation
Maximum annual increase (per individual executive
director): 15% of salary.
Annual increases are normally in line with the average
increase for all employees and below the maximum shown.
Executive directors
Base salary
To recognise the
responsibilities,
experience and ability
of our talent in a
competitive global
environment, keeping
our people focused on,
and passionate about,
the brand.
Salary levels and increases for executive directors are
set within the same framework and ranges as those
for all other employees, taking into account individual
performance and overall contribution to the business
during the year, cost to the Company and the external
economic climate.
Salaries are benchmarked annually against global
companies of similar size and/or global reach within
relevant sectors. Depending on the role, this comprises
companies in the luxury goods sector and/or companies
with high-profile global brands particularly in the digital
sector, and to a lesser extent comparable UK companies
and/or companies with a high growth profile. Salaries are
reviewed, although not necessarily increased, annually.
The Committee considers the impact of any base salary
increase on the total remuneration package.
The Committee retains the ability to recognise, for
example, development in role, change in responsibility,
and/or other matters relating to the role or incumbent.
In these situations the Committee reserves the discretion
to make annual increases above the maximum
increase shown.
The Committee reviews the performance measure
annually to ensure it remains appropriate and is aligned
with Burberry’s strategy.
Adjusted profit will be the primary measure used
by management and the Committee believes strong
performance in adjusted profit is key to delivering
superior shareholder returns. Ultimately, the successful
implementation of the key strategic themes is reflected
in the adjusted profit.
Targets are set before the start of each year by reference
to budget, the strategic plan, long-term financial goals,
latest projections for the relevant year and broker
earnings estimates for Burberry and its competitors.
Targets will be disclosed retrospectively following
completion of the relevant financial year, provided
they are not deemed to be commercially sensitive.
50% of bonus will be deferred in shares for three years
until executive shareholding guidelines are met.
Use of judgement: The Committee may determine that
it is appropriate to adjust (down or up) the bonus outcome.
This may take into account factors such as misalignment
of adjusted profit performance with other financial and
operational measures of performance or targets no longer
being appropriate. It is anticipated that any adjustment
would be infrequent and in exceptional circumstances
only. Details of any applications of judgement would be
disclosed at the time in the relevant remuneration report.
Annual bonus
To reward executive
directors for achieving
annual financial targets
linked to the strategic
plan agreed by
the Board.
Maximum awards are:
· 225% of salary
Performance measure(s):
· 100% linked to adjusted profit performance
Percentage of maximum bonus payable at each level
of performance:
· 25% at threshold
· 50% at target
· 100% at maximum
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
Purpose
Maximum annual opportunity and link
to performance
Operation
Burberry Executive
Share Plan (ESP)
To focus executives on,
and reward them for,
sustainable long-term
performance and
successful execution
of the Group’s
long-term strategy.
To help maintain the
stability of the top
executive team, and align
executives’ interests with
those of shareholders.
Maximum awards are:
· 400% of salary (in normal circumstances)
· 600% of salary (in exceptional circumstances,
to be determined at the Committee’s discretion)
Performance measures for executive directors
to be measured over three years:
· 50% to 60% on growth in adjusted profit:
– 25% vesting for threshold performance
– 100% vesting for maximum performance
– Straight-line vesting in between
· 20% to 25% on a measure to incentivise the efficient
use of capital:
– 25% vesting for threshold performance
– 100% vesting for maximum performance
– Straight-line vesting in between
· 20% to 25% on revenue growth:
– 25% vesting for threshold performance
– 100% vesting for maximum performance
– Straight-line vesting in between
Vesting: 50% after three years, remaining 50% after
four years.
All-employee
share plans
To encourage employee
share ownership at
all levels.
Sharesave: maximum savings amount of £6,000 per
annum, with which shares can be purchased with a
20% discount.
Share Incentive Plan and International Freeshare Plan:
awards with a value of up to £500 per annum.
Targets for the measures will be calibrated ahead of
each annual grant by reference to the latest strategic plan,
long-term financial goals, latest three-year projections
and broker earnings estimates for Burberry and its
competitors. The threshold targets will be calibrated
to be of median difficulty, and the maximum targets
will be of upper quartile difficulty. Targets will be
disclosed ahead of each annual grant.
Growth in adjusted profit has been chosen as it continues
to be the primary financial measure used by shareholders
and management, and the Committee believes strong
growth in adjusted profit is key to delivering superior
shareholder returns. The efficient use of capital measure is
intended to incentivise management to combine superior
growth in profit and revenue with attractive return on
incremental investment but not to act as a disincentive
to invest. Burberry’s strategy is designed to deliver both
profit and revenue growth and therefore to align with
strategy a measure based on revenue growth is proposed
as a transparent and quantifiable indicator of performance.
Where the information is not deemed by the Committee
to be commercially sensitive, commentary will be
provided on an annual basis outlining progress against
the targets and, for completed cycles, detail on the
performance achieved.
A cash payment equivalent to the value of dividends which
would have been received during the vesting period will be
paid only in respect of shares that vest.
Discretion: The Committee retains the discretion to
grant awards of up to 600% of salary in exceptional
circumstances and to vary the weighting applied to each
measure within the ranges shown. The Committee will
consult with major shareholders in advance of applying
such discretion to grant awards of up to 600%.
Use of judgement: The Committee will have the ability
to adjust down or up the calculated level of vesting by
reference to the quality of earnings and effective execution
of strategy to ensure the growth delivered is long-term
sustainable growth. Details of any adjustments would
be disclosed in the relevant remuneration report.
Malus provision: Unvested shares or awards
may be forfeited in whole or in part in the event of
a material misstatement in the Company’s audited
financial statements.
Burberry operates two all-employee share plans:
The Sharesave Scheme offers eligible employees
(including executive directors) an opportunity to enter into
a three or five-year savings contract to save a portion of
their salary which can be used to purchase Burberry shares,
normally at the end of the savings contract, at up to a 20%
discount to the market price at the date of invitation.
Awards of shares or a cash equivalent (where the use
of shares is not possible) are made annually to all eligible
employees under the UK Share Incentive Plan and
International Freeshare Plans.
Discretion: The Committee reserves the right to increase
the maxima to the extent that the change is made on the
same basis for all employees participating in the plan.
Pensions
To offer market-
competitive benefits.
Maximum Company contribution: 30% of salary
per annum
Executive directors participate in defined
contribution arrangements.
Participants may elect to receive some or
all of their entitlement as a cash allowance.
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Purpose
Maximum annual opportunity and link
to performance
Operation
Other benefits
and allowances
To promote the
well-being of employees,
allowing them to focus
on the business.
The aggregate maximum value of all other benefits and
allowances is not anticipated to exceed £100,000 per
individual per annum.
Benefit levels are reviewed on an annual basis and the
cost to the Company of providing benefits can vary due
to a number of factors.
The Committee may agree that the Company will pay
additional allowances linked to relocation or international
assignment. For the purposes of providing a maximum,
it is not expected that this would exceed £250,000 in
any year for one individual.
For the CC & CEO only, the maximum value of all cash
allowances is £440,000 per annum, as agreed in his
previous role, prior to his appointment as an executive
director. He is also entitled to receive the non-cash
benefits, as noted to the right; the value of these is
not expected to exceed £20,000 per annum.
Benefits for executive directors may include, but are
not limited to:
· private medical insurance
· life assurance
· long-term disability insurance
· car allowance
· clothing allowance
· employee discount
Reasonably incurred expenses will be reimbursed.
Discretion: The Committee retains the discretion
to provide other benefits to the executive directors
as deemed necessary.
Discretion to honour all prior commitments
The Committee reserves the right to make any payments where the terms were agreed before this policy came into effect or prior to an
individual being appointed a director of the Company. These payments will include the satisfaction of share awards previously granted.
Outstanding
Co-Investment Plan
(CIP) awards (prior
commitments)
To allow payment of
awards made under
previous policy.
Outstanding Restricted
Share Plan (RSP)
awards (prior
commitments)
To allow payment of
outstanding awards,
made under
previous policy.
Outstanding
exceptional share
awards (prior
commitments)
To allow payment of
outstanding awards,
made under prior
commitments to
Christopher Bailey.
Maximum awards (subject to investment of bonus):
· 400% of salary (that is a two-times match on
a maximum bonus of 200% of salary)
The performance measure that determines vesting
is growth in Adjusted PBT over three years.
Maximum awards:
· 200% of salary
· One-off exceptional award of 300% of salary
(granted to the CC & CEO in his previous role,
prior to his appointment as an executive director)
Performance conditions for executive directors:
· 50% on growth in Adjusted PBT over three years
· 50% on relative TSR vs. sector peers over three years
(1) In Christopher Bailey’s prior role as Chief
Creative Officer.
Maximum outstanding awards:
· 1,350,000 shares
Vesting conditions are continued employment over three,
four and five years from date of grant
(2) On Christopher Bailey’s appointment to CC & CEO.
Maximum outstanding award:
· 500,000 shares
Vesting conditions are key strategic performance
objectives, as determined by the Remuneration
Committee at date of grant, and continued employment
over three, four and five years from date of grant
It is the Committee’s intention that outstanding CIP
awards should be allowed to pay out according to
the terms on grant.
Further details are contained in the remuneration report for
the year of grant and will be included in the remuneration
report for the final year of the performance period.
Malus provision: None.
It is the Committee’s intention that outstanding RSP
awards should be allowed to pay out according to
the terms on grant.
Further details are contained in the remuneration report for
the year of grant and will be included in the remuneration
report for the final year of the performance period.
Malus provision: None.
It is the Committee’s intention that outstanding
exceptional share awards should be allowed to
pay out according to the terms on grant.
Further details will be included in the remuneration report
for the year when any awards are included in the single
figure of total remuneration.
In the case of the award on appointment to the CC & CEO,
the Committee will disclose further details on the key
strategic performance objectives at the time they are
considered not to be commercially sensitive and will
provide commentary on progress towards these
objectives on an annual basis.
Notes:
Adjustment of share awards: The number of shares subject to an award can be adjusted on a rights issue, special dividend, demerger or variation of capital or
similar transaction. Awards will vest on a takeover to the extent performance conditions are achieved and the number of shares will be generally prorated to reflect
early vesting. Alternatively, they can be exchanged for equivalent awards over shares in the acquiring company. The Committee can also allow full or partial vesting
on a demerger, special dividend, distribution in specie or if the participant is relocated in circumstances which would give rise to unfavourable tax treatment. Share
awards can be satisfied by a cash payment equal to the value of shares the participant would otherwise have received.
In respect of our share plans, this table presents a summary of the key and relevant information for the Plan Rules. It is the Committee’s intention that these plans
will operate in accordance with the Plan Rules as approved by shareholders.
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Purpose
Maximum annual opportunity
Operation
Non-executive directors
Chairman – fees
To attract and retain a
high-calibre chairman by
offering a market-
competitive fee.
Non-executive
directors (NEDs) – fees
To attract and retain
high-calibre non-
executive directors
by offering market-
competitive fees.
Chairman and NEDs
– other benefits
To enable the Chairman
and non-executive
directors to undertake
their roles.
NEDs – additional fees
To allow flexibility to
provide additional fees
if required.
Maximum increase: 10% of fee (per annum over period
since last review date).
Maximum increase for each type of fee (per individual
director): 10% of fee (per annum over period since last
review date).
Non-executive directors receive a £2,000 attendance
allowance per meeting for attendance at Board meetings
outside of their country of residence (except the Chairman)
and, as brand ambassadors, discount on Burberry
products.
Maximum additional fee: £20,000
The Chairman is paid a single fee for all responsibilities.
The fee level is reviewed at least every three years
by the Committee, with reference to UK market levels
in companies of a similar size, the time commitment
and personal contribution.
The fee is paid in cash.
The non-executive directors are paid a basic fee. The
Chairmen of the Audit and Remuneration Committees
and the Senior Independent Director are paid an
additional fee to reflect their extra responsibilities.
Fee levels are reviewed at least every three years by the
Board, with reference to UK market levels in companies
of a similar size.
Fees are paid in cash.
Attendance allowances are paid in cash.
Reasonably incurred expenses will be reimbursed.
The Company has the discretion to pay an additional fee
to a non-executive director should the Company require
significant additional time commitment in exceptional
circumstances.
The Company currently has no intention to use
this discretion.
1.2. Policy on recruitment and promotion arrangements
The Committee will pay new directors in accordance with the approved remuneration policy and all its elements as set
out in the table above. The ongoing annual remuneration arrangements for new executive directors will therefore comprise
base salary, annual bonus, ESP award, pension, benefits and all employee share plans. In addition, the recruitment policy
below permits the Committee to take the following actions, as appropriate, in the best interests of the Company and
therefore shareholders.
· For an internal appointment, any commitment made in respect of the prior role will be allowed to pay out according
to its terms.
· For external and internal appointments, the Committee may agree that the Company will pay certain allowances linked
to relocation, as appropriate, and will meet expenses / reimburse an executive against additional costs on appointment.
In addition, the Committee may agree that the Company will pay certain allowances linked to repatriation on termination
of employment.
· For external appointments, the Committee may offer additional cash and/or share based elements to take account of
remuneration relinquished when leaving a former employer. As far as possible and appropriate, such payments would
reflect the nature, time horizons and performance requirements attaching to the relinquished remuneration.
· If necessary, the Committee may offer additional cash and/or share based elements to secure an appointment.
The Committee would determine the performance conditions and time horizons that would apply to such awards
at the time. Such awards would be limited to 600% of salary.
· If necessary, the Committee may enter into a service contract with a longer initial notice period, reducing to 12 months
or less on a rolling basis to secure the appointment of an executive from an environment where longer notice periods
are market practice.
For internal appointments the terms and conditions of the individual employment prior to the appointment will remain
in force unless the Committee otherwise decides and the individual agrees.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
1.3. Supplementary information
External directorships
The Board’s executive directors are permitted to hold only one non-executive directorship of a FTSE 100 company and
may retain the fees payable from such an appointment. Details of the directors’ other directorships can be found in their
biographies on pages 62 to 63.
Remuneration policy in the rest of the Company
The remuneration arrangements for executive directors outlined in section 1.1. above are consistent with those for the
other senior executives, although quantum and award opportunities vary by executive level.
During its deliberations on executive remuneration, the Committee considers the reward framework for all employees
worldwide, ensuring that the principles applied are consistent with the executive remuneration policy. Merit increases
awarded to executives are determined within the broader context of employee remuneration. All employees are eligible
for an annual bonus based on performance and executive share plans are extended through the organisation to senior
executives and high-potential employees as and where appropriate. The principle of shareholder alignment is reflected
throughout the organisation through our all employee share plans, which are (where legally possible) extended to all
eligible Burberry employees globally.
Policy on service agreements and termination provisions
Executive directors
The Company’s general policy on directors’ service agreements is that they operate on a rolling basis with no specific
end date and include a 12-month notice period both to and from the Company.
Christopher Bailey
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
Date of current service
agreement
Date employment
commenced
Notice period to the
Company
Notice period from the
Company
30 April 2014
6 February 2013
11 July 2013
7 May 2001
4 March 2013
12 June 2006
6 months
12 months
6 months
12 months
12 months
12 months
Standard terms on termination
Salary, benefits and allowances: Executive directors continue to receive salary, benefits and allowances during their
notice period. Pursuant to the terms of Business Protection Agreements (which set out restrictive covenants and terms
relating to the non-solicitation of employees) in place with the executive directors (except the CC & CEO), payments equal
to salary for the duration of certain restrictive covenants may be made if the employer chooses to enforce them to protect
Burberry’s continuing business.
Annual bonus paid in cash: An executive considered to be a ‘good leaver’ (for example leaving the Company on retirement,
redundancy, ill health, as a result of death in service or as decided by the Committee) may remain eligible for a prorated
payment of the annual bonus subject to achievement of bonus targets. An executive who has left employment for a reason
such as leaving to join a competitor company during the performance period or before the payment is due, or who has
given or been given notice in those circumstances at the time of payment, will not be eligible to receive an annual bonus.
The Committee retains discretion to vary the approach and the payment of annual bonus to leavers, as outlined below.
CIP invested shares: An executive leaving the Company for any reason is entitled to retain all invested shares held.
CIP matching awards: For an executive considered to be a ‘good leaver’ (including leaving the Company on retirement,
redundancy, ill health, as a result of death in service or as decided by the Committee), outstanding awards will be prorated
for time and vest subject to performance on the original vesting date. Upon a change in control of the Company, outstanding
awards will be prorated for time and vest subject to performance at the point of change in control. For an executive whose
employment is terminated for any other reason (such as leaving to join a competitor company) during the performance
period, CIP matching awards will lapse in full. The Committee retains discretion to vary the approach and the extent
to which CIP matching awards vest for leavers, as outlined below.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
RSP awards: For an executive considered to be a ‘good leaver’ (including leaving the Company on retirement, redundancy,
ill health, as a result of death in service or as decided by the Committee), outstanding awards will be prorated for time and
vest subject to performance. Upon a change in control of the Company, outstanding awards will vest subject to performance
at the point of change in control. For an executive whose employment is terminated for any other reason (such as leaving to
join a competitor company) during the performance period, RSP awards will lapse in full. The Committee retains discretion
to vary the approach and the extent to which RSP awards vest for leavers, as outlined below.
ESP awards: For an executive considered to be a ‘good leaver’ (including leaving the Company on retirement, redundancy,
ill health, as a result of death in service or as decided by the Committee), outstanding awards will be prorated for time and
vest subject to performance on the original vesting date. Upon a change in control of the Company, outstanding awards will
be prorated for time and vest subject to performance at the point of change in control. For an executive whose employment
is terminated for any other reason (such as leaving to join a competitor company) during the performance period, ESP awards
will lapse in full. The Committee retains discretion to vary the approach and the extent to which awards vest for leavers,
as outlined below.
Other: Reasonable disbursements (for example, legal or professional fees, relocation costs) will be paid.
Discretion: In the Committee’s experience, directors leave for a wide variety of reasons and individual circumstances,
which do not all fall within the ‘good leaver’ categories outlined above. The Committee therefore retains discretion to
approve payments to individuals based on individual circumstances and performance while in office. In applying any
such discretion, the Committee will make any decisions by considering the best interests of shareholders and those
of the remaining employees including directors. Where awards are subject to performance conditions, these would be
tested at the end of the relevant period(s) and any award which is allowed to vest would be prorated for time in office.
Christopher Bailey
The Company has agreed specific arrangements with Christopher Bailey in relation to termination of his employment
in substitution for the first two bullets of the standard terms described in the previous section (‘Salary, benefits and
allowances’ and ‘Annual bonus paid in cash’). These specific arrangements are described below.
The Company may terminate Christopher Bailey’s service agreement without cause by giving 12 months’ written notice.
The Company may terminate the service agreement immediately, in its sole discretion, by written notice and electing to
pay to Christopher Bailey either (1) a lump sum representing his salary in lieu of the unexpired notice period within 14 days
of termination or (2) in monthly instalments of 1/12 of his annual salary and 1/12 of his annual allowance of £440,000 in
lieu of the unexpired notice period or until Christopher Bailey commences any new employment or engagement if earlier.
Christopher Bailey must use his reasonable endeavours to seek alternative employment during the balance of his unexpired
notice period. The Company will also pay Christopher Bailey a bonus for the year in which employment terminated subject
to achievement of the performance targets and other requirements of the bonus arrangements for that year, prorated to
actual service in the bonus year. The bonus would be paid on the usual bonus payment date.
Christopher Bailey may terminate his service agreement at any time for ‘Good Reason’, provided he has requested that the
Company remedy the relevant breach within 14 days of notification and the Company has failed to do so. ‘Good Reason’
means the Company is guilty of serious and continued non-observance or breach of the terms of the service agreement
or of any applicable substantial laws which are detrimental to Christopher Bailey. On termination for ‘Good Reason’
Christopher Bailey is entitled to a lump sum payment representing his salary in lieu of notice. The Company will also pay
Christopher Bailey a bonus for the year in which employment terminated subject to achievement of the performance targets
and other requirements of the bonus arrangements for that year, prorated to actual service in the bonus year. The bonus
would be paid on the usual bonus payment date.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Company may terminate the service agreement on health grounds by giving Christopher Bailey not less than six months’
notice once Christopher Bailey’s entitlement to Company sick pay has been exhausted or he has been incapacitated for
more than 26 weeks (whether or not continuous) in any period of 52 weeks. The Company may, in its sole discretion,
terminate the employment by making a payment of 130 per cent of his salary, and pay the allowance in lieu of notice within
14 days of termination. The Company will also pay Christopher Bailey a bonus for the year in which employment terminated
subject to achievement of the performance targets and other requirements of the bonus arrangements for that year, prorated
to actual service in that year. The bonus would be paid on the usual bonus payment date.
If Christopher Bailey dies during his employment with the Company, the Company will pay his estate his salary to the
termination date and a bonus calculated as for an ill health termination described above.
Upon termination of the service agreement, Christopher Bailey’s entitlements (if any) under the relevant share plans in which
he participates will be determined in accordance with the rules of those plans, as described above.
Non-executive directors
The non-executive directors serve under Letters of Appointment with the Company. Non-executive directors may continue
to serve subject to the annual re-election by shareholders at each Annual General Meeting of the Company, subject to six
months’ notice by either party. There are no provisions for compensation for loss of office, or payments in lieu of notice in
the Letters of Appointment.
1.4. Development of directors’ remuneration policy
In developing and reviewing the directors’ remuneration policy, the Committee is mindful of the views of shareholders
and is sensitive of the relativities of arrangements for senior executives to those for employees more generally.
The Committee proactively seeks feedback from shareholders when considering any significant changes to remuneration for
executive directors. The Committee also listens to and takes into consideration investor views more generally throughout the
year. As detailed in the introductory letter from the Remuneration Committee, the Company has consulted extensively during
the 2014/15 year with its major shareholders to follow up on the 2014 AGM and also on the performance measures and
targets for the first awards under the ESP (to be granted June 2015).
Base salary increases awarded to executives are determined within the broader context of Company-wide salary increases.
Given the scale, geographic spread and the diversity of roles of the Company’s employees, the Committee does not proactively
consult with employees specifically on the remuneration policy for directors. Employees are free to communicate their views
internally on any topic including by using the Burberry internal social media platform or using the employee confidential
helpline. In addition, many of the Company’s employees are shareholders, through the Sharesave and Free Share plans,
and they, like other shareholders, are able to express their views on directors’ remuneration at each general meeting.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
2. Directors’ remuneration in 2014/15 (Annual Report on Remuneration)
The information set out in this section has been subject to external audit where indicated.
2.1. Single figure of total remuneration outcomes for 2014/15 (audited)
The table below sets out the single figure of total remuneration received or receivable by the directors in respect of the
2014/15 year (or the three-year performance period ending on 31 March 2015 in respect of the 2012 Co-Investment Plan
and 2012 Restricted Share Plan awards).
The remuneration for Christopher Bailey relates to the period 1 May 2014 to 31 March 2015, the period during which he
served as a director and Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer. The remuneration for Angela Ahrendts relates to the
period from 1 April 2014 to 30 April 2014, when she stepped down from the Board.
Salary/fees
£’000
Benefits/
allowances
£’000
Bonus
£’000
CIP
£’000
RSP
£’000
Total LTI
£’000
Pension
£’000
Total
£’000
Executive directors
Christopher Bailey
Year to 31 March 2015
John Smith
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Carol Fairweather
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Former executive directors
Angela Ahrendts
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Stacey Cartwright
Year to 31 March 2014
Non-executive directors
Sir John Peace
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Fabiola Arredondo
Year to 31 March 2015
Philip Bowman
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Ian Carter
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Jeremy Darroch
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Stephanie George
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Matthew Key
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
Carolyn McCall
Year to 31 March 2015
David Tyler
Year to 31 March 2015
Year to 31 March 2014
4,426
303
7,943
–
–
454
325
4,674
–
176
173
146
91
27
317
53
1,524
1,400
1,728
1,049
157
8,007
239
404
390
24
137
131
249
187
78
15
154
124
83
48
50
80
78
–
–
–
0
–
–
–
1,008
424
1,782
4,426
588
575
488
302
89
1,057
175
400
388
7
135
130
115
109
78
15
80
78
80
47
47
80
78
41
48
32
23
41
467
11
4
2
17
2
1
134
78
–
–
74
46
3
1
3
–
–
719
604
608
308
–
–
454
325
1,492
4,674
–
–
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
The table below details the benefits/allowances received by the directors during the 2014/15 year:
2014/15 benefits/
allowances
(£’000)
Executive directors
Christopher Bailey
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
Former executive directors
Angela Ahrendts
Non-executive directors
Sir John Peace
Fabiola Arredondo
Philip Bowman
Ian Carter
Jeremy Darroch
Stephanie George
Matthew Key
Carolyn McCall
David Tyler
Cash
allowance
Car
allowance
Clothing
allowance
Private
medical
insurance
Life
assurance
Long-term
disability
insurance
Tax and other
professional
advice Expenses
Tax on
expenses
Total
£’000
403
–
–
29
–
2
–
10
–
10
–
–
–
–
17
10
1
–
15
15
2
12
2
3
2
4
4
1
5
3
3
0.5
0.5
–
–
–
6
424
41
32
41
4
17
2
134
–
74
3
3
–
2
8
1
68
–
35
2
2
–
2
7
1
56
–
29
1
1
–
Notes:
– Each executive director is entitled to an annual pension contribution or allowance equal to 30% of base salary. No director receives a defined benefit pension.
– Fees for Carolyn McCall relate to the period from 1 September 2014 (her appointment date) to 31 March 2015.
– Fees for Fabiola Arredondo relate to the period from 10 March 2015 (her appointment date) to 31 March 2015.
– Fees for Jeremy Darroch for 2014/15 are £78,000 rather than £80,000, due to a £2,000 adjustment for a payment received in March 2014 in relation
to his 2014/15 fees.
– John Smith will invest 50% of his 2014/15 annual bonus after tax into shares, in accordance with the Remuneration Policy.
– The amounts shown for 2012 CIP awards vesting for Christopher Bailey and Carol Fairweather (for year to 31 March 2015) assume a share price of £17.93,
based on the average share price over the three months to 31 March 2015, and payments of £208,578 and £21,406 respectively in lieu of dividends, because
these awards are yet to vest.
– The amounts shown for 2011 CIP awards vesting for Angela Ahrendts and Carol Fairweather (for year to 31 March 2014) shown in the 2013/14 report assumed
a share price of £14.75, based on the average share price over the three months to 31 March 2014, and payments of £233,595 and £16,259 respectively in
lieu of dividends (because these awards had yet to vest). These awards vested on the 7 June 2014 at a share price of £14.79 and Angela Ahrendts and Carol
Fairweather received payments in lieu of dividends of £233,596 and £16,259 respectively – the relevant amounts shown in the table above reflect these details.
– Amounts for shares under Burberry’s SAYE will be included in the single figure of total remuneration for the year in which they are exercised. No SAYE share
awards were exercised by executive directors during the 2014/15 year.
– No shares were awarded under the Burberry SIP or Free Share plans to executive directors in the 2014/15 year.
– For the full year to 31 March 2014, Angela Ahrendts served as Chief Executive Officer and was therefore entitled to an annual bonus, her 2011 CIP award, which
vested in full (300,252 shares at a price of £14.79, plus a dividend equivalent payment of £233,596) and the final tranche (25%) of her 2009 RSP award which
vested in full (112,500 shares at a share price of £15.33). All other outstanding share awards held by Angela Ahrendts lapsed in full upon her departure from
Burberry, in accordance with the rules of each plan and as stated in the 2013/14 Directors’ Remuneration Report. Angela Ahrendts did not receive any payment
for loss of office or otherwise in respect of her departure from the Company.
– No payment has been made to a past director during the 2014/15 year, other than to Angela Ahrendts, as stated above.
– Cash allowances for Fabiola Arredondo, Ian Carter and Stephanie George are attendance allowances of £2,000 for each meeting attended outside of their
country of residence.
– The reimbursement of certain expenses incurred by non-executive directors in the performance of their duties is deemed by HM Revenue & Customs to be
subject to UK Income Tax. The tables above include figures for ‘Benefits/allowances’, including costs in respect of air travel and other incidental costs incurred
in attending regular Board meetings. Any tax liabilities arising on the reimbursement of these costs will be settled by the Company. Amounts disclosed have
been estimated and have been ‘grossed up’ at a tax rate of 45%. The comparatives have been restated to reflect these benefits. Note that expenses for Fabiola
Arredondo, Ian Carter and Stephanie George include travel expenses from the USA. Ian Carter has incurred larger expenses than the other Non-Executive
Directors arising from his role as Remuneration Committee Chairman, requiring additional travel from the USA to the UK to attend engagement meetings
with Burberry’s larger shareholders.
2.2. Salary for 2014/15
When Christopher Bailey became an executive director and took on the role of Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer
on 1 May 2014, his salary remained unchanged at £1,100,000. John Smith’s salary was reviewed in July 2014 and increased
by 3.0% to £592,000. Carol Fairweather’s salary was also reviewed in July 2014 and increased by 11.1% to £500,000 in
recognition of her strong performance as CFO and to address that her salary was set at below market levels when she was
appointed to the role. The executive directors have decided not to accept any increase to their salaries for the 2015/16 year.
2.3. Annual bonus outcomes 2014/15 (audited)
Annual bonuses for 2014/15 were based entirely on Adjusted PBT. For the year to 31 March 2015, the 2014/15 Adjusted PBT
achieved was between the target and maximum level set by the Committee, which resulted in bonuses for the executive
directors of 81% of maximum, as set out in the table below.
Annual bonus for 2014/15
Christopher Bailey
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
Maximum bonus
opportunity
(% of salary)
2014/15
Adjusted PBT
targets (£m)
Level of 2014/15
Adjusted PBT
achieved* (£m)
2014/15
bonus payment
(% of maximum)
2014/15
bonus payment
(% of salary)
2014/15
bonus payment
(£’000)
200% Threshold: 465
150%
Target: 475
150% Maximum: 505
494
81%
162%
122%
122%
1,782
719
608
*
The bonus outcome is calculated using the average exchange rates of the year on which the targets were based, as set out in the performance condition to
awards (at the start of the performance period). The level of Adjusted PBT achieved is therefore different (higher this year) than the reported 2014/15 Adjusted
PBT due to the adjustments made by the Committee to reflect constant exchange rates.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
The 2013/14 Adjusted PBT targets were set at £440m (threshold), £450m (target) and £470m (maximum). The level of
Adjusted PBT achieved in 2013/14 was £457.7m which resulted in 2013/14 bonuses of 70% of maximum. This level of
Adjusted PBT achieved was lower than the reported 2013/14 Adjusted PBT due to adjustments made by the Committee
to reflect constant exchange rates and any other items deemed to be outside of management’s control.
John Smith will invest 50% of his bonus (after the deduction of tax) into Burberry shares, in accordance with the
Remuneration Policy.
2.4. Co-Investment Plan outcomes for 2014/15 (audited)
In June 2012, Christopher Bailey and Carol Fairweather were awarded Co-Investment Plan (‘CIP’) matching awards of
313,534 and 32,178 shares respectively. Vesting was subject to performance from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015, as follows:
25% of awards vest if growth in Adjusted PBT is 5% per annum over three years, 100% vest if Adjusted PBT growth is
equal to or exceeds 10% per annum over three years. The vesting outcome based on three-year Adjusted PBT growth is
calculated using Adjusted PBT as disclosed in the annual accounts. Actual Adjusted PBT growth over the three-year period
to 31 March 2015 at constant exchange rates was 8.3%, therefore 75% of awards will vest in June 2015, as set out in the
table below.
CIP outcomes for 2014/15
Christopher Bailey
Carol Fairweather
2012
CIP award
(no. of
matching shares)
313,534
32,178
2012
CIP Adjusted
PBT growth
targets over
three years (p.a.)
Threshold: 5%
Maximum: 10%
Level of
Adjusted PBT
growth achieved
over three years#
8.3% p.a.
2014/15
CIP vesting
(% of maximum)
2014/15
CIP vesting
(£’000)*
75%
75%
4,426
454
*
#
The amounts shown for 2012 CIP awards vesting for Christopher Bailey and Carol Fairweather (for year to 31 March 2015) assume a share price of £17.93, based
on the average share price over the three months to 31 March 2015, and payments of £208,578 and £21,406 respectively in lieu of dividends, because these
awards are yet to vest.
The CIP outcome is calculated using the average exchange rates of the year on which the targets were based, as set out in the performance condition to awards
(at the start of the performance period). The level of Adjusted PBT achieved is therefore different (higher this year) than the reported 2014/15 Adjusted PBT due
to the adjustments made by the Committee to reflect constant exchange rates.
John Smith became an executive director on 4 March 2013 and so did not receive a CIP award in 2012.
2.5. Restricted Share Plan outcomes for 2014/15 (audited)
In June 2012, Carol Fairweather was awarded a Restricted Share Plan (‘RSP’) award of 39,651 shares. Vesting was subject
to performance from 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2015, as detailed in the table below. The overall outcome is that 0% of the
total award will vest.
RSP outcomes for 2014/15
Carol Fairweather
2012
RSP award
(no. of
shares)
39,651
Performance
measure
Growth in
Adjusted PBT
over three years
(50%)
TSR vs. sector
peers over three
years (50%)
Level of
performance
achieved over
three years#
Vesting
schedule
2014/15
RSP vesting
(% of maximum)
2014/15
RSP vesting
(£’000)
25% for 10% p.a.
8.3% p.a.
0%
£0
100% for 15%
p.a. or above
Straight-line
vesting between
25% for median
100% for upper
quartile or above
Straight-line
vesting between
TSR outcome* of
below median
ranking, resulting
in vesting of 0%
#
*
The RSP outcome is calculated using the average exchange rates of the year on which the targets were based, as set out in the performance condition to awards
(at the start of the performance period). The level of Adjusted PBT achieved is therefore different (higher this year) than the reported 2014/15 Adjusted PBT due
to the adjustments made by the Committee to reflect constant exchange rates.
The vesting outcome based on TSR is calculated by Towers Watson, The TSR peer group for the 2012 awards comprised: Coach, Compagnie Financière
Richemont, Estée Lauder, Fossil, Fifth & Pacific (formerly Liz Claiborne), Geox, Hermès International, Hugo Boss, Inditex, Kering (formerly PPR), Luxottica Group,
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Nike, Nordstrom, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks, Swatch, Tiffany & Co, and Tod’s.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
2.6. Change in the Chief Executive Officer’s remuneration relative to all employees
The table below sets out Christopher Bailey’s base salary, benefits and bonus received for 2014/15. As Christopher Bailey
was appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer on 1 May 2014, the year-on-year change reported compares his salary,
benefits and bonus received for the full 2014/15 year (including April 2014 when he was Chief Creative Officer) to that
received in 2013/14 in his previous role as Chief Creative Officer. The year-on-year change (2014/15 vs. 2013/14) of salary,
benefits and annual bonus received for a comparator group of UK-based employees is shown.
Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer
£’000
Employees*
Year-on-year change (%)
Year-on-year change (%)
Salary
£1,008
0%
2.0%
Benefits
£424
0%
0%
Bonus
£1,782
16%
16%
*
The comparator group includes employees in senior corporate roles based in the UK. This group has been chosen as these employees have a remuneration
package with a similar structure to the CEO (including salary, benefits/allowances and annual bonus) and being UK-based, most closely reflects the economic
environment encountered by the CC & CEO. For the comparator group of employees, the salary and bonus year-on-year changes include the annual salary
review but exclude any additional changes made in the year (to salary or bonus levels), for example on promotion. In 2014/15, the bonus outturn based on
Adjusted PBT performance was 81% of maximum, compared to 70% of maximum in 2013/14. The 0% increase for benefits for the comparator group of
employees reflects no change to benefits policies or levels during the year. It does not reflect any changes to the level of benefits an individual may have
received as a result of a change in role, for example on promotion. For all employees, the average salary increase was 2.0% (including annual salary review
but excluding any additional changes). A meaningful year-on-year change for benefits and bonus for all Group employees cannot be provided due to the
variation in structure of these pay elements across roles and regions.
2.7. Relative importance of spend on pay for 2014/15
The table below sets out the total payroll costs for all employees over 2014/15 compared to total dividends payable
for the year.
Relative importance of spend on pay
Dividends paid during the year (total)
Payroll costs for all employees
Average number of full-time equivalent employees
£m
% change
£m
% change
% change
2014/15
144.9
+10.9%
468.1
+6.1%
10,309
+6.3%
2013/14
130.7
441.3
9,698
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
3. Outstanding share interests
The information set out in this section has been subject to external audit where indicated.
3.1. Conditional share awards granted in 2014/15 (audited)
The table below summarises the long-term conditional share awards granted to directors during 2014/15. Note that these
were the final awards under the CIP and RSP plans and were granted prior to the approval of the remuneration policy.
Summary of conditional share awards granted in 2014/15
Type of award
CIP matching
share awards1
Performance
measure
Growth in
Adjusted PBT
over three years
Vesting
schedule
Performance
period end
25% for 5% p.a.
31/3/2017
Director
Christopher
Bailey
100% for 10%
p.a. or above
Straight-line
vesting between
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
Basis of
award4
Number of
shares awarded
Face value
at grant5
147,491
£2,155,991
43,367
£633,929
30,545
£446,500
196% of salary
(1.4x invested
13/14 bonus)
Maximum match
of 2:1 awarded at
70% based on
13/14 bonus
outcome
110% of salary
(1.05x invested
13/14 bonus)
Maximum match
of 1.5:1 awarded
at 70%
99% of salary
(1.05x invested
13/14 bonus)
Maximum match
of 1.5:1 awarded
at 70%
RSP share
awards2
Growth in
Adjusted PBT
over three years
(50%)
TSR vs. sector
peers over three
years (50%)
Exceptional
performance
share award3
Key strategic
performance
objectives,
asoutlined in
more detail on
page 100
25% for 5% p.a.
31/3/2017
Christopher
Bailey
100% of salary
74,610
£1,100,000
John Smith
100% of salary
Carol Fairweather 150% of salary
40,154
50,870
£592,004
£749,993
31/3/2017
31/3/2018
31/2/2019
Christopher
Bailey
Fixed number
of shares
500,000
£7,308,890
100% for 15%
p.a. or above
Straight-line
vesting between
25% for median
100% for upper
quartile or above
Straight-line
vesting between
As determined by
the Committee.
Commentary on
progress towards
these objectives
will be provided
on an annual
basis, as outlined
in more detail on
pages 100 to 101.
1
2
3
4
5
The CIP matching shares were awarded on 12 June 2014 and will vest after three years, subject to the performance conditions outlined above.
The RSP shares were awarded on 12 June 2014 and will vest 50% after three years, and 25% after each of four and five years, subject to the performance
conditions outlined above.
The exceptional performance share award was granted on 12 June 2014 and will vest 25% on 31 July 2017, 25% on 31 July 2018, and 50% on 31 July 2019,
subject to the performance conditions outlined above.
The CIP matching awards were determined based on the 2013/14 bonus outcome, as follows:
13/14 Bonus invested (as a % of salary) x Maximum match (multiple of invested bonus) x 13/14 Bonus outcome (as a % of maximum)
The face value of each award has been calculated using the share price at the date of grant (£14.61778 for CIP matching awards, £14.74333 for RSP awards and
£14.61778 for the exceptional award). As receipt of these is conditional on performance, the actual value of these awards may be nil. Vesting outcomes will be
disclosed in the 2017/18 remuneration report.
3.2. Further information on conditional share awards granted in 2014/15 (audited)
TSR performance vs. sector peers
50% of the RSP share awards granted in 2014/15 vest subject to Burberry’s three-year TSR performance relative to sector
peers. The TSR peer group for the 2014 awards comprises: Coach, Compagnie Financière Richemont, Estée Lauder, Fossil,
Fifth & Pacific (formerly Liz Claiborne), Geox, Hermès International, Hugo Boss, Inditex, Kering (formerly PPR), Luxottica
Group, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Nike, Nordstrom, Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks, Swatch, Tiffany & Co, and Tod’s.
The vesting outcome based on relative TSR is calculated by Towers Watson.
Growth in Adjusted PBT
The vesting outcome based on three-year Adjusted PBT growth is calculated using Adjusted PBT as disclosed in the annual
accounts, subject to any adjustments (down or up) made by the Committee to reflect constant exchange rates and any other
items deemed to be outside of management’s control.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
3.3. Total interests in shares (audited)
The table below summarises the total interests of the directors in ordinary shares of Burberry Group plc as at 31 March 2015.
There have been no changes in the period up to and including 19 May 2015. These include beneficial and conditional interests
and the interests of their connected persons in shares.
Type of award Date of grant
Conditional
(with
performance)
Conditional
(continued
employment)
Unconditional
but
unexercised
Number
of shares
owned
Total
Director
Christopher Bailey5
John Smith
Carol Fairweather3
Sir John Peace
Fabiola Arredondo
Philip Bowman
Ian Carter
Jeremy Darroch
Stephanie George
Matthew Key
Carolyn McCall
David Tyler
Former directors
Angela Ahrendts4
(holding as at 30 April 2014)
RSP1
RSP1
CIP2
CIP2
CIP2
NCO
NCO
NCO
17-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
18-Jul-12
14-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
08-Dec-10
14-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
SAYE/SIP
20-Jun-13
Total
RSP1
RSP1
CIP2
SAYE/SIP
14-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
12-Jun-14
20-Jun-13
SAYE/SIP
20-Jun-14
Total
RSP
RSP
RSP1
RSP1
RSP1
CIP2
CIP2
CIP2
SAYE/SIP
Total
25-Jun-08
10-Jun-10
13-Jun-12
14-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
18-Jul-12
14-Jun-13
12-Jun-14
20-Jun-13
243,542
74,610
313,534
165,161
147,491
–
–
500,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,000,000
–
1,229
–
–
–
–
–
350,000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1,444,338
1,001,229
350,000
304,762
3,100,329
63,653
40,154
43,367
–
–
147,174
–
–
39,651
25,830
50,870
32,178
21,677
30,545
–
200,751
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
737
740
1,477
–
6,525
–
–
–
–
–
–
737
7,262
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6,250
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
24,297
172,948
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
6,250
67,963
282,226
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
195,738
195,738
0
75,000
35,047
1,000
41,600
1,260
1,117
44,000
–
–
0
75,000
35,047
1,000
41,600
1,260
1,117
44,000
–
–
685,011
1,097,763
RSP
CIP2
Total
01-Jun-09
07-Jun-11
–
112,500
300,252
300,252
–
112,500
1
2
3
4
5
RSP awards are awarded as nil-cost options and are subject to the same performance conditions as outlined on pages 93 and 95, and vest 50% after 3 years, 25%
after 4 years and 25% after 5 years from date of grant.
CIP awards are awarded as nil-cost options and are subject to the same performance conditions as outlined on page 95.
Carol Fairweather exercised the following awards during the year:
20,898 shares under CIP (granted 7 June 2011). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (11 June 2014) was 1461.778p;
10,000 shares under RSP (granted 1 June 2009). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (11 June 2014) was 1461.778p
6,525 shares under RSP (granted 10 June 2010). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (11 June 2014) was 1461.778p
Angela Ahrendts exercised the following awards during the year:
300,252 shares under CIP (granted 7 June 2011). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (22 May 2014) was 1517.532p;
112,500 shares under RSP (granted 1 June 2009). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (22 May 2014) was 1517.532p;
Christopher Bailey exercised the following awards during the year:
288,120 shares under CIP (granted 7 June 2011). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (20 August 2014) was 1466.991p;
100,000 shares under RSP (granted 1 June 2009). The market value of Burberry shares on the date of exercise (20 August 2014) was 1466.991p.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
Shareholding guidelines
To ensure continued alignment with the interests of shareholders, in 2014 the Board increased the minimum shareholding
requirement for directors and senior executives to the following levels:
· 500,000 shares for the CC & CEO;
· two-times base salary for other executive directors;
· one-times base salary for other senior executives; and
· the Chairman and non-executive directors are expected to hold shares with a market value of £6,000 for each year
of their appointment.
Senior executives are expected to retain 50% of shares acquired on the exercise of options and awards net of tax,
until such guidelines are met – there is no specific timeline in which shareholding guidelines must be achieved.
As at 31 March 2015, Christopher Bailey owned 304,762 shares. As demonstration of his long-term commitment to
Burberry and providing strong alignment with shareholders, Christopher Bailey has committed to the Board to achieve his
shareholding guideline requirement of 500,000 shares shortly after the 2015 AGM. As at 31 March 2015 (at the closing share
price of £17.33), the value of shares owned by John Smith and Carol Fairweather was £421,067 and £1,177,799 respectively
(or 71% and 236% of their respective salaries as at that date). John Smith became an executive director during 2013 and is
expected to make progress towards his executive shareholding requirement of two-times salary. As at 31 March 2015, all of
the non-executive directors had fulfilled the requirement to hold shares with a market value of £6,000 for each year of their
appointment, with the exception of Fabiola Arredondo who was appointed on 10 March 2015. As at her leaving date, Angela
Ahrendts had fulfilled her shareholding requirement.
4. Directors’ remuneration in 2015/16
The table below summarises how the remuneration policy will be implemented for executive directors in the year 2015/16.
None of the executive directors will receive a salary increase during the 2015/16 year. There will be no changes to the policy
for the 2015/16 year as compared to 2014/15.
4.1. Summary of key remuneration aspects in 2015/16 for executive directors
Performance measure(s)
Element
Base salary
–
Annual bonus
ESP share awards
Annual Adjusted PBT
The Board considers the
forward-looking PBT bonus
targets to be commercially
sensitive and so they will be
disclosed retrospectively
only
Three-year growth
in Adjusted PBT (50%)
25% for 3% p.a.
100% for 11% p.a.
Straight-line
vesting between
Three-year growth in
Group revenue (25%)
25% for 3% p.a.
100% for 11% p.a.
Straight-line
vesting between
Adjusted Retail/
Wholesale Return
on Invested
Capital (25%)
25% for 2014/15
ROIC minus 250
basis points
100% for
2014/15 ROIC
Straight-line
vesting between
Director Maximum level
Christopher Bailey
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
£1,100,000
(no increase)
£592,000
(no increase)
£500,000
(no increase)
Christopher Bailey
200% of salary
John Smith
150% of salary
Carol Fairweather
150% of salary
Christopher Bailey
John Smith
Carol Fairweather
350% of salary
250% of salary
250% of salary
4.2. Adoption of a clawback measure on the annual bonus and ESP
The Committee has decided to introduce a clawback provision on future bonus payments, whereby for a period of
3 years from date of payment, any bonus may be recovered from individuals in whole or in part in the event of a material
misstatement in the Company’s audited financial statements or if the outcome has been incorrectly calculated.
Similarly, a clawback provision is also being introduced on future ESP awards, whereby for a period of 3 years from
date of vest, any vested shares or awards may be recovered from individuals in whole or in part in the event of a material
misstatement in the Company’s audited financial statements or if the outturn has been incorrectly calculated. This
is in addition to the malus provision that we currently have on the ESP (whereby unvested shares or awards may be
forfeited in whole or in part in the event of a material misstatement in the Company’s audited financial statements).
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
4.3. Further information on ESP performance measures
Whilst the ESP design has been agreed, the remuneration policy allows a degree of flexibility around a number of the ESP
design elements. This flexibility allows the Committee to determine the most appropriate approach to the following
parameters ahead of each annual award:
· the weighting of each performance measure (within the specified ranges)
· the definition (and calculation approach) of each performance measure
· the threshold and maximum performance targets for each performance measure
The following performance measures have been selected by the Committee.
1. Growth in Group Adjusted Profit Before Tax (Adjusted PBT) – this will be calculated on a constant currency basis
consistent with our current approach for the Adjusted PBT performance measures on outstanding Co-Investment
and Restricted Share Plan awards.
2. Growth in Group Revenue – this will be calculated on a constant currency basis in the same manner as Adjusted PBT.
3. Adjusted Retail/Wholesale Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) – this has been determined by the Committee as the
most appropriate return measure. It measures the efficient use of capital to deliver attractive returns on incremental
investment, which is important given the Group’s investment in new projects.
At present, Burberry’s Group ROIC includes the contribution from its licensing business, a high return business. For example,
in FY 2014/15, licensing generated £56.0m of adjusted operating profit from £2.6m of total assets – see note 3 of the
Financial Statements. Given the expiry of the Japan licence during FY 2015/16, a strategy which is fully supported by our
major shareholders, the Committee decided that it is most appropriate to measure ROIC on Burberry’s Retail/Wholesale
business only.
Retail/Wholesale ROIC, for the purposes of the ESP performance measure, is calculated as the Retail/Wholesale post-tax
adjusted operating profit divided by the average operating assets, measured over the three year period, on a reported
currency basis. A reconciliation of Adjusted Retail/Wholesale ROIC is included in the 5-year summary on page 162.
The ROIC performance targets have been set with the objective of rewarding maximum performance if growth in operating
assets does not exceed growth in profitability. This is seen as a challenging target given the growing capital intensity of
Burberry’s strategy, including the continuing shift in the business model from wholesale to retail, continued investment in
retail stores, particularly in Japan given the transition to a direct retail business, and further evolution of the store portfolio,
increasingly focused on flagship markets. It should be noted that Retail/Wholesale ROIC in 2014/15 was 17.8%, so even if
ROIC were to decline, Burberry is still creating long-term value for shareholders.
The proposed targets for all three performance measures have been carefully calibrated in light of a number of factors,
including the latest Burberry strategic plan, Burberry’s long-term financial goals, latest three-year projections and broker
earnings estimates for Burberry and its competitors. The Committee believes these targets are stretching, extremely so at
the top end, given the changes to the business model in Japan and globally and the current growth prospects in the luxury
sector. They will ensure management are incentivised to continue to deliver superior returns to shareholders.
The performance measures for the 2015 ESP awards are summarised below
ESP performance measure
Definition
Group Adjusted Profit Before
Tax (PBT)
3-year growth, calculated
on a constant currency basis
Group Revenue
Adjusted Return on Invested
Capital (ROIC) in Retail/
Wholesale
3-year growth, calculated
on a constant currency basis
3-year average
Weighting
(% of award)
50%
25%
25%
Target (% of maximum vesting)
Threshold (25%)
Maximum (100%)
3% p.a.
3% p.a.
11% p.a.
11% p.a.
2014/15 ROIC
minus 250 basis points
2014/15 ROIC
Vesting between the threshold and maximum targets will be on a straight-line basis for all three performance measures.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
ESP awards will vest 50% after 3 years and 50% after 4 years (from the date of grant). The Committee has also decided to
apply an additional holding period on all new ESP awards granted to executive directors. To increase long-term alignment
with shareholders, while executives are employed by Burberry, no ESP shares may be sold except to cover any tax liabilities
arising out of the award until five years from the date of grant.
Note that the CIP and RSP have both now expired and no further awards will be made under these plans.
4.4. Summary of Chairman and Non-Executive Director fees for 2015/16
The table below sets out the fee structure for the Chairman and non-executive directors for 2015/16.
Summary of Chairman and NED fees for 2015/16
Chairman1
Non-Executive Director
Senior Independent Director
Audit Committee Chair
Remuneration Committee Chair
Attendance allowance2
Fee level
£’000
400
80
20
35
35
2
1 The Chairman is not eligible for committee chairmanship fees or attendance allowances.
2 Non-executive directors receive an attendance allowance for each meeting attended outside of their country of residence.
3
Expenses incurred in the normal course of business are re-imbursed and, as these are considered by HMRC to be taxable benefits, the tax due on these
will also be met by the Company.
5. Further information on Christopher Bailey’s 2014 exceptional performance-based award of 500,000 shares
The exceptional performance-based award of 500,000 shares that was granted to Christopher Bailey upon his appointment
to the Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer role was intended to recognise:
· how important it is to ensure Christopher Bailey is well-aligned with shareholders’ interests and is highly motivated
to successfully execute the long-term strategy of Burberry; and
· how important it is to retain Christopher Bailey given his importance to the continued success of the Company and also
the challenge the Board would face to attempt to replace him.
The quantum of the award, at 500,000 shares, was carefully considered by the Committee and was intended to recognise
the significant increase in the scope of his role upon appointment as the CEO, in addition to continuing his role as Chief
Creative Officer at Burberry.
Vesting will be determined by reference to the following key performance criteria:
· the strategic development of the business measured against the strategic plan approved by the Board from time to time;
· the Company’s financial performance, in assessing which the Remuneration Committee will have reference to the profit
before tax condition applied to awards made in 2014 under the Burberry Group Co-Investment Plan. This performance
condition requires growth in Adjusted PBT over three years of between 5% at threshold and 10% p.a. at maximum.
· the personal contribution made by Christopher Bailey;
· the shareholder value delivered in the context of the evolution of the luxury goods markets in which Burberry operated
over the period between the date of grant and the relevant vesting date; and
· any other performance factors which are appropriate in assessing the extent of vesting having regard to the interests
of shareholders.
Vesting of the award will be phased over 5 years from the date of grant and only subject to the extent that the performance
criteria outlined above has been met. 125,000 shares will vest on 31 July 2017, 125,000 shares on 31 July 2018 and
250,000 shares on 31 July 2019, subject to performance measured from the date of grant to the relevant vesting date.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Committee assesses progress towards achieving these objectives each financial year and prior to each vesting date
will determine the extent to which the objectives were achieved over the 3, 4 or 5 year performance period, having regard
to the level of performance achieved in each relevant financial year. Accordingly, at the end of 2014/15 the Committee
reviewed performance in relation to the award of 500,000 shares granted to the Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer,
in the context of the following.
· Strategic development
In 2014/15 Burberry made excellent progress across the six pillars of its strategic agenda, including:
1. Inspire with the Brand
– Continued to strengthen the Burberry brand through key brand investments including the ‘Dreams of London’ event
at the Shanghai’s Kerry Centre store opening, digital interactions in established and emerging social media platforms,
and the 2014 Festive campaign, the brand’s most comprehensive holiday marketing program to date
2. Realise Product Potential
– Re-launched the Heritage trench coat and cashmere scarf, reasserting the brand’s core and driving commercial
success
– Continued to execute its Beauty strategic plan by launching My Burberry, the brand’s signature statement
in fragrance, advancing the early-stage make-up category, and opening the second Beauty Box store
3. Optimise Channels
– Continued to invest in creating a seamless consumer experience across physical and digital consumer touch points,
including the new fulfilment solution in China, a substantially upgraded mobile site, and the expansion of collect-in-
store services
4. Unlock Market Opportunity
– Made significant progress in executing the comprehensive plan to integrate Japan with the global brand upon
licence exit during 2015
5. Pursue Operational Excellence
– Further evolved the sourcing model to a more collaborative and sustainable manufacturing approach, focusing
on key strategic raw material and finished goods partners
6. Build our Culture
– Continued to attract top talent to the organisation
– Professional social network LinkedIn named Burberry 36th most in-demand employer globally
· Financial performance
Underlying Group Adjusted PBT annual growth of 7.0% in a challenging global environment.
Underlying Group revenue annual growth of 11% in a challenging global environment.
· Personal contribution
Burberry commenced the 14/15 year with an imminent change of CEO from Angela Ahrendts to Christopher Bailey.
Shareholders understandably expressed concern over the departure of Angela Ahrendts and the Board’s objective
was for this management transition to be seamless given a major change of this nature can be very disruptive at a
number of levels, impacting financial performance and shareholder value. This transition required the ongoing evolution
and execution of strategy and the delivery of strong financial performance in terms of revenue and profit growth and
shareholder return, all in the context of what was becoming an increasingly uncertain environment. Further it required
key members of the senior management team to be retained, united and motivated under new leadership. Christopher
Bailey’s performance in achieving this objective in his first CEO role has been exceptional particularly in the context
of his creative achievements, from the innovative runway shows to the flagship events in Shanghai and Los Angeles.
100
Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
· Shareholder value
Share price has increased by 16.7% since Christopher’s appointment to the CEO role (from closing price on 30 April 2014
to 31 March 2015) and dividends for 2014/15 are 35.2 pence per share. This is an increase of 10% on 2013/14.
Overall Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of 30.1% for the 2014/15 year (from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015), which out-
performed all our core luxury peers* and compares to an average TSR of 7.6% for this group and 7.5% for the FTSE 100.
* Boss, Coach, Ferragamo, Hermes, Kering, LVMH, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Richemont, Swatch, Tiffany, Tod’s
After careful review the Committee considers that shareholder return was exceptional in 2014/15 as was Christopher Bailey’s
performance in his first year in the CC & CEO role, whilst he continued to be the creative leader of Burberry. The strategic
development of the business was excellent whilst underlying adjusted PBT growth was 7%, as reflected in the financial
performance criteria, noting however that underlying revenue growth was 11%. Accordingly taking into account the degree
of achievement of each of the performance criteria the Committee reached the conclusion that overall there was an 85%
performance achievement in the 2014/15 year.
6. Payments made in the year to former directors (audited)
The table of total remuneration outcomes for 2014/15 (on page 91) details the remuneration Angela Ahrendts received during
2014/15. She stepped down from the Board and departed Burberry on 30 April 2014. Angela continued to receive her regular
salary, pension contribution and benefit payments until 30 April 2014.
As disclosed in the 2013/14 Directors’ Remuneration Report, the Committee determined that Angela Ahrendts’s outstanding
2011 Co-Investment Plan (CIP) matching award of 300,252 shares would vest. This award vested on the 7 June 2014 at a
share price of £14.79 and Angela Ahrendts received a payments in lieu of dividends of £233,596. The relevant amount shown
in the table 2.1 on page 91 reflects these details.
Also as disclosed in last year’s report the Committee determined that Angela Ahrendts’s outstanding final tranche of her 2009
Restricted Share Plan (RSP) of 112,500 shares would vest. This award vested on the 1 June 2014 at a share price of £15.33.
All other outstanding share awards held by Angela Ahrendts lapsed in full upon her departure from Burberry, in accordance
with the rules of each plan. Angela Ahrendts did not receive any payment relating to her departure from the Company.
7. Remuneration Committee in 2014/15
Committee membership
The following directors served as members of the Committee throughout the financial year ending 31 March 2015:
Ian Carter (Chairman)
Fabiola Arredondo (from 10 March 2015)
Philip Bowman
Jeremy Darroch
Stephanie George
Matthew Key
Carolyn McCall (from 1 September 2014)
David Tyler
Advisers to the Committee during 2014/15
At the invitation of the Committee, except where their own remuneration was being discussed, the following people
attended meetings and provided advice to the Committee: Sir John Peace (Chairman), Christopher Bailey (Chief Creative
and Chief Executive Officer), John Smith (Chief Operating Officer), Carol Fairweather (Chief Financial Officer), Michael
Mahony (Chief Corporate Affairs Officer), Anne-Soline Thorndike (Senior Vice President – Reward and Recognition),
Nigel Jones (Vice President – Group Financial Controller) and Catherine Sukmonowski (Company Secretary).
During the 2014/15 financial year, the Committee received external advice from Towers Watson, as detailed in the table
below. Towers Watson has been the appointed independent adviser to the Committee since 2011 and were selected at
that time following a formal tender process. Towers Watson is a member of the Remuneration Consultants’ Group, which
is responsible for the development and maintenance of the voluntary Code of Conduct that clearly sets out the role
of executive remuneration consultants and the professional standards by which they advise their clients and, as such,
the Committee is satisfied that their advice is objective and independent.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
The Committee also received advice during the year from Deloitte – this advice was specifically on shareholder engagement.
Deloitte is also a member of the Remuneration Consultants’ Group.
The external auditors PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, carried out agreed upon procedures to assist the Remuneration
Committee in assessing the calculations used to determine the FY15 adjusted PBT at FY12 foreign exchange rates.
Linklaters LLP provided advice to the Committee in relation to compliance with legislation, namely the regulations governing
the disclosure of directors’ remuneration in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.
External advisers and fees
Advisers
Towers Watson (‘TW’)
Services provided
to the Committee
Other services provided
to the Company
Appointed by the Committee,
to provide advice on the ongoing
operation of employee and
executive share plans together
with advice on executive
remuneration
A term of the engagement between the Committee
and TW is that any additional consulting services
provided by TW to management are reported on
a regular basis to the Committee. Where an actual
or potential conflict may occur, such work is
agreed by the Chairman of the Committee prior
to commencement.
Fees for Committee
assistance
£94,578
Fees charged on a time
and expense basis
Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP (‘PwC’)
Advice to the Committee
on shareholder engagement
in relation to executive
remuneration
Agreed upon procedures
to assist the Remuneration
Committee in assessing the
calculations used to determine
the recalculation of FY15
adjusted PBT at FY12 foreign
exchange rates
TW provides market benchmarking information to
management in relation to a small number of roles
which fall below the remit of Committee review.
Fees charged on a time and expense basis
None
£15,650
Fees charged on a time
and expense basis
PwC is the external auditor of the Company and
also provides other non-audit services as set out in
note 7 of the financial statements
£7,950
Fees charged on a time
and expense basis
Remuneration report voting results
The table below shows the results of the remuneration related shareholder votes from the 2014 AGM. As mentioned earlier
in this report, the Committee listens to and takes into consideration investor views throughout the year, and was extremely
disappointed not to receive majority support for the advisory vote on the 2013/14 Directors’ Remuneration Report. As
detailed in the introductory letter from the Remuneration Committee, the Company has consulted extensively during the
2014/15 year with its larger shareholders to follow up on the 2014 AGM.
2014 AGM voting results
Vote
Votes for
Votes against Votes withheld Any issues raised and Company response
To approve the
Directors’
Remuneration
Policy
To approve
the Directors’
Remuneration
Report for the
year ended
31 March 2014
(advisory)
271,305,305
(83.92%)
51,981,069
(16.08%)
11,037,131 Not applicable
157,179,496
(47.32%)
174,989,922
(52.68%)
2,154,087 The main concern was about the structure of the remuneration package
for Christopher Bailey, in particular, around his award of one million
shares granted in 2013 and his award of 500,000 performance-based
shares granted in 2014 on his appointment as CC & CEO.
The Committee has engaged extensively with larger shareholders during
2014/15 to follow up on the AGM.
The Committee has sought to better explain Christopher Bailey’s
remuneration package, including providing the context and rationale
behind its decisions.
The Committee is committed to providing detail on the performance
conditions attached to the 500,000 share award each year to increase
transparency for shareholders. For the 2014/15 year, this detail can be
found in Section 5.
To approve the
Burberry Group
plc Executive
Share Plan 2014
303,072,798
(91.16%)
29,386,262
(8.84%)
1,864,445 Not applicable
102
Board and Governance – Directors’ Remuneration Report
8. Six-year performance graph and Chief Executive Officer remuneration
The first chart below shows the Total Shareholder Return (‘TSR’) for Burberry Group plc compared to the companies in the
FTSE 100 index assuming £100 was invested on 31 March 2009. The FTSE 100 was selected because Burberry became a
constituent on 10 September 2009 and prior to that had a market capitalisation close to that of companies at the lower end
of the FTSE 100 index.
The second chart below shows the total remuneration earned by the incumbent Chief Executive Officer over the same
six-year period, along with the proportion of maximum opportunity earned in relation to each type of incentive. The
total amounts are based on the same methodology as used for the table on page 91 (Single figure of total remuneration
for 2014/15).
Six-year TSR performance graph and Chief Executive Officer remuneration
Value of £100 invested on 31 March 2009
FTSE 100
Burberry
£
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Angela Ahrendts (AA, CEO to 30 April 2014), Christopher Bailey (CB, CC & CEO from 1 May 2014)
Total remuneration (£’000)
Bonus (% of maximum)
CIP (% of maximum)
RSP (% of maximum)
EPP* (% of maximum)
2009/10 (AA)
2010/11 (AA)
2011/12 (AA)
2012/13 (AA)
2013/14 (AA)
2014/15 (AA)
2014/15 (CB)
7,362
100%
100%
42.5%
15%
16,003
100%
100%
–
50%
9,574
100%
–
100%
–
10,901
75%
100%
–
–
8,007
70%
100%
–
–
157
–
–
–
–
7,943
81%
75%
–
–
*
The ‘EPP’ was the Burberry Exceptional Performance Share Plan, a one-off long-term incentive plan under which performance-based awards were granted in
2007 only. Details of this plan can be found in the relevant historical directors’ remuneration reports.
Approval
This report has been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Ian Carter
Chairman, Remuneration Committee
19 May 2015
103
Board and Governance – Directors’ Report
Directors’
report
The directors present their Annual Report and the audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company for the
year to 31 March 2015.
Strategic Report
Burberry Group plc is required by the Companies Act 2006
to prepare a Strategic Report that includes a fair review
of the Company’s business, the development and the
performance of the Company’s business during the year,
of the position of the Company at the end of the financial
year to 31 March 2015 and a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties faced by the Company. The
Strategic Report can be found on pages 8 to 59. The
Corporate Governance Report is set out on pages 66
to 80, is incorporated by reference and shall be deemed
to form part of this report.
Revenue and profit
Revenue from the continuing business during the period
amounted to £2,523.2m (2014: £2,329.8m). The profit for
the year attributable to equity holders of the Company
was £336.3m (2014: £322.5m).
Dividends
The directors recommend that a final dividend of 25.5p
per ordinary share (2014: 23.20p) in respect of the year to
31 March 2015 be paid on 31 July 2015 to those persons
on the Register of Members as at 3 July 2015.
An interim dividend of 9.70p per ordinary share was paid
to shareholders on 23 January 2015 (2014: 8.80p). This will
make a total dividend of 35.2p per ordinary share in respect
of the financial year to 31 March 2015. The aggregate
dividends paid and recommended in respect of the year
to 31 March 2015 total £155.2m (2014: £140.4m).
Directors
The names and biographical details of the directors as at
the date of this report are set out on pages 62 and 63 and
are incorporated by reference into this report.
At the 2015 Annual General Meeting, all of the current
directors will offer themselves for election or re-election.
The Notice of this year’s Annual General Meeting sets out
why the Board believes the directors should be elected
or re-elected. Details of the directors’ service agreements
and letters of appointment are given in the Directors’
Remuneration Report on pages 81 to 103.
Directors’ share interests
The interests of the directors holding office at 31 March
2015 in the shares of the Company are shown within the
Directors’ Remuneration Report on page 96. There were
no changes to the beneficial interests of the directors
between the period 31 March 2015 and 19 May 2015.
Directors’ insurance and indemnities
The Company maintains directors’ and officers’ liability
insurance which gives appropriate cover for any legal
action brought against its directors. In accordance with
section 236 of the Companies Act 2006, qualifying third-
party indemnity provisions are in place for the directors
in respect of liabilities incurred as a result of their office,
to the extent permitted by law. Both the insurance and
indemnities applied throughout the financial year ended
31 March 2015 and through to the date of this report.
Share capital
Details of the issued share capital, together with details
of movements in the issued share capital of Burberry
Group plc during the year are shown in note 22 which
is incorporated by reference and deemed to be part
of this report.
The Company has one class of ordinary share which
carries no right to fixed income. Each share carries the
right to one vote at general meetings of the Company.
The ordinary shares are listed on the Official List and
traded on the London Stock Exchange. As at 31 March
2015, the Company had 444,744,067 ordinary shares in
issue. The Company does not hold any shares in treasury.
In order to retain maximum flexibility, the Company
proposes to renew the authority granted by ordinary
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in 2014, to
repurchase up to just under 10% of its issued share capital.
Further details are provided in the Notice of this year’s
Annual General Meeting.
At the Annual General Meeting in 2014, shareholders
approved resolutions to allot shares up to an aggregate
nominal value of £73,200 and to allot shares for cash other
than pro rata to existing shareholders. Resolutions will be
proposed at this year’s Annual General Meeting to renew
these authorities.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Report
No person has any special rights of control over the
Company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully
paid. There are no specific restrictions on the size of
holding or on the transfer of shares which are both
governed by the general provisions of the Articles of
Association and prevailing legislation. The directors are
not aware of any agreements between holders of the
Company’s shares that may result in restrictions on the
transfer of securities or voting rights. The directors have
no current plans to issue shares other than in connection
with employee share schemes.
Details of employee share schemes are set out in note
26. The Burberry Group plc ESOP Trust has waived
all dividends payable by the Company in respect of
the ordinary shares held by it. In addition, the Burberry
Group plc SIP Trust has waived all dividends payable
by the Company in respect of the unappropriated ordinary
shares held by it. The total dividends waived by the trusts
in the year to 31 March 2015 were in aggregate £1.2m
(2014: £1.3m).
With regard to the appointment and replacement of directors,
the Company follows the UK Corporate Governance Code
and is governed by its Articles of Association, the Companies
Act 2006 and related legislation. The Articles of Association
may be amended by special resolution of the shareholders.
Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 March 2015, the Company had been notified under
Rule 5 of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the
following major interests in its issued ordinary share capital:
Number of
ordinary shares
% of total
voting rights
The Capital Group Companies, Inc
BlackRock, Inc.
Schroders plc
JP Morgan Chase & Co
FMR LLC
Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Thornburg Investment Management
Massachusetts Financial
Services Company
26,343,299
22,207,161
21,666,352
21,578,580
21,867,513
21,664,800
21,910,655
20,073,645
5.92
5.00
4.99
4.99
4.98
4.97
4.94
4.61
Between 31 March 2015 and 19 May 2015, the Company
was notifed that Blackrock, Inc. holds 22,866,982 shares,
representing 5.14% of total voting rights.
Interests in own shares
Details of the Company’s interests in its own shares
are set out in note 22 to the financial statements.
Political donations
The Company made no political donations during the
year in line with its policy (2014: £nil). In keeping with the
Company’s approach in prior years, shareholder approval
is being sought at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting,
as a precautionary measure, for the Company and its
subsidiaries to make donations and/or incur expenditure
which may be construed as ‘political’ by the wide definition
of that term included in the relevant legislation. Further
details are provided in the Notice of this year’s Annual
General Meeting.
Greenhouse Gas emissions
The disclosures concerning the Company’s greenhouse
gas emissions required by the Companies Act 2006
(Strategic Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations
2013 are included in the Burberry Impact section of
the Strategic Report on page 47.
Employment policies
Diversity and inclusion
The Group takes a very inclusive approach to diversity.
As a global business, Burberry values people of all cultures,
nationalities, races, religions and ethnicities, regardless
of characteristics such as gender, gender identity and/or
expression, age, disability or sexual orientation. Burberry
is passionate about attracting, developing and rewarding
the most talented and skilled individuals, regardless of
background. The Group encourages its employees to work
across functions, geographies and cultures to enhance
understanding and create a connected global community.
As the Group continues to grow globally, it is building on
its long-term commitment to diversity and inclusion –
embracing the cultures of all the countries where we do
business. Burberry is committed to making the necessary
adjustments to support the employment of people with
disabilities and provide training and development to ensure
they have the opportunity to achieve their potential. In a
situation where an employee becomes disabled during
their employment, the Group will endeavour to assist the
employee by offering additional training, adapting the job
if appropriate or by offering a transfer to another position.
105
Board and Governance – Directors’ Report
Health and safety
The Group has a health and safety policy approved by
the Board. Governance of the health and safety strategy is
maintained through a Global Health and Safety Committee
which is chaired by the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
& General Counsel. Health and safety is also considered
at the Group Risk Committee and Audit Committee.
Each region has a local Committee which assists with the
implementation of the health and safety strategy. Strategic
direction on health and safety matters is provided by
the Director of Workplace Services and Health & Safety
supported by a global team. There have been a number
of internal and external health and safety audits carried
out to provide assurance globally.
Further information regarding the Group’s employment
policies are provided in Build our Culture on pages 40 to 41.
Employee involvement
Employee communication
The Group believes that employee communication
is important to enhance the Company culture and
connectivity, and to motivate and retain its employees.
A global communications programme, incorporating
various physical and digital methods and channels,
enables all employees to connect and collaborate closely,
and to understand the Company’s key strategies, financial
performance and other matters of interest and importance,
quickly and efficiently.
Social media platform ‘Burberry World’ is the key digital
channel used by the Company to communicate internally.
However, other methods and channels are also used,
including face-to-face briefings, open discussion forums
with senior management, email and instant messaging.
Burberry ‘Chat Live’ global video broadcasts are hosted by
Christopher Bailey and provide real-time communications
to highlight the Group’s performance and its ongoing
strategic initiatives. The Company also uses videos
and digital web pages to communicate key initiatives,
events and other brand messages, to enhance internal
communication, employee connectivity and the
Burberry culture.
Employee share ownership
The Group encourages share ownership at all levels and
runs incentive schemes and share ownership schemes for
the benefit of employees. Further details of these schemes
are set out in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages
81 to 103.
The Group again intends to grant free share awards
or cash-based awards to all eligible employees during
2015/16. The Group also intends, where possible, to
invite employees to take part in the Sharesave Scheme.
Further information regarding the Group’s approach to
employee involvement and communications are provided
in Build our Culture on pages 40 and 41.
Financial instruments
The Group’s financial risk management objectives
and policies are set out within note 25 of the financial
statements. Note 25 also details the Group’s exposure
to foreign exchange, share price, interest, credit, capital
and liquidity risks. This note is incorporated by reference
and deemed to form part of this report.
Significant contracts – change of control
Pursuant to the Companies Act 2006, the directors disclose
that in the event of a change of control, the Company’s
borrowings under the Group’s £300m Revolving Credit
Facility (dated 25 November 2014) could become repayable.
Details of the service agreements of the executive
directors are set out on page 88 of the Directors’
Remuneration Report.
The provisions of the Company’s employee share
plans may cause options and awards granted under
such plans to vest upon a change of control.
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Board and Governance – Directors’ Report
Independent auditors
In accordance with section 418(2) of the Companies
Act 2006, each of the Company’s directors in office
as at the date of this report confirms that:
· so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant
audit information of which the Company’s auditors
are unaware; and
· he or she has taken all the steps that he or she ought
to have taken as a director in order to make himself
or herself aware of any relevant audit information and
to establish that the Company’s auditors are aware
of that information.
The Group’s auditors are PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
A resolution to reappoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
as auditors to the Company will be proposed at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Note 7 of the financial statements states the auditors’
fees both for audit and non-audit work.
Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors
likely to affect its future development, performance and
position are set out in the Group Financial Review on pages
50 to 55, along with details of the Group’s cash flows.
Details of the Group’s liquidity position and borrowing
facilities are described in notes 18 and 21. Financial risk
management objectives, details of financial instruments
and hedging activities, and exposures to credit risk and
liquidity risk are described in note 25.
The directors have reviewed the Group’s forecasts and
projections. These include the assumptions around the
Group’s products and markets, expenditure commitments,
expected cash flows and borrowing facilities. Taking
into account reasonably possible changes in trading
performance, and after making enquiries, the directors
have a reasonable expectation that the Group and
the Company have adequate resources to continue
in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Accordingly the directors consider it appropriate to
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing
the financial statements.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of the Company will be held
at the offices of Nomura, 1 Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB
commencing at 9.30am on Thursday, 16 July 2015.
The Notice of this year’s Annual General Meeting will
be available to view on the Company’s website at
www.burberryplc.com.
The directors consider that each of the proposed
resolutions to be considered at the Annual General
Meeting are in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders and are most likely to promote the success of
the Company for the benefit of its shareholders as a whole.
The directors unanimously recommend that shareholders
vote in favour of each of the proposed resolutions, as the
directors intend to do in respect of their own shareholdings.
The Strategic Report (from pages 8 to 59) and Directors’
Report (from pages 104 to 107) have been approved by
the Board on 19 May 2015.
By order of the Board
Catherine Sukmonowski
Company Secretary
19 May 2015
Burberry Group plc
Registered Office:
Horseferry House
Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2AW
Registered in England and Wales
Registered number: 03458224
107
Financial Statements
110
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
120 Analysis of Net Cash
111
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members
of Burberry Group plc
121 Notes to the Financial Statements
161 Five Year Summary
116 Group Income Statement
117 Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
163
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members
of Burberry Group plc
118 Group Balance Sheet
165 Company Balance Sheet
119 Group Statement of Changes in Equity
166 Notes to the Company Financial Statements
120 Group Statement of Cash Flows
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, which includes the Strategic Report; the Directors’ Report;
the Directors’ Remuneration Report; and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have
prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted
by the European Union, and the parent Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not
approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group
and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these 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 IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group and parent Company financial statements
respectively; and
· prepare the 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 the Group and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act
2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the Company and the Group 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 Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The directors consider that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages 62 to 63 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
· the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and
· the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the
Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
These statements were approved by the Board on 19 May 2015 and signed on its behalf by:
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Carol Fairweather
Chief Financial Officer
110
The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report, which includes the Strategic Report; the Directors’ Report;
the Directors’ Remuneration Report; and the financial statements in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have
prepared the Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted
by the European Union, and the parent Company financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not
approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group
and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing these 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 IFRSs as adopted by the European Union and applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed,
subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Group and parent Company financial statements
respectively; and
· prepare the 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 the Group and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the Companies Act
2006 and, as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the Company and the Group 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 Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom
governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The directors consider that the Annual Report, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed on pages 62 to 63 confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
· the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union,
give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and
· the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the
Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
These statements were approved by the Board on 19 May 2015 and signed on its behalf by:
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Carol Fairweather
Chief Financial Officer
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Report on the Group financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Burberry Group plc’s Group financial statements (the financial statements):
· give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31 March 2015 and of its profit and cash flows for the year
then ended;
· have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the
European Union; and
· have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
What we have audited
Burberry Group plc’s financial statements comprise:
· the Group Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2015;
· the Group Income Statement and Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year then ended;
· the Group Statement of Changes in Equity and Statement of Cash Flows for the year then ended;
· the Analysis of Net Cash as at 31 March 2015; and
· the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory
information.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. Certain disclosures required by the financial reporting framework have been
presented elsewhere in the Burberry Group plc Annual Report 2014/15 (the “Annual Report”), rather than in the notes to
the financial statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.
Our audit approach
Overview
Materiality Overall Group materiality: £20 million which represents approximately 5% of profit before tax (2014: £20 million).
Audit
Scope
Areas of
Focus
We identified six reporting units which, in our view, required an audit of their complete financial information, either due to their size or
their risk characteristics, providing 78% (2014: 79%) coverage over Group revenue and 92% (2014: 91%) coverage over profit before
taxation. This, together with additional procedures performed at the Group level relating primarily to taxation, litigation, impairment
and earnings per share, gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole.
Inventory provisioning.
Completeness and valuation of provisions for tax exposures.
China put option liability valuation.
Impairment of fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment.
Presentation of results and non-GAAP measures.
The scope of our audit and our areas of focus
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”).
We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
In particular, we looked at where the directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits,
we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of
bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort,
are identified as “areas of focus” in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific
areas in order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our
procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
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Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Area of focus
Inventory provisioning
The Group manufactures and sells luxury goods and is subject to
changing consumer demands and fashion trends, increasing the level
of judgement involved in estimating inventory provisions (refer to note
16 to the financial statements). Judgement is required to assess the
appropriate level of provisioning for items which may be ultimately
destroyed or sold below cost as a result of a reduction in consumer
demand. Such judgements include management’s expectations for
future sales and inventory liquidation plans, especially in relation to
relatively new business operations such as Beauty.
Completeness and valuation of provisions for tax exposures
The directors are required to apply significant judgement when
determining whether, and how much, to provide in respect of tax
assessments leading to uncertain tax positions in a number of
jurisdictions (refer to notes 9 and 14 to the financial statements).
Given the inherent uncertainty over the outcome of pending tax
assessments, significant judgement is applied by the directors
in estimating the final outcome of such tax assessments.
We focused on this area due to the inherent complexity and
judgement in estimating the amount of provision required,
which is increased due to the numerous jurisdictions in which
the Group operates.
As noted in note 30 to the financial statements, the Group is subject
to tax audits and claims in a number of jurisdictions, including a
dispute with the Spanish tax authorities.
China put option liability valuation
Following the acquisition of the Burberry retail and distribution
business in China, Sparkle Roll Holdings Limited, a non-Group
company, retains a 15% economic interest in the Group’s business
in China. A put option exists over this interest, which is exercisable
after 1 September 2020. At 31 March 2015 the option is recorded
at £54.4m (2014: £51.3m).
The valuation of the put option over the non-controlling interest in
the Group’s business in China is based on a number of assumptions,
the key ones being the future performance of the Group’s business in
China; the average historical Burberry Group plc multiple; and the risk
adjusted discount rate for China, taking into account the risk free rate
in China (refer to note 19 to the financial statements).We focused on
this area because of the inherent judgement involved in determining
these assumptions and the magnitude of the put option liability.
Changes in the fair value of the liability will be made through
the Income Statement and could result in fluctuations in profit.
How our audit addressed the area of focus
For both finished goods and raw materials, we critically reviewed the
basis for the inventory provisions, the consistency of provisioning
in line with policy and the rationale for the recording of specific
provisions. In particular, for Beauty inventory, we assessed
management’s provision methodology, which has been updated
to reflect more historical information that is now available and the
refined sales forecasting process.
In doing so we understood the ageing profile of inventory, the
process for identifying specific problem inventory and historical
loss rates.
As a result, we satisfied ourselves that both finished goods and
raw materials inventory provisions have been prepared in line
with policy and are supportable on the basis of historical trends
as well as management’s expectations for future sales and inventory
management plans.
Through discussions with management, we understood the
Group’s process for identifying uncertain tax positions and the
related accounting policy of provisioning for tax exposures.
Based on this, we understood the extent to which provision
adjustments are supported by underlying changes in circumstances
and confirmed that they are being made on a consistent basis to
previous years.
We assessed the appropriateness of provisions recorded in the
financial statements, or the rationale for not recording a provision,
by using our specialist tax knowledge, reading the latest
correspondence between the Group and the various tax authorities
and advisors, and by obtaining written responses from the Group's
external advisors on the material tax exposures.
These procedures assisted in our corroboration of management’s
position in respect of significant tax exposures, and with our
assessment that the disclosures and provisions recorded in the
financial statements, including whether any provisions sufficiently
addressed probable penalties and interest, were appropriate and
reflected the latest developments.
Given the inherent judgement in forecasting in a high-growth
market such as China, the most judgemental input is the forecast
performance of the Group’s business in China. We agreed this to
latest available information including management’s forecasts of the
future performance of the Group’s business in China, actual historic
results of the China business and GDP growth forecasts for the
Chinese economy as published by third-party sources.
The average historical Burberry Group plc multiple is in line with
our recalculation of the multiple based on the Group’s actual
multiple and is consistent with the average multiple for
Burberry’s peer group.
Similarly, we critically assessed the risk adjusted discount rate for
China to confirm this was in line with the China business’ cost of
capital and with the discount rate of comparable luxury retailers.
We tested the calculation of the liability to determine whether it was
consistent with prior periods and with the terms of the put option,
with no material exceptions or inconsistencies noted.
We confirmed the appropriateness of disclosures relating to the
valuation, including the related sensitivities. We confirmed that the
net present value of the put option has been recognised as a non-
current financial liability under IAS 39 and that related disclosures
are in line with the disclosure requirements contained within IFRS 7.
112
Area of focus
Inventory provisioning
How our audit addressed the area of focus
The Group manufactures and sells luxury goods and is subject to
For both finished goods and raw materials, we critically reviewed the
changing consumer demands and fashion trends, increasing the level
basis for the inventory provisions, the consistency of provisioning
of judgement involved in estimating inventory provisions (refer to note
in line with policy and the rationale for the recording of specific
16 to the financial statements). Judgement is required to assess the
provisions. In particular, for Beauty inventory, we assessed
appropriate level of provisioning for items which may be ultimately
management’s provision methodology, which has been updated
destroyed or sold below cost as a result of a reduction in consumer
to reflect more historical information that is now available and the
demand. Such judgements include management’s expectations for
refined sales forecasting process.
future sales and inventory liquidation plans, especially in relation to
In doing so we understood the ageing profile of inventory, the
relatively new business operations such as Beauty.
process for identifying specific problem inventory and historical
loss rates.
As a result, we satisfied ourselves that both finished goods and
raw materials inventory provisions have been prepared in line
with policy and are supportable on the basis of historical trends
as well as management’s expectations for future sales and inventory
management plans.
Completeness and valuation of provisions for tax exposures
The directors are required to apply significant judgement when
Through discussions with management, we understood the
determining whether, and how much, to provide in respect of tax
Group’s process for identifying uncertain tax positions and the
assessments leading to uncertain tax positions in a number of
related accounting policy of provisioning for tax exposures.
jurisdictions (refer to notes 9 and 14 to the financial statements).
Based on this, we understood the extent to which provision
Given the inherent uncertainty over the outcome of pending tax
assessments, significant judgement is applied by the directors
adjustments are supported by underlying changes in circumstances
and confirmed that they are being made on a consistent basis to
in estimating the final outcome of such tax assessments.
previous years.
We focused on this area due to the inherent complexity and
judgement in estimating the amount of provision required,
We assessed the appropriateness of provisions recorded in the
financial statements, or the rationale for not recording a provision,
which is increased due to the numerous jurisdictions in which
by using our specialist tax knowledge, reading the latest
the Group operates.
correspondence between the Group and the various tax authorities
As noted in note 30 to the financial statements, the Group is subject
and advisors, and by obtaining written responses from the Group's
to tax audits and claims in a number of jurisdictions, including a
external advisors on the material tax exposures.
dispute with the Spanish tax authorities.
These procedures assisted in our corroboration of management’s
position in respect of significant tax exposures, and with our
assessment that the disclosures and provisions recorded in the
financial statements, including whether any provisions sufficiently
addressed probable penalties and interest, were appropriate and
reflected the latest developments.
China put option liability valuation
Following the acquisition of the Burberry retail and distribution
Given the inherent judgement in forecasting in a high-growth
business in China, Sparkle Roll Holdings Limited, a non-Group
market such as China, the most judgemental input is the forecast
company, retains a 15% economic interest in the Group’s business
performance of the Group’s business in China. We agreed this to
in China. A put option exists over this interest, which is exercisable
latest available information including management’s forecasts of the
after 1 September 2020. At 31 March 2015 the option is recorded
future performance of the Group’s business in China, actual historic
at £54.4m (2014: £51.3m).
results of the China business and GDP growth forecasts for the
The valuation of the put option over the non-controlling interest in
Chinese economy as published by third-party sources.
the Group’s business in China is based on a number of assumptions,
The average historical Burberry Group plc multiple is in line with
the key ones being the future performance of the Group’s business in
our recalculation of the multiple based on the Group’s actual
China; the average historical Burberry Group plc multiple; and the risk
multiple and is consistent with the average multiple for
adjusted discount rate for China, taking into account the risk free rate
Burberry’s peer group.
in China (refer to note 19 to the financial statements).We focused on
Similarly, we critically assessed the risk adjusted discount rate for
this area because of the inherent judgement involved in determining
China to confirm this was in line with the China business’ cost of
these assumptions and the magnitude of the put option liability.
capital and with the discount rate of comparable luxury retailers.
Changes in the fair value of the liability will be made through
the Income Statement and could result in fluctuations in profit.
We tested the calculation of the liability to determine whether it was
consistent with prior periods and with the terms of the put option,
with no material exceptions or inconsistencies noted.
We confirmed the appropriateness of disclosures relating to the
valuation, including the related sensitivities. We confirmed that the
net present value of the put option has been recognised as a non-
current financial liability under IAS 39 and that related disclosures
are in line with the disclosure requirements contained within IFRS 7.
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Area of focus
Impairment of fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
In FY13, the Group reacquired the licence to sell Beauty products,
resulting in the recognition of a fragrance and beauty licence
intangible of £70.9m, which is being amortised on a straight-line
basis over the period 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2017.
An underperformance of the Beauty business would expose the
Group to the risk of impairment of the Beauty licence, the value
of which is £41.1m at March 2015 (2014: £56.0m).
We have focused on this area due to the size of the Beauty licence
intangible and the inherent judgement involved in forming a valuation
of the intangible, particularly regarding future sales and profit
forecasts in this fast-growing part of the business.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
The Group has a material operational asset base which may be
vulnerable to impairment in the event of trading performance being
below expectations.
The value-in-use models used to assess the risk of impairment
are based on assumptions including revenue forecasts, gross and
operating margins and discount rates, all of which are country- as well
as store-specific (refer to note 13 to the financial statements). Such
stores may be located in both emerging markets such as Brazil, which
are typically more volatile than developed markets, as well as more
established economies such as the USA and Italy, where the Group
is working towards consolidating its position within the market.
Management’s assessment resulted in the recognition of a net
impairment charge for FY15 of £4.1m (FY14: £12.3m).
We focused on this area because of the inherent judgement
involved in determining key assumptions such as future sales growth,
profit margins and discount rates, and the magnitude of the assets
under consideration.
Presentation of results and non-GAAP measures
The presentation of results continues to be a focus area for
regulators, particularly the use of adjusted and underlying measures
to explain business performance, and the classification of items as
adjusting, especially where they recur each year. There is a risk that
the use of such measures means that the overall presentation of
results is not fair, balanced and understandable.
Consistent with prior years, the Group has identified two adjusting
items, being Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence
intangible and Put option liability finance (income)/charge.
How our audit addressed the area of focus
We challenged management’s assessment of Beauty performance
by comparing actual results to forecasts, including assessing sales
patterns and levels of credit notes and returns. Having compared
the Group’s future plans and forecasts for Beauty products to actual
results and market conditions, we are satisfied that future performance
is expected to support the current carrying value of the licence.
Having discussed Beauty performance with management we are
satisfied that management has carried out a suitable assessment
of whether any impairment indicators exist for the Beauty
licence intangible.
We also considered the related disclosures and are satisfied that the
financial statements adequately disclose the potential risk of future
impairment if the performance of the Beauty business does not meet
management’s expectations.
We tested management’s assessment of impairment triggers and are
satisfied that they appropriately took into account both internal and
external impairment indicators, including the trading performance of
each store.
We tested the value-in-use models for assets where an impairment
trigger has been identified, including challenging management
forecasts and other assumptions including discount rates and long-
term growth rates, and found that these assumptions were reasonable.
In particular we focussed on the forecasts for sales growth and are
satisfied that they reflect reasonable expectations for each store,
taking into account the maturity of each store and the market in
which it is located.
We also performed sensitivity analysis on key assumptions, particularly
revenue growth, and agreed with management’s conclusion that
reasonably possible changes to the assumptions would not result
in a material difference to the charges already recognised.
We considered management’s assessment of adjusting items and the
related presentation and accompanying disclosures and are satisfied
that the selection of adjusting items is consistent with prior years and
adequately explained in the financial statements.
We noted no instances of inappropriate or inconsistent presentation
of results and non-GAAP measures. Specifically, we are satisfied
that non-GAAP measures are adequately explained and reconciled
to GAAP measures.
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial
statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls,
and the industry in which the Group operates.
The Group operates across three regions and is structured across two channels to market, being retail/wholesale and licensing.
The Group financial statements are a consolidation of 97 reporting units, comprising the Group’s operating businesses and
holding companies across the two channels to market.
Based on our risk and materiality assessments, we determined which entities were required to report full-scope audit opinions
to us having considered the relative significance of each entity to the Group, locations with significant inherent risks and the
overall coverage obtained over each material line item in the consolidated financial statements. We identified six reporting units
which, in our view, required an audit of their complete financial information, either due to their size or their risk characteristics,
providing 78% (2014: 79%) coverage over Group revenue and 92% (2014: 91%) coverage over profit before taxation. This,
together with additional procedures performed at the Group level relating primarily to taxation, litigation, impairment and
earnings per share, gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole.
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Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
How we tailored the audit scope (continued)
In addition to the audits performed on full-scope components, we gathered other audit evidence across the rest of the Group
through testing of the Group’s global monitoring controls and global SAP system, Group-level analytical procedures and testing
at the London and Hong Kong Shared Service Centres. In addition, we performed statutory audits for many of the entities not in
scope for reporting to Group.
In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the
reporting units by us, as the Group engagement team, or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC network
firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the level of
involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate
audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. Our Group
engagement team’s involvement included various site visits and component auditor working paper reviews across each of
the Group’s three regions, together with conference calls with the component audit teams and participation in all in scope
component audit clearance meetings.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality.
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent
of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole as follows:
Overall Group materiality
£20 million (2014: £20 million).
How we determined it
5% of profit before taxation.
Rationale for benchmark applied
Burberry is a profit orientated entity and hence profit before taxation has been selected as the benchmark.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £0.75 million
(2014: £0.75 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement, set out on page 107, in relation to going concern.
We have nothing to report having performed our review.
As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial
statements using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis presumes that the Group has adequate
resources to remain in operation, and that the directors intend it to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial
statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern.
Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the Group
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial statements.
ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
Information in the Annual Report is:
materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Group financial statements; or
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired
We have no exceptions
to report arising from this
responsibility.
in the course of performing our audit; or
otherwise misleading.
The statement given by the directors on page 110, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance
Code (“the Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable
and provides the information necessary for members to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy
is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit.
We have no exceptions
to report arising from this
responsibility.
The section of the Annual Report on page 77, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the
Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.
We have no exceptions
to report arising from this
responsibility.
114
How we tailored the audit scope (continued)
In addition to the audits performed on full-scope components, we gathered other audit evidence across the rest of the Group
through testing of the Group’s global monitoring controls and global SAP system, Group-level analytical procedures and testing
at the London and Hong Kong Shared Service Centres. In addition, we performed statutory audits for many of the entities not in
scope for reporting to Group.
In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the
reporting units by us, as the Group engagement team, or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC network
firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the level of
involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate
audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. Our Group
engagement team’s involvement included various site visits and component auditor working paper reviews across each of
the Group’s three regions, together with conference calls with the component audit teams and participation in all in scope
component audit clearance meetings.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality.
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent
of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the Group financial statements as a whole as follows:
Overall Group materiality
£20 million (2014: £20 million).
How we determined it
5% of profit before taxation.
Rationale for benchmark applied
Burberry is a profit orientated entity and hence profit before taxation has been selected as the benchmark.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £0.75 million
(2014: £0.75 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Going concern
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the directors’ statement, set out on page 107, in relation to going concern.
We have nothing to report having performed our review.
As noted in the directors’ statement, the directors have concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the Group’s financial
statements using the going concern basis of accounting. The going concern basis presumes that the Group has adequate
resources to remain in operation, and that the directors intend it to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial
statements were signed. As part of our audit we have concluded that the directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s
ability to continue as a going concern.
Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the Group
financial statements are prepared is consistent with the Group financial statements.
ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Information in the Annual Report is:
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
materially inconsistent with the information in the audited Group financial statements; or
apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired
We have no exceptions
to report arising from this
responsibility.
in the course of performing our audit; or
otherwise misleading.
The statement given by the directors on page 110, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the UK Corporate Governance
We have no exceptions
Code (“the Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable
to report arising from this
and provides the information necessary for members to assess the Group’s performance, business model and strategy
responsibility.
is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing our audit.
The section of the Annual Report on page 77, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, describing the work of the
We have no exceptions
Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee.
to report arising from this
responsibility.
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Adequacy of information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, we have not received all the information and
explanations we require for our audit. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Corporate Governance Statement
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the parent
Company’s compliance with 10 provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. We have nothing to report having performed
our review.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement set out on page 110, the directors are responsible for the
preparation of the Group financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the Group financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the parent Company’s members as a body in accordance
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or
assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may
come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
What an audit of financial statements involves
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.
This includes an assessment of:
· whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and
adequately disclosed;
· the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and
· the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our own
judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls,
substantive procedures or a combination of both.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies
with the audited Group financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on,
or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of
any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Other matters
We have reported separately on the parent Company financial statements of Burberry Group plc for the year ended
31 March 2015 and on the information in the Directors’ Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited.
Andrew Kemp
Senior Statutory Auditor,
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors,
London, 19 May 2015
115115
Group Income Statement
Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Net operating expenses
Operating profit
Financing
Finance income
Finance expense
Other financing income/(charges)
Net finance income/(charge)
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Reconciliation of adjusted profit before taxation:
Profit before taxation
Adjusting items:
Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible in operating expenses
Put option liability finance (income)/charge
Adjusted profit before taxation – non-GAAP measure
Adjusted earnings per share – non-GAAP measure
Basic
Diluted
Dividends per share
Interim
Proposed final (not recognised as a liability at 31 March)
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
2,523.2
(757.7)
1,765.5
(1,325.2)
440.3
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
2,329.8
(671.3)
1,658.5
(1,213.1)
445.4
4.4
(3.8)
3.7
4.3
444.6
(103.5)
341.1
336.3
4.8
341.1
76.4p
75.1p
£m
444.6
14.9
(3.7)
455.8
78.3p
76.9p
3.9
(3.2)
(1.7)
(1.0)
444.4
(112.1)
332.3
322.5
9.8
332.3
73.6p
72.1p
£m
444.4
14.9
1.7
461.0
77.0p
75.4p
9.70p
25.50p
8.80p
23.20p
Note
3
4
8
5
9
10
10
6
6
10
10
11
11
116116
Group Statement of Comprehensive Income
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income1:
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency translation differences
Tax on other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency translation differences
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year, net of tax
Total comprehensive income for the year
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Note
22
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
341.1
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
332.3
(7.4)
52.0
1.5
(4.4)
41.7
382.8
372.5
10.3
382.8
(5.0)
(54.6)
1.3
4.6
(53.7)
278.6
272.5
6.1
278.6
1 All items included in other comprehensive income may subsequently be reclassified to profit and loss in a future period.
Other financing income/(charges)
Net finance income/(charge)
Continuing operations
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Net operating expenses
Operating profit
Financing
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Profit for the year
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest
Profit for the year
Earnings per share
Basic
Diluted
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
2,523.2
(757.7)
1,765.5
(1,325.2)
440.3
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
2,329.8
(671.3)
1,658.5
(1,213.1)
445.4
4.4
(3.8)
3.7
4.3
444.6
(103.5)
341.1
336.3
4.8
341.1
76.4p
75.1p
£m
444.6
14.9
(3.7)
455.8
78.3p
76.9p
3.9
(3.2)
(1.7)
(1.0)
444.4
(112.1)
332.3
322.5
9.8
332.3
73.6p
72.1p
£m
444.4
14.9
1.7
461.0
77.0p
75.4p
Note
3
4
8
5
9
10
10
6
6
10
10
11
11
Reconciliation of adjusted profit before taxation:
Profit before taxation
Adjusting items:
Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible in operating expenses
Put option liability finance (income)/charge
Adjusted profit before taxation – non-GAAP measure
Adjusted earnings per share – non-GAAP measure
Basic
Diluted
Dividends per share
Interim
Proposed final (not recognised as a liability at 31 March)
9.70p
25.50p
8.80p
23.20p
117117
Group Balance Sheet
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
Note
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment properties
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Income tax receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Income tax liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the Company
Ordinary share capital
Share premium account
Capital reserve
Hedging reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest in equity
Total equity
12
13
14
15
17
16
15
17
18
19
14
17
20
21
17
19
20
22
22
22
22
193.5
436.5
2.2
145.0
60.5
1.5
839.2
436.6
260.3
8.4
11.3
617.4
1,334.0
2,173.2
(117.1)
(0.9)
–
(0.7)
(22.2)
(140.9)
(65.2)
(12.5)
(406.0)
(10.3)
(86.8)
(580.8)
(721.7)
1,451.5
0.2
207.6
45.3
(0.3)
147.3
1,000.8
1,400.9
50.6
1,451.5
195.4
398.4
2.6
116.0
42.3
0.5
755.2
419.8
231.4
4.6
9.0
545.5
1,210.3
1,965.5
(107.4)
(1.0)
(0.9)
(0.6)
(15.9)
(125.8)
(143.0)
(1.6)
(399.8)
(10.7)
(76.6)
(631.7)
(757.5)
1,208.0
0.2
204.8
40.0
5.6
104.7
810.1
1,165.4
42.6
1,208.0
The consolidated financial statements of Burberry Group plc (registered number 03458224) on pages 116 to 160 were
approved by the Board on 19 May 2015 and signed on its behalf by:
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Carol Fairweather
Chief Financial Officer
118118
ASSETS
Non-current assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investment properties
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Derivative financial assets
Income tax receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
LIABILITIES
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts and borrowings
Derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Income tax liabilities
Total liabilities
Net assets
EQUITY
Ordinary share capital
Share premium account
Capital reserve
Hedging reserve
Foreign currency translation reserve
Retained earnings
Equity attributable to owners of the Company
Non-controlling interest in equity
Total equity
Capital and reserves attributable to owners of the Company
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
Note
12
13
14
15
17
16
15
17
18
19
14
17
20
21
17
19
20
22
22
22
22
193.5
436.5
2.2
145.0
60.5
1.5
839.2
436.6
260.3
8.4
11.3
617.4
1,334.0
2,173.2
(117.1)
(0.9)
–
(0.7)
(22.2)
(140.9)
(65.2)
(12.5)
(406.0)
(10.3)
(86.8)
(580.8)
(721.7)
0.2
207.6
45.3
(0.3)
147.3
1,000.8
1,400.9
50.6
1,451.5
195.4
398.4
2.6
116.0
42.3
0.5
755.2
419.8
231.4
4.6
9.0
545.5
1,210.3
1,965.5
(107.4)
(1.0)
(0.9)
(0.6)
(15.9)
(125.8)
(143.0)
(1.6)
(399.8)
(10.7)
(76.6)
(631.7)
(757.5)
0.2
204.8
40.0
5.6
104.7
810.1
1,165.4
42.6
1,208.0
1,451.5
1,208.0
The consolidated financial statements of Burberry Group plc (registered number 03458224) on pages 116 to 160 were
approved by the Board on 19 May 2015 and signed on its behalf by:
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Carol Fairweather
Chief Financial Officer
Group Statement of Changes in Equity
Note
22
22
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency translation differences
Tax on other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transfer between reserves
Transactions with owners:
Employee share incentive schemes
Value of share options granted
Value of share options transferred to liabilities
Tax on share options granted
Exercise of share options
Sale of own shares by ESOP trusts
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
Capital contribution by non-controlling interest
Dividends paid in the year
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges
Foreign currency translation differences
Tax on other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive income for the year
Transfer between reserves
Transactions with owners:
Employee share incentive schemes
Value of share options granted
Value of share options transferred to liabilities
Tax on share options granted
Exercise of share options
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
Acquisition of additional interest in subsidiary from
non-controlling interest
Capital contribution by non-controlling interest
Dividends paid in the year
Attributable to owners
of the Company
Ordinary
share
capital
£m
0.2
–
Share
premium
account
£m
203.6
–
Other
reserves
£m
197.3
–
Retained
earnings
£m
615.9
322.5
Total
£m
1,017.0
322.5
Non-
controlling
interest
£m
Total
equity
£m
35.8 1,052.8
332.3
9.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.2
–
–
–
–
204.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
2.8
–
–
–
–
(5.0)
(50.9)
5.9
(50.0)
3.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
150.3
–
(7.4)
46.5
(2.9)
36.2
5.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
322.5
(3.0)
25.4
(0.8)
3.8
–
1.7
(24.7)
–
(130.7)
810.1
336.3
–
–
–
336.3
(5.8)
21.0
(0.8)
5.2
–
(19.2)
(5.0)
(50.9)
5.9
272.5
–
25.4
(0.8)
3.8
1.2
1.7
(24.7)
–
(130.7)
1,165.4
336.3
(7.4)
46.5
(2.9)
372.5
–
21.0
(0.8)
5.2
2.8
(19.2)
–
(3.7)
–
6.1
–
(5.0)
(54.6)
5.9
278.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.7
–
25.4
(0.8)
3.8
1.2
1.7
(24.7)
0.7
(130.7)
42.6 1,208.0
341.1
4.8
–
5.5
–
10.3
–
(7.4)
52.0
(2.9)
382.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
21.0
(0.8)
5.2
2.8
(19.2)
(1.1)
–
(144.9)
(1.1)
–
(144.9)
(2.3)
0.4
(0.4)
(3.4)
0.4
(145.3)
Balance as at 31 March 2015
0.2
207.6
192.3
1,000.8
1,400.9
50.6 1,451.5
119119
Group Statement of Cash Flows
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit
Depreciation
Amortisation
Net impairment charges
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Gain on derivative instruments
Charges in respect of employee share incentive schemes
(Payment)/proceeds from settlement of equity swap contracts
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables
Cash generated from operating activities
Interest received
Interest paid
Taxation paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid in the year
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Capital contributions by non-controlling interest
Payment to acquire additional interest in subsidiary from non-controlling interest
Issue of ordinary share capital
Sale of own shares by ESOP trusts
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Analysis of Net Cash
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
Note
440.3
104.0
34.6
4.1
2.1
(2.0)
21.0
(0.2)
(15.1)
(43.8)
23.1
568.1
3.8
(2.6)
(114.4)
454.9
(127.8)
(27.9)
–
1.3
–
(154.4)
(144.9)
(0.4)
0.4
(3.4)
2.8
–
(19.2)
(164.7)
135.8
13.9
402.5
552.2
445.4
105.6
33.0
12.3
(1.3)
(3.8)
25.4
15.7
(68.2)
(73.8)
45.2
535.5
3.4
(2.6)
(111.1)
425.2
(129.5)
(24.5)
3.0
–
(2.6)
(153.6)
(130.7)
–
0.7
–
1.2
1.7
(24.7)
(151.8)
119.8
(13.9)
296.6
402.5
11
Cash and cash equivalents as per the Balance Sheet
Bank overdrafts
Net cash
As at
31 March
2015
£m
617.4
(65.2)
552.2
Note
18
21
As at
31 March
2014
£m
545.5
(143.0)
402.5
120120
Cash flows from operating activities
Operating profit
Depreciation
Amortisation
Net impairment charges
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Gain on derivative instruments
Charges in respect of employee share incentive schemes
(Payment)/proceeds from settlement of equity swap contracts
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables
Interest received
Interest paid
Taxation paid
Cash generated from operating activities
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired
Net cash outflow from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid in the year
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest
Capital contributions by non-controlling interest
Issue of ordinary share capital
Sale of own shares by ESOP trusts
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
Net cash outflow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Effect of exchange rate changes
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Cash and cash equivalents as per the Balance Sheet
Bank overdrafts
Net cash
Payment to acquire additional interest in subsidiary from non-controlling interest
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
Note
(154.4)
(153.6)
11
(144.9)
(130.7)
440.3
104.0
34.6
4.1
2.1
(2.0)
21.0
(0.2)
(15.1)
(43.8)
23.1
568.1
3.8
(2.6)
(114.4)
454.9
(127.8)
(27.9)
1.3
–
–
(0.4)
0.4
(3.4)
2.8
–
(19.2)
(164.7)
135.8
13.9
402.5
552.2
2015
£m
617.4
(65.2)
552.2
445.4
105.6
33.0
12.3
(1.3)
(3.8)
25.4
15.7
(68.2)
(73.8)
45.2
535.5
3.4
(2.6)
(111.1)
425.2
(129.5)
(24.5)
3.0
–
(2.6)
0.7
–
–
1.2
1.7
(24.7)
(151.8)
119.8
(13.9)
296.6
402.5
2014
£m
545.5
(143.0)
402.5
Analysis of Net Cash
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
Note
18
21
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation
Burberry Group plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) is a global luxury goods manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler. The Group
also licences third parties to manufacture and distribute products using the ‘Burberry’ trade marks. All of the companies which
comprise the Group are controlled by Burberry Group plc (the Company) directly or indirectly.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group have been prepared in accordance with the European Union endorsed
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations and parts of the
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. These consolidated financial statements have been prepared
under the historical cost convention, except as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value
through profit or loss.
Amendment to IAS 32 Financial Instruments: Presentation was effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2014,
and has been adopted for the first time by the Group from 1 April 2014. This has not had a material impact on the financial
statements of the Group. No other new standards, amendments and interpretations have been adopted for the first time by
the Group during the year ended 31 March 2015.
As at 31 March 2015, the following new and revised standards, amendments and interpretations, which may be relevant to the
Group’s results, were issued but not yet effective:
IFRS 9 Financial instruments
This standard addresses the classification, measurement and recognition of financial assets and financial liabilities. IFRS 9 replaces the guidance
in IAS 39 Financial instruments: Recognition and measurement that relates to the classification and measurement of financial instruments. The new
standard retains but simplifies the mixed measurement model and establishes three primary measurement categories for financial assets: amortised
cost, fair value through OCI and fair value through P&L. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018, however
it is not currently endorsed by the European Union. Any potential impact of this new standard will be quantified closer to the date of adoption.
IFRS 15 Revenue from contracts with customers
This standard deals with revenue recognition and replaces both IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction contracts, providing a single revenue
standard to be applied across all industries. Under the new standard, revenue is recognised when a customer obtains control of a good or service.
IFRS 15 establishes principles for reporting information about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from
an entity’s contracts with customers. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2017, however it is not currently
endorsed by the European Union and the IASB has recently proposed to defer the effective date to 1 January 2018. Any potential impact of this
new standard will be quantified closer to the date of adoption.
Basis of consolidation
The Group’s annual financial statements comprise those of Burberry Group plc (the Company) and its subsidiaries, presented
as a single economic entity. The results of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting year as the Company, using
consistent accounting policies across the Group.
Subsidiaries are all entities (including special purpose entities) over which the Group has control. The Group controls an entity
when the Group is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has the ability to affect
those returns through its power over the entity. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred
to the Group and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control is transferred out of the Group. Where there is a loss
of control of a subsidiary, the consolidated financial statements include the results for the portion of the reporting period during
which the Group had control. Intra-group transactions, balances and unrealised profits on transactions between Group
companies are eliminated in preparing the Group financial statements. The Group treats transactions with non-controlling
interests as transactions with equity owners of the Group. For acquisitions of additional interests in subsidiaries from non-
controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of
net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals of interests in subsidiaries to non-controlling
interests are also recorded in equity.
121121
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Key sources of estimation and judgement
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires that management make certain
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent liabilities. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on management’s best judgements
at the date of the financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimate and assumptions will be
updated as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The key areas where the estimates
and assumptions applied have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and liabilities
are discussed below:
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
The calculation of the fair value of the put option over the non-controlling interest in the Group’s business in China is based on
the contractual agreement and requires the application of key assumptions around both the future performance of the Group’s
business in China; the average historical Burberry Group plc multiple; and the risk adjusted discount rate in China, taking into
account the risk free rate in China. Refer to notes 19 and 25 for further details of the put option liability.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount may not be recoverable. When a review for impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount of an asset or a cash
generating unit is determined based on value-in-use calculations prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and
estimates. Refer to note 13 for further details of property, plant and equipment.
Impairment of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
The fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. Where a review for impairment is carried out, the recoverable amount
of the intangible asset is determined from a value-in-use calculation of the anticipated incremental income earned by the Group
as a result of selling Beauty products through retail and wholesale channels rather than under licence. The value-in-use
calculation is prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates of the future trading performance
of the Beauty product division. Refer to note 12 for further details of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset.
Inventory provisioning
The Group manufactures and sells luxury goods and is subject to changing consumer demands and fashion trends.
As a result it is necessary to consider the recoverability of the cost of inventories and the associated provisioning required.
When calculating the inventory provision, management considers the nature and condition of the inventory, as well as applying
assumptions around anticipated saleability of finished goods and future usage of raw materials. Refer to note 16 for further
details of the carrying value of inventory.
122122
1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Key sources of estimation and judgement
Preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires that management make certain
judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities and the disclosure
of contingent liabilities. If in the future such estimates and assumptions, which are based on management’s best judgements
at the date of the financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimate and assumptions will be
updated as appropriate in the period in which the circumstances change.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The key areas where the estimates
and assumptions applied have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and liabilities
are discussed below:
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
The calculation of the fair value of the put option over the non-controlling interest in the Group’s business in China is based on
the contractual agreement and requires the application of key assumptions around both the future performance of the Group’s
business in China; the average historical Burberry Group plc multiple; and the risk adjusted discount rate in China, taking into
account the risk free rate in China. Refer to notes 19 and 25 for further details of the put option liability.
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amount may not be recoverable. When a review for impairment is conducted, the recoverable amount of an asset or a cash
generating unit is determined based on value-in-use calculations prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and
estimates. Refer to note 13 for further details of property, plant and equipment.
Impairment of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
The fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. Where a review for impairment is carried out, the recoverable amount
of the intangible asset is determined from a value-in-use calculation of the anticipated incremental income earned by the Group
as a result of selling Beauty products through retail and wholesale channels rather than under licence. The value-in-use
calculation is prepared on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates of the future trading performance
of the Beauty product division. Refer to note 12 for further details of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset.
Inventory provisioning
The Group manufactures and sells luxury goods and is subject to changing consumer demands and fashion trends.
As a result it is necessary to consider the recoverability of the cost of inventories and the associated provisioning required.
When calculating the inventory provision, management considers the nature and condition of the inventory, as well as applying
assumptions around anticipated saleability of finished goods and future usage of raw materials. Refer to note 16 for further
details of the carrying value of inventory.
Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation (continued)
Key sources of estimation and judgement (continued)
Income and deferred taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Judgement is required in determining the provision for income
taxes in each territory. There are many transactions and calculations during the ordinary course of business for which the
ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax issues based on estimates of
whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final outcome of these matters is different from the amounts which were
initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions and assets in the period in which
such determination is made. Refer to notes 9 and 14 for further details of income and deferred tax balances.
Impairment of trade receivables
The Group is required to make an estimate of the recoverable value of trade receivables. When assessing impairment of trade
receivables, management considers factors including the ageing profile of debtors as well as any specific known problems
or risks. Given global economic conditions and the range of countries the Group trades in, unanticipated future events may
occur that could impact the appropriateness of the assessment made as to the recoverability of the Group’s trade receivables.
Refer to notes 15 and 25 for further details on the net carrying value and credit quality of trade receivables.
2. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies of the Group are:
a) Revenue
Revenue, which is stated excluding Value Added Tax and other sales related taxes, is the amount receivable for goods supplied
(less returns, trade discounts and allowances) and royalties receivable.
Retail sales, returns and allowances are reflected at the dates of transactions with customers. Wholesale sales are recognised
when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the customer, with provisions made for expected
returns and allowances. Provisions for returns on retail and wholesale sales are calculated based on historical return levels.
Royalties receivable from licensees are accrued as earned on the basis of the terms of the relevant royalty agreement, which
is typically on the basis of production volumes.
In arrangements where the Group acts as a purchasing agent to facilitate the procurement of Burberry branded products
on behalf of its licensees, the purchases and sales from the supplier to the licensee are not recorded as transactions by the
Group. Any costs incurred by the Group are recorded as operating expenses and any agency fees receivable are recorded
as operating income.
b) Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the Chief Operating Decision
Maker. The Chief Operating Decision Maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance, has been
identified as the Board of Directors.
c) Business combinations
The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group. The cost of an
acquisition is measured as the fair value of the assets given, equity instruments issued and liabilities incurred or assumed
at the date of exchange. Contingent payments are remeasured at fair value through the Income Statement. All transaction
costs are expensed to the Income Statement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed
in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date, irrespective of the extent of
any non-controlling interest. Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group’s equity, and
are initially measured either at fair value or at a value equal to the non-controlling interests’ share of the identifiable net assets
acquired. The choice of the basis of measurement is an accounting policy choice for each individual business combination.
The excess of the cost of acquisition together with the value of any non-controlling interest over the fair value of the identifiable
net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the
subsidiary acquired, the difference is recognised directly in the Income Statement.
123123
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
d) Share schemes
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes, under which services are received from
employees (including executive directors) as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The cost of the share based
incentives is measured with reference to the fair value of the equity instruments awarded at the date of grant. Appropriate
option pricing models, including Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo, are used to determine the fair value of the awards made.
The fair value takes into account the impact of any market performance conditions, but the impact of non-market performance
conditions is not considered in determining the fair value on the date of grant. Vesting conditions which relate to non-market
conditions are allowed for in the assumptions used for the number of options expected to vest. The estimate of the number
of options expected to vest is revised at each balance sheet date.
In some circumstances, employees may provide services in advance of the grant date. The grant date fair value is estimated
for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between the service commencement period and the grant date.
The cost of the share based incentives is recognised as an expense over the vesting period of the awards, with a corresponding
increase in equity.
When options are exercised, they are settled either via issue of new shares in the Company, or through shares held in an
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) trust, depending on the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme. The proceeds
received from the exercises, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital and share premium
accounts.
e) Leases
The Group is both a lessor and lessee of property, plant and equipment. Determining whether an arrangement is or contains
a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement. Leases in which substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to
ownership of an asset are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases.
Gross rental expenditure/income in respect of operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the
leases. Certain rental expenses are determined on the basis of revenue achieved in specific retail locations and are accrued
for on that basis.
Amounts paid to/received from the landlord to acquire or transfer the rights to a lease are treated as prepayments/accrued
income on the lease contract. Lease incentives, typically rent free periods and capital contributions, are held on the Balance
Sheet in accruals and deferred income and recognised over the term of the lease.
Finance leases where the Group is a lessee are capitalised at the commencement of the lease at the lower of fair value of the
leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Interest is charged to the Income Statement and credited
to the lease liability using the effective interest rate method. Lease liabilities are held in Trade and other payables on the
Balance Sheet. The capitalised leased assets are held in Property, plant and equipment on the Balance Sheet, and are
depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the leased asset.
f) Dividend distributions
Dividend distributions to Burberry Group plc’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which the dividend
becomes a committed obligation. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by the shareholders. Interim
dividends are recognised when paid.
124124
2. Accounting policies (continued)
d) Share schemes
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes, under which services are received from
employees (including executive directors) as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The cost of the share based
incentives is measured with reference to the fair value of the equity instruments awarded at the date of grant. Appropriate
option pricing models, including Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo, are used to determine the fair value of the awards made.
The fair value takes into account the impact of any market performance conditions, but the impact of non-market performance
conditions is not considered in determining the fair value on the date of grant. Vesting conditions which relate to non-market
conditions are allowed for in the assumptions used for the number of options expected to vest. The estimate of the number
of options expected to vest is revised at each balance sheet date.
In some circumstances, employees may provide services in advance of the grant date. The grant date fair value is estimated
for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between the service commencement period and the grant date.
The cost of the share based incentives is recognised as an expense over the vesting period of the awards, with a corresponding
When options are exercised, they are settled either via issue of new shares in the Company, or through shares held in an
Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) trust, depending on the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme. The proceeds
received from the exercises, net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital and share premium
increase in equity.
accounts.
e) Leases
The Group is both a lessor and lessee of property, plant and equipment. Determining whether an arrangement is or contains
a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement. Leases in which substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to
ownership of an asset are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases.
Gross rental expenditure/income in respect of operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the
leases. Certain rental expenses are determined on the basis of revenue achieved in specific retail locations and are accrued
for on that basis.
Amounts paid to/received from the landlord to acquire or transfer the rights to a lease are treated as prepayments/accrued
income on the lease contract. Lease incentives, typically rent free periods and capital contributions, are held on the Balance
Sheet in accruals and deferred income and recognised over the term of the lease.
Finance leases where the Group is a lessee are capitalised at the commencement of the lease at the lower of fair value of the
leased asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Interest is charged to the Income Statement and credited
to the lease liability using the effective interest rate method. Lease liabilities are held in Trade and other payables on the
Balance Sheet. The capitalised leased assets are held in Property, plant and equipment on the Balance Sheet, and are
depreciated over the shorter of the lease term and the useful life of the leased asset.
f) Dividend distributions
dividends are recognised when paid.
Dividend distributions to Burberry Group plc’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which the dividend
becomes a committed obligation. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by the shareholders. Interim
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
g) Pension costs
Eligible employees participate in defined contribution pension schemes, the principal one being in the UK with its assets held
in an independently administered fund. The cost of providing these benefits to participating employees is recognised in the
Income Statement as they fall due and comprises the amount of contributions to the schemes.
h) Intangible fixed assets
Goodwill
Goodwill is the excess of the cost of acquisition together with the value of any non-controlling interest, over the fair value
of identifiable net assets acquired. Goodwill on acquisition is recorded as an intangible fixed asset. Fair values are attributed
to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that existed at the date of acquisition, reflecting their condition
at that date. Adjustments are also made to align the accounting policies of acquired businesses with those of the Group.
Goodwill is assigned an indefinite useful economic life. Impairment reviews are performed annually, or more frequently if
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Impairment losses recognised
on goodwill are not reversed in future periods.
Trade marks, licences and other intangible assets
The cost of securing and renewing trade marks and licences, and the cost of acquiring other intangible assets such as key
money is capitalised at purchase price and amortised by equal annual instalments over the period in which benefits are
expected to accrue, typically ten years for trade marks, or the term of the lease or licence. The useful economic life of trade
marks and other intangible assets is determined on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the terms of the underlying
agreement and the nature of the asset.
Computer software
The cost of acquiring computer software (including licences and separately identifiable development costs) is capitalised
as an intangible asset at purchase price, plus any directly attributable cost of preparing that asset for its intended use.
Software costs are amortised by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful economic lives, which are up to
five years.
i) Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment, with the exception of assets in the course of construction, is stated at cost or deemed cost,
based on historical revalued amounts prior to the adoption of IFRS, less accumulated depreciation and provision to reflect any
impairment in value. Assets in the course of construction are stated at cost less any provision for impairment and transferred
to completed assets when substantially all of the activities necessary for the asset to be ready for use have occurred. Cost
includes the original purchase price of the asset and costs attributable to bringing the asset to its working condition for its
intended use.
Depreciation
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated to write off the cost or deemed cost, less residual value, of the
assets in equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives at the following rates:
Type of asset
Land
Freehold buildings
Leaseholds
Plant and machinery
Short life leasehold improvements
Retail fixtures and fittings
Office fixtures and fittings
Computer equipment
Assets in the course of construction
Category of property, plant and equipment
Freehold land and buildings
Freehold land and buildings
Leasehold improvements
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
Assets in the course of construction
Useful life
Not depreciated
Up to 50 years
Over the unexpired term of the lease
Up to 10 years
Up to 10 years
Up to 5 years
5 years
Up to 5 years
Not depreciated
Profit/loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles
Profits and losses on the disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangibles represent the difference between
the net proceeds and net book value at the date of sale. Disposals are accounted for when the relevant transaction
becomes unconditional.
125125
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
j) Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful economic life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment.
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’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 there
are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, for which an
impairment has been previously recognised are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date.
k) Investment properties
Investment properties are freehold properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties
are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision to reflect any impairment in value. Cost includes the original
purchase price plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Investment properties are depreciated on a straight-line basis
over an estimated useful life of up to 50 years.
l) Discontinued operations and assets classified as held for sale
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of business or
geographical area of operations that has been disposed of, has been abandoned or meets the criteria to be classified as
held for sale. Discontinued operations are presented on the Income Statement as a separate line and are shown net of tax.
Non-current assets are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale
transaction rather than through continued use, and a sale within the next 12 months is considered to be highly probable.
Assets classified as held for sale cease to be depreciated and they are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value
less cost to sell.
m) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost consists of all costs of purchase, costs of conversion,
design costs and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. For inventories relating
to the Beauty product division, including raw materials and finished goods, cost is measured using a weighted average method.
For all other product divisions, the cost of inventories is determined using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, taking account of
the fashion seasons for which the inventory was offered. Where necessary, provision is made to reduce cost to no more than
net realisable value having regard to the nature and condition of inventory, as well as its anticipated utilisation and saleability.
n) Taxation
Tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax charge.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the
Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense which are taxable or deductible in other years and
it further excludes items which are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using
tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liabilities method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases
of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, if the temporary
difference arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that
at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, no deferred tax will be recognised.
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet
date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which
the temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the
reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse
in the foreseeable future.
126126
2. Accounting policies (continued)
j) Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful economic life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for impairment.
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’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 there
are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units). Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, for which an
impairment has been previously recognised are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date.
k) Investment properties
Investment properties are freehold properties held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties
are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and provision to reflect any impairment in value. Cost includes the original
purchase price plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Investment properties are depreciated on a straight-line basis
over an estimated useful life of up to 50 years.
l) Discontinued operations and assets classified as held for sale
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group’s business that represents a separate major line of business or
geographical area of operations that has been disposed of, has been abandoned or meets the criteria to be classified as
held for sale. Discontinued operations are presented on the Income Statement as a separate line and are shown net of tax.
Non-current assets are classified as held for sale when their carrying amount is to be recovered principally through a sale
transaction rather than through continued use, and a sale within the next 12 months is considered to be highly probable.
Assets classified as held for sale cease to be depreciated and they are stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value
less cost to sell.
m) Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost consists of all costs of purchase, costs of conversion,
design costs and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. For inventories relating
to the Beauty product division, including raw materials and finished goods, cost is measured using a weighted average method.
For all other product divisions, the cost of inventories is determined using a first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, taking account of
the fashion seasons for which the inventory was offered. Where necessary, provision is made to reduce cost to no more than
net realisable value having regard to the nature and condition of inventory, as well as its anticipated utilisation and saleability.
n) Taxation
Tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax charge.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the
Income Statement because it excludes items of income or expense which are taxable or deductible in other years and
it further excludes items which are never taxable or deductible. The Group’s liability for current tax is calculated using
tax rates which have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred income tax is recognised, using the liabilities method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases
of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements. However, if the temporary
difference arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that
at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss, no deferred tax will be recognised.
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet
date and are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax asset is realised or the deferred tax liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against which
the temporary differences can be utilised.
Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the
reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse
in the foreseeable future.
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
n) Taxation (continued)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against
current tax liabilities and when deferred income tax assets and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation
authority on either the same taxable entities or different taxable entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a
net basis.
o) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when there is a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, for which it is
probable that an outflow of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and where the amount of the obligation
can be reliably estimated. When the effect of the time value of money is material, provision amounts are calculated based on
the present value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation. The present value is calculated using
forward market interest rates as measured at the balance sheet reporting date, which have been adjusted for risks reflected
in future cash flow estimates.
Property obligations
A provision for the present value of future property reinstatement costs is recognised where there is an obligation to return
the leased property to its original condition at the end of an operating lease. Where a leased property is no longer expected
to be fully occupied or where the costs exceed the future expected benefits, an onerous lease provision will be recognised
for that portion of the lease excess to the Group’s requirements and not fully recovered through sub-leasing, or through
value-in-use.
Restructuring costs
Provisions for costs associated with restructuring programmes are recognised when a detailed formal restructuring plan has
been approved and communicated. Examples of restructuring related costs include employee termination payments, contract
termination penalties and onerous contract payments.
p) Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown
in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.
Where any Group company purchases the Company’s equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid, including
any directly attributable incremental costs, is deducted from equity attributable to owners of the Company until the shares are
cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of
any directly attributable incremental transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to
owners of the Company.
q) Financial instruments
A financial instrument is initially recognised at fair value on the Balance Sheet when the entity becomes a party to the
contractual provisions of the instrument. A financial asset is derecognised when the contractual rights to the cash flow expire or
substantially all risks and rewards of the asset are transferred. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation specified
in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Subsequent to initial recognition, all financial liabilities are stated at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method
except for derivatives, which are classified as held for trading, except where they qualify for hedge accounting, and are held at
fair value. The fair value of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities held at amortised cost approximate their carrying amount
due to the short maturity of these instruments.
127127
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Financial instruments (continued)
The Group classifies its instruments in the following categories:
Financial instrument category
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
Forward foreign exchange contracts1
Equity swap contracts
Onerous lease provision
Note
18
15
19
21
19
17
17
20
Classification
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Derivative instrument
Derivative instrument
Derivative instrument
Other financial liabilities
Measurement
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Fair value through profit and loss
Fair value through profit and loss
Fair value through profit and loss
Amortised cost
1 Cash flow hedge accounting is applied to the extent it is achievable.
2 The fair value measurement hierarchy is only applicable for financial instruments measured at fair value.
Fair value
measurement
hierarchy2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
2
2
N/A
The measurements for financial instruments carried at fair value are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy
based on the inputs to the valuation technique used. The different levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group can access at the
measurement date.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
or indirectly.
Level 3: includes unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Observable inputs are those which are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual
events or transactions. The Group has an established framework with respect to measurement of fair values, including
Level 3 fair values. The Group regularly reviews any significant inputs which are not derived from observable market data
and considers, where available, relevant third-party information, to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the
requirements of IFRS. The classification level in the fair value hierarchy is also considered periodically. Significant valuation
issues are reported to the Audit Committee.
The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts and equity swap contracts is based on a comparison of the contractual
and market rates and, in the case of forward foreign exchange contracts, after discounting using the appropriate yield curve
as at the balance sheet date. All Level 2 fair value measurements are calculated using inputs which are based on observable
market data.
The fair value of the put option liability over non-controlling interest is derived using a present value calculation, incorporating
observable and non-observable inputs. This valuation technique has been adopted as it most closely mirrors the contractual
arrangement.
The Group’s primary categories of financial instruments are listed below:
Cash and cash equivalents
On the Balance Sheet, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term deposits with a maturity date of three months
or less, held with banks and liquidity funds. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents also include bank
overdrafts, which are recorded under current liabilities on the Balance Sheet.
128128
2. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Financial instruments (continued)
The Group classifies its instruments in the following categories:
Financial instrument category
Note
Classification
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Borrowings
Loans and receivables
Loans and receivables
Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities
Measurement
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Amortised cost
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
Derivative instrument
Fair value through profit and loss
Forward foreign exchange contracts1
Equity swap contracts
Onerous lease provision
Derivative instrument
Fair value through profit and loss
Derivative instrument
Fair value through profit and loss
Other financial liabilities
Amortised cost
1 Cash flow hedge accounting is applied to the extent it is achievable.
2 The fair value measurement hierarchy is only applicable for financial instruments measured at fair value.
18
15
19
21
19
17
17
20
Fair value
measurement
hierarchy2
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
2
2
N/A
The measurements for financial instruments carried at fair value are categorised into different levels in the fair value hierarchy
based on the inputs to the valuation technique used. The different levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Group can access at the
measurement date.
or indirectly.
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
Level 3: includes unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
Observable inputs are those which are developed using market data, such as publicly available information about actual
events or transactions. The Group has an established framework with respect to measurement of fair values, including
Level 3 fair values. The Group regularly reviews any significant inputs which are not derived from observable market data
and considers, where available, relevant third-party information, to support the conclusion that such valuations meet the
requirements of IFRS. The classification level in the fair value hierarchy is also considered periodically. Significant valuation
issues are reported to the Audit Committee.
The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts and equity swap contracts is based on a comparison of the contractual
and market rates and, in the case of forward foreign exchange contracts, after discounting using the appropriate yield curve
as at the balance sheet date. All Level 2 fair value measurements are calculated using inputs which are based on observable
The fair value of the put option liability over non-controlling interest is derived using a present value calculation, incorporating
observable and non-observable inputs. This valuation technique has been adopted as it most closely mirrors the contractual
market data.
arrangement.
The Group’s primary categories of financial instruments are listed below:
Cash and cash equivalents
On the Balance Sheet, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and short-term deposits with a maturity date of three months
or less, held with banks and liquidity funds. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents also include bank
overdrafts, which are recorded under current liabilities on the Balance Sheet.
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Financial instruments (continued)
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet
date. Receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest
method, less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective
evidence that the Group will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables. The amount
of the movement in the provision is recognised in the Income Statement.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables are included in current liabilities, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date.
Payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Borrowings (including overdrafts)
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, inclusive of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated
at amortised cost and the difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised
in the Income Statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Borrowings are classified
as current liabilities unless the Group has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months
after the balance sheet date.
Put option liabilities over non-controlling interest
Put options over shares in subsidiaries held by non-controlling interests are recognised initially at fair value through equity when
granted. They are subsequently remeasured at fair value at each reporting period with the change in fair value recorded in the
Income Statement as other finance expenses or income.
Derivative instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates arising on certain
trading transactions. The principal derivative instruments used are forward foreign exchange contracts taken out to hedge highly
probable cash flows in relation to future sales, royalty receivables and product purchases. The Group also may designate foreign
currency borrowings as a net investment hedge of the assets of overseas subsidiaries.
When hedge accounting is applied, the Group documents at the inception of the transaction the relationship between hedging
instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.
The Group also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of whether the hedging instruments
that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the trade date and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value. The
method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging instrument,
and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as either: (1) hedges of the fair
value of recognised assets and liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); or (2) hedges of highly probable forecast
transactions (cash flow hedges); or (3) classified as held for trading.
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the Income
Statement immediately, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged item that is attributable to the hedged risk.
129129
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Financial instruments (continued)
Derivative instruments (continued)
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is deferred
in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognised immediately
in the Income Statement. Amounts deferred in other comprehensive income are recycled in the Income Statement in the
periods when the hedged item affects the Income Statement. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge
no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at the time remains in equity
and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the Income Statement. When a forecast transaction
is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the Income
Statement within ‘net exchange gain/(loss) on derivatives held for trading’. If a derivative instrument is not designated as a
hedge, the subsequent change to the fair value is recognised in the Income Statement within operating expenses or interest
depending upon the nature of the instrument.
Where the Group hedges net investments in foreign operations through foreign currency borrowings, the gains or losses on the
retranslation of the borrowings are recognised in other comprehensive income and will be reclassified to the Income Statement
when the foreign operation that was hedged is disposed of.
r) Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary
economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are
presented in Sterling which is the Company’s functional and the Group’s presentation currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies within each entity in the Group are translated into the functional currency
at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies,
which are held at the year end, are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet
date. Exchange differences on monetary items are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they arise,
except where these exchange differences form part of a net investment in overseas subsidiaries of the Group, in which
case such differences are taken directly to the foreign currency translation reserve.
Translation of the results of overseas businesses
The results of overseas subsidiaries are translated into the Group’s presentation currency of Sterling each month at the
weighted average exchange rate for the month according to the phasing of the Group’s trading results. The weighted average
exchange rate is used, as it is considered to approximate the actual exchange rates on the date of the transactions. The assets
and liabilities of such undertakings are translated at the year end exchange rates. Differences arising on the retranslation of the
opening net investment in subsidiary companies, and on the translation of their results, are taken directly to the foreign currency
translation reserve.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the
foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.
The principal exchange rates used were as follows:
Euro
US Dollar
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
Hong Kong Dollar
Korean Won
Average rate
Closing rate
Year to
31 March
2015
1.28
1.60
9.94
12.42
1,709
Year to
31 March
2014
1.19
1.59
9.78
12.38
1,734
As at
31 March
2015
1.38
1.48
9.21
11.51
1,646
As at
31 March
2014
1.21
1.67
10.34
12.94
1,771
The average exchange rate achieved by the Group on its Yen royalty income, taking into account its use of Yen forward foreign
exchange contracts executed on a monthly basis approximately 12 months in advance of royalty receipts, was Yen 164.2:
£1 in the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: Yen 137.0: £1).
130130
2. Accounting policies (continued)
q) Financial instruments (continued)
Derivative instruments (continued)
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is deferred
in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognised immediately
in the Income Statement. Amounts deferred in other comprehensive income are recycled in the Income Statement in the
periods when the hedged item affects the Income Statement. When a hedging instrument expires or is sold, or when a hedge
no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, any cumulative gain or loss existing in equity at the time remains in equity
and is recognised when the forecast transaction is ultimately recognised in the Income Statement. When a forecast transaction
is no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in equity is immediately transferred to the Income
Statement within ‘net exchange gain/(loss) on derivatives held for trading’. If a derivative instrument is not designated as a
hedge, the subsequent change to the fair value is recognised in the Income Statement within operating expenses or interest
depending upon the nature of the instrument.
Where the Group hedges net investments in foreign operations through foreign currency borrowings, the gains or losses on the
retranslation of the borrowings are recognised in other comprehensive income and will be reclassified to the Income Statement
r) Foreign currency translation
Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary
economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are
presented in Sterling which is the Company’s functional and the Group’s presentation currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies within each entity in the Group are translated into the functional currency
at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies,
which are held at the year end, are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet
date. Exchange differences on monetary items are recognised in the Income Statement in the period in which they arise,
except where these exchange differences form part of a net investment in overseas subsidiaries of the Group, in which
case such differences are taken directly to the foreign currency translation reserve.
Translation of the results of overseas businesses
The results of overseas subsidiaries are translated into the Group’s presentation currency of Sterling each month at the
weighted average exchange rate for the month according to the phasing of the Group’s trading results. The weighted average
exchange rate is used, as it is considered to approximate the actual exchange rates on the date of the transactions. The assets
and liabilities of such undertakings are translated at the year end exchange rates. Differences arising on the retranslation of the
opening net investment in subsidiary companies, and on the translation of their results, are taken directly to the foreign currency
translation reserve.
Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on the acquisition of a foreign operation are treated as assets and liabilities of the
foreign operation and translated at the closing rate.
The principal exchange rates used were as follows:
Euro
US Dollar
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
Hong Kong Dollar
Korean Won
Average rate
Closing rate
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
2015
1.28
1.60
9.94
12.42
1,709
2014
1.19
1.59
9.78
12.38
1,734
2015
1.38
1.48
9.21
11.51
1,646
2014
1.21
1.67
10.34
12.94
1,771
The average exchange rate achieved by the Group on its Yen royalty income, taking into account its use of Yen forward foreign
exchange contracts executed on a monthly basis approximately 12 months in advance of royalty receipts, was Yen 164.2:
£1 in the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: Yen 137.0: £1).
Notes to the Financial Statements
2. Accounting policies (continued)
s) Adjusted profit before taxation
In order to provide additional consideration of the underlying performance of the Group’s ongoing business, the Group’s results
include a presentation of Adjusted Profit before Taxation (‘adjusted PBT’). Adjusted PBT is defined as profit before taxation
and before adjusting items. Adjusting items are those items which, in the opinion of the directors, should be excluded in order
to provide a consistent and comparable view of the underlying performance of the Group’s ongoing business. Generally this
will include those items that are largely one-off and material in nature and any fair value movements on options over equity
interests held for non-speculative purposes. Adjusting items are identified and presented on a consistent basis each year and
a reconciliation of adjusted PBT to profit before tax is included in the financial statements. Adjusting items and their related tax
impacts are added back/deducted from profit attributable to owners of the Company to arrive at adjusted earnings per share.
3. Segmental analysis
The Chief Operating Decision Maker has been identified as the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the Group’s internal
reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources. Management has determined the operating segments based
on the reports used by the Board.
when the foreign operation that was hedged is disposed of.
The Board considers the Group’s business through its two channels to market, being retail/wholesale and licensing.
Retail/wholesale revenues are generated by the sale of luxury goods through Burberry mainline stores, concessions, outlets
and digital commerce as well as Burberry franchisees, prestige department stores globally and multi-brand specialty accounts.
The flow of global product between retail and wholesale channels and across our regions is monitored and optimised at a
corporate level and implemented via the Group’s inventory hubs situated in Asia, Europe and the USA.
Licensing revenues are generated through the receipt of royalties from the Group’s partners in Japan and global licensees
of eyewear, timepieces and European childrenswear.
The Board assesses channel performance based on a measure of adjusted operating profit. This measurement basis excludes
the effects of adjusting items. The measure of earnings for each operating segment that is reviewed by the Board includes
an allocation of corporate and central costs. Interest income and charges are not included in the result for each operating
segment that is reviewed by the Board.
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Retail
Wholesale
Licensing
Total segment revenue
Inter-segment revenue1
Revenue from external customers
Depreciation and amortisation
Net impairment charges
Other non-cash expenses:
Share based payments
Adjusted operating profit
Adjusting items2
Finance income
Finance expense
Profit before taxation
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
1,807.4
648.1
–
2,455.5
–
2,455.5
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
1,622.6
628.0
–
2,250.6
–
2,250.6
138.7
4.1
138.6
12.3
17.8
21.6
399.2
393.5
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
–
–
70.1
70.1
(2.4)
67.7
–
–
3.2
56.0
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
–
–
81.6
81.6
(2.4)
79.2
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
1,807.4
648.1
70.1
2,525.6
(2.4)
2,523.2
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
1,622.6
628.0
81.6
2,332.2
(2.4)
2,329.8
–
–
3.8
66.8
138.7
4.1
138.6
12.3
21.0
25.4
455.2
(11.2)
4.4
(3.8)
444.6
460.3
(16.6)
3.9
(3.2)
444.4
1
Inter-segment transfers or transactions are entered into under the normal commercial terms and conditions that would be available to unrelated third parties.
2 Refer to note 6 for details of adjusting items.
131131
3. Segmental analysis (continued)
Segmental asset analysis
Additions to non-current assets
Total segment assets
Goodwill
Cash and cash equivalents
Taxation
Assets relating to discontinued Spanish operations
Total assets per Balance Sheet
Additional revenue analysis
Revenue by product division
Accessories
Womens
Mens
Childrens/Other
Beauty
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Revenue by destination
Asia Pacific
EMEIA1
Americas
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Notes to the Financial Statements
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
157.1
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
160.9
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
–
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
–
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
157.1
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
160.9
1,300.6
1,200.4
2.6
5.8
1,303.2
88.8
617.4
156.3
7.5
2,173.2
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
892.5
743.0
557.5
77.7
184.8
2,455.5
67.7
2,523.2
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
938.1
869.0
648.4
2,455.5
67.7
2,523.2
1,206.2
80.2
545.5
125.0
8.6
1,965.5
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
816.1
684.0
520.8
78.4
151.3
2,250.6
79.2
2,329.8
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
870.3
811.5
568.8
2,250.6
79.2
2,329.8
1 EMEIA comprises Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
Entity-wide disclosures
Revenue derived from external customers in the UK totalled £233.3m for the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: £213.2m).
Revenue derived from external customers in foreign countries totalled £2,289.9m for the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: £2,116.6m).
This amount includes £551.6m of external revenues derived from customers in the USA (2014: £493.8m) and £346.2m of
external revenues derived from customers in China (2014: £318.2m).
The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets located in the UK is £197.7m
(2014: £213.7m). The remaining £455.4m of non-current assets are located in other countries (2014: £394.0m), with £174.9m
located in the USA (2014: £136.9m) and £87.8m located in China (2014: £84.3m).
132132
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
157.1
2014
£m
160.9
2014
£m
–
2015
£m
–
2.6
Total segment assets
1,300.6
1,200.4
5.8
1,303.2
1,206.2
3. Segmental analysis (continued)
Segmental asset analysis
Additions to non-current assets
Goodwill
Taxation
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets relating to discontinued Spanish operations
Total assets per Balance Sheet
2,173.2
1,965.5
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
157.1
88.8
617.4
156.3
7.5
2015
£m
892.5
743.0
557.5
77.7
184.8
2,455.5
67.7
2,523.2
2015
£m
938.1
869.0
648.4
2,455.5
67.7
2,523.2
2014
£m
160.9
80.2
545.5
125.0
8.6
2014
£m
816.1
684.0
520.8
78.4
151.3
2,250.6
79.2
2,329.8
2014
£m
870.3
811.5
568.8
2,250.6
79.2
2,329.8
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Additional revenue analysis
Revenue by product division
Accessories
Womens
Mens
Childrens/Other
Beauty
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total
Revenue by destination
Asia Pacific
EMEIA1
Americas
Licensing
Total
Retail/Wholesale
Notes to the Financial Statements
4. Net operating expenses
Selling and distribution costs
Administrative expenses
Adjusting items
Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
Total
5. Profit before taxation
Adjusted profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Within cost of sales
Within selling and distribution costs
Within administrative expenses
Amortisation of intangible assets
Within selling and distribution costs
Within administrative expenses
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
Net impairment charge relating to retail assets
Employee costs
Operating lease rentals
Minimum lease payments
Contingent rents
Net exchange (gain)/loss on revaluation of monetary assets and liabilities
Net exchange gain on derivatives held for trading for the year
Trade receivables net impairment charge/(reversal)
Adjusting items
Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
Put option liability finance (income)/charges
6
6
Note
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
762.9
547.4
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
673.6
524.6
6
14.9
1,325.2
14.9
1,213.1
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
Note
1.0
88.8
14.2
1.7
18.0
2.1
4.1
468.1
190.9
87.5
(1.4)
(1.4)
0.1
14.9
(3.7)
0.8
88.7
16.1
2.2
15.9
(1.3)
12.3
441.3
156.5
83.2
11.5
(4.2)
(1.5)
14.9
1.7
1 EMEIA comprises Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
Entity-wide disclosures
Revenue derived from external customers in the UK totalled £233.3m for the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: £213.2m).
Revenue derived from external customers in foreign countries totalled £2,289.9m for the year to 31 March 2015 (2014: £2,116.6m).
This amount includes £551.6m of external revenues derived from customers in the USA (2014: £493.8m) and £346.2m of
external revenues derived from customers in China (2014: £318.2m).
The total of non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets located in the UK is £197.7m
(2014: £213.7m). The remaining £455.4m of non-current assets are located in other countries (2014: £394.0m), with £174.9m
located in the USA (2014: £136.9m) and £87.8m located in China (2014: £84.3m).
6. Adjusting items
Amortisation of the fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
During the year ended 31 March 2013, an intangible asset of £70.9m was recognised on the Balance Sheet, relating to the present
value of the anticipated incremental income to be earned by the Group as a result of selling Beauty products through retail and
wholesale channels rather than under licence, following the termination of the existing licence relationship with Interparfums SA.
This asset is amortised on a straight-line basis over the period 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2017. The amortisation is presented
as an adjusting item, which is consistent with the treatment of the cost recognised on termination of the licence relationship in the
year ended 31 March 2013. The amortisation expense recognised for the year ended 31 March 2015 is £14.9m (2014: £14.9m)
(refer to note 12). A related tax credit of £3.1m (2014: £1.9m) has also been recognised in the current period.
133133
Notes to the Financial Statements
6. Adjusting items (continued)
Put option liability finance income/charge
The financing income of £3.7m for the year ended 31 March 2015 (2014: charge of £1.7m) relates to fair value movements
and the unwinding of the discount on the put option liability over the non-controlling interest in Burberry (Shanghai) Trading
Co., Ltd. Refer to note 19 for further details of the carrying value of the put option liability. No tax has been recognised on
this item, as it is not considered to be deductible for tax purposes.
7. Auditor remuneration
Fees incurred during the year in relation to audit and non-audit services are analysed below. All work performed by the
external auditors is controlled by an authorisation policy agreed by the Audit Committee. The overriding principle precludes
the auditors from engaging in non-audit services that would compromise their independence. Non-audit services are provided
by the auditors where they are best placed to provide the service due to their previous experience or market leadership in a
particular area.
Audit services in respect of the financial statements of the Company and consolidation
Audit services in respect of the financial statements of subsidiary companies
Audit related assurance services
Services relating to taxation
Compliance services
Advisory services
Other non-audit related services
Total
8. Financing
Bank interest income
Other finance income
Finance income
Interest expense on bank loans and overdrafts
Bank charges
Other finance expense
Finance expense
Other financing income/(charges) – put option liability
Net finance income/(charge)
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
0.4
1.5
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
2.6
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
3.7
0.7
4.4
(1.8)
(1.8)
(0.2)
(3.8)
3.7
4.3
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
0.4
1.4
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
2.5
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
2.9
1.0
3.9
(1.6)
(1.4)
(0.2)
(3.2)
(1.7)
(1.0)
Note
6
134134
6. Adjusting items (continued)
Put option liability finance income/charge
The financing income of £3.7m for the year ended 31 March 2015 (2014: charge of £1.7m) relates to fair value movements
and the unwinding of the discount on the put option liability over the non-controlling interest in Burberry (Shanghai) Trading
Co., Ltd. Refer to note 19 for further details of the carrying value of the put option liability. No tax has been recognised on
this item, as it is not considered to be deductible for tax purposes.
7. Auditor remuneration
Fees incurred during the year in relation to audit and non-audit services are analysed below. All work performed by the
external auditors is controlled by an authorisation policy agreed by the Audit Committee. The overriding principle precludes
the auditors from engaging in non-audit services that would compromise their independence. Non-audit services are provided
by the auditors where they are best placed to provide the service due to their previous experience or market leadership in a
particular area.
Audit services in respect of the financial statements of the Company and consolidation
Audit services in respect of the financial statements of subsidiary companies
Audit related assurance services
Services relating to taxation
Compliance services
Advisory services
Other non-audit related services
Total
8. Financing
Bank interest income
Other finance income
Finance income
Bank charges
Other finance expense
Finance expense
Interest expense on bank loans and overdrafts
Other financing income/(charges) – put option liability
6
Net finance income/(charge)
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
0.4
1.5
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
2.6
3.7
0.7
4.4
(1.8)
(1.8)
(0.2)
(3.8)
3.7
4.3
£m
0.4
1.4
0.1
0.1
0.3
0.2
2.5
£m
2.9
1.0
3.9
(1.6)
(1.4)
(0.2)
(3.2)
(1.7)
(1.0)
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
Note
Notes to the Financial Statements
9. Taxation
Analysis of charge for the year recognised in the Group Income Statement:
Current tax
UK corporation tax
Current tax on income for the year to 31 March 2015 at 21% (2014: 23%)
Double taxation relief
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Foreign tax
Current tax on income for the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Total current tax
Deferred tax
UK deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Impact of changes to tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Foreign deferred tax
Origination and reversal of temporary differences
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Total deferred tax
Total tax charge on profit
Analysis of charge for the year recognised in other comprehensive income and directly in equity:
Current tax
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Current tax charge/(credit) on exchange differences on loans (foreign currency translation reserve)
Total current tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Recognised in equity
Current tax credit on share options (retained earnings)
Total current tax recognised directly in equity
Deferred tax
Recognised in other comprehensive income
Deferred tax (credit)/charge on cash flow hedges deferred in equity (hedging reserve)
Deferred tax credit on cash flow hedges transferred to income (hedging reserve)
Total deferred tax recognised in other comprehensive income
Recognised in equity
Deferred tax charge on share options (retained earnings)
Total deferred tax recognised directly in equity
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
58.8
(0.7)
(2.4)
55.7
60.9
6.9
123.5
2.1
–
0.9
3.0
(21.3)
(1.7)
(20.0)
103.5
69.1
(0.8)
(3.8)
64.5
50.9
6.2
121.6
2.3
4.1
0.2
6.6
(16.9)
0.8
(9.5)
112.1
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
4.4
4.4
(5.6)
(5.6)
(1.3)
(0.2)
(1.5)
0.4
0.4
(4.6)
(4.6)
(9.6)
(9.6)
0.9
(2.2)
(1.3)
5.8
5.8
135135
Notes to the Financial Statements
9. Taxation (continued)
The tax rate applicable on profit varied from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK due to the following factors:
Profit before taxation
Tax at 21% (2014: 23%) on profit before taxation
Rate adjustments relating to overseas profits
Permanent differences
Current year tax losses not recognised
Prior year tax losses recognised in the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Adjustments to deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates
Total taxation charge
Total taxation recognised in the Group Income Statement arises on:
Adjusted profit before taxation
Adjusting items
Total taxation charge
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
444.6
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
444.4
93.4
1.8
5.6
2.4
(3.4)
3.7
–
103.5
102.2
(2.9)
3.4
1.9
–
3.4
4.1
112.1
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
106.6
(3.1)
103.5
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
114.0
(1.9)
112.1
10. Earnings per share
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company for the year
divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. Basic and diluted earnings per share
based on adjusted profit before taxation are also disclosed to indicate the underlying profitability of the Group.
Attributable profit for the year before adjusting items1
Effect of adjusting items1 (after taxation)
Attributable profit for the year
1 Refer to note 6 for details of adjusting items.
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
344.4
(8.1)
336.3
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
337.2
(14.7)
322.5
The weighted average number of ordinary shares represents the weighted average number of Burberry Group plc ordinary
shares in issue throughout the year, excluding ordinary shares held in the Group’s ESOP trusts.
Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. In addition,
account is taken of any options and awards made under the employee share incentive schemes, which will have a dilutive
effect when exercised. Refer to note 26 for additional information on the terms and conditions of the employee share
incentive schemes.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year
Dilutive effect of the employee share incentive schemes
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year
Year to
31 March
2015
Millions
440.0
7.8
447.8
Year to
31 March
2014
Millions
437.9
9.4
447.3
136136
Profit before taxation
Tax at 21% (2014: 23%) on profit before taxation
Rate adjustments relating to overseas profits
Permanent differences
Current year tax losses not recognised
Prior year tax losses recognised in the year
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Adjustments to deferred tax relating to changes in tax rates
Total taxation charge
Total taxation recognised in the Group Income Statement arises on:
Adjusted profit before taxation
Adjusting items
Total taxation charge
10. Earnings per share
Attributable profit for the year before adjusting items1
Effect of adjusting items1 (after taxation)
Attributable profit for the year
1 Refer to note 6 for details of adjusting items.
The calculation of basic earnings per share is based on profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company for the year
divided by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. Basic and diluted earnings per share
based on adjusted profit before taxation are also disclosed to indicate the underlying profitability of the Group.
The weighted average number of ordinary shares represents the weighted average number of Burberry Group plc ordinary
shares in issue throughout the year, excluding ordinary shares held in the Group’s ESOP trusts.
Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year. In addition,
account is taken of any options and awards made under the employee share incentive schemes, which will have a dilutive
effect when exercised. Refer to note 26 for additional information on the terms and conditions of the employee share
incentive schemes.
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year
Dilutive effect of the employee share incentive schemes
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
444.6
93.4
1.8
5.6
2.4
(3.4)
3.7
–
2015
£m
106.6
(3.1)
103.5
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
444.4
102.2
(2.9)
3.4
1.9
–
3.4
4.1
2014
£m
114.0
(1.9)
112.1
103.5
112.1
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
344.4
(8.1)
336.3
2014
£m
337.2
(14.7)
322.5
Year to
31 March
2015
Millions
440.0
7.8
447.8
Year to
31 March
2014
Millions
437.9
9.4
447.3
9. Taxation (continued)
The tax rate applicable on profit varied from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK due to the following factors:
11. Dividends paid to owners of the Company
Prior year final dividend paid 23.20p per share (2014: 21.00p)
Interim dividend paid 9.70p per share (2014: 8.80p)
Total
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
102.1
42.8
144.9
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
92.1
38.6
130.7
Notes to the Financial Statements
A final dividend in respect of the year to 31 March 2015 of 25.50p (2014: 23.20p) per share, amounting to £112.4m, has been
proposed for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting subsequent to the balance sheet date. The final
dividend to Burberry Group plc shareholders has not been recognised as a liability at the year end and will be paid on
31 July 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 3 July 2015.
12. Intangible assets
Cost
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Additions
Reclassifications from assets in the course
of construction
Business combinations
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Additions
Disposals
Reclassifications from assets in the course
of construction
As at 31 March 2015
Accumulated amortisation and impairment
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Charge for the year
Net impairment charge on assets (note 13)
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Charge for the year
Net impairment charge on assets (note 13)
Disposals
As at 31 March 2015
Net book value
As at 31 March 2015
As at 31 March 2014
Trade marks,
licences and
other intangible
assets
£m
Goodwill
£m
Computer
software
£m
Intangible assets
in the course of
construction
£m
86.3
(6.8)
–
–
0.7
80.2
8.6
–
–
–
88.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
88.8
80.2
99.0
(0.4)
0.3
–
–
98.9
(1.1)
1.8
(12.6)
–
87.0
14.4
(0.3)
17.2
1.0
32.3
(0.7)
16.4
0.2
(11.1)
37.1
49.9
66.6
77.9
(1.6)
17.3
4.9
–
98.5
0.8
16.6
(0.1)
5.2
121.0
44.4
(1.0)
15.8
–
59.2
1.1
18.2
–
(0.1)
78.4
42.6
39.3
5.8
–
8.4
(4.9)
–
9.3
–
8.9
(0.8)
(5.2)
12.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
12.2
9.3
Total
£m
269.0
(8.8)
26.0
–
0.7
286.9
8.3
27.3
(13.5)
–
309.0
58.8
(1.3)
33.0
1.0
91.5
0.4
34.6
0.2
(11.2)
115.5
193.5
195.4
Fragrance and beauty licence intangible asset
During the year ended 31 March 2013, an intangible asset of £70.9m was recognised on the Balance Sheet, relating to the
present value of the anticipated incremental income to be earned by the Group as a result of selling Beauty products through
retail and wholesale channels rather than under licence following the termination of the existing licence relationship with
Interparfums SA. This asset is presented within the intangible asset category ‘trade mark, licences and other intangible assets’,
and is being amortised on a straight-line basis over the period 1 April 2013 to 31 December 2017. The carrying value of
the Beauty intangible at 31 March 2015 is £41.1m (2014: £56.0m). No impairment has been recorded in the current period.
Management has considered the impact of a decrease in the future revenue estimates used in the latest value-in-use
calculation. Based on this sensitivity, a decrease of 12% in future revenue projections, with no change in operating profit
margin, would imply an impairment of £10m as at 31 March 2015.
137137
Notes to the Financial Statements
12. Intangible assets (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill
The carrying value of the goodwill allocated to cash generating units:
China1
Korea
Other
Total
As at
31 March
2015
£m
45.8
25.1
17.9
88.8
As at
31 March
2014
£m
40.7
23.3
16.2
80.2
1 The goodwill reported for China does not include any goodwill attributable to the non-controlling interest.
The Group tests goodwill for impairment annually or where there is an indication that goodwill might be impaired. The
recoverable amount of all cash generating units has been determined on a value-in-use basis. Value-in-use calculations
for each cash generating unit are based on projected three year pre-tax discounted cash flows together with a discounted
terminal value. The cash flows have been discounted at pre-tax rates reflecting the Group’s weighted average cost of capital
adjusted for country-specific tax rates and risks. Where the cash generating unit has a non-controlling interest which was
recognised at a value equal to its proportionate interest in the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the
acquisition date, the carrying amount of the goodwill has been grossed up, to include the goodwill attributable to the non-
controlling interest, for the purpose of impairment testing the goodwill attributable to the cash generating unit. The key
assumptions contained in the value-in-use calculations include the future revenues, the margins achieved, the assumed
life of the business and the discount rates applied.
The value-in-use calculations have been prepared using management’s approved financial plans for the three years ending
31 March 2018. These plans contain management’s best view of the expected performance for the year ending 31 March 2016
and the expected growth rates for the two years ending 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018. The plans are based on the
performance achieved in the current year and management’s knowledge of the market environment and future business
plans. A terminal value has been included in the value-in-use calculation based on the cash flows for the year ending
31 March 2018 incorporating the assumption that there is no growth beyond 31 March 2018.
For the material goodwill balances of China and Korea, a sensitivity analysis has been performed on the value-in-use
calculations by assuming no growth beyond the year ending 31 March 2016. This sensitivity analysis indicated significant
headroom between the recoverable amount under this scenario and the carrying value of goodwill and therefore management
considered no further detailed sensitivity analysis was required.
The pre-tax discount rates for China and Korea were 16.8% and 14.3% respectively (2014: 17.2%; 14.6%).
No impairment has been recognised in respect of the carrying value of the goodwill balance in the year as, for each cash
generating unit, the recoverable amount of goodwill exceeds its carrying value.
138138
12. Intangible assets (continued)
Impairment testing of goodwill
The carrying value of the goodwill allocated to cash generating units:
China1
Korea
Other
Total
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
45.8
25.1
17.9
88.8
2014
£m
40.7
23.3
16.2
80.2
1 The goodwill reported for China does not include any goodwill attributable to the non-controlling interest.
The Group tests goodwill for impairment annually or where there is an indication that goodwill might be impaired. The
recoverable amount of all cash generating units has been determined on a value-in-use basis. Value-in-use calculations
for each cash generating unit are based on projected three year pre-tax discounted cash flows together with a discounted
terminal value. The cash flows have been discounted at pre-tax rates reflecting the Group’s weighted average cost of capital
adjusted for country-specific tax rates and risks. Where the cash generating unit has a non-controlling interest which was
recognised at a value equal to its proportionate interest in the net identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the
acquisition date, the carrying amount of the goodwill has been grossed up, to include the goodwill attributable to the non-
controlling interest, for the purpose of impairment testing the goodwill attributable to the cash generating unit. The key
assumptions contained in the value-in-use calculations include the future revenues, the margins achieved, the assumed
life of the business and the discount rates applied.
The value-in-use calculations have been prepared using management’s approved financial plans for the three years ending
31 March 2018. These plans contain management’s best view of the expected performance for the year ending 31 March 2016
and the expected growth rates for the two years ending 31 March 2017 and 31 March 2018. The plans are based on the
performance achieved in the current year and management’s knowledge of the market environment and future business
plans. A terminal value has been included in the value-in-use calculation based on the cash flows for the year ending
31 March 2018 incorporating the assumption that there is no growth beyond 31 March 2018.
For the material goodwill balances of China and Korea, a sensitivity analysis has been performed on the value-in-use
calculations by assuming no growth beyond the year ending 31 March 2016. This sensitivity analysis indicated significant
headroom between the recoverable amount under this scenario and the carrying value of goodwill and therefore management
considered no further detailed sensitivity analysis was required.
No impairment has been recognised in respect of the carrying value of the goodwill balance in the year as, for each cash
generating unit, the recoverable amount of goodwill exceeds its carrying value.
13. Property, plant and equipment
Cost
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification from assets in the course
of construction
Business combination
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Additions
Disposals
Reclassification from assets in the course
of construction
Reclassification2
As at 31 March 2015
Accumulated depreciation and impairment
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net impairment charge on assets
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Charge for the year
Disposals
Net impairment charge on assets
Reclassification2
As at 31 March 2015
Net book value
As at 31 March 2015
As at 31 March 2014
Notes to the Financial Statements
Freehold land
and buildings
£m
104.2
(6.6)
1.0
(2.3)
Leasehold
improvements
£m
303.1
(25.4)
55.4
(13.7)
Fixtures,
fittings and
equipment1
£m
366.3
(20.7)
60.4
(12.0)
Assets in the
course of
construction
£m
23.2
(1.7)
18.1
(0.1)
–
–
96.3
3.3
7.0
–
1.1
29.8
137.5
39.2
(2.0)
1.5
(2.0)
–
36.7
(0.5)
2.8
–
–
9.2
48.2
89.3
59.6
10.2
–
329.6
23.2
48.7
(18.3)
8.1
(29.8)
361.5
141.2
(12.8)
36.0
(12.5)
5.7
157.6
11.5
37.5
(18.0)
1.9
(9.2)
181.3
180.2
172.0
10.3
0.1
404.4
3.7
48.1
(20.7)
8.0
–
443.5
207.3
(12.5)
68.1
(11.9)
5.6
256.6
2.4
63.7
(20.4)
2.0
–
304.3
139.2
147.8
(20.5)
–
19.0
1.0
26.0
(1.0)
(17.2)
–
27.8
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
27.8
19.0
Total
£m
796.8
(54.4)
134.9
(28.1)
–
0.1
849.3
31.2
129.8
(40.0)
–
–
970.3
387.7
(27.3)
105.6
(26.4)
11.3
450.9
13.4
104.0
(38.4)
3.9
–
533.8
436.5
398.4
The pre-tax discount rates for China and Korea were 16.8% and 14.3% respectively (2014: 17.2%; 14.6%).
2 During the year ended 31 March 2015, £20.6m of assets were reclassified from leasehold improvements to freehold land and buildings as this was more representative
of the nature of the assets.
1
Included in fixtures, fittings and equipment are finance lease assets with a net book value of £2.3m (2014: £2.8m).
During the year to 31 March 2015, a net impairment charge of £4.1m (2014: £12.3m) was identified as part of the annual
impairment review of the retail store assets, £3.9m (2014: £11.3m) charged against property, plant and equipment and
£0.2m (2014: £1.0m) charged against intangible assets. The impairment charge relates to 22 retail cash generating units
(2014: 29 retail cash generating units) for which the total recoverable amount at the balance sheet date is £6.5m (2014: £10.0m).
Where indicators of impairment were identified, the impairment review compared the value-in-use of the assets to the carrying
values at 31 March 2015. The pre-tax cash flow projections were based on financial plans of expected revenues and costs
of each retail cash generating unit, as approved by management, and extrapolated beyond the budget year to the lease exit
dates using growth rates and inflation rates appropriate to each store’s location. The pre-tax discount rates used in these
calculations were between 12.1% and 18.3% (2014: between 12.4% and 18.3%), based on the Group’s weighted average
cost of capital adjusted for country-specific tax rates and risks.
139139
Notes to the Financial Statements
14. Deferred taxation
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current
tax liabilities and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, and to the same fiscal authority. The offset amounts are shown
in the table below:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net amount
The movement in the deferred tax account is as follows:
As at 1 April
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
145.0
(0.9)
144.1
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
115.0
8.0
20.0
1.5
(0.4)
144.1
As at
31 March
2014
£m
116.0
(1.0)
115.0
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
116.8
(6.8)
9.5
1.3
(5.8)
115.0
The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the off-setting of balances
within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:
Unrealised
inventory
profit and
other
inventory
provisions
£m
(3.5)
0.3
(0.4)
(3.6)
(0.1)
2.6
(1.1)
Unrealised
inventory
profit and
other
inventory
provisions
£m
35.4
(3.9)
Deferred tax liabilities
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Credited)/charged to the Income Statement
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Credited)/charged to the Income Statement
As at 31 March 2015
Deferred tax assets
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Charged)/credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Charged)/credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March 2015
Capital
allowances
£m
25.4
(2.0)
(8.3)
15.1
0.1
(13.0)
2.2
Capital
allowances
£m
25.9
(0.4)
(5.3)
–
–
20.2
(1.6)
(11.1)
–
–
7.5
Derivative
instruments
£m
1.5
–
Unused tax
losses
£m
–
–
–
1.5
–
–
1.5
(0.2)
(0.2)
–
0.2
–
Other
£m
(16.6)
1.3
8.1
(7.2)
(0.3)
9.1
1.6
Share
schemes
£m
31.5
–
Derivative
instruments
£m
(1.5)
–
Unused
tax
losses
£m
2.7
(0.1)
(1.4)
–
–
30.1
3.6
6.6
–
–
40.3
(0.2)
–
(5.8)
25.5
0.2
(3.5)
–
(0.4)
21.8
–
1.3
–
(0.2)
–
–
1.5
–
1.3
0.1
–
–
2.7
(0.3)
3.4
–
–
5.8
Other1
£m
29.6
(2.8)
15.5
–
–
42.3
5.8
23.5
–
–
71.6
Total
£m
6.8
(0.4)
(0.8)
5.6
(0.3)
(1.1)
4.2
Total
£m
123.6
(7.2)
8.7
1.3
(5.8)
120.6
7.7
18.9
1.5
(0.4)
148.3
1 Deferred tax balances within the ‘Other’ category in the analysis above include temporary differences arising on provisions, deferred income and unrealised exchange
differences deferred in equity.
140140
The movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities during the year, without taking into consideration the off-setting of balances
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current
tax liabilities and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, and to the same fiscal authority. The offset amounts are shown
14. Deferred taxation
in the table below:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Net amount
The movement in the deferred tax account is as follows:
As at 1 April
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March
within the same tax jurisdiction, is as follows:
Deferred tax liabilities
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Credited)/charged to the Income Statement
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Credited)/charged to the Income Statement
As at 31 March 2015
Deferred tax assets
As at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Charged)/credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
(Charged)/credited to the Income Statement
Credited to other comprehensive income
Charged to equity
As at 31 March 2015
differences deferred in equity.
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
145.0
(0.9)
144.1
2015
£m
115.0
8.0
20.0
1.5
(0.4)
144.1
2014
£m
116.0
(1.0)
115.0
2014
£m
116.8
(6.8)
9.5
1.3
(5.8)
115.0
Total
£m
6.8
(0.4)
(0.8)
5.6
(0.3)
(1.1)
4.2
Total
£m
123.6
(7.2)
8.7
1.3
(5.8)
120.6
7.7
18.9
1.5
(0.4)
Unrealised
inventory
profit and
other
inventory
provisions
£m
(3.5)
0.3
(0.4)
(3.6)
(0.1)
2.6
(1.1)
Unrealised
inventory
profit and
other
£m
25.4
(2.0)
(8.3)
15.1
0.1
(13.0)
2.2
£m
25.9
(0.4)
(5.3)
–
–
20.2
(1.6)
(11.1)
–
–
7.5
Capital
allowances
Derivative
Unused tax
instruments
losses
£m
£m
1.5
1.5
–
–
–
–
1.5
Other
£m
(16.6)
1.3
8.1
(7.2)
(0.3)
9.1
1.6
–
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
0.2
–
–
Capital
inventory
Share
Derivative
allowances
provisions
schemes
instruments
Unused
tax
losses
£m
35.4
(3.9)
(1.4)
30.1
3.6
6.6
–
–
–
–
40.3
£m
31.5
(0.2)
–
–
(5.8)
25.5
0.2
(3.5)
–
(0.4)
21.8
£m
(1.5)
1.3
(0.2)
–
–
–
–
–
–
1.5
1.3
£m
2.7
(0.1)
0.1
–
–
2.7
(0.3)
3.4
–
–
5.8
Other1
£m
29.6
(2.8)
15.5
42.3
5.8
23.5
–
–
–
–
71.6
148.3
1 Deferred tax balances within the ‘Other’ category in the analysis above include temporary differences arising on provisions, deferred income and unrealised exchange
Notes to the Financial Statements
14. Deferred taxation (continued)
Deferred tax assets are recognised for tax losses carried forward to the extent that the realisation of the related benefit through
the future taxable profits is probable. The Group did not recognise deferred tax assets of £53.2m (2014: £20.1m) in respect
of losses and temporary timing differences amounting to £190.6m (2014: £62.1m) that can be set off against future taxable
income. There is a time limit for the recovery of £16.8m of these potential assets (2014: £14.9m) which ranges from four to
nine years (2014: five to nine years). During the year, the restructuring and simplification of our Spanish entities relating to
the previously discontinued Spanish wholesale business crystallised tax losses which are available to be offset against future
taxable profits of the continuing retail business in Spain. These amounts are included in the total above.
Included within other temporary differences above is a deferred tax liability of £nil (2014: £0.6m) relating to unremitted overseas
earnings. No deferred tax liability is provided in respect of any future remittance of earnings of foreign subsidiaries where the
Group is able to control the remittance of earnings and it is probable that such earnings will not be remitted in the foreseeable
future, or where no liability would arise on the remittance. The aggregate amount of temporary differences in respect of
unremitted earnings is £250m (2014: £150m).
15. Trade and other receivables
Non-current
Deposits and other financial receivables
Other non-financial receivables
Prepayments
Total non-current trade and other receivables
Current
Trade receivables
Provision for doubtful debts
Net trade receivables
Other financial receivables
Other non-financial receivables
Prepayments
Accrued income
Total current trade and other receivables
Total trade and other receivables
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
39.6
2.7
18.2
60.5
193.6
(4.6)
189.0
16.3
23.9
28.1
3.0
260.3
320.8
31.0
–
11.3
42.3
171.2
(5.3)
165.9
14.1
20.3
27.5
3.6
231.4
273.7
Included in total trade and other receivables are non-financial assets of £72.9m (2014: £59.1m).
The individually impaired receivables relate to balances with trading parties which have passed their payment due dates or
where uncertainty exists over recoverability. As at 31 March 2015, trade receivables of £13.6m (2014: £14.1m) were impaired.
The amount of the provision against these receivables was £4.6m as at 31 March 2015 (2014: £5.3m). It was assessed that a
portion of the receivables is expected to be recovered. The ageing of the impaired trade receivables is as follows:
Current
Less than one month overdue
One to three months overdue
Over three months overdue
As at
31 March
2015
£m
0.1
8.8
1.5
3.2
13.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
–
9.7
0.7
3.7
14.1
141141
Notes to the Financial Statements
15. Trade and other receivables (continued)
As at 31 March 2015, trade receivables of £7.5m (2014: £12.8m) were overdue but not impaired. The ageing of these overdue
receivables is as follows:
Less than one month overdue
One to three months overdue
Over three months overdue
Movement in the provision for doubtful debts is as follows:
As at 1 April
Increase/(decrease) in provision for doubtful debts
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable
As at 31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
4.5
2.3
0.7
7.5
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
5.3
0.1
(0.8)
4.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
7.6
4.5
0.7
12.8
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
7.3
(1.5)
(0.5)
5.3
As at 31 March 2015 there were £nil impaired receivables within other receivables (2014: £nil).
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-derivative financial assets excluding cash and cash equivalents by customer
geographical location are:
Asia Pacific
EMEIA
Americas
16. Inventories
Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Total inventories
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
105.0
78.2
64.7
247.9
As at
31 March
2015
£m
29.2
2.2
405.2
436.6
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
88.2
70.8
55.6
214.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
36.3
2.7
380.8
419.8
The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £730.1m (2014: £646.2m).
The net movement in inventory provisions included in cost of sales for the year ended 31 March 2015 was a cost of £31.3m
(2014: £13.3m).
The cost of finished goods physically destroyed in the year is £19.7m (2014: £11.0m).
142142
As at 31 March 2015, trade receivables of £7.5m (2014: £12.8m) were overdue but not impaired. The ageing of these overdue
15. Trade and other receivables (continued)
receivables is as follows:
Less than one month overdue
One to three months overdue
Over three months overdue
Movement in the provision for doubtful debts is as follows:
Increase/(decrease) in provision for doubtful debts
Receivables written off during the year as uncollectable
As at 1 April
As at 31 March
As at 31 March 2015 there were £nil impaired receivables within other receivables (2014: £nil).
The carrying amounts of the Group’s non-derivative financial assets excluding cash and cash equivalents by customer
geographical location are:
As at
31 March
2015
£m
4.5
2.3
0.7
7.5
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
5.3
0.1
(0.8)
4.6
2015
£m
105.0
78.2
64.7
247.9
2015
£m
29.2
2.2
405.2
436.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
7.6
4.5
0.7
12.8
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
7.3
(1.5)
(0.5)
5.3
2014
£m
88.2
70.8
55.6
214.6
2014
£m
36.3
2.7
380.8
419.8
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
Asia Pacific
EMEIA
Americas
16. Inventories
Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods
Total inventories
(2014: £13.3m).
Notes to the Financial Statements
17. Derivative financial instruments
Cash flow hedges
The Group Income Statement is affected by transactions denominated in foreign currency. To reduce exposure to currency
fluctuations, the Group has a policy of hedging foreign currency denominated transactions by entering into forward foreign
exchange contracts. These transactions are recorded as cash flow hedges. The Group’s foreign currency denominated
transactions arise principally from royalty income, sales and purchases of inventory.
Master netting arrangements
The Group’s forward foreign exchange contracts and equity swap contracts are entered into under International Swaps and
Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting arrangements. In general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each
counterparty on a single day in respect of all transactions outstanding in the same currency are aggregated into a single
amount that is payable by one party to the other. In certain circumstances, such as when a default occurs, all outstanding
transactions under the agreement are terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is payable
in settlement of all transactions. The ISDA agreements do not meet the criteria for offsetting in the Balance Sheet as the
Group’s right to offset is enforceable only on the occurrence of future events such as default. The Group’s Balance Sheet
would not be materially different if it had offset its forward foreign exchange contracts and equity swap contracts subject
to these ISDA agreements.
Derivative financial assets
Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Forward foreign exchange contracts – held for trading1
Equity swap contracts – held for trading
Total position
Comprising:
Total non-current position
Total current position
Derivative financial liabilities
Forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Forward foreign exchange contracts – held for trading1
Equity swap contracts – held for trading
Total position
Comprising:
Total non-current position
Total current position
Net derivative financial instruments
The cost of inventories recognised as an expense and included in cost of sales amounted to £730.1m (2014: £646.2m).
The net movement in inventory provisions included in cost of sales for the year ended 31 March 2015 was a cost of £31.3m
The cost of finished goods physically destroyed in the year is £19.7m (2014: £11.0m).
Notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts – cash flow hedges
Notional principal amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts – held for trading1
Notional principal amounts of the outstanding equity swap contracts
As at
31 March
2015
£m
6.6
0.5
2.8
9.9
1.5
8.4
As at
31 March
2015
£m
(10.7)
(1.8)
–
(12.5)
As at
31 March
2014
£m
4.6
–
0.5
5.1
0.5
4.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
(1.2)
–
(1.3)
(2.5)
–
(12.5)
(0.9)
(1.6)
As at
31 March
2015
£m
218.4
197.4
13.8
As at
31 March
2014
£m
218.4
–
17.9
1 Forward foreign exchange contracts classified as held for trading are used for cash management purposes. At 31 March 2015 all such contracts had maturities of no
greater than three months from the balance sheet date.
143143
Notes to the Financial Statements
17. Derivative financial instruments (continued)
Contractual maturities of derivatives used for hedging
The gross inflows/(outflows) disclosed in the table below represent the contractual undiscounted cash flows relating
to derivative financial assets and liabilities held for risk management purposes. They are usually not closed out prior
to the contractual maturity. The foreign currency cash flows shown are based on spot rates at the balance sheet date.
As at 31 March 2015
Forward exchange contracts used for hedging:
Outflow
Inflow
As at 31 March 2014
Forward exchange contracts used for hedging:
Outflow
Inflow
Carrying amount
£m
Contractual
cash flows
£m
Contractual maturities
1 to 6
months
£m
6 to 12
months
£m
(216.0)
211.7
(4.3)
(214.1)
217.3
3.2
(167.8)
165.2
(2.6)
(99.2)
101.5
2.3
(48.2)
46.5
(1.7)
(106.6)
107.5
0.9
(4.1)
3.4
1 to 2
years
£m
–
–
–
(8.3)
8.3
–
The contractual maturity profile of non-current financial liabilities is shown in note 25.
18. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits
Total
19. Trade and other payables
Non-current
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
Other payables
Deferred income and non-financial accruals
Total non-current trade and other payables
Current
Trade payables
Other taxes and social security costs
Other payables
Accruals
Deferred income and non-financial accruals
Total current trade and other payables
Total trade and other payables
As at
31 March
2015
£m
252.3
365.1
617.4
As at
31 March
2014
£m
275.4
270.1
545.5
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
20141
£m
54.4
3.7
59.0
117.1
159.8
61.0
4.5
164.0
16.7
406.0
523.1
51.3
4.4
51.7
107.4
174.3
66.6
5.7
140.1
13.1
399.8
507.2
1 As at 31 March 2014, £18.1m was reclassified from current deferred income and non-financial accruals to other taxes and social security costs, as this was more
reflective of the nature of these liabilities.
Included in total trade and other payables are non-financial liabilities of £136.7m (2014: £131.4m).
144144
17. Derivative financial instruments (continued)
Contractual maturities of derivatives used for hedging
The gross inflows/(outflows) disclosed in the table below represent the contractual undiscounted cash flows relating
to derivative financial assets and liabilities held for risk management purposes. They are usually not closed out prior
to the contractual maturity. The foreign currency cash flows shown are based on spot rates at the balance sheet date.
Carrying amount
£m
Contractual
cash flows
£m
Contractual maturities
1 to 6
months
£m
6 to 12
months
£m
(216.0)
211.7
(4.3)
(214.1)
217.3
3.2
(167.8)
165.2
(2.6)
(99.2)
101.5
2.3
(4.1)
3.4
The contractual maturity profile of non-current financial liabilities is shown in note 25.
As at 31 March 2015
Forward exchange contracts used for hedging:
As at 31 March 2014
Forward exchange contracts used for hedging:
Outflow
Inflow
Outflow
Inflow
18. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term deposits
Total
19. Trade and other payables
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
Deferred income and non-financial accruals
Total non-current trade and other payables
Non-current
Other payables
Current
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Other taxes and social security costs
Deferred income and non-financial accruals
Total current trade and other payables
Total trade and other payables
reflective of the nature of these liabilities.
1 to 2
years
£m
–
–
–
(8.3)
8.3
–
2014
£m
275.4
270.1
545.5
51.3
4.4
51.7
107.4
174.3
66.6
5.7
140.1
13.1
399.8
507.2
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
20141
£m
(48.2)
46.5
(1.7)
(106.6)
107.5
0.9
2015
£m
252.3
365.1
617.4
54.4
3.7
59.0
117.1
159.8
61.0
4.5
164.0
16.7
406.0
523.1
1 As at 31 March 2014, £18.1m was reclassified from current deferred income and non-financial accruals to other taxes and social security costs, as this was more
Included in total trade and other payables are non-financial liabilities of £136.7m (2014: £131.4m).
Notes to the Financial Statements
19. Trade and other payables (continued)
Put option liability over non-controlling interest
Following the acquisition of the Burberry retail and distribution business in China, Sparkle Roll Holdings Limited, a non-Group
company, retains a 15% economic interest in the Group’s business in China. Put and call options exist over this interest stake
which are exercisable after 1 September 2015 in the case of the call option, and after 1 September 2020 in the case of the put
option. The net present value of the put option liability has been recognised as a non-current financial liability under IAS 39.
The present value of any payment under the call option would be different should Burberry decide to exercise the call option.
The value of the put option liability is £54.4m at 31 March 2015 (2014: £51.3m). The movement in the liability for the period
includes a decrease of £3.7m relating to unrealised fair value movements, as described in note 6, offset by the impact of
translation of the put liability to the Group’s presentational currency.
The key inputs applied in arriving at the value of the put option liability are the future performance of the Group’s business in
China; the average historical Burberry Group plc multiple; and the risk adjusted discount rate for China, taking into account the
risk-free rate in China. The future performance of the business is estimated by using management’s business plans together
with long-term observable growth forecasts.
The carrying value of the put option liability is dependent on assumptions applied in determining these key inputs, and is subject
to change in the event that there is a change in any of those assumptions. The valuation is updated at every reporting period or
more often if a significant change to any input is observed.
A 10% increase/decrease in the future performance of the Group’s business in China at the put option exercise date would
result in a £5.4m increase/decrease in the carrying value of the put option liability at 31 March 2015 (2014: £5.1m), and a
corresponding £5.4m loss/gain in the profit before taxation for the year ended 31 March 2015 (2014: £5.1m).
A 1% increase/decrease in the risk adjusted discount rate for China would result in a £2.9m decrease/£3.0m increase in
the carrying value of the put option liability at 31 March 2015 (2014: £3.0m decrease/£3.1m increase), and a corresponding
£2.9m gain/£3.0m loss in the profit before taxation for the year ended 31 March 2015 (2014: £3.0m gain/£3.1m loss).
Ultimately, the put option liability is subject to a contractual cap of £200m. The undiscounted value of the put option liability
at 31 March 2015 is £109.0m (2014: £115.3m).
145145
Notes to the Financial Statements
20. Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Created during the year
Discount unwind
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Created during the year
Discount unwind
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
Balance as at 31 March 2015
Analysis of total provisions:
Non-current
Current
Total
Property
obligations
£m
25.8
(1.6)
6.3
0.2
(3.4)
(4.4)
22.9
0.7
12.3
0.2
(5.4)
(1.3)
29.4
Restructuring
costs
£m
1.9
–
–
–
(0.4)
–
1.5
(0.1)
–
–
(0.6)
–
0.8
Other
costs
£m
5.0
–
0.2
–
(0.9)
(2.1)
2.2
(0.1)
0.6
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
2.3
Total
£m
32.7
(1.6)
6.5
0.2
(4.7)
(6.5)
26.6
0.5
12.9
0.2
(6.2)
(1.5)
32.5
As at
31 March
2015
£m
22.2
10.3
32.5
As at
31 March
2014
£m
15.9
10.7
26.6
The non-current provisions relate to provisions for onerous leases and property reinstatement costs which are expected to be
utilised within 21 years (2014: 22 years).
21. Bank overdrafts and borrowings
Included within bank overdrafts is £60.9m (2014: £140.9m) representing balances on cash pooling arrangements in the Group.
The Group has a number of uncommitted overdraft and borrowing facilities agreed with third-party banks. At 31 March 2015,
the Group held bank overdrafts of £4.3m (2014: £2.1m) excluding balances on cash pooling arrangements.
On 25 November 2014, the Group entered into a £300m multi-currency revolving credit facility with a syndicate of third-party
banks. This replaced the previous facility which would have matured on 30 June 2016. At 31 March 2015, there were £nil
outstanding drawings (2014: £nil). The facility matures in November 2019. The agreement contains two options which allow
the Group to extend for an additional one year which are exercisable in 2015 and 2016, at the consent of the syndicate.
The fair value of borrowings and overdrafts approximate the carrying amount because of the short maturity of
these instruments.
146146
20. Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Property
obligations
Restructuring
Other
costs
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Created during the year
Discount unwind
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Created during the year
Discount unwind
Utilised during the year
Released during the year
Balance as at 31 March 2015
Analysis of total provisions:
Non-current
Current
Total
utilised within 21 years (2014: 22 years).
21. Bank overdrafts and borrowings
£m
25.8
(1.6)
6.3
0.2
(3.4)
(4.4)
22.9
0.7
12.3
0.2
(5.4)
(1.3)
29.4
costs
£m
1.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
(0.4)
1.5
(0.1)
(0.6)
0.8
£m
5.0
0.2
–
–
(0.9)
(2.1)
2.2
(0.1)
0.6
–
(0.2)
(0.2)
2.3
Total
£m
32.7
(1.6)
6.5
0.2
(4.7)
(6.5)
26.6
0.5
12.9
0.2
(6.2)
(1.5)
32.5
As at
31 March
2015
£m
22.2
10.3
32.5
As at
31 March
2014
£m
15.9
10.7
26.6
The non-current provisions relate to provisions for onerous leases and property reinstatement costs which are expected to be
Included within bank overdrafts is £60.9m (2014: £140.9m) representing balances on cash pooling arrangements in the Group.
The Group has a number of uncommitted overdraft and borrowing facilities agreed with third-party banks. At 31 March 2015,
the Group held bank overdrafts of £4.3m (2014: £2.1m) excluding balances on cash pooling arrangements.
On 25 November 2014, the Group entered into a £300m multi-currency revolving credit facility with a syndicate of third-party
banks. This replaced the previous facility which would have matured on 30 June 2016. At 31 March 2015, there were £nil
outstanding drawings (2014: £nil). The facility matures in November 2019. The agreement contains two options which allow
the Group to extend for an additional one year which are exercisable in 2015 and 2016, at the consent of the syndicate.
The fair value of borrowings and overdrafts approximate the carrying amount because of the short maturity of
these instruments.
Notes to the Financial Statements
22. Share capital and reserves
Allotted, called up and fully paid share capital
Ordinary shares of 0.05p (2014: 0.05p) each
As at 31 March 2013
Allotted on exercise of options during the year
As at 31 March 2014
Allotted on exercise of options during the year
As at 31 March 2015
Number
442,160,331
1,481,959
443,642,290
1,101,777
444,744,067
£m
0.2
–
0.2
–
0.2
The Company has a general authority from shareholders, renewed at each Annual General Meeting, to repurchase a maximum
of 10% of its issued share capital. During the year to 31 March 2015, no ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company
under this authority (2014: nil).
The cost of own shares held by the Group has been offset against retained earnings, as the amounts paid reduce the
profits available for distribution by the Company. As at 31 March 2015 the amounts offset against this reserve are £57.0m
(2014: £69.7m). As at 31 March 2015, the ESOP trusts held 4.1m shares (2014: 5.2m) in the Company, with a market value
of £71.9m (2014: £72.5m). In the year to 31 March 2015 the Burberry Group plc ESOP trust has waived its entitlement to
dividends of £1.2m (2014: £1.3m).
During the year profits of £5.3m (2014: £3.0m) have been transferred to capital reserves due to statutory requirements of
subsidiaries. The capital reserve consists of non-distributable reserves and the capital redemption reserve arising on the
purchase of own shares.
Capital
reserve
£m
37.0
Other Reserves
Hedging
reserve
£m
9.3
Foreign currency
translation reserve
£m
151.0
Balance as at 31 March 2013
Other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges – gains deferred in equity
Cash flow hedges – gains transferred to income
Foreign currency translation differences
Tax on other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive expense for the year
Transfer between reserves
Balance as at 31 March 2014
Other comprehensive income:
Cash flow hedges – losses deferred in equity
Cash flow hedges – gains transferred to income
Foreign currency translation differences
Tax on other comprehensive income
Total comprehensive (expense/income) for the year
Transfer between reserves
Balance as at 31 March 2015
Total
£m
197.3
4.2
(9.2)
(50.9)
5.9
(50.0)
3.0
150.3
(6.1)
(1.3)
46.5
(2.9)
36.2
5.8
–
–
(50.9)
4.6
(46.3)
–
104.7
–
–
46.5
(4.4)
42.1
0.5
147.3
192.3
–
–
–
–
–
3.0
40.0
–
–
–
–
–
5.3
45.3
4.2
(9.2)
–
1.3
(3.7)
–
5.6
(6.1)
(1.3)
–
1.5
(5.9)
–
(0.3)
147147
Notes to the Financial Statements
23. Financial commitments
The Group leases various retail stores, offices, warehouses and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease
arrangements. The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. The Group has commitments relating
to future minimum lease payments under these non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
Amounts falling due:
Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years
Total
As at
31 March
2015
£m
205.4
513.1
264.4
982.9
As at
31 March
2014
£m
166.0
407.2
197.2
770.4
The financial commitments for operating lease amounts calculated as a percentage of revenue (‘revenue leases’) have been
based on the minimum payment that is required under the terms of the relevant lease excluding any contingent payments.
Under certain revenue based leases, there are no minimums and therefore no financial commitment is included in the table
above. As a result, the amounts charged to the Income Statement may be materially higher than the financial commitment
at the prior year end.
The total of future minimum payments to be received under non-cancellable leases on investment properties and subleases
on land and buildings is as follows:
Amounts falling due:
Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years
Total
24. Capital commitments
Capital commitments contracted but not provided for:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Total
Leases
Subleases
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
0.7
2.6
–
3.3
0.7
3.0
0.7
4.4
2.1
5.6
–
7.7
As at
31 March
2015
£m
36.3
1.0
37.3
0.5
1.8
–
2.3
As at
31 March
2014
£m
26.1
2.2
28.3
Contracted capital commitments represent contracts entered into by the year end and future work in respect of major
capital expenditure projects where activity has commenced by the year end relating to property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets.
148148
23. Financial commitments
The Group leases various retail stores, offices, warehouses and equipment under non-cancellable operating lease
arrangements. The leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. The Group has commitments relating
to future minimum lease payments under these non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
As at
31 March
2015
£m
205.4
513.1
264.4
982.9
As at
31 March
2014
£m
166.0
407.2
197.2
770.4
Amounts falling due:
Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years
Total
at the prior year end.
on land and buildings is as follows:
Amounts falling due:
Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years
Total
24. Capital commitments
The financial commitments for operating lease amounts calculated as a percentage of revenue (‘revenue leases’) have been
based on the minimum payment that is required under the terms of the relevant lease excluding any contingent payments.
Under certain revenue based leases, there are no minimums and therefore no financial commitment is included in the table
above. As a result, the amounts charged to the Income Statement may be materially higher than the financial commitment
The total of future minimum payments to be received under non-cancellable leases on investment properties and subleases
Leases
Subleases
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
As at
31 March
2015
£m
As at
31 March
2014
£m
0.7
2.6
–
3.3
0.7
3.0
0.7
4.4
2.1
5.6
–
7.7
As at
31 March
2015
£m
36.3
1.0
37.3
0.5
1.8
–
2.3
As at
31 March
2014
£m
26.1
2.2
28.3
Capital commitments contracted but not provided for:
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Total
Contracted capital commitments represent contracts entered into by the year end and future work in respect of major
capital expenditure projects where activity has commenced by the year end relating to property, plant and equipment
and intangible assets.
Notes to the Financial Statements
25. Financial risk management
The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise derivatives, cash and short-term deposits, external borrowings (including
overdrafts), trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables arising directly from operations.
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risks (including foreign exchange risk, share price risk
and interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and capital risk.
Risk management is carried out by Group Treasury based on forecast business requirements to reduce financial risk and
to ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet foreseeable needs and to invest in cash assets safely and profitably. Group
Treasury does not operate as a profit centre and transacts only in relation to the underlying business requirements. The policies
of the Group treasury department are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. The Group uses derivative instruments
to hedge certain risk exposures.
Market risk
Foreign exchange risk
The Group operates internationally and is exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from various currency exposures.
The Group’s Income Statement is affected by transactions denominated in foreign currency. To reduce exposure to currency
fluctuations, the Group has a policy of hedging foreign currency denominated transactions by entering into forward foreign
exchange contracts (see note 17).
The Group’s treasury risk management policy is to hedge anticipated cash flows in each major foreign currency that qualify
as ‘highly probable’ forecast transactions for hedge accounting purposes within the current or previous year.
The Group monitors the desirability of hedging the net assets of overseas subsidiaries when translated into Sterling for
reporting purposes.
At 31 March 2015, the Group has performed a sensitivity analysis to determine the effect of Sterling strengthening/weakening
by 20% (2014: 20%) against other currencies with all other variables held constant. The effect on translating foreign currency
denominated net cash, trade, intercompany and other financial receivables and payables and financial instruments at fair value
through profit or loss would have been to decrease/increase operating profit for the year by £12.6m (2014: decrease/increase
£7.2m). The effect on translating forward foreign exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges and Sterling denominated
loans held as a net investment in overseas subsidiaries would have been to decrease/increase equity by £13.0m
(2014: decrease/increase £16.1m) on a post-tax basis.
The following table shows the extent to which the Group has monetary assets and liabilities at the year end in currencies other
than the local currency of operation, after accounting for the effect of any specific forward foreign exchange contracts used to
manage currency exposure. Monetary assets and liabilities refer to cash, deposits, borrowings and other amounts to be received
or paid in cash. Amounts exclude intercompany balances which eliminate on consolidation. Foreign exchange differences on
retranslation of these assets and liabilities are recognised in ‘Net operating expenses’ with the exception of the put liability over
the non-controlling interest which are recognised in ‘Other financing income and charges’.
Sterling
US Dollar
Euro
Chinese Yuan Renminbi1
Other currencies
Total
As at 31 March 2015
Monetary
liabilities
£m
(0.9)
(13.0)
(63.0)
(58.0)
(3.0)
(137.9)
Monetary
assets
£m
0.9
33.4
50.6
0.1
2.3
87.3
Net
£m
–
20.4
(12.4)
(57.9)
(0.7)
(50.6)
As at 31 March 2014
Monetary
liabilities
£m
(0.3)
(22.7)
(57.9)
(51.3)
(3.6)
(135.8)
Monetary
assets
£m
0.1
31.0
52.3
–
6.9
90.3
Net
£m
(0.2)
8.3
(5.6)
(51.3)
3.3
(45.5)
1 The balance includes the put option over the non-controlling interest (see note 19).
149149
Notes to the Financial Statements
25. Financial risk management (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Share price risk
The Group is exposed to employer’s national insurance liability due to the implementation of various employee share
incentive schemes.
To reduce exposure to fluctuations in the employer’s national insurance liability due to movements in the Group’s share price,
the Group has a policy of entering into equity swaps at the time of granting share options and awards. The Group does
not seek hedge accounting treatment for equity swaps. The Group monitors its exposure to fluctuations in the employer’s
national insurance liability on an ongoing basis. An increase/decrease in the share price of 50.0p would have resulted in an
increase/decrease in profit after tax of £0.1m (2014: £0.1m).
Interest rate risk
The Group’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to cash, short-term deposits and external
borrowings (including overdrafts).
The floating rate financial liabilities at 31 March 2015 are £65.2m (2014: £143.0m). This includes cash pool overdraft balances
of £60.9m (2014: £140.9m) which are offset by cash balances for the purpose of interest calculations. At 31 March 2015
the remaining borrowings were £4.3m (2014: £2.1m) and any change in interest rates would not significantly impact profit.
The floating rate financial assets comprise short-term deposits of £365.2m (2014: £270.1m) and interest bearing current
accounts of £72.5m (2014: £43.4m) as at 31 March 2015. At 31 March 2015, if interest rates on floating rate financial assets
had been 100 basis points higher/lower (2014: 100 basis points), with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for
the year would have been £2.4m (2014: £1.3m) higher/lower, as a result of higher/lower interest income.
Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk. The trade receivables balance is spread across a large number
of different customers with no single debtor representing more than 8% of the total balance due (2014: 7%). The Group
has policies in place to ensure that wholesale sales are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. Sales to retail
customers are made in cash or via major credit cards. In addition, receivables balances are monitored on an ongoing basis
with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant and default rates have historically been very low.
An ageing of overdue receivables is included in note 15.
During the year ended 31 March 2013 the Group entered into a retail leasing arrangement in the Republic of Korea.
As part of this arrangement, a KRW 27bn (£16.0m) 15 year interest-free loan was provided to the landlord. The Group holds
a registered mortgage over the leased property for the equivalent value of the loan which acts as collateral. At 31 March 2015
the discounted fair value of the loan is £9.8m (2014: £8.6m). Other than this arrangement, the Group does not hold any other
collateral as security. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date with respect to trade and other receivables
is approximated by the carrying amount on the Balance Sheet.
With respect to credit risk arising from other financial assets, which comprise cash and short-term deposits and certain
derivative instruments, the Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from the default of the counterparty with a maximum
exposure equal to the carrying value of these instruments. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure
to any financial institution and only deposits funds with independently rated financial institutions with a minimum rating of
‘A’ other than where required for operational purposes. A total of £40.8m was held with institutions with a rating below ‘A’
at 31 March 2015, of which £36.6m was held in a UK government majority owned institution. These amounts are monitored
on a weekly basis and regularly reported to the Board.
The Group has deposited CHF 0.3m (2014: CHF 0.3m), INR 0.2m (2014: INR 0.2m) and AED 0.3m (2014: AED 0.3m) which
is held as collateral at a number of European banks.
150150
25. Financial risk management (continued)
Market risk (continued)
Share price risk
incentive schemes.
The Group is exposed to employer’s national insurance liability due to the implementation of various employee share
To reduce exposure to fluctuations in the employer’s national insurance liability due to movements in the Group’s share price,
the Group has a policy of entering into equity swaps at the time of granting share options and awards. The Group does
not seek hedge accounting treatment for equity swaps. The Group monitors its exposure to fluctuations in the employer’s
national insurance liability on an ongoing basis. An increase/decrease in the share price of 50.0p would have resulted in an
increase/decrease in profit after tax of £0.1m (2014: £0.1m).
Interest rate risk
borrowings (including overdrafts).
The Group’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to cash, short-term deposits and external
The floating rate financial liabilities at 31 March 2015 are £65.2m (2014: £143.0m). This includes cash pool overdraft balances
of £60.9m (2014: £140.9m) which are offset by cash balances for the purpose of interest calculations. At 31 March 2015
the remaining borrowings were £4.3m (2014: £2.1m) and any change in interest rates would not significantly impact profit.
The floating rate financial assets comprise short-term deposits of £365.2m (2014: £270.1m) and interest bearing current
accounts of £72.5m (2014: £43.4m) as at 31 March 2015. At 31 March 2015, if interest rates on floating rate financial assets
had been 100 basis points higher/lower (2014: 100 basis points), with all other variables held constant, post-tax profit for
the year would have been £2.4m (2014: £1.3m) higher/lower, as a result of higher/lower interest income.
Credit risk
The Group has no significant concentrations of credit risk. The trade receivables balance is spread across a large number
of different customers with no single debtor representing more than 8% of the total balance due (2014: 7%). The Group
has policies in place to ensure that wholesale sales are made to customers with an appropriate credit history. Sales to retail
customers are made in cash or via major credit cards. In addition, receivables balances are monitored on an ongoing basis
with the result that the Group’s exposure to bad debts is not significant and default rates have historically been very low.
An ageing of overdue receivables is included in note 15.
During the year ended 31 March 2013 the Group entered into a retail leasing arrangement in the Republic of Korea.
As part of this arrangement, a KRW 27bn (£16.0m) 15 year interest-free loan was provided to the landlord. The Group holds
a registered mortgage over the leased property for the equivalent value of the loan which acts as collateral. At 31 March 2015
the discounted fair value of the loan is £9.8m (2014: £8.6m). Other than this arrangement, the Group does not hold any other
collateral as security. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date with respect to trade and other receivables
is approximated by the carrying amount on the Balance Sheet.
With respect to credit risk arising from other financial assets, which comprise cash and short-term deposits and certain
derivative instruments, the Group’s exposure to credit risk arises from the default of the counterparty with a maximum
exposure equal to the carrying value of these instruments. The Group has policies that limit the amount of credit exposure
to any financial institution and only deposits funds with independently rated financial institutions with a minimum rating of
‘A’ other than where required for operational purposes. A total of £40.8m was held with institutions with a rating below ‘A’
at 31 March 2015, of which £36.6m was held in a UK government majority owned institution. These amounts are monitored
on a weekly basis and regularly reported to the Board.
The Group has deposited CHF 0.3m (2014: CHF 0.3m), INR 0.2m (2014: INR 0.2m) and AED 0.3m (2014: AED 0.3m) which
is held as collateral at a number of European banks.
Notes to the Financial Statements
25. Financial risk management (continued)
Liquidity risk
The Group’s financial risk management policy aims to ensure that sufficient cash is maintained to meet foreseeable needs
and close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature of the underlying business, Group Treasury aims to maintain
flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit lines available. For further details of this, see note 21.
All short-term trade and other payables, accruals, bank overdrafts and borrowings mature within one year or less. The carrying
value of all financial liabilities due in less than one year is equal to their contractual undiscounted cash flows.
The maturity profile of the contractual undiscounted cash flows of the Group’s non-current financial liabilities, excluding
derivatives used for hedging, is as follows:
In more than one year, but not more than two years
In more than two years, but not more than three years
In more than three years, but not more than four years
In more than four years, but not more than five years
In more than five years
Total financial liabilities
As at
31 March
2015
£m
5.9
2.3
0.8
0.8
109.5
119.3
As at
31 March
2014
£m
5.9
3.0
1.1
0.8
117.5
128.3
Other non-current financial liabilities relate to other payables, onerous lease provisions and the put option liability over
non-controlling interests.
Capital risk
The Group manages its capital (defined as net cash plus equity excluding non-controlling interest) to ensure that entities in the
Group are able to operate as going concerns and optimise returns to shareholders. At 31 March 2015, the Group had net cash
of £552.2m (2014: £402.5m) and total equity excluding non-controlling interest of £1,400.9m (2014: £1,165.4m). The Group has
access to a facility of £300m which was undrawn at 31 March 2015. For further details refer to note 21.
Cash is used to fund the continued investment in the Group and growth of the global brand. It is also used to make routine
outflows of capital expenditure, tax and dividends. The Group's dividend policy sets the payout target as increasing from 40%
of adjusted diluted EPS to 50% over time. The Board reviews the Group’s dividend policy and funding requirements annually.
The Group is in compliance with the financial and other covenants within its committed bank credit facilities, and has been in
compliance throughout the financial year.
26. Employee costs
Staff costs, including the cost of directors, incurred during the year are as shown below. Directors’ remuneration, which is
separately disclosed in the Directors’ Remuneration Report on pages 81 to 103 and forms part of these financial statements,
includes the notional gains arising on the exercise of share options and awards but excludes the charge in respect of these
share options and awards recognised in the Group Income Statement.
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share based compensation (all awards and options settled in shares)
Other pension costs
Total
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
384.8
44.3
21.0
18.0
468.1
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
348.6
50.4
25.4
16.9
441.3
151151
Notes to the Financial Statements
26. Employee costs (continued)
The average number of full-time equivalent employees (including executive directors) during the year was as follows:
EMEIA1
Americas
Asia Pacific
Total
1 EMEIA comprises Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
Number of employees
Year to
31 March
2015
5,113
2,048
3,148
10,309
Year to
31 March
2014
4,757
1,807
3,134
9,698
Share options granted to directors and employees
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes for its directors and employees. Details of
each of these schemes are set out in this note. The share option schemes have been valued using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model.
The key inputs used in the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value include the share price at the commencement
date; the exercise price attached to the option; the vesting period of the award; an appropriate risk-free interest rate; a dividend
yield discount for those schemes that do not accrue dividends during the course of the vesting period; and an expected share
price volatility, which is determined by calculating the historical annualised standard deviation of the market price of Burberry
Group plc shares over a period of time, prior to the grant, equivalent to the vesting period of the option.
The Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan, which has market based performance conditions attached, has been valued
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a discount applied to this value, based on information obtained by running
a Monte Carlo simulation model on the scheme.
Where applicable, equity swaps have been entered into to cover future employer’s national insurance liability (or overseas
equivalent) that may arise in respect of these schemes.
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme
In the financial year ended 31 March 2007, a Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (Sharesave) offering Burberry Group plc
ordinary shares was introduced for employees.
On 20 June 2014, further options were granted under this scheme with a three-year and five-year vesting period offered to
employees. The savings contract commencement date for this grant was 1 September 2014. These options are exercisable
for a period of up to six months from 1 September 2017 and 1 September 2019 for the three-year and five-year schemes
respectively, with vesting dependent on continued employment, as well as a saving obligation over the vesting period.
The exercise price for these options is calculated at a 20% discount to market price over the three dealing days preceding
the invitation date. Three day averages are calculated by taking middle market quotations of a Burberry Group plc share
from the London Stock Exchange.
The fair value per option for the grant is £1.52, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key factors
used in determining the fair value were as follows:
Share price at contract commencement date
Exercise price
Life of award
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
£14.34
£12.16
Equivalent to vesting period
2.71%
34.5%
1.28%
152152
26. Employee costs (continued)
The average number of full-time equivalent employees (including executive directors) during the year was as follows:
26. Employee costs (continued)
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (continued)
Movements in the number of share options outstanding and their weighted average exercise prices are as follows:
Notes to the Financial Statements
Number of employees
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
5,113
2,048
3,148
10,309
2014
4,757
1,807
3,134
9,698
EMEIA1
Americas
Asia Pacific
Total
pricing model.
1 EMEIA comprises Europe, Middle East, India and Africa.
Share options granted to directors and employees
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes for its directors and employees. Details of
each of these schemes are set out in this note. The share option schemes have been valued using the Black-Scholes option
The key inputs used in the Black-Scholes pricing model to determine the fair value include the share price at the commencement
date; the exercise price attached to the option; the vesting period of the award; an appropriate risk-free interest rate; a dividend
yield discount for those schemes that do not accrue dividends during the course of the vesting period; and an expected share
price volatility, which is determined by calculating the historical annualised standard deviation of the market price of Burberry
Group plc shares over a period of time, prior to the grant, equivalent to the vesting period of the option.
The Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan, which has market based performance conditions attached, has been valued
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a discount applied to this value, based on information obtained by running
a Monte Carlo simulation model on the scheme.
Where applicable, equity swaps have been entered into to cover future employer’s national insurance liability (or overseas
equivalent) that may arise in respect of these schemes.
In the financial year ended 31 March 2007, a Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (Sharesave) offering Burberry Group plc
Savings-Related Share Option Scheme
ordinary shares was introduced for employees.
On 20 June 2014, further options were granted under this scheme with a three-year and five-year vesting period offered to
employees. The savings contract commencement date for this grant was 1 September 2014. These options are exercisable
for a period of up to six months from 1 September 2017 and 1 September 2019 for the three-year and five-year schemes
respectively, with vesting dependent on continued employment, as well as a saving obligation over the vesting period.
The exercise price for these options is calculated at a 20% discount to market price over the three dealing days preceding
the invitation date. Three day averages are calculated by taking middle market quotations of a Burberry Group plc share
from the London Stock Exchange.
The fair value per option for the grant is £1.52, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key factors
used in determining the fair value were as follows:
Share price at contract commencement date
Exercise price
Life of award
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Equivalent to vesting period
£14.34
£12.16
2.71%
34.5%
1.28%
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Withdrawn during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Weighted
average exercise
price
1,066.0p
1,216.0p
1,157.0p
1,167.3p
931.1p
1,175.0p
1,049.0p
Year to
31 March
2015
958,090
704,230
(156,786)
(47,131)
(296,914)
1,161,489
1,667
Weighted average
exercise
price
895.7p
1,220.0p
1,020.5p
1,001.5p
549.5p
1,066.0p
–
Year to
31 March
2014
1,009,317
313,852
(104,476)
(34,893)
(225,710)
958,090
–
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £15.39 (2014: £15.78).
Share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following expiry dates and exercise prices:
Option term
30 June 2009 – 28 February 2015
30 June 2010 – 28 February 2016
24 June 2011 – 28 February 2015
24 June 2011 – 28 February 2017
22 June 2012 – 28 February 2016
22 June 2012 – 28 February 2018
20 June 2013 – 28 February 2017
20 June 2013 – 28 February 2019
20 June 2014 – 28 February 2018
20 June 2014 – 28 February 2020
Total
Number of
shares under
option as at
31 March
2015
–
26,124
1,667
36,033
209,687
13,455
220,296
15,166
603,642
35,419
1,161,489
Number of
shares under
option as at
31 March
2014
48,331
27,843
271,890
38,766
264,737
15,356
272,626
18,541
–
–
958,090
Exercise
price
321.0p
557.0p
1,049.0p
1,049.0p
1,104.0p
1,104.0p
1,220.0p
1,220.0p
1,216.0p
1,216.0p
Burberry Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan 2004 (‘the RSP’)
Under the RSP participants may be awarded shares, structured as nil-cost options, up to a maximum value of two times base
salary per annum. Certain participants will be granted awards subject to both market and non-market performance conditions,
while other participants will be granted awards subject to non-market performance conditions only. A limited number of awards
will be granted without performance conditions.
The market performance condition is a measure of TSR performance relative to sector peers. The non-market performance
condition is compound annual adjusted PBT growth over a three year period from the date of grant.
Awards subject to both market and non-market performance conditions will vest in full if the Group achieves at least upper
quartile TSR relative to its global peers, and if the maximum adjusted PBT growth target is achieved. A proportion of the award
(12.5%) vests if TSR performance exceeds the median of the peer group, or if the threshold adjusted PBT growth target is
achieved. Vesting against each metric occurs on a straight-line basis between the threshold and maximum. None of the award
vests if TSR performance is below the median of the peer group and if the adjusted PBT growth is below the threshold. Of the
shares which meet the performance criteria, 50% vest after three years. The remaining 50% vest in two equal tranches on the
fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant.
Awards subject to non-market performance conditions only will vest in full if the maximum adjusted PBT growth target is
achieved. A proportion of the award (25%) vests if the threshold adjusted PBT growth target is achieved. Vesting occurs
on a straight-line basis between the threshold and maximum. None of the award vests if the adjusted PBT growth is below
the threshold. Of the shares which meet the performance criteria, 50% vest after three years. The remaining 50% vest in
two equal tranches on the fourth and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant.
153153
Notes to the Financial Statements
26. Employee costs (continued)
Burberry Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan 2004 (‘the RSP’) (continued)
The threshold and maximum adjusted PBT growth targets for the RSP awards that are still within the initial three year vesting
period as at 31 March 2015 are:
Year of grant and participant group
2012 – market and non-market conditions
2012 – non-market conditions only
2012 – no performance conditions
2013 – market and non-market conditions
2013 – non-market conditions only
2013 – no performance conditions
2014 – market and non-market conditions
2014 – non-market conditions only
2014 – no performance conditions
Number of awards
outstanding as at
31 March 2015
1,217,556
694,058
204,482
1,236,762
905,661
248,627
836,249
1,232,277
310,957
Three year compound adjusted PBT
growth targets
Threshold
10%
5%
N/A
10%
5%
N/A
5%
5%
N/A
Maximum
15%
15%
N/A
15%
15%
N/A
15%
15%
N/A
Obligations under this plan will be met either by market purchase shares via the ESOP trust or by the issue of ordinary shares
of the Company.
On 12 June 2014, further awards of 2,481,329 ordinary shares were made to senior management under the RSP
(2014: 2,809,173). This was the final award that will be granted under the RSP, which will be replaced by the Executive Share
Plan (ESP) from 1 April 2015. The fair value of the awards granted with PBT performance conditions was determined by
applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. A discount was applied to the awards with the TSR performance condition,
by applying the Monte Carlo model.
Fair value: PBT performance conditions
Fair value: TSR performance conditions
The key factors used in determining the fair value of the awards were as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
12 June 2014
£13.53
£5.03
12 June 2014
£14.68
£nil
Equivalent to vesting period
2.71%
36.3%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
7,675,508
2,481,329
(505,036)
(1,738,719)
7,913,082
301,555
Year to
31 March
2014
7,759,198
2,809,173
(658,330)
(2,234,533)
7,675,508
361,189
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £15.15 (2014: £14.23).
154154
26. Employee costs (continued)
Burberry Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan 2004 (‘the RSP’) (continued)
The threshold and maximum adjusted PBT growth targets for the RSP awards that are still within the initial three year vesting
period as at 31 March 2015 are:
26. Employee costs (continued)
Burberry Senior Executive Restricted Share Plan 2004 (‘the RSP’) (continued)
Share awards outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:
Notes to the Financial Statements
Three year compound adjusted PBT
growth targets
Number of awards
outstanding as at
31 March 2015
Threshold
Maximum
1,217,556
694,058
204,482
1,236,762
905,661
248,627
836,249
1,232,277
310,957
10%
5%
N/A
10%
5%
N/A
5%
5%
N/A
15%
15%
N/A
15%
15%
N/A
15%
15%
N/A
Obligations under this plan will be met either by market purchase shares via the ESOP trust or by the issue of ordinary shares
On 12 June 2014, further awards of 2,481,329 ordinary shares were made to senior management under the RSP
(2014: 2,809,173). This was the final award that will be granted under the RSP, which will be replaced by the Executive Share
Plan (ESP) from 1 April 2015. The fair value of the awards granted with PBT performance conditions was determined by
applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. A discount was applied to the awards with the TSR performance condition,
The key factors used in determining the fair value of the awards were as follows:
Year of grant and participant group
2012 – market and non-market conditions
2012 – non-market conditions only
2012 – no performance conditions
2013 – market and non-market conditions
2013 – non-market conditions only
2013 – no performance conditions
2014 – market and non-market conditions
2014 – non-market conditions only
2014 – no performance conditions
of the Company.
by applying the Monte Carlo model.
Fair value: PBT performance conditions
Fair value: TSR performance conditions
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Dividend yield
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
12 June 2014
£13.53
£5.03
12 June 2014
£14.68
£nil
2.71%
36.3%
1.28%
Equivalent to vesting period
Year to
31 March
2015
7,675,508
2,481,329
(505,036)
(1,738,719)
7,913,082
301,555
Year to
31 March
2014
7,759,198
2,809,173
(658,330)
(2,234,533)
7,675,508
361,189
Term of the award
21 July 2005 – 20 July 2015
10 August 2006 – 9 August 2016
27 November 2006 – 26 November 2016
11 June 2007 – 10 June 2017
21 November 2007 – 20 November 2017
25 June 2008 – 24 June 2018
1 June 2009 – 31 May 2019
30 June 2009 – 29 June 2019
20 November 2009 – 19 November 2019
10 June 2010 – 9 June 2020
22 November 2010 – 21 November 2020
20 June 2011 – 19 June 2021
21 November 2011 – 20 November 2021
13 June 2012 – 12 June 2022
16 November 2012 – 15 November 2022
14 June 2013 – 13 June 2023
17 June 2013 – 16 June 2023
25 November 2013 – 24 November 2023
12 June 2014 – 11 June 2024
Total
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2015
5,411
5,101
2,124
8,764
–
30,492
106,867
–
–
398,554
3,000
438,626
27,514
1,989,090
127,006
2,124,852
243,542
22,656
2,379,483
7,913,082
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2014
5,411
5,101
2,124
11,635
373
84,595
937,542
1,375
1,250
768,410
26,199
969,734
58,405
2,100,904
127,588
2,308,326
243,542
22,994
–
7,675,508
All Employee Share Plan
Employees are offered awards of ordinary shares in the Company at a £nil exercise price under an All Employee Share Plan.
All awards vest after three years and the vesting of these share awards is dependent on continued employment over the
vesting period.
On 31 July 2014, 212,940 ordinary shares were granted under this scheme (2014: 205,050). The fair value of the awards
granted is £14.14, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key factors used in determining
the fair value were as follows:
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
31 July 2014
£14.14
£nil
Equivalent to vesting period
35.8%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
458,410
212,940
(89,280)
(81,030)
501,040
64,180
Year to
31 March
2014
454,190
205,050
(74,280)
(126,550)
458,410
53,320
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £15.15 (2014: £14.23).
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £15.06 (2014: £14.56).
155155
Notes to the Financial Statements
26. Employee costs (continued)
All Employee Share Plan (continued)
Share awards outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:
Term of the award
12 July 2002 – 18 July 20821
30 August 2003 – 18 July 20821
20 August 2004 – 18 July 20821
1 September 2005 – 18 July 20821
19 July 2010 – 18 July 20821
1 June 2011 – 1 September 2014
18 July 2011 – 18 July 20821
18 July 2012 – 18 July 20821
18 July 2012 – 18 September 2015
17 July 2013 – 18 July 20821
17 July 2013 – 17 October 2016
31 July 2014 – 18 July 20821
31 July 2014 – 31 October 2017
Total
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2015
2,700
2,850
6,000
3,880
26,160
–
22,590
47,460
64,710
59,490
83,880
72,720
108,600
501,040
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2014
3,700
4,250
7,050
4,960
33,360
55,050
38,850
54,510
79,920
69,060
107,700
–
–
458,410
1 No date has been specified when awards lapse. The cessation date of the trust in which the awards are held is 18 July 2082.
The Burberry Co-Investment Plan
Executive directors and certain senior management are able to defer receipt of all or part of their annual bonus and invest it
in ordinary shares in the Company with up to a 2:1 match based on individual and Group performance during the year. The
matching share awards do not vest for three years and are forfeited if the executive leaves within that period. The exercise
price of these share awards is £nil. The awards are also subject to secondary performance conditions.
Awards granted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 vest in full only if the Group achieves at least 10% per annum adjusted PBT growth
over the three year vesting period. A proportion of the award (25%) vests if growth in adjusted PBT achieves 5% per annum.
Vesting occurs on a straight-line basis between the threshold and the maximum. None of the award vests if adjusted PBT
growth is below 5% per annum.
On 12 June 2014, 849,617 ordinary shares were awarded under this scheme (2014: 934,419). This was the final award granted
under the Burberry Co-Investment Plan, which will be replaced by the Executive Share Plan (ESP) from 1 April 2015. The fair
value of the awards granted on 12 June 2014 is £14.62, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The key factors used in determining the fair value were as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Withdrawn during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
12 June 2014
£14.62
£nil
Equivalent to vesting period
36.3%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
3,348,510
849,617
(92,441)
–
(1,328,561)
2,777,125
34,119
Year to
31 March
2014
5,179,615
934,419
(709,422)
(4,276)
(2,051,826)
3,348,510
–
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £14.85 (2014: £14.09).
156156
26. Employee costs (continued)
All Employee Share Plan (continued)
Share awards outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:
26. Employee costs (continued)
The Burberry Co-Investment Plan (continued)
Share awards outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:
Notes to the Financial Statements
Term of the award
12 July 2002 – 18 July 20821
30 August 2003 – 18 July 20821
20 August 2004 – 18 July 20821
1 September 2005 – 18 July 20821
19 July 2010 – 18 July 20821
1 June 2011 – 1 September 2014
18 July 2011 – 18 July 20821
18 July 2012 – 18 July 20821
18 July 2012 – 18 September 2015
17 July 2013 – 18 July 20821
17 July 2013 – 17 October 2016
31 July 2014 – 18 July 20821
31 July 2014 – 31 October 2017
Total
Number of
awards as at
31 March
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2015
2,700
2,850
6,000
3,880
26,160
–
22,590
47,460
64,710
59,490
83,880
72,720
108,600
501,040
2014
3,700
4,250
7,050
4,960
33,360
55,050
38,850
54,510
79,920
69,060
107,700
–
–
458,410
1 No date has been specified when awards lapse. The cessation date of the trust in which the awards are held is 18 July 2082.
The Burberry Co-Investment Plan
Executive directors and certain senior management are able to defer receipt of all or part of their annual bonus and invest it
in ordinary shares in the Company with up to a 2:1 match based on individual and Group performance during the year. The
matching share awards do not vest for three years and are forfeited if the executive leaves within that period. The exercise
price of these share awards is £nil. The awards are also subject to secondary performance conditions.
Awards granted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 vest in full only if the Group achieves at least 10% per annum adjusted PBT growth
over the three year vesting period. A proportion of the award (25%) vests if growth in adjusted PBT achieves 5% per annum.
Vesting occurs on a straight-line basis between the threshold and the maximum. None of the award vests if adjusted PBT
growth is below 5% per annum.
On 12 June 2014, 849,617 ordinary shares were awarded under this scheme (2014: 934,419). This was the final award granted
under the Burberry Co-Investment Plan, which will be replaced by the Executive Share Plan (ESP) from 1 April 2015. The fair
value of the awards granted on 12 June 2014 is £14.62, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model.
The key factors used in determining the fair value were as follows:
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Lapsed and forfeited during the year
Withdrawn during the year
Exercised during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Equivalent to vesting period
12 June 2014
£14.62
£nil
36.3%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
3,348,510
849,617
(92,441)
–
(1,328,561)
2,777,125
34,119
Year to
31 March
2014
5,179,615
934,419
(709,422)
(4,276)
(2,051,826)
3,348,510
–
The weighted average share price at the respective exercise dates in the year was £14.85 (2014: £14.09).
Term of the award
7 June 2011 – 6 June 2016
14 June 2011 – 13 June 2016
18 July 2012 – 17 July 2017
14 June 2013 – 13 June 2018
12 June 2014 – 11 June 2019
Total
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2015
34,119
–
1,203,247
724,250
815,509
2,777,125
Number of
awards as at
31 March
2014
1,351,474
11,206
1,225,803
760,027
–
3,348,510
December 2010 One-off Grant
On 8 December 2010, options in respect of 850,000 ordinary shares were granted as a one-off award.
The options are due to vest on 1 April 2015. The vesting of all remaining options is dependent on continued employment for
the vesting period. The exercise price of these share options is £nil.
Any vested but unexercised options will automatically lapse on 31 March 2016.
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 April
Forfeited during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
350,000
–
350,000
–
Year to
31 March
2014
850,000
(500,000)
350,000
–
June 2013 One-off Grant
On 14 June 2013, options in respect of 1,000,000 ordinary shares were granted as a one-off award, with a £nil exercise price.
The options are due to vest in three stages: 20% are exercisable on 15 July 2016; 40% are exercisable on 15 July 2017; and
the remaining 40% are exercisable on 15 July 2018. The vesting of these options is dependent upon continued employment
over the vesting period.
Any vested but unexercised options will automatically lapse on 15 July 2019.
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
1,000,000
–
1,000,000
–
Year to
31 March
2014
–
1,000,000
1,000,000
–
157157
Notes to the Financial Statements
26. Employee costs (continued)
June 2014 One-off Grant
On 12 June 2014, options in respect of 500,000 ordinary shares were granted as a one-off award, with a £nil exercise price.
The options are due to vest in three stages: 25% are exercisable on 31 July 2017; 25% are exercisable on 31 July 2018; and
the remaining 50% are exercisable on 31 July 2019. Key strategic performance objectives linked to the long-term growth of
the Group must be met in order for the options to vest. These performance conditions will be assessed at each of the relevant
vesting dates, and each tranche will only vest to the extent that performance targets have been achieved at that date.
Any vested but unexercised options will automatically lapse on 31 July 2020.
The fair value of the award is £14.68, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key factors used
in determining the fair value were as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
12 June
2014
£14.68
£nil
Equivalent to vesting period
36.3%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
–
500,000
500,000
–
27. Related party transactions
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Total compensation in respect of key management, who are defined as the
Board of Directors and certain members of senior management, is considered to be a related party transaction.
The total compensation in respect of key management for the year was as follows:
Salaries and short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share based compensation
Total
There were no other material related party transactions in the period.
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
17.6
0.1
9.5
27.2
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
15.0
0.2
3.0
18.2
158158
26. Employee costs (continued)
June 2014 One-off Grant
On 12 June 2014, options in respect of 500,000 ordinary shares were granted as a one-off award, with a £nil exercise price.
The options are due to vest in three stages: 25% are exercisable on 31 July 2017; 25% are exercisable on 31 July 2018; and
the remaining 50% are exercisable on 31 July 2019. Key strategic performance objectives linked to the long-term growth of
the Group must be met in order for the options to vest. These performance conditions will be assessed at each of the relevant
vesting dates, and each tranche will only vest to the extent that performance targets have been achieved at that date.
Any vested but unexercised options will automatically lapse on 31 July 2020.
The fair value of the award is £14.68, determined by applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The key factors used
in determining the fair value were as follows:
Movements in the number of share awards outstanding are as follows:
Share price at grant date
Exercise price
Life of award
Expected volatility
Risk-free interest rate
Outstanding at 1 April
Granted during the year
Outstanding at 31 March
Exercisable at 31 March
27. Related party transactions
Salaries and short-term benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share based compensation
Total
There were no other material related party transactions in the period.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, have been eliminated on
consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Total compensation in respect of key management, who are defined as the
Board of Directors and certain members of senior management, is considered to be a related party transaction.
The total compensation in respect of key management for the year was as follows:
Equivalent to vesting period
12 June
2014
£14.68
£nil
36.3%
1.28%
Year to
31 March
2015
500,000
500,000
–
–
Year to
31 March
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
17.6
0.1
9.5
27.2
2014
£m
15.0
0.2
3.0
18.2
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note
Country of incorporation
Nature of business
UK
UK
UK
France
Switzerland
Spain
Italy
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Czech Republic
Hungary
Ireland
Netherlands
United Arab Emirates
India
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Luxury goods retailer, wholesaler and licensor
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods brand and licensor
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer
29
USA
USA
Canada
Brazil
Mexico
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
People’s Republic of China
Hong Kong
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Singapore
Australia
Republic of Korea
Taiwan
Malaysia
Japan
Thailand
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer and wholesaler
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer
Luxury goods retailer, wholesaler and licensor
Luxury goods retailer
28. Principal subsidiaries
Company
EMEIA
Burberry Limited
Burberry Italy Retail Limited
The Scotch House Limited1
Burberry France SASU
Burberry (Suisse) SA1
Burberry (Spain) Retail SL
Burberry Italy SRL1
Burberry (Deutschland) GmbH
Burberry (Austria) GmbH
Burberry Antwerp N.V.
Burberry Czech Rep s.r.o.
Burberry Hungary kft.
Burberry Ireland Limited
Burberry Netherlands BV
Burberry Middle East LLC (49%)
Burberry India Private Limited (51%)
Burberry Saudi Company Limited (75%)
Americas
Burberry Limited
Burberry (Wholesale) Limited
Burberry Canada Inc
Burberry Brasil Comércio de Artigos de
Vestuário e Acessórios Ltda
Horseferry Mexico SA de CV
Asia Pacific
Burberry (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd
Burberry Asia Limited
Burberry (Singapore) Distribution Company Pte
Ltd
Burberry Pacific Pty Ltd
Burberry Korea Limited
Burberry (Taiwan) Co Ltd
Burberry (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd
Burberry Japan K.K. (formerly Burberry
International K.K)
Burberry (Thailand) Limited
29
1 Held directly by Burberry Group plc.
In accordance with Section 410(2)(a) of the Companies Act 2006, the above information is provided solely in relation
to principal subsidiaries.
As at 31 March 2015, all principal subsidiary undertakings are wholly owned, except where indicated differently above,
and operate in the country in which they are incorporated with the exception of Burberry Italy Retail Limited, which operates
principally in Italy. All shares held in subsidiary undertakings are ordinary shares, with the exception of Burberry Limited.
The Group holds 100% of Burberry Limited’s ordinary and preference shares. All the subsidiary undertakings have been
consolidated as at 31 March 2015. The Group has a 59% share in profits of Burberry Middle East LLC and has the power
to appoint both the Chairperson and the majority of directors on the Board, thus establishing control. Non-operating
intermediate holding and financing companies are excluded from the list above. Sparkle Roll Holdings Limited, a
non-Group company, holds a 15% economic interest in Burberry (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.
Details of all Burberry subsidiaries will be annexed to the next Annual Return of Burberry Group plc to be filed at
Companies House.
159159
Notes to the Financial Statements
29. Changes in non-controlling interests
On 30 May 2014, the Group exercised its option over the 29% equity stake in Burberry International K.K. previously held
by Sanyo Shokai Limited, increasing its equity holding to 100%. This option was acquired on 29 March 2013, and was
exercisable at a nominal fixed price, hence the non-controlling interest in Burberry International K.K. had been previously
derecognised on acquiring the option. On 3 August 2014, Burberry International K.K. merged with Burberry Japan K.K.
On 24 November 2014, the Group paid £3.4m to acquire an additional 15% equity interest in Burberry Saudi Company Limited,
increasing its equity holding in Burberry Saudi Company Limited to 75%.
30. Contingent Liabilities
In a number of jurisdictions the Group is subject to tax audits and claims against it covering, inter alia, valued added taxes,
sales taxes, customs duties, corporate taxes and payroll taxes. Included in these claims is a dispute with the Spanish tax
authorities regarding the tax treatment of interest paid during the year ended 31 March 2005 arising in respect of debt that was
put in place after the Group had taken specialist external advice. The Group is looking to resolve this dispute by all reasonable
means. Where appropriate, the estimated cost of known obligations have been provided in these financial statements in
accordance with the Group’s accounting policies but these matters are inherently difficult to quantify. While changes to
the amounts that may be payable could be material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the period in which they
are recognised the Group does not currently expect the outcome of these contingent liabilities to have a material effect
on the Group’s financial condition.
160160
29. Changes in non-controlling interests
On 30 May 2014, the Group exercised its option over the 29% equity stake in Burberry International K.K. previously held
by Sanyo Shokai Limited, increasing its equity holding to 100%. This option was acquired on 29 March 2013, and was
exercisable at a nominal fixed price, hence the non-controlling interest in Burberry International K.K. had been previously
derecognised on acquiring the option. On 3 August 2014, Burberry International K.K. merged with Burberry Japan K.K.
On 24 November 2014, the Group paid £3.4m to acquire an additional 15% equity interest in Burberry Saudi Company Limited,
increasing its equity holding in Burberry Saudi Company Limited to 75%.
30. Contingent Liabilities
In a number of jurisdictions the Group is subject to tax audits and claims against it covering, inter alia, valued added taxes,
sales taxes, customs duties, corporate taxes and payroll taxes. Included in these claims is a dispute with the Spanish tax
authorities regarding the tax treatment of interest paid during the year ended 31 March 2005 arising in respect of debt that was
put in place after the Group had taken specialist external advice. The Group is looking to resolve this dispute by all reasonable
means. Where appropriate, the estimated cost of known obligations have been provided in these financial statements in
accordance with the Group’s accounting policies but these matters are inherently difficult to quantify. While changes to
the amounts that may be payable could be material to the results or cash flows of the Group in the period in which they
are recognised the Group does not currently expect the outcome of these contingent liabilities to have a material effect
on the Group’s financial condition.
Five Year Summary
Year to 31 March
Revenue by channel
Retail
Wholesale
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Total revenue
Profit by channel
Retail/Wholesale
Licensing
Adjusted operating profit1
Segmental analysis
Retail/Wholesale gross margin
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating expenses as a percentage of sales1
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating margin1
Licensing operating margin
Summary profit analysis
Adjusted operating profit1
Net finance (charge)/income1
Adjusted profit before taxation1
Adjusting items
Profit before taxation
Taxation
Discontinued operations
Non-controlling interest
Attributable profit
Retail/Wholesale revenue by product division
Accessories2
Womens
Mens
Childrens/Other
Beauty
Retail/Wholesale revenue by destination
Asia Pacific
EMEIA3
Americas
Financial KPIs
Total revenue growth4
Adjusted PBT growth1
Adjusted retail/wholesale return on invested capital (ROIC) 1
Comparable store sales growth
Adjusted retail/wholesale operating margin1
Adjusted diluted EPS growth1
Year to 31 March
Earnings and dividends
Adjusted earnings per share – diluted1
Earnings per share – diluted
Diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares (millions)
Dividend per share (on a paid basis)
2011
£m
962.3
440.6
1,402.9
98.4
1,501.3
Continuing operations
2012
£m
1,270.3
478.3
1,748.6
108.6
1,857.2
2013
£m
1,416.6
472.7
1,889.3
109.4
1,998.7
2014
£m
1,622.6
628.0
2,250.6
79.2
2,329.8
2015
£m
1,807.4
648.1
2,455.5
67.7
2,523.2
£m
219.5
81.6
301.1
%
64.9
49.3
15.6
82.9
£m
301.1
(3.2)
297.9
(2.2)
295.7
(83.2)
(6.2)
2.1
208.4
£m
563.3
456.6
325.9
57.1
–
£m
457.1
559.3
386.5
+24%
+36%
19.2%
11%
15.6%
+39%
2011
pence
per share
48.9
46.9
444.0
15.5
£m
286.9
90.0
376.9
%
68.1
51.7
16.4
82.9
£m
376.9
(0.7)
376.2
(10.2)
366.0
(100.6)
(0.3)
(1.8)
263.3
£m
689.4
582.5
410.5
66.2
–
£m
652.5
661.6
434.5
+23%
+24%
20.0%
14%
16.4%
+26%
£m
335.6
92.5
428.1
%
70.6
52.8
17.8
84.6
£m
428.1
(0.3)
427.8
(77.1)
350.7
(91.5)
–
(4.9)
254.3
£m
729.1
618.2
464.2
72.6
5.2
£m
745.3
680.7
463.3
+8%
+13%
19.0%
5%
17.8%
+14%
£m
393.5
66.8
460.3
%
70.2
52.7
17.5
84.3
£m
460.3
0.7
461.0
(16.6)
444.4
(112.1)
–
(9.8)
322.5
£m
816.1
684.0
520.8
78.4
151.3
£m
870.3
811.5
568.8
+17%
+8%
19.6%
12%
17.5%
+8%
£m
399.2
56.0
455.2
%
69.2
52.9
16.3
82.7
£m
455.2
0.6
455.8
(11.2)
444.6
(103.5)
–
(4.8)
336.3
£m
892.5
743.0
557.5
77.7
184.8
£m
938.1
869.0
648.4
+11%
+7%
17.8%
9%
16.3%
+2%
2012
pence
per share
61.6
59.3
444.3
22.0
2013
pence
per share
70.0
57.0
446.5
26.0
2014
pence
per share
75.4
72.1
447.3
29.8
2015
pence
per share
76.9
75.1
447.8
32.9
1 Excludes the impact of adjusting items.
2 The Accessories revenue for the year ended 31 March 2013 has been restated to exclude Beauty retail sales.
3 EMEIA comprises Europe, Middle East, India and Africa. As a result of an internal reorganisation, the Europe and Rest of World divisions were integrated to form
EMEIA, effective from 1 April 2013. The results for the years ended 31 March 2011 to 31 March 2013 have been re-presented to reflect this organisational change.
4 Growth rate is year-on-year underlying change, i.e. at constant exchange rates.
161161
Year to 31 March
Net Cash Flow
Adjusted operating profit1
Discontinued operations
Restructuring spend
Depreciation and amortisation
Employee share scheme costs
Proceeds/(payment) on equity swap contracts
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables
Other non-cash items
Cash flow from operations
Capital expenditure
Payment to terminate licence relationship
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
Capital contributions from JV partners
Acquisitions
Net interest
Tax paid
Free cash flow
Dividends
ESOP trust purchases/other
Exchange difference
Total movement in net cash
Five Year Summary
2011
£m
301.1
(2.1)
(20.3)
62.6
28.3
–
(58.0)
(8.1)
68.0
(5.1)
366.4
(108.4)
–
–
7.0
(51.9)
(3.2)
(98.1)
111.8
(68.7)
(5.6)
(1.6)
35.9
2012
£m
376.9
2.5
(8.6)
87.6
31.8
–
(61.8)
(17.4)
70.1
1.4
482.5
(153.1)
–
–
4.9
(23.5)
(0.6)
(108.2)
202.0
(99.2)
(60.0)
(2.4)
40.4
2013
£m
428.1
–
(1.0)
111.2
24.9
–
(39.2)
(32.0)
17.6
13.4
523.0
(175.9)
(144.1)
0.1
0.4
(1.0)
0.9
(99.0)
104.4
(113.5)
(45.4)
12.8
(41.7)
2014
£m
460.3
–
(0.7)
123.7
25.4
15.7
(68.2)
(73.8)
42.3
10.8
535.5
(154.0)
–
–
0.7
(2.6)
0.8
(111.1)
269.3
(130.7)
(18.8)
(13.9)
105.9
2015
£m
455.2
–
–
123.7
21.0
(0.2)
(15.1)
(43.8)
19.7
7.6
568.1
(155.7)
–
–
0.4
(3.4)
1.2
(114.4)
296.2
(145.3)
(15.1)
13.9
149.7
Net cash
297.9
338.3
296.6
402.5
552.2
As at 31 March
Balance Sheet
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Taxation (including deferred taxation)
Net cash
Other net assets
Net assets
Reconciliation of Adjusted Retail/Wholesale ROIC
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating profit1
Adjusted effective tax rate1
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating profit after tax1
Net assets excluding licensing segment assets
Net cash
Assumed lease assets2
Exclude adjusting items:
Licence intangible asset
Put option liability
Restructuring provisions
Adjusted operating assets
Average operating assets
Adjusted Retail/Wholesale ROIC
2011
£m
114.7
281.8
247.9
147.7
(367.8)
16.9
297.9
(5.4)
733.7
2011
£m
219.5
27.9%
158.3
725.7
(297.9)
442.5
–
47.3
13.6
931.2
824.2
19.2%
2012
£m
133.1
328.8
311.1
167.5
(429.3)
39.1
338.3
2.8
891.4
2012
£m
286.9
26.7%
210.3
884.4
(338.3)
560.0
–
57.8
3.5
1,167.4
1,049.3
20.0%
2013
£m
210.2
409.1
351.0
199.5
(447.8)
45.3
296.6
(11.1)
1,052.8
2013
£m
335.6
25.8%
249.0
1,048.6
(296.6)
713.0
(70.9)
55.0
1.9
1,451.0
1,309.2
19.0%
2014
£m
195.4
398.4
419.8
273.7
(507.2)
47.4
402.5
(22.0)
1,208.0
2014
£m
393.5
24.7%
296.3
1,202.2
(402.5)
782.5
(56.0)
51.3
1.5
1,579.0
1,515.0
19.6%
2015
£m
193.5
436.5
436.6
320.8
(523.1)
68.6
552.2
(33.6)
1,451.5
2015
£m
399.2
23.4%
305.8
1,448.9
(552.2)
954.5
(41.1)
54.4
0.8
1,865.3
1,722.2
17.8%
1 Excludes the impact of adjusting items.
2 Assumed leased assets are calculated as a factor of five times lease payments.
162162
Proceeds/(payment) on equity swap contracts
Year to 31 March
Net Cash Flow
Adjusted operating profit1
Discontinued operations
Restructuring spend
Depreciation and amortisation
Employee share scheme costs
Increase in inventories
Increase in receivables
Increase in payables
Other non-cash items
Cash flow from operations
Capital expenditure
Payment to terminate licence relationship
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
Capital contributions from JV partners
Acquisitions
Net interest
Tax paid
Free cash flow
Dividends
ESOP trust purchases/other
Exchange difference
Total movement in net cash
Net cash
As at 31 March
Balance Sheet
Intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other payables
Taxation (including deferred taxation)
Net cash
Other net assets
Net assets
Reconciliation of Adjusted Retail/Wholesale ROIC
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating profit1
Adjusted effective tax rate1
Retail/Wholesale adjusted operating profit after tax1
Net assets excluding licensing segment assets
Net cash
Assumed lease assets2
Exclude adjusting items:
Licence intangible asset
Put option liability
Restructuring provisions
Adjusted operating assets
Average operating assets
Adjusted Retail/Wholesale ROIC
1 Excludes the impact of adjusting items.
2 Assumed leased assets are calculated as a factor of five times lease payments.
297.9
338.3
296.6
402.5
552.2
2011
£m
301.1
(2.1)
(20.3)
62.6
28.3
–
(58.0)
(8.1)
68.0
(5.1)
366.4
(108.4)
–
–
7.0
(51.9)
(3.2)
(98.1)
111.8
(68.7)
(5.6)
(1.6)
35.9
2011
£m
114.7
281.8
247.9
147.7
(367.8)
16.9
297.9
(5.4)
733.7
2011
£m
219.5
27.9%
158.3
725.7
(297.9)
442.5
–
47.3
13.6
931.2
824.2
19.2%
2012
£m
376.9
2.5
(8.6)
87.6
31.8
–
(61.8)
(17.4)
70.1
1.4
482.5
(153.1)
–
–
4.9
(23.5)
(0.6)
(108.2)
202.0
(99.2)
(60.0)
(2.4)
40.4
2012
£m
133.1
328.8
311.1
167.5
(429.3)
39.1
338.3
2.8
891.4
2012
£m
286.9
26.7%
210.3
884.4
(338.3)
560.0
–
57.8
3.5
1,167.4
1,049.3
20.0%
2013
£m
428.1
–
(1.0)
111.2
24.9
–
(39.2)
(32.0)
17.6
13.4
523.0
(175.9)
(144.1)
0.1
0.4
(1.0)
0.9
(99.0)
104.4
(113.5)
(45.4)
12.8
(41.7)
2013
£m
210.2
409.1
351.0
199.5
(447.8)
45.3
296.6
(11.1)
2013
£m
335.6
25.8%
249.0
1,048.6
(296.6)
713.0
(70.9)
55.0
1.9
1,451.0
1,309.2
19.0%
2014
£m
460.3
–
(0.7)
123.7
25.4
15.7
(68.2)
(73.8)
42.3
10.8
535.5
(154.0)
–
–
0.7
(2.6)
0.8
(111.1)
269.3
(130.7)
(18.8)
(13.9)
105.9
2014
£m
195.4
398.4
419.8
273.7
(507.2)
47.4
402.5
(22.0)
2014
£m
393.5
24.7%
296.3
1,202.2
(402.5)
782.5
(56.0)
51.3
1.5
1,579.0
1,515.0
19.6%
2015
£m
455.2
–
–
123.7
21.0
(0.2)
(15.1)
(43.8)
19.7
7.6
568.1
(155.7)
–
–
0.4
(3.4)
1.2
(114.4)
296.2
(145.3)
(15.1)
13.9
149.7
2015
£m
193.5
436.5
436.6
320.8
(523.1)
68.6
552.2
(33.6)
2015
£m
399.2
23.4%
305.8
1,448.9
(552.2)
954.5
(41.1)
54.4
0.8
1,865.3
1,722.2
17.8%
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Report on the parent Company financial statements
Our opinion
In our opinion, Burberry Group plc’s Company financial statements (the “financial statements”):
· give a true and fair view of the state of the Company’s affairs as at 31 March 2015;
· have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
· have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.
What we have audited
Burberry Group plc’s financial statements comprise:
· the Company Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2015; and
· the notes to the financial statements, which include a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory
information.
Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.
The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is applicable law and
United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Other required reporting
Consistency of other information
Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, 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.
ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”) we are required to report to you if, in our
opinion, information in the Annual Report is:
· materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
· apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Company acquired in the
course of performing our audit; or
1,052.8
1,208.0
1,451.5
· otherwise misleading.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Adequacy of accounting records and information and explanations received
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
· we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
· adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received
from branches not visited by us; or
· the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Directors’ remuneration
Directors’ remuneration report – Companies Act 2006 opinion
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006.
163163
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Members of Burberry Group plc
Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 110, the directors are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept
or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it
may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland). An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:
· whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied
and adequately disclosed;
· the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and
· the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our
own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls,
substantive procedures or a combination of both.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with
the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Burberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2015.
Andrew Kemp
Senior Statutory Auditor,
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors,
London, 19 May 2015
164164
Other Companies Act 2006 reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Our responsibilities and those of the directors
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities set out on page 110, the directors are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.
Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance
with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept
or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it
may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.
What an audit of financial statements involves
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & Ireland). An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts
and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free
from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an assessment of:
· whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances and have been consistently applied
and adequately disclosed;
· the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the directors; and
· the overall presentation of the financial statements.
We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our
own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements.
We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls,
substantive procedures or a combination of both.
In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with
the audited financial statements and to identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially
inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent
material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.
Other matter
We have reported separately on the Group financial statements of Burberry Group plc for the year ended 31 March 2015.
Andrew Kemp
Senior Statutory Auditor,
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors,
London, 19 May 2015
Company Balance Sheet
Fixed assets
Investments
Current assets
Debtors – amounts falling due within one year
Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Derivative assets maturing within one year
Derivative assets maturing after more than one year
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Derivative liabilities maturing within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Derivative liabilities maturing after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Capital reserve
Hedging reserve
Profit and loss account
Total shareholders’ funds
As at
31 March
2015
£m
2,237.3
2,237.3
163.3
303.6
1.3
1.5
0.8
470.5
(58.8)
–
411.7
2,649.0
(1,536.0)
–
(1.4)
1,111.6
0.2
207.6
0.9
4.1
898.8
1,111.6
As at
31 March
2014
£m
2,219.3
2,219.3
0.4
395.5
–
0.5
1.2
397.6
(198.5)
(0.4)
198.7
2,418.0
(1,424.6)
(0.9)
(1.4)
991.1
0.2
204.8
0.9
4.1
781.1
991.1
Note
C
D
D
E
E
F
F
F
F
F
F
The financial statements on pages 165 to 170 were approved by the Board on 19 May 2015 and signed on its behalf by:
Sir John Peace
Chairman
Carol Fairweather
Chief Financial Officer
165165
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
A. Basis of preparation
Burberry Group plc (the Company) is the parent Company of the Burberry Group. Burberry Group plc is listed on the London
Stock Exchange and its principal business is investment. The Company is the sponsoring entity of The Burberry Group plc
ESOP Trust and The Burberry Group plc SIP Trust (collectively known as the ESOP trusts). These financial statements have
been prepared by consolidating the ESOP trusts with the financial statements of the Company. The purpose of the ESOP
trusts is to purchase shares of the Company in order to satisfy Group share based payment arrangements.
Burberry Group plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) is a global luxury goods manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler. The Group
also licenses third parties to manufacture and distribute products using the ‘Burberry’ trade marks. All of the companies which
comprise the Group are controlled by the Company directly or indirectly.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, with the
exception of those financial instruments which are included in the financial statements at fair value, and in accordance
with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom and the Companies Act 2006.
Adoption of Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’
The accounting framework for the Company financial statements is required to be changed following the publication of
FRS 100 ‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’ for the financial year commencing 1 April 2015, from the current
preparation which is in accordance with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom and the Companies Act 2006.
It is considered that it is in the best interests of the Group for Burberry Group plc to adopt FRS 101. On adoption of FRS 101
no disclosures in the current financial statements would be omitted. Shareholder approval for the adoption of FRS 101 will be
sought at the Group’s next Annual General Meeting in July 2015.
B. Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies
have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Share schemes
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes, under which services are received from
employees (including executive directors) as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The cost of the share based
incentives is measured with reference to the fair value of the equity instruments awarded at the date of grant. Appropriate
option pricing models, including Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo, are used to determine the fair value of the awards made.
The fair value takes into account the impact of any market performance conditions, but the impact of non-market performance
conditions is not considered in determining the fair value on the date of grant. Vesting conditions which relate to non-market
conditions are allowed for in the assumptions used for the number of options expected to vest. The estimate of the number of
options expected to vest is revised at each balance sheet date.
In some circumstances, employees may provide services in advance of the grant date. The grant date fair value is estimated
for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between the service commencement period and the grant date.
The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is
treated as a capital contribution. In the Company’s accounts, the cost of the share based incentives is recognised over the
vesting period of the awards as an increase in investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding increase in equity.
Where amounts are received from Group companies in relation to equity instruments granted to the employees of the
subsidiary undertaking, the amount is derecognised from investments in Group companies, to the extent that it was initially
treated as a capital contribution, with any remaining amounts recognised as an increase in equity.
When options and awards are exercised, they are settled either via issue of new shares in the Company, or through shares held
in the ESOP trusts, depending on the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme. The proceeds received from the exercises,
net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital and share premium.
Dividend distribution
Dividend distributions to Burberry Group plc’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which the dividend
becomes a committed obligation. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by the shareholders. Interim
dividends are recognised when paid.
166166
A. Basis of preparation
Burberry Group plc (the Company) is the parent Company of the Burberry Group. Burberry Group plc is listed on the London
Stock Exchange and its principal business is investment. The Company is the sponsoring entity of The Burberry Group plc
ESOP Trust and The Burberry Group plc SIP Trust (collectively known as the ESOP trusts). These financial statements have
been prepared by consolidating the ESOP trusts with the financial statements of the Company. The purpose of the ESOP
trusts is to purchase shares of the Company in order to satisfy Group share based payment arrangements.
Burberry Group plc and its subsidiaries (the Group) is a global luxury goods manufacturer, retailer and wholesaler. The Group
also licenses third parties to manufacture and distribute products using the ‘Burberry’ trade marks. All of the companies which
comprise the Group are controlled by the Company directly or indirectly.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, with the
exception of those financial instruments which are included in the financial statements at fair value, and in accordance
with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom and the Companies Act 2006.
Adoption of Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’
The accounting framework for the Company financial statements is required to be changed following the publication of
FRS 100 ‘Application of Financial Reporting Requirements’ for the financial year commencing 1 April 2015, from the current
preparation which is in accordance with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom and the Companies Act 2006.
It is considered that it is in the best interests of the Group for Burberry Group plc to adopt FRS 101. On adoption of FRS 101
no disclosures in the current financial statements would be omitted. Shareholder approval for the adoption of FRS 101 will be
sought at the Group’s next Annual General Meeting in July 2015.
B. Accounting policies
Share schemes
The Group operates a number of equity-settled share based compensation schemes, under which services are received from
employees (including executive directors) as consideration for equity instruments of the Company. The cost of the share based
incentives is measured with reference to the fair value of the equity instruments awarded at the date of grant. Appropriate
option pricing models, including Black-Scholes and Monte Carlo, are used to determine the fair value of the awards made.
The fair value takes into account the impact of any market performance conditions, but the impact of non-market performance
conditions is not considered in determining the fair value on the date of grant. Vesting conditions which relate to non-market
conditions are allowed for in the assumptions used for the number of options expected to vest. The estimate of the number of
options expected to vest is revised at each balance sheet date.
In some circumstances, employees may provide services in advance of the grant date. The grant date fair value is estimated
for the purposes of recognising the expense during the period between the service commencement period and the grant date.
The grant by the Company of options over its equity instruments to employees of subsidiary undertakings in the Group is
treated as a capital contribution. In the Company’s accounts, the cost of the share based incentives is recognised over the
vesting period of the awards as an increase in investment in subsidiary undertakings, with a corresponding increase in equity.
Where amounts are received from Group companies in relation to equity instruments granted to the employees of the
subsidiary undertaking, the amount is derecognised from investments in Group companies, to the extent that it was initially
treated as a capital contribution, with any remaining amounts recognised as an increase in equity.
When options and awards are exercised, they are settled either via issue of new shares in the Company, or through shares held
in the ESOP trusts, depending on the terms and conditions of the relevant scheme. The proceeds received from the exercises,
net of any directly attributable transaction costs, are credited to share capital and share premium.
Dividend distribution
Dividend distributions to Burberry Group plc’s shareholders are recognised as a liability in the period in which the dividend
becomes a committed obligation. Final dividends are recognised when they are approved by the shareholders. Interim
dividends are recognised when paid.
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
B. Accounting policies (continued)
Investments in Group companies
Investments in Group companies are stated at cost, less any provisions to reflect impairment in value.
Impairment of assets
Assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstance indicate that the carrying amount may not be
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s net realisable value and value-in-use. For the purpose of assessing impairment,
assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (income-generating units).
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date
where transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more tax in the future or a right to pay less tax in the future have
occurred at the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing differences are
expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred tax is measured on an undiscounted basis.
Derivative financial instruments
Financial instruments are reported and measured in accordance with FRS 25 and FRS 26 respectively. The Company used
the exemption not to present FRS 29 disclosures in the notes to the entity financial statements as full equivalent disclosures
are presented within the consolidated financial statements.
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies
have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Equity swap contracts are marked to market with gains and losses arising on these contracts recognised in the profit and
loss account.
Foreign currency transactions
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the date of the
transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, which are held at the year end, are translated
into Sterling at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on monetary items are recognised
in the profit and loss account in the period in which they arise.
Related party transactions
FRS 8 ‘Related Party Disclosures’ requires the disclosure of the details of material transactions and balances between the
reporting entity and related parties. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption under the terms of FRS 8 not to
disclose details of transactions with entities that are wholly owned subsidiaries.
C. Investments in Group companies
Cost
As at 1 April 2014
Additions
As at 31 March 2015
£m
2,219.3
18.0
2,237.3
The directors believe that the carrying value of the investments is supported by their underlying net assets. The principal
subsidiaries of the Burberry Group are listed in note 28 of the Group financial statements.
167
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
D. Debtors
Amounts owed by Group companies
Prepayments
Debtors – amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed by Group companies
Prepayments
Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Total debtors
As at
31 March
2015
£m
163.1
0.2
163.3
302.7
0.9
303.6
466.9
As at
31 March
2014
£m
–
0.4
0.4
395.0
0.5
395.5
395.9
Included in amounts owed by Group companies are loans of £414.8m (2014: £344.0m) which are interest bearing.
The interest rate earned is based on relevant national LIBOR equivalents plus 0.9% to 1.77%. These loans are unsecured
and repayable between 4 June 2015 and 17 June 2019. The remaining receivable of £51.0m (2014: £51.0m) is unsecured,
interest free and repayable on demand.
E. Creditors
Amounts owed to Group companies
Accruals
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed to Group companies
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Total creditors
As at
31 March
2015
£m
58.6
0.2
58.8
1,536.0
1,536.0
1,594.8
As at
31 March
2014
£m
198.0
0.5
198.5
1,424.6
1,424.6
1,623.1
Amounts owed to Group companies falling due after more than one year are interest bearing. The interest rate earned is based
on LIBOR plus 0.9%. These loans are unsecured and repayable on 17 June 2019.
All amounts owed to Group companies falling due within one year are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
F. Capital and reserves
Allotted, called up and fully paid share capital
Ordinary shares of 0.05p (2014: 0.05p) each
As at 1 April 2014
Allotted on exercise of options during the year
As at 31 March 2015
Number
443,642,290
1,101,777
444,744,067
£m
0.2
–
0.2
168
D. Debtors
Amounts owed by Group companies
Prepayments
Debtors – amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed by Group companies
Prepayments
Total debtors
Debtors – amounts falling due after more than one year
interest free and repayable on demand.
E. Creditors
Amounts owed to Group companies
Accruals
Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed to Group companies
Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Total creditors
F. Capital and reserves
Allotted, called up and fully paid share capital
Ordinary shares of 0.05p (2014: 0.05p) each
Allotted on exercise of options during the year
As at 1 April 2014
As at 31 March 2015
Included in amounts owed by Group companies are loans of £414.8m (2014: £344.0m) which are interest bearing.
The interest rate earned is based on relevant national LIBOR equivalents plus 0.9% to 1.77%. These loans are unsecured
and repayable between 4 June 2015 and 17 June 2019. The remaining receivable of £51.0m (2014: £51.0m) is unsecured,
Amounts owed to Group companies falling due after more than one year are interest bearing. The interest rate earned is based
on LIBOR plus 0.9%. These loans are unsecured and repayable on 17 June 2019.
All amounts owed to Group companies falling due within one year are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
163.1
0.2
163.3
302.7
0.9
303.6
466.9
2014
£m
–
0.4
0.4
395.0
0.5
395.5
395.9
As at
31 March
As at
31 March
2015
£m
58.6
0.2
58.8
1,536.0
1,536.0
1,594.8
2014
£m
198.0
0.5
198.5
1,424.6
1,424.6
1,623.1
Number
443,642,290
1,101,777
444,744,067
£m
0.2
–
0.2
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
F. Capital and reserves (continued)
Reconciliation of movement in Company shareholders’ funds
Called up
share
capital
£m
0.2
As at 31 March 2013
Share
premium
account
£m
203.6
Capital
reserve
£m
0.9
Hedging
reserve
£m
4.1
Profit and
loss account
£m
615.7
Total
shareholders’
funds
£m
824.5
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid
Total recognised profit for the year
Employee share option scheme
Value of share options granted
Exercise of share options
Sale of own shares by ESOP trusts
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
As at 31 March 2014
Profit for the financial year
Dividends paid
Total recognised profit for the year
Employee share option scheme
Value of share options granted
Exercise of share options
Purchase of own shares by ESOP trusts
As at 31 March 2015
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.2
–
–
–
–
1.2
–
–
204.8
–
–
–
–
2.8
–
207.6
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
0.9
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
4.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
4.1
293.7
(130.7)
163.0
25.4
–
1.7
(24.7)
781.1
260.8
(144.9)
115.9
21.0
–
(19.2)
898.8
293.7
(130.7)
163.0
25.4
1.2
1.7
(24.7)
991.1
260.8
(144.9)
115.9
21.0
2.8
(19.2)
1,111.6
Profit for the year on ordinary activities, but before dividends payable, was £260.8m (2014: £293.7m). As permitted by
Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company has not presented its own profit and loss account.
The Company has a general authority from shareholders, renewed at each Annual General Meeting, to repurchase a maximum
of 10% of its issued share capital. During the year to 31 March 2015, no ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company
under this authority (2014: nil).
The cost of own shares held by the Group has been offset against the profit and loss account, as the amounts paid reduce
the profits available for distribution by the Company. As at 31 March 2015 the amounts offset against this reserve are £57.0m
(2014: £69.7m). As at 31 March 2015, the ESOP trusts held 4.1m shares (2014: 5.2m) in the Company, with a market value of
£71.9m (2014: £72.5m). In the year to 31 March 2015 the ESOP trusts have waived their entitlement to dividends of £1.2m
(2014: £1.3m).
The capital reserve consists of the capital redemption reserve arising on the purchase of own shares.
G. Dividends
Prior year final dividend paid 23.20p per share (2014: 21.00p)
Interim dividend paid 9.70p per share (2014: 8.80p)
Total
Year to
31 March
2015
£m
102.1
42.8
144.9
Year to
31 March
2014
£m
92.1
38.6
130.7
A final dividend in respect of the year to 31 March 2015 of 25.50p (2014: 23.20p) per share, amounting to £112.4m, has been
proposed for approval by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting subsequent to the balance sheet date. The final
dividend has not been recognised as a liability at the year end and will be paid on 31 July 2015 to shareholders on the
register at the close of business on 3 July 2015.
169
Notes to the Company Financial Statements
H. Financial guarantees
On 25 November 2014, the Group entered into a £300m multi-currency revolving credit facility with a syndicate of third-party
banks. This replaced the previous facility which would have matured on 30 June 2016. At 31 March 2015, there were £nil
outstanding drawings (2014: £nil). The facility matures in November 2019. The agreement contains two options which allow
the Group to extend for an additional one year which are exercisable in 2015 and 2016, at the consent of the syndicate.
The Guarantor Group consists of Burberry Group plc, Burberry Limited, Burberry Asia Limited, Burberry (Wholesale) Limited
(US) and Burberry Limited (US).
The fair value of the financial guarantee as at 31 March 2015 is £nil (2014: £nil).
A potential liability may arise in the future if one of the Group members defaults on the loan facility. Each guarantor,
including Burberry Group plc, would be liable to cover the amounts outstanding, including principal and interest elements.
I. Audit fees
The Company has incurred audit fees of £0.1m for the current year which are borne by Burberry Limited (2014: £0.1m).
170
Shareholder Information
Shareholder
Information
General shareholder enquiries
Enquiries relating to shareholdings, such as the transfer of
shares, change of name or address, lost share certificates
or dividend cheques, should be referred to the Company’s
Registrar, Equiniti, using the details below:
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
Tel: 0871 384 2839. Calls cost 8p per minute plus network
extras. Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Please dial +44 121 415 7047 if calling from outside the UK
or see help.shareview.co.uk for additional information.
American Depositary Receipts
Burberry has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary
Receipt (ADR) programme to enable US investors to
purchase ADRs in US Dollars. Each ADR represents
one Burberry ordinary share.
For queries relating to ADRs in Burberry, please use the
following contact details:
BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
P.O. BOX 30170
College Station, TX 77842-3170
Telephone: Toll free within the US: +1 888 269 2377
Telephone: International: +1 201 680 6825
Email enquiries: shrrelations@cpushareownerservices.com
Website: www.mybnymdr.com
Annual General Meeting
Burberry’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the
offices of Nomura, 1 Angel Lane, London, EC4R 3AB
commencing at 9.30am on Thursday, 16 July 2015.
The Notice of Meeting, together with details of the
business to be conducted at the meeting, is available
on the Company’s website at www.burberryplc.com.
The voting results for the 2015 Annual General Meeting
will be accessible on the Company’s website at
www.burberryplc.com shortly after the meeting.
Dividends
An interim dividend for the financial year ended 31 March 2015
of 9.70p per ordinary share was paid on 23 January 2015.
A final dividend of 25.5p per share has been proposed
and, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting on
16 July 2015, will be paid according to the following timetable:
Final dividend record date:
Deadline for return of DRIP mandate forms:
Final dividend payment date:
3 July 2015
10 July 2015
31 July 2015
The ADR local payment date will be approximately five
business days after the proposed dividend payment date
for ordinary shareholders.
Dividends can be paid by BACS directly into a UK bank
account, with the tax voucher being sent to the shareholder’s
address. This is the easiest way for shareholders to receive
dividend payments and avoids the risk of lost or out-of-date
cheques. A dividend mandate form is available from Equiniti
or at www.shareview.co.uk.
Dividends payable in foreign currencies
Equiniti are able to pay dividends to shareholder bank
accounts in over 30 currencies worldwide through the
Overseas Payment Service. An administrative fee will be
deducted from each dividend payment. Further details can
be obtained from Equiniti or online at www.shareview.co.uk.
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
The Company’s Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) enables
shareholders to use their dividends to buy further Burberry
shares. Full details of the DRIP can be obtained from Equiniti.
If shareholders would like their final 2015 and future
dividends to qualify for the DRIP, completed application
forms must be returned to Equiniti by 10 July 2015.
Duplicate accounts
Shareholders who have more than one account due to
inconsistency in account details may avoid duplicate
mailings by contacting Equiniti and requesting the
amalgamation of their share accounts.
Electronic communication
Shareholders may at any time choose to receive all
shareholder documentation in electronic form via the
internet, rather than in paper format. Shareholders who
decide to register for this option will receive an email
each time a shareholder document is published on the
internet. Shareholders who wish to receive documentation in
electronic form should register online at www.shareview.co.uk.
171
Shareholder Information
Equiniti offers a range of shareholder information and
services online at www.shareview.co.uk. A textphone
facility for those with hearing difficulties is available
by calling 0871 384 2255. Calls cost 8p per minute
plus network extras. Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm,
Monday to Friday. Please call +44 121 415 7028 if
calling from outside the UK.
Financial calendar
First quarter trading update
Annual General Meeting
First half trading update
Interim results announcement
Third quarter trading update
Second half trading update
Preliminary results announcement
15 July 2015
16 July 2015
October 2015
November 2015
January 2016
April 2016
May 2016
Registered office
Burberry Group plc
Horseferry House
Horseferry Road
London
SW1P 2AW
Registered in England and Wales
Registered Number 03458224
www.burberryplc.com
Share dealing
Burberry Group plc shares can be traded through most
banks, building societies or stock brokers. Equiniti offers
a telephone and internet dealing service. Terms and
conditions and details of the commission charges are
available on request.
For telephone dealing please telephone 08456 037 037
between 8.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and
for internet dealing visit www.shareview.co.uk/dealing.
Shareholders will need their reference number which
can be found on their share certificate.
ShareGift
Shareholders with a small number of shares, the value
of which makes them uneconomic to sell, may wish to
consider donating their shares to charity through ShareGift,
a donation scheme operated by The Orr Mackintosh
Foundation. A ShareGift donation form can be obtained
from Equiniti. Further information is available at
www.sharegift.org or by telephone on 020 7930 3737.
Share price information
The latest Burberry Group plc share price is available
on the Company’s website at www.burberryplc.com.
Unauthorised brokers (boiler room scams)
Shareholders are advised to be very wary of any unsolicited
advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers of free
company reports. These are typically from overseas-based
‘brokers’ who target UK shareholders offering to sell them
what often turn out to be worthless or high-risk shares in
USA or UK investments. These operations are commonly
known as boiler rooms.
If you receive any unsolicited investment advice, get the
correct name of the person and organisation and check
that they are properly authorised by the FCA before
getting involved by visiting www.fca.org.uk/register.
If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be
eligible to receive payment under the Financial Services
Compensation Scheme if things go wrong.
If you think you have been approached by an unauthorised
firm you should contact the FCA consumer helpline on
0800 111 6768.
More detailed information can be found on the FCA website
at www.fca.org.uk/consumers/protect-yourself/
unauthorised-firms.
Website
This Annual Report and other information about Burberry
Group plc, including share price information and details of
results announcements, are available at www.burberryplc.com.
The cover and accounts section of this report (pages 109-172) are printed on Colorplan. This
product is made from virgin ECF pulp, which is produced from sawmill residues, forest thinnings,
and roundwood from managed sustainable forests. The main section (pages 1-108) are printed
on Oxygen Offset which is made from 100% de-inked pulp recycled fibre. Printed in the UK by
Pureprint using their
Both the manufacturing mills and printer are registered to the Environmental Management
System ISO14001 and are Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) chain-of-custody certified.
technology. Pureprint is a Carbon Neutral Company.
and
Disclaimer
The purpose of this document is to provide information to the members of Burberry Group plc. This document contains certain statements that are forward-
looking statements. They appear in a number of places throughout this document and include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs or current expectations
and those of our officers, directors and employees concerning, amongst other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth,
strategies and the business we operate. By their nature, these statements involve uncertainty since future events and circumstances can cause results and
developments to differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements reflect knowledge and information available at the date of preparation
of this document and unless otherwise required by applicable law the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements.
Nothing in this document should be construed as a profit forecast. The Company and its directors accept no liability to third parties in respect of this document
save as would arise under English law. This document does not constitute an invitation to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any
Burberry Group plc shares, in the UK, or in the USA, or under the USA Securities Act 1933 or any other jurisdiction.
172
Burberry.com