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Dairy Farm International Holdings

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FY2018 Annual Report · Dairy Farm International Holdings
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Annual Report 2018

  Our Goal :
“ To give our 
customers across 
Asia a store they 
TRUST, delivering 
QUALITY, SERVICE 
and VALUE”

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited is incorporated in  

Bermuda and has a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange, 

with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore.  The Group’s 

businesses are managed from Hong Kong by Dairy Farm  

Management Services Limited through its regional offices.   

Dairy Farm is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

A member of the Jardine Matheson Group

Annual Report 2018

1

Contents

2 

3 

4 

6

10

16

18

Corporate Information

Dairy Farm At-a-Glance

Highlights

Chairman’s Statement

36

39

41

44

Financial Review

Directors’ Profiles

Our Leadership

Financial Statements

Group Chief Executive’s Review

108 Independent Auditors’ Report

Corporate Social Responsibilities

116 Five Year Summary

Business Review

18 

Food

24  Health and Beauty

28  Home Furnishings

32 

Restaurants

117 Responsibility Statement

118 Corporate Governance

125 Principal Risks and Uncertainties

127 Shareholder Information

128 Retail Outlets Summary

129 Management and Offices

2

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Corporate Information

Directors

Ben Keswick
Chairman and Managing Director

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive

Neil Galloway

Mark Greenberg

George J. Ho

Adam Keswick

Simon Keswick

Michael Kok

Dr Delman Lee

Anthony Nightingale

Y.K. Pang

Jeremy Parr

Lord Sassoon, Kt

Percy Weatherall

John Witt

Company Secretary

Jonathan Lloyd

Registered Office

Jardine House
33-35 Reid Street
Hamilton
Bermuda

Dairy Farm Management  
Services Limited

Directors

Ben Keswick
Chairman

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive

Neil Galloway
Group Finance & IKEA Director

Choo Peng Chee
Chief Executive Officer – North Asia  
& Group Convenience

Sam Kim
Chief Executive Officer – Southeast Asia

Martin Lindström
Group Director, IKEA

Simon McDowell
Group Chief Customer Officer and  
Chief Executive Officer North Asia Health and Beauty

Michael Wu
Chairman and Managing Director, Maxim’s

Mark Greenberg

David Hsu

Y.K. Pang

Jeremy Parr

John Witt

Corporate Secretary

Jonathan Lloyd

Dairy Farm At-a-Glance 

Annual Report 2018

3

Network Span

11Asian countries

and territories

Store Network*

9,747outlets

*  Including associates and 

joint ventures.

Geographical Locations

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Restaurants

Other Retailing

Thailand

 Maxim’s

Macau

 San Miu
7-Eleven
 Mannings
 IKEA
 Maxim’s

Cambodia

 Lucky 
 Giant
 Guardian
 Maxim’s

Vietnam

 Guardian
 Maxim’s

Malaysia

 Giant
 Cold Storage
 Jasons 
 Guardian
 Maxim’s

Singapore

 Cold Storage
 MarketPlace
 Jasons 
 Giant
7-Eleven
 Guardian
 Maxim’s

Mainland China

 Yonghui 
7-Eleven
 Mannings
 Maxim’s

Hong Kong 

 Wellcome
 MarketPlace
7-Eleven
 Mannings
 GNC
 IKEA
 Maxim’s

Indonesia

 Hero
 Giant
 Guardian
 IKEA

Taiwan

 Wellcome
 Jasons
 IKEA

The Philippines

 Robinsons 

 Rose Pharmacy

Brunei

 Giant
 Guardian

 
4

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Highlights

• Sales up 4% at US$11.7 billion
• Strong Health and Beauty performance but further decline in Food
• Food business US$453 million restructuring charge following

strategic review

• Multi-year transformation plan in progress under new leadership

Results 

Sales

– subsidiaries

– including associates and joint ventures*

Underlying EBITDA†

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders‡

Net non-trading items

Profit attributable to shareholders

Net debt

Underlying earnings per share‡

Basic earnings per share

Dividends per share

Net asset value per share^ 

Store Network§ 

Food

– Supermarkets

– Hypermarkets

– Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Restaurants

Other Retailing

2018

US$m

11,749

21,957

655

424

(332)

92

744

US¢

31.37

6.80

21.00

106.97

2018

5,474

2,043

458

2,973

2,322

10

1,316

625

9,747

2017

US$m

restated#

11,289

21,827

588

403

(1)

402

599

US¢

29.77

29.75

21.00

124.95

Change

%

4

1

11

5

n/a

(77)

24

%

5

(77)

–

(14)

2017

Net change

4,216

1,450

466

2,300

1,744

10

1,210

–

7,180

+1,258

+593

–8

+673

+578

–

+106

+625

+2,567

* On a 100% basis.
†  Underlying EBITDA represents underlying operating profit before depreciation and amortisation.
‡  The Group uses ‘underlying profit’ in its internal financial reporting to distinguish between ongoing business performance and non-trading items, as more fully described in 

note 1 to the financial statements.  Management considers this to be a key measure which provides additional information to enhance understanding of the Group’s underlying 
business performance.

^ Net asset value per share is based on the book value of shareholders’ funds.
#  The accounts have been restated due to changes in accounting policies upon adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’, as 

set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

§ On a 100% and continuing basis.

Annual Report 2018

5

Total Sales*

 1%

Number of Stores*

9,747

Underlying Profit

Profit Attributable to Shareholders

 5%

 77%

Number of Employees*

over 230,000people

Total Sales*

US$22.0 billion

Underlying Profit Attributable to Shareholders

US$424 million

US$b
24

21

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

US¢
40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

US$m
500

400

300

200

100

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores
Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings 
Restaurants

Underlying Earnings per Share

Ordinary Dividends per Share

US¢31.37

US¢21.00

US¢
24

21

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Interim dividend

Final dividend

6

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Chairman’s Statement

“ 2018 was a pivotal year for the Dairy Farm Group with the 
completion of the strategic review and the development  
of a multi-year transformation plan to reshape the business. 
These changes will make the business more agile and 
competitive.  With a more customer-focused and market-
driven strategy, we will achieve long-term sustainable growth.”

Overview
2018 was a pivotal year for the Dairy Farm Group.  A 
detailed strategic review was completed and a strong 
new senior leadership team was built with the right 
expertise to take the business forward.  In addition, a 
multi-year transformation plan was developed to reset 
and reshape the business to compete more effectively.

Most store formats reported improved performance in 
the year, with Health and Beauty delivering particularly 
strong results, but there was increasing weakness  
in Food.  The performance of the Hong Kong Food 
business softened over the year and the Supermarket 
and Hypermarket business across Southeast Asia 
deteriorated further.  The transformation plan will realign 
these Food businesses to meet changing customer 
preferences.

Operating performance
Sales for the year by the Group’s subsidiaries of  
US$11.7 billion were 4% ahead of 2017.  Total sales  
of US$22.0 billion, including 100% of associates and  
joint ventures, were 1% higher.  

Underlying operating profit from subsidiaries was  
US$426 million compared with US$367 million in 2017, 
which included business change costs of US$73 million 
principally relating to the exit of various underperforming 
stores and stock clearance in the Food business in 
Southeast Asia.  Increased contributions from Health and 
Beauty, and Convenience stores, offset disappointing 
results from the Supermarket and Hypermarket 
business, while IKEA was slightly ahead.  Results include 
significantly higher store support centre costs reflecting 
the increased investment in management and 
functional capabilities necessary to take the business 
forward.  The contribution from associates and joint 
ventures was down.  There was a record result from 
Maxim’s but a decrease in Yonghui’s contribution 
compared with the prior year.  The Group’s net financing 
charge rose, reflecting higher interest rates and additional 
borrowings to finance further investment in the Philippines.  

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders was 
US$424 million compared to US$403 million in the prior 
year, while underlying earnings per share of US¢31.37 
were up 5% from 2017.  

Annual Report 2018

7

9%

5%

16%

10%

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

14%

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

22%

2018
Sales Mix*

10%

50%

2018
Profit Mix†

14%

50%

Home Furnishings 

Restaurants

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit and share of results of 
associates and joint ventures, excluding store  
support centre costs and non-trading items.

The net non-trading charge for the year totalled  
US$332 million.  This included a US$453 million 
restructuring charge for the Food business in Southeast 
Asia partially offset by a net gain of US$121 million 
principally in relation to business and property disposals. 

The Group maintained strong net cash flows from 
operating activities of US$643 million, slightly below the 
US$671 million recorded in 2017.  Net debt at the end of 
2018 increased from US$599 million to US$744 million, 
reflecting the additional investments in the Philippines.  

Following the completion of a detailed strategic review, 
which concluded that Southeast Asia Food was not 
viable in its current form, impairments have been  
made against the goodwill and assets associated  
with the Giant business and the leases of the 
underperforming stores have been provided for  
as part of the business restructuring charge.  Net cash 
costs related to the restructuring charge are expected  
to be less than US$50 million.  

Partially offsetting the financial impact of the 
restructuring was a net gain of US$119 million arising 
from the reorganisation of Dairy Farm’s interests in  
the Philippines and Vietnam and the sale of non-core 
properties.  Notably in the Philippines, a gain was 
recognised on the sale of the Rustan Supercenters, Inc.
business in exchange for an investment in Robinsons 
Retail group, which was partially offset by an impairment 
in the value of Rose Pharmacy, which Dairy Farm now 
fully owns.  Accordingly, the profit attributable to 
shareholders was US$92 million for the year, compared 
with US$402 million in 2017.  

The Board is recommending an unchanged final 
dividend of US¢14.50 per share.  This, together with  
the interim dividend of US¢6.50 per share, will make  
a total annual dividend of US¢21.00 per share.

In the Supermarket and Hypermarket business, sales 
were lower and profit fell significantly as trading 
worsened in Southeast Asia.  Trading in Hong Kong also 
softened in the year and increasing rental and labour 
costs put pressure on profitability.  Market competition 
is intensifying in all key markets, providing customers 
with more choice, competitive prices, and greater 
location convenience.  These changes have impacted 
the business significantly and at an increasing rate.  

The Convenience store business had a solid year with 
higher sales and profit.  Enhancements to range and 
services have been made and the format is benefitting 
from the overall shift in customer habits towards 
convenience.  Notably, the 7-Eleven business in 
Guangdong passed the 1,000th store milestone.  

8

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Health and Beauty had a very strong year, with sales and 
profit showing double-digit growth.  Mannings in Hong 
Kong and Macau delivered exceptional results, in part 
benefitting from increased tourist traffic from mainland 
China.  Guardian in Southeast Asia also made very good 
progress, reporting increased sales in all six of its markets.  

In the Home Furnishings Division, IKEA delivered further 
strong sales growth in all its markets, and despite being 
adversely affected by currency fluctuation, rising costs  
of goods and pre-opening expenses for new stores, 
profits were slightly ahead.  

Maxim’s had another good year, with record sales and 
profit, supported by strong mooncake sales and the full 
year effect of the successful integration of Starbucks 
Singapore into the group.  However, the business had  
a challenging year in mainland China as the growth of 
home food delivery services impacted certain of its 
restaurant formats.  

Yonghui Superstores in mainland China reported strong 
sales growth through positive like-for-like sales and  
471 new store openings.  Profit was, however, impacted 
by the cost of a new employee incentive scheme  
and losses from new retail formats.  In addition, Group 
results only benefitted from nine months of Yonghui’s 
performance as its 2018 full year results announcement 
has not yet been made.  

Business developments
Having completed the strategic review during the year 
covering all of our businesses, Dairy Farm is now at the 
start of a multi-year transformation programme.  While 
the review has resulted in a restructuring charge for the 
Southeast Asia Food business, which has had a material 
impact on the Group’s 2018 results, the restructuring is 
an essential step for repositioning businesses that have 
had a long and proud history of serving their customers.  

The new leadership team, with the right depth and 
breadth of experience and functional expertise, is now 
largely in place.  During the year, this team has focused 
on developing and implementing new strategies and 
business performance initiatives.  It has also reorganised 
the businesses into a new streamlined and centralised 
structure, with regional hubs based in Hong Kong and 
Singapore and the addition of enhanced functional 
leadership in key disciplines.  These changes will make 
the business more agile and enable it to respond to  
and address the changing and challenging consumer 
environment.  Dairy Farm remains committed to being  
a market leader and growing the business across Asia,  
but in order to be successful, its formats need to be 
realigned to meet changing customer preferences.  

Chairman’s StatementAnnual Report 2018

9

Corporate developments
As part of the transformation there were several 
significant corporate developments during the year.  
These included the investments in Robinsons Retail  
and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines.  

In November, Dairy Farm entered a partnership with 
Robinsons Retail, the Philippines’ third largest retail 
business, whereby Dairy Farm’s Food business has 
become part of the Robinsons Retail with Dairy Farm 
now having a 20% interest in the combined business.  
Robinsons Retail had a strong year in 2018 and this new 
partnership positions the Group well to take advantage 
of the growing opportunities in the Philippines.  

In December, Dairy Farm completed the acquisition of 
the remaining 51% of Rose Pharmacy from its founders, 
and now owns 100% of the business.  This will allow 
Dairy Farm to drive the next phase of the development 
of the business.  

Yonghui has been a successful investment and a good 
partner for Dairy Farm and I am pleased to have been 
appointed Chairman of the Yonghui Board with effect 
from 20th December 2018, which will enable a further 
strengthening of our relationship.  

consumers want and expect.  While there is still much 
work to do to rebalance the business, I am very supportive 
of the changes the new management is making to reset 
and reshape Dairy Farm for a strengthened future.  

Dr George Koo and Sir Henry Keswick retired from  
the Board on 9th May 2018 and 31st December 2018 
respectively.  We would like to record our gratitude  
to both of them for the significant contributions they 
have made over many years to the Group.  We were 
pleased to welcome Dr Delman Lee to the Board in May.  
On 22nd January 2019, we announced that the Group 
Finance Director, Neil Galloway, will step down from  
the Board at the end of March and leave Dairy Farm to 
return to the UK.  His successor will be appointed in due 
course.  We would like to thank Neil for his contribution 
to the Group.

Prospects
With a more customer-focused and market-driven 
strategy we will stay competitive, improve performance, 
and achieve long-term sustainable growth.  While the 
Group faces significant challenges in the short-term  
as we reset and reshape the Food business as part of  
the multi-year transformation plan, the Group’s other 
businesses and key associates are performing well and 
have strong market positions.  

People
In what has been another challenging year, I would like 
to thank all our team members for their hard work and 
dedication in striving to take the Group forward and 
deliver the trust, quality, value and service that our 

Ben Keswick
Chairman
28th February 2019

10

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Group Chief Executive’s Review

“ With the new leadership team in place we now have the 

strategic and operational plan needed to reshape Dairy Farm 
to improve sales and profitability.  Our multi-year 
transformation will deliver a more sustainable business with 
the right balance and mix for our customers.”

I have now had the privilege of being CEO of this iconic 
Group of businesses for a full year and, in that time,  
I have been impressed by the dedication of our people, 
the strength and leadership of our market positions  
and the scale and reach of our banners and brands.  

Overall our businesses delivered a stable trading 
performance in 2018, despite tough market conditions, 
underpinned by an exceptional Health and Beauty 
performance, particularly in Hong Kong, and solid 
performances from our Convenience and IKEA 
businesses.  Our Convenience store format expanded  
its presence in mainland China to over 1,000 stores 
during the year and IKEA saw increasing benefits from  
a growing e-commerce business, which now has sales 
equivalent to an 11th store.  Strong Beauty category 
promotions of our Health and Beauty businesses, 
alongside the introduction of more mobile payment 
options in stores, further improved customers’ shopping 
experience and helped drive sales.  

The Group’s investment in key strategic partnerships 
also continued to deliver good returns, with Yonghui, 
Maxim’s, and the recently added Robinsons, each 
enjoying sales growth and profit expansion in their core 
operations during the year.  Underlying profit growth  
in Yonghui still remains strong and the business will 
benefit further from the partial sell down of their 
investment in the Yunchuang Technology business, 
which was announced in December 2018.

However, the positive performances in our stronger 
trading divisions and strategic partnerships were  
not enough to offset the growing weakness in Food.  
Performance of North Asia Food softened over the  
year and, while the food performance of our upscale 
stores has improved, the prolonged weakness in  
our Supermarket and Hypermarket business across 
Southeast Asia eroded performance further.  

Our Supermarket and Hypermarket business requires 
immediate and significant course correction, to realign 
to changing consumer expectations from a trusted, 
quality retailer.  Like many other retailers, we face 
significant challenges as the food industry adapts to 
changing customer behaviour.  Customers now want 
access to products through a multitude of channels,  
in different formats, ranges and locations and we  
have historically been slow in responding to changing 
consumer dynamics and underinvesting in business 
infrastructure; something we are urgently addressing.  

Strategic review 
Following the Strategic Review undertaken shortly after 
my arrival, we began the urgent work required to assess 
and address the significant issues faced by the Group, 
especially those within our Food business, to support 
the changing demands of the customers.  While the 
Strategic Review also highlighted opportunities to 
improve performance in other parts of the Group, the 
Food business is clearly the one requiring the greatest 
level of focus and short-term action.  

It is very clear that the level of change necessary to 
deliver the required improvements will take at least  
five years to deliver in a sustainable way.  There are  
few ‘quick fixes’ and no ‘silver bullets’.  Continuous 
improvement against a deliverable, long-term strategic 
and operational plan is needed.  We now have this plan 
in place, with three distinct phases: Building a Solid 
Foundation; Delivering Consistently Well; and Driving 
the Dairy Farm Difference.  

We are currently taking action in phase one of this plan, 
to reset, reshape and transform Dairy Farm’s business  
to improve performance and profitability.  The first 
important action has been to bring in the right 
leadership talent who have the capability and 
determination to deliver significant and meaningful 

Annual Report 2018

11

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings 

Restaurants

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores

Other Retailing

Store Support Centre and Shared Services

3%

1%

15%

2%

Total Employees*

>230,000
people

10%

6%

63%

7%

3%

2%

3%

2%

Total Gross  
  Trading Area*

>110 million
sq. ft

transformational change.  During the year we have 
successfully recruited a new leadership team (of the ten 
members of the team, seven are new to the business 
and two are leaders with revised responsibilities), who 
have begun to instil the right functional discipline, 
efficiency and business capabilities to deliver against a 
challenging turnaround plan.  I am confident that this 
team has the depth and breadth of expertise needed  
to address the historical business underperformance 
and ensure we are successful in improving and 
strengthening our business for the long term.

The new team is aligned on our strategic objectives  
and has already commenced implementing change 
programmes to make sustainable and long-term 
improvements, not only to what we offer our customers, 
but also to how we operate and how we organise 
ourselves more effectively to deliver against the 
challenges we face.

As we carried out the Strategic Review, it became clear 
that we were organised and deployed as multiple 
business units by banner, country, format or all of the 
above.  While allowing for locally based decision-making, 
our way of working was to act as a series of small 
businesses, without shared learning, quality functional 
specialism, or the consistency of scale and expertise  
one might expect from one of Asia’s largest retailers.  
Our businesses have now been centralised into  
two core trading Divisions, covering North Asia and 
Southeast Asia.  This reorganisation has allowed us  
to collectively benefit as a Group from scale leverage, 
newly appointed functional specialism and, most 
importantly, strong regional leadership.

As new leaders have joined, we have begun to address 
key areas where we have fallen behind, most notably  
in store format development and digital expansion.   
As an example, having used stronger consumer insights 

83%

* Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

and intelligence to analyse our customer offering and 
product selection, we have decided no longer to build 
Hypermarkets.  While some of these stores remain 
successful and continue to show growth, it is clear that 
this format has struggled to deliver effective returns 
across the Food Retail industry in Southeast Asia and 
needs to be reshaped.  We are now introducing pilot 
stores, redefining space allocation and trialling new 
innovations in our formats, to place greater emphasis  
on Fresh food, demographic range optimisation and, 
where relevant, even repurposing the space altogether.  
One Hypermarket in Indonesia is being repurposed as 
an IKEA in 2019 with the prospect of this conversion 
offering an opportunity to accelerate the expansion  
of IKEA in that market, while also addressing an 
underperforming Food store.  

While we have strengthened our digital capability  
to better respond to expanding opportunities in 
e-commerce, we are starting from a very low base
and are playing catch up.

There has been considerable effort placed on 
developing our people capability, improving operating 
standards, reviewing supply chain efficiencies and 
establishing the regional trading hubs in the very early 
stages of the multi-year plan.  These initial steps provide 
us with confidence that we can continue to develop  
the businesses that are performing and deliver the 
enhancements necessary in the underperforming  
areas of Dairy Farm to build a better business for the 
future.  But these changes are not insignificant and a 
transformation of this scale will be challenging and  
will take time to deliver.  One of the key benefits of a 
portfolio business is that as some businesses or assets 
need particular attention to address challenges, there  
is the reassurance that others with momentum will 
continue to perform.  

12

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

We are only in phase one of our transformation, but  
I believe we are now facing into and addressing a series 
of challenges to transform our business to better respond 
to the needs of present and future customers, not merely 
repeating habits or assumptions based in the past.  

2018 was a year where we began taking a series of 
material actions to correct the course of our business.  
Inevitably, there are significant adjustment costs 
associated with this but, in the longer term, these 
essential changes will not only deliver the quality, 
service, value and, most importantly, trust our customers 
expect, but will provide the Group with the greatest 
opportunity to deliver improving and sustainable 
returns over time.  

Five strategic imperatives 
While organisation design and efficiency improvement 
are important factors in operational success, we also 
recognise that as a business we need to review our 
strategic position to compete in a changing global  
retail environment.  In order for us to achieve our 
transformation we have identified five strategic priorities 
that will enable us to effect the changes necessary to 
allow the business to build a platform for future growth.  
The Strategic priorities are: Grow in China; Maintain 
Strength in Hong Kong; Revitalise Southeast Asia; Build 
Capability; and Drive Digital Innovation.

Grow in China:  China is one of the largest and fastest 
growing consumer markets in the world, and one  
where convenience, health and brand trust represent 
encouraging market potential for our businesses there.  
While we have been represented in China for over  
25 years with 7-Eleven and 14 years with Mannings,  
our scale of growth has not fulfilled its potential.   
With both businesses centred in Guangdong province, 
which is home to 100 million people, we should be  
able to pool resources and grow these businesses  
more successfully.  Our Strategic Review identified 
opportunities to revise our approach and by more 
effective definition of range, space, store size and 
location, we believe there are opportunities for both 
businesses to achieve stronger growth in scale in the 
coming years.  We have developed a strong and 
growing relationship with Yonghui, who continue to 
impress, and we anticipate further shared learning and 
idea generation between the two businesses going 
forward.  We also continue to develop relationships  
with China’s technology companies, with a series of  
trials taking place to better understand the changes  
in customer expectations as regards to the use of 
technology in this market and beyond.  

Maintain Strength in Hong Kong:  We are in the 
fortunate position that, within our home market of 
Hong Kong, we have a series of very strong brands  
with a track record of effective performance.  Each of 
Wellcome, Mannings, 7-Eleven and IKEA have high 
brand presence, strong brand awareness with consumers 
and importantly, high degrees of brand trust.  We have 
the further benefit of our long-standing relationship 
with Maxim’s, which continues to be a thriving business 
with effective presence in each area of the market and  
a growing portfolio of renowned international brands 
such as Starbucks, Genki Sushi, The Cheesecake Factory 
and the recently added Shake Shack, which has exceeded 
all performance expectations.  Mannings had an 
exceptional year in 2018, but Wellcome’s performance 
disappointed.  While the underlying business remains 
strong, substantial cost rises, particularly on rents,  
have had a material effect on year-on-year profitability.  
As a result of the Strategic Review, we will reconsider  
our approach to opening new space, where we open it, 
and seek to deliver greater range clarity by demographic 
across the Wellcome portfolio of retail brands.

IKEA benefitted from a full year of operation by a fourth 
store opened in the last quarter of 2017, which cemented 
our leading position within the home furnishings market 
in Hong Kong.  While we have faced some cost offsets 
with currency fluctuations on cost of goods and new 
startup costs, we are very confident about our underlying 
position for IKEA and its growth potential not only  
in Hong Kong but also in the other markets where  
we operate the franchise.  We will also drive further 
innovation with a planned relaunch of e-commerce  
and building on the recent experience of a pop-up 
Christmas store in Hong Kong.  

Revitalise Southeast Asia:  As mentioned, we have 
some serious problems in our Food business that require 
radical solutions and actions.  This will necessitate a 
fundamental re-engineering of our Food offer and our 
customer proposition plus significant rationalisation of 
space and of our General Merchandise offer, converting 
Hypermarkets to large food format stores over time.  

In Southeast Asia our core issue rests within our Giant 
brand and particularly Hypermarkets in Malaysia, 
Indonesia and Singapore.  We have significantly 
underinvested in these Hypermarkets in the past and 
they now need a course correction to reshape and 
resize our offering, to ensure it is fit for purpose to meet 
the demands of modern-day consumers and keep pace 
with the rising middle class.  We have already begun  

Group Chief Executive’s ReviewAnnual Report 2018

13

the process of redesigning our proposition in Fresh and 
Grocery and we have pilot propositions already on the 
ground.  Our Malaysian pilot is a redefined Hypermarket 
where we have halved the general merchandise range 
size and achieved double-digit sales growth.  We are 
also putting more emphasis on Fresh Food, investing in 
value on Grocery and streamlining General Merchandise 
and Apparel to optimise our range and space by 
category.  In another pilot conversion, General 
Merchandise has been reduced by a third while Fresh 
space has been increased by over 70%.  While it remains 
very early days for the pilots being developed in each  
key market of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, we 
have been encouraged by their early performance.   
The predominant challenges rest within mass market 
Hypermarkets and Supermarkets where locations have 
been lacking in investment for years, or were simply 
built in the wrong place, or the competitive landscape 
has changed.  These fundamental retail errors are now 
being addressed head on.  Encouragingly, our upscale 
stores within these markets are showing signs of 
recovery as we raise operating standards of quality, 
freshness, availability and even hygiene.  That said,  
the challenge that we face in right-sizing our Food 
business in Southeast Asia is substantial and will take 
considerable time to achieve.  

Our Guardian Health and Beauty business remains  
a significant opportunity for us in Southeast Asia.  
Countries which were demonstrating trading difficulties 
a couple of years ago are beginning to grow, if not thrive, 
under new leadership and we will more aggressively 
invest in the expansion and format development of  
our Health and Beauty business in the region.

We remain committed to being market leaders and 
growing our business across Asia, but to be successful 
we must now realign our formats to make them fit for 
purpose and to support the needs and preferences  
of the consumers we serve.  By repurposing and 
remodelling our stores, we will build a stronger Food 
business, and the early progress we have made gives  
us confidence that we can breathe new life into it.  It is, 
without doubt, a significant challenge but I look forward 
to sharing our progress in the years ahead.

Build Capability:  Since the start of 2018 we have 
almost completely changed the leadership team.   
We now have a group of people with strong track 
records in the Retail and Consumer industries leading 
this business.  This significant increase in experience and 

capability is absolutely key to the success of our work 
ahead.  Embedding their knowledge and expertise right 
across the Group is now the priority.  With around 200 
years of Retail and Consumer experience collectively 
across the leadership team we now have the ability to 
drive the considerable changes necessary to not only 
improve Dairy Farm’s performance, but to transform the 
business to a modern-day retailer focused on delivering 
what customers want, where and how they want it.  

We have also built strength in depth, with over 30 new 
senior management appointments across the Group 
beyond the leadership team itself, adding further 
experience and energy to the transformation effort.  

Drive Digital Innovation:  Retail is seeing rapid 
change and Dairy Farm has been slow in responding  
to the pace of Digital change.  We have significantly 
underinvested in Digital (people and technology) and  
as a result are behind the curve.  In 2018 we began to 
change this.  Two new positions have been created; 
Chief Digital Officer and Chief Technology Officer.  Both 
were appointed in the fourth quarter of 2018 and have 
decades of relevant experience.  They have already 
begun to review all our current ad-hoc programmes and 
initiatives, to reset and reshape our Group approach to  
a badly needed IT infrastructure upgrade and accelerate 
our core SAP system rollout, as well as carrying out  
a review of our digital priorities within each business 
and region.  We have made some improvements in 
developing our digital offer, with numerous initiatives 
and pilot schemes now in place, as well as developing 
partnerships with key Chinese technology companies.  
The reality, though, is that our digital capability is in its 
infancy; something we believe is vital that we change.

Leveraging scale 
The key objective of our transformation is to leverage 
our expertise and scale more effectively across our 
countries and banners.  This will be achieved by 
operating more effectively as one company.  The 
structure change which has established two trading 
Divisions for Dairy Farm now allows us the opportunity 
to drive a much stronger and more consistent approach 
across the company.  While we fully recognise that there 
needs to be localisation of offer and customer proposition 
at both a banner and a country level, we also believe 
there are significant opportunities for us to drive 
efficiency and lower costs through a more cohesive 
approach towards leveraging synergy and scale.  One 
good example of this is in Own Brand development.  

14

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Our approach to Own Brand development has been 
variable, non-strategic and has lacked cohesion.  While 
several Own Brand products have performed reasonably 
well, there has been no clear direction on how Own 
Brand should be positioned within each market and 
within each store brand.  Equally, because of the way  
we have been operating under a devolved structure, 
there has been a disparate approach to development, 
positioning and priorities across countries, with no 
emphasis placed on leveraging sourcing through total 
business scale.  This position is equally true in Food  
and Health and Beauty and across both North Asia and 
Southeast Asia.

As part of the multi-year plan there will be a radical 
repositioning of our Own Brand portfolio, establishing 
clear brand and quality range architecture across  
our business.  To deliver a better value proposition  
in competitive retail markets, successful delivery of  
a strong Own Brand portfolio will be a key strategic 
development for us and with the reorganisation  
into Regional hubs delivering fewer better quality 
decision points, we have a much better chance of 
delivering successfully.  

In addition to Own Brand, we also see significant 
opportunities to improve consistency and lower costs in 
other areas such as Procurement, Category Management, 
People Development, Store Productivity, Supply Chain 
Optimisation and Business Process Re-engineering.  

A series of pilot improvement programmes have  
already been developed which are designed to increase 
customer focus and improve competitiveness.  Given 
the transformation journey has only recently begun, this 
work is at an early stage and will take considerable time 
and effort to embed such change in a sustainable way 
within the stores and within the business more broadly, 
but all this work is designed to transform Dairy Farm and 
reshape the company for a strong, sustainable future.  

2018 performance 
Overall sales in the Food business declined by 1% to 
US$8.0 billion, with underlying operating profit of 
US$126 million, 43% lower than 2017.

The challenges for Supermarkets and Hypermarkets  
are worsening, and while this is being felt across all our 
markets, it is being felt most acutely in Southeast Asia.  
Sales in Hong Kong were ahead of last year, but profit 

was behind as operating costs, particularly rental and 
labour costs, continued to increase.  Sales and profit 
were also lower in Taiwan.  Giant Supermarkets and 
Hypermarkets results were poor across our key markets 
in Southeast Asia, with lower sales and profits in 
Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.  Our Food business 
in the Philippines enjoyed significant growth, driven by 
strong like-for-like sales and several new store openings.  
The business became part of the Robinsons Retail group 
in November.

The Convenience format, by contrast, had a good  
year with sales and operating profits ahead of last year.  
In Hong Kong and Macau, Ready-to-Eat food continued 
to boost sales.  In mainland China we expanded beyond 
1,000 stores.  In Singapore there was a slight decline in 
total sales following the closure of some stores related 
to the end of a franchise arrangement.

Our Health and Beauty businesses had an exceptional 
year.  Overall sales grew 17% to US$3.0 billion, driven 
primarily by Mannings in Hong Kong and Macau, which 
were well placed to take advantage of a significant 
increase in tourist arrivals from mainland China.  The 
Guardian businesses in Southeast Asia also performed 
well.  This drove a 59% underlying operating profit 
increase to US$334 million.  In addition, Rose Pharmacy 
is now 100% owned by Dairy Farm, increasing our ability 
to drive the business forward in the Philippines.  

In our Home Furnishings Division, sales were up 10%  
to US$721 million, supported by the full year effect of 
the new IKEA store in Hong Kong, plus the increasing 
contribution from e-commerce.  Underlying operating 
profit was flat on prior year at US$68 million with 
increased cost of goods, exacerbated by currency 
fluctuations and the additional costs of the new store 
in Hong Kong as it develops to maturity.  

The Restaurants Division delivered another year of 
excellent results.  Once again, the popularity of Maxim’s 
mooncakes supported double-digit sales and profit 
growth.  In addition, Maxim’s benefitted from the full 
year effect of the integration of Starbucks Singapore, 
which has gone very well and is already delivering 
additional efficiency improvements.  During the year 
Maxim’s helped introduce more international brands  
to new Asian markets, with the opening of the first 
Shake Shack in Hong Kong and Genki Sushi in Malaysia.  

Group Chief Executive’s ReviewAnnual Report 2018

15

Yonghui delivered strong sales growth in the year, 
driven largely by store openings while also having 
positive like-for-like sales.  While underlying profit 
growth from retail operations was solid, profit was 
affected by the cost of a new employee share incentive 
scheme, and the impact of losses from the Yunchuang 
digital business which was partially divested at the end 
of the year.  In addition, Group results benefitted from 
only nine months of Yonghui’s performance as its 2018 
full year results announcement has not yet been made.  

Transforming Dairy Farm Food
In recognition of the challenges facing our Southeast 
Asia Food business, we have taken decisive action to 
reset this business, which has a significant one-off 
financial impact on our reported 2018 results.  We have 
written down the goodwill associated with the Giant 
business across the region, impaired underperforming 
assets, booked onerous lease provisions related to 
underperforming stores, written off poor quality stocks, 
and incurred various related business correction costs in 
relation to resetting and reshaping this business, 
allowing us to build for the future and draw a line under 
the weakness of the past.  In aggregate, we have 
incurred a non-trading after-tax and non-controlling 
interests charge of US$453 million to reset our Southeast 
Asian Food business.  It is worth noting that the majority 
of this relates to non-cash items with net cash costs 
expected to be less than US$50 million.  This is clearly  
a significant decision, but it is necessary if we are  
to move forward, clear of legacy issues that will 
otherwise continue to constitute a drag on future 
financial performance.  

In addition to the above, we have recognised a number 
of additional non-trading items in 2018.  We realised  
a gain from the exchange of our Food business in the 
Philippines for a share in Robinsons Retail and the exit  
of our Giant operation in Vietnam.  We also realised  
an impairment of goodwill relating to Rose Pharmacy  
in the Philippines while taking full ownership of this 
business, which we believe better places us to invest to 
support sustainable performance improvement in the 
future.  Elsewhere, we made gains on the sale of several 
Food properties which we did not believe were strategic 
assets to own.  

Non-trading items

Goodwill impairment

Impairment of other assets

Onerous lease provisions

Business correction costs
Total Food Business  
  Restructuring charge
Net gain arising from  

the reorganisation of interests  
in the Philippines and Vietnam

Other non-trading items
Total non-trading items (after tax 
and non-controlling interests)

2018
US$m

(102)

(173)

(83)

(95)

(453)

91

30

(332)

Year ahead
Looking to the year ahead, there is much work to do 
and many challenges to face, but I see distinct and  
clear opportunities.  There is a comprehensive strategic, 
fundamental multi-year transformation plan in place, 
designed to move Dairy Farm, and all its potential, into  
a new era of retail.  Its successful execution will require 
considerable time, effort, resolve and determination,  
but we have significant opportunities to pursue.  

We believe we will emerge a better, more profitable and 
sustainable business, with the right balance and mix in 
our retail portfolio, capable of withstanding the significant 
industry change we will continue to experience, and 
deliver retail propositions that are valued, relevant and 
trusted by our customers across Asia.  

This scale of change will not be possible without the 
talent, determination and commitment of our people.  
Having travelled extensively during the year to meet 
team members in Support Centres, Distribution Centres 
and stores from 100,000 square feet to 1,000 square feet, 
I am even more encouraged about the desire of our 
teams to do the best they can to deliver the change 
necessary.  I would like to thank them for their 
commitment to serving our customers.  

I also want to express my thanks to those customers, 
and take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to 
giving you stores you can trust to deliver the quality, 
service and value you deserve.  

Together with the costs of resetting the Southeast Asian 
Food business and some other smaller items, we have 
accordingly recognised non-trading items to the 2018 
results of US$332 million, as set out below.

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive
28th February 2019

16

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Big Hearts Bring Big Change

Giving back to local communities where we work and live is a 
big focus for Dairy Farm.  We know we have the responsibility 
and ability to make a difference to lives of our customers and to 
those who are less fortunate and in need across the region, so 
our teams have been hard at work helping those around them 
to get more from life.  Here are some of their stories…

Dairy Farm Works Towards  
Drink Without Waste

Drink Without Waste is an initiative of the Single-Use 
Beverage Packaging Working Group in Hong Kong 
formed to develop solutions for reducing waste from 
beverage consumption. 

Dairy Farm has joined the working group, partnering 
with key players from the beverage, retail, waste 
industries and NGOs.  Currently, over 80% of the 
packaging used for beverages ends up as waste  
in Hong Kong’s landfills.  After commissioning  
an independent research study as a first step to 
consult stakeholders and the community on better 
managing single-use beverage packaging, released 
in 2018, the working group is now focused on 
strategies and actions to Reduce, Redesign, Recover 
and Recycle single-use packaging.  

over 80%

of the packaging used for 
beverages ends up as waste  
in Hong Kong’s landfills

IKEA Plans to Phase Out Single-Use Plastic by 2020

In a further acknowledgment of the need to reduce and gradually 
eliminate plastic use, IKEA has revealed a global commitment to phase 
out all single-use plastic products from its home furnishing range by 
2020, including cups, straws, plates, freezer bags and plastic-coated 
paper plates and cups.  Our IKEA stores in Taiwan, Hong Kong and 
Indonesia are proudly part of this global effort.  

To reach this goal, IKEA is committed to finding new and innovative 
ways to work with renewable and recycled materials in all aspects, from 
product development to sourcing materials, developing the supply 
chain and logistics, and how and where it meets its customers.

To highlight some progress made in IKEA’s product range: IKEA 
KUNGSBACKA kitchen fronts are made by recycle plastic; IKEA plastic 
bag ISTAD is now made mostly (85%) of a renewable material from the 
sugar cane industry.  The shift is expected to save around 75,000 barrels 
of oil yearly, helping to reduce IKEA’s carbon footprint; and RORSLEV 
doormat is mostly made from recycled PET bottles instead of new  
raw materials.

Annual Report 2018

17

US$6,400

has been raised to support  
100 primary students

Maxim’s Triple Efforts

Maxim’s group has stepped up three campaigns to help reduce 
food waste and plastic straw usage.

Maxim’s group held the ‘Less Rice and Help the Needy’ 
campaign between August and September 2018, where MX 
donated HK$5 (US$0.64) to the Kiddy Heart Canteen of Baptist 
Oi Kwan Social Service upon each order requesting less rice, to 
help support low income families’ expenses for the new school 
term.  The campaign raised a sum of HK$50,000 (US$6,400), 
supporting 100 primary students.

To embed green living practices, MX has also implemented the 
‘No Straw Each Day’ initiative from October 2018, where all 
outlets stopped providing straws to dine-in customers.  Straws 
are only provided upon request.  MX is the first Chinese fast 

food chain to launch this initiative.  The goal is to reduce straw 
usage by 70%.  This is not the first time MX has made an effort 
to reduce food waste, as MX’s customers now enjoy their 
dine-in meals using reusable containers and cutlery in all MX 
stores across the city, aside from a handful of kiosks with limited 
seats and cleaning facilities.  All MX stores also have free water 
refills in order to minimise the use of single-use plastic bottles  
or cups.  Styrofoam containers have also been phased out for 
takeaway orders.

In its effort to reduce food waste, MX also up-cycles used 
cooking oil at Maxim’s restaurants to energy.  Partnering with 
Shell, Biodiesel from Maxim’s used cooking oil is used to power 
its fleet in Hong Kong.  With annual consumption of 184,000 
liters, 119 trucks from two food production plants are currently 
using Biodiesel. 

Hero group Indonesia Sharing Inspiration in  
Fun Teaching Day 2018

Hero group held a Fun Teaching Day on 14th May 2018 at SDN 
Pakualam 01 Alam Sutera in celebration of National Education 
Day.  The Fun Teaching Day invited team members from all 
business units of Giant, Hero supermarket, Guardian, and IKEA  
in Indonesia to share experiences with and inspire students in  
a My Class session.  There were science exhibitions and games, 
while child psychologist Elizabeth Santosa hosted an engaging 
Parenting Class for students, parents and teachers.  Student 
representatives were also invited to visit IKEA Alam Sutera to 
learn about the culture of great self-service.

18

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review

Food

Annual Report 2018

19

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Convenience Stores

Food (excluding Yonghui) reported 
US$8.0 billion in sales, 1% lower  
than last year in constant currency. 
Operating profit decreased 43%  
to US$126 million, driven by 
deteriorating performance  
from the Supermarket and 
Hypermarket businesses in  
both North and Southeast Asia.   
In contrast, the Convenience  
format performed well.

Mainland China

Macau

Hong Kong

Taiwan

Cambodia

The Philippines

Malaysia

Singapore

Brunei

Indonesia

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

64%

of Group Sales*

50%

14%

10%

14%

24%

of Group Profit†

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Convenience Stores

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit and share of results 

of associates and joint ventures, excluding store 
support centre costs and non-trading items.

Total Sales‡ (US$)

15.4 billion

Operating Profit (US$)

126 million

Store Network‡

5,474 stores

‡  Including 100% of associates and  

joint ventures.

20

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Sales of US$5.9 billion from our Supermarkets  
and Hypermarkets were 2% lower than last year in  
constant currency, while operating profit fell by 75%  
to US$34 million.  Like-for-like sales were generally  
weak or negative, other than in the Philippines where 
we saw good growth.  

Hong Kong

Sales saw a moderate rise, consolidating market share 
gains made in recent years.  Costs, particularly rentals, 
continued to escalate, leading to a reduction in 
operating profit overall.  With the outlook for the 
property market remaining challenging for retailers,  
our property strategy is under review to minimise the 
impact of future rent increases.  This will mean much 
more rigourous decision making in selecting new stores.   
The nascent e-commerce business recorded double-
digit growth and upgrades continued to be made to our 
in-store shopping experience, such as the introduction 
of self-checkout counters across many of our stores. 

However, there is significant additional work to be  
done to meet customer expectations for a digital  
retail experience.

Macau

San Miu in Macau performed well in 2018.  Both sales 
and profit were ahead of last year despite higher  
store expenses and increasing competition.  Two new 
stores were opened during the year, supported by  
an investment in a new dry distribution centre which 
commenced operations in 2017.  Own Brand participation 
continued to increase and the upscale range was  
further improved.  

Taiwan

A mixture of weak market sentiment, conservative 
consumer spending and fierce competition led to  
a reduction in sales for Wellcome Taiwan.  Profit was 
further impacted by price deflation in fresh food and 
supply shortages of imported fruits.  Moving forward, 
the business is set to focus on strengthening operating 
fundamentals for future growth.  

Business Review — FoodAnnual Report 2018

21

Indonesia

Overall sales of our food businesses in Indonesia 
decreased this year, driven by continued weakness in 
Giant’s Hypermarkets and Supermarkets with negative 
like-for-like sales and the closure of underperforming 
stores.  In contrast Hero Supermarkets saw increasingly 
positive trends with modest sales increases.  Losses 
worsened compared to last year and turnaround plan is 
now being implemented to address declining customer 
count and profitability with several stores being used  
to pilot changes.  Improvements can already be seen  
in on-shelf availability and fresh food quality and there  
is now clearer communication in store.  There is also a 
review of space allocation within stores.  These initiatives 
are delivering encouraging initial results where they 
have been implemented.  

Malaysia

The business environment remained extremely 
challenging for our Hypermarkets and Supermarkets  
in Malaysia.  Poor market sentiment persists and smaller 

minimarkets are growing to threaten the traditional 
formats.  As a result, sales were lower than last year  
and losses increased further due to lower sales, weaker 
margins and higher store expenses.  Significant work  
will be required to reset and reshape our core Giant 
Supermarket and Hypermarket operations if they are  
to return to profitability.  As with Indonesia, there is  
a review of all our stores, space and stock allocation 
within them, the relevance of our customer offer in 
terms of both range and pricing, with a focus on 
improving the core fresh food and grocery proposition.  
The pilot stores in which these consequent changes 
have been implemented are delivering encouraging 
results.  Notwithstanding the challenges in Giant,  
our upscale food business, principally under the Cold 
Storage brand, and minimart trial stores achieved  
better performance, with promising sales increases.  
However, it will take time and significant effort to 
reinvent our business model, to deliver profitable new 
and reimagined retail destinations that better meet 
customer needs.

22

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

The Philippines

Sales and profit of our Philippines Food business  
were slightly behind the prior year, in part related to 
operating costs of several new stores.  In November, the 
Food business in the Philippines was exchanged for a 
stake in Robinson’s Retail Holdings, Inc., the third largest 
retailer in the country.  With the investment completed, 
Robinsons and Dairy Farm will work together to ensure 
that both groups benefit from each other’s scale, 
knowledge and expertise.  Alongside the investment 
Dairy Farm has two seats on the Robinsons Board.  This 
development will allow us a stronger opportunity to 
participate in the development of this 100 million 
people consumer market.

Singapore

Sales were slightly below prior year driven by negative 
like-for-like sales and some store closures.  Profit was 
significantly lower due to lower margins and rising  
costs.  Competition from e-commerce platforms and 
independent discount retailers continued to inhibit 

market growth, particularly for the traditional Supermarket 
and Hypermarket format.  Customer footfall improved, 
however, in Cold Storage stores where we have acted  
to reset our range and made targeted investments 
intended to improve our customer relevance and price 
perception.  As with our food operations in Malaysia  
and Indonesia we are piloting new ideas and plan to 
implement successful initiatives more widely across the 
business.  Short-term improvements have been made to 
our current e-commerce offer, while longer term plans 
to build this customer channel in a more impactful and 
relevant way are under development.

Cambodia

Sales increased as we opened more stores, though 
like-for-like was flat as competition toughened.  The first 
three Lucky Express stores were opened during the year 
and initial results were promising.

Business Review — FoodAnnual Report 2018

23

Convenience 
Convenience reported US$2.1 billion in sales, an increase 
of 4% over last year in constant currency.  Operating 
profit increased by 9% to US$92 million.

Hong Kong    Macau

Both sales and profit of 7-Eleven Hong Kong were ahead 
of last year, with ready-to-eat remaining a key driver.  
Own Brand achieved strong performance and is expected 
to further leverage on its growth.  The store network 
grew slightly with more sites secured in key locations.  
Digital and other services were continuously added to 
keep up with changes in the marketplace, while several 
new payment methods were added to meet customer 
demand.  In Macau, 7-Eleven saw solid improvement in 
sales and profit.  Tobacco sales returned to normal level 
after the display ban in January.  Furthermore, a new 
skin care assortment targeted at tourist stores helped  
to boost Health and Beauty category sales.

Mainland China

While profit was in line with prior year, sales increased 
with store expansion.  During this year, the 1,000th store 
milestone was crossed and the business expanded into 
three new cities in west Guangdong.  On top of existing 
delivery promotions with Meituan and mobile payment 
promotions, facial recognition self-checkout machines 
were launched in 50 stores alongside a WeChat-based 
loyalty program which has already proved popular.   
A new distribution centre in Shenzhen is under planning 
to meet increasing expansion plans.

Singapore

Overall sales fell slightly but like-for-like sales grew 
positively, which, together with cost savings initiatives  
in overheads and operations, drove improved profit.  
New products and Own Brand initiatives continued  
to support growth in the drinks, snacks and beauty 
categories.  To keep up with customer aspirations, digital 
technology was leveraged in payment, top-ups and 
marketing.  New parcel collection services are also in 
progress to improve customer traffic and incremental 
service income.

24

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review

Health and Beauty

Health and Beauty achieved  
US$3.2 billion in total sales, an 
increase of 16% in constant currency, 
while operating profit increased  
59% with better performance across 
major markets.

We continue to roll out our Health and Beauty business 
concept across the region through well-established 
brands – Mannings, Guardian and Rose Pharmacy. 
Serving the needs of Asia’s increasingly health-conscious 
population, Dairy Farm’s Health and Beauty business now 
spans ten countries and territories. 

Annual Report 2018

25

22%

22%

of Group Sales*

Health and beauty

50%

of Group Profit†

Health and beauty

50%

Health and Beauty

 * Including share of associates and joint ventures.
 † Based on operating profit and share of results  

of associates and joint ventures, excluding store 
support centre costs and non-trading items.

Mainland China

Macau

Hong Kong

Cambodia

Vietnam

The Philippines

Malaysia

Singapore

Brunei

Indonesia

Health and Beauty

Total Sales‡ (US$)

3.2 billion

Operating Profit (US$)

334 million

Store Network‡

2,322 stores

‡  Including 100% of associates and  

joint ventures.

26

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Hong Kong    Macau

Singapore

Mannings in Hong Kong and Macau recorded an 
exceptional performance in 2018.  An increase in local 
spending along with a strong rebound in the number of 
tourist visitors in both markets propelled sales and profit.  
The Beauty Care and Baby categories continued to be 
key revenue drivers while Own Brand products gained 
more popularity.  Scan-and-Go functionality via mobile 
was introduced to all stores and self-checkout trials were 
carried out, further improving the shopping experience.

Mainland China

It has been a transition year for Mannings China.   
Sales were slightly ahead of last year, mainly thanks  
to imported product ranges.  However, profit declined 
due to rising store expenses and unplanned closures  
of several stores.  The e-commerce business, including 
Own Brand online as well as domestic and cross-border 
e-commerce, made good progress.  With optimised 
range structure, improved Mannings position and 
continuous innovations such as virtual walls and facial 
recognition, we will continue to build capability in the 
market and strengthen our position.

Despite the generally challenging retail market driven 
by the growth of e-commerce and imported products, 
sales and profit were broadly in line with prior year.   
With a focus on providing new and exclusive ranges at 
good value, Own Brand products became increasingly 
popular with our customers.  

Malaysia

Following several challenging years, in 2018 Guardian 
Malaysia delivered healthy growth in both sales and 
profit.  Along with a favourable external environment 
given the election sentiment and tax holiday, ‘Beauty 
Days’ promotions and store reinvention drove a strong 
performance.  Our Beauty category remained a star 
performer.  Building on the positive results, we expect  
to increase new store openings and undertake 
refurbishment of the existing estate to capture further 
market opportunities.

Business Review — Health and BeautyAnnual Report 2018

27

Indonesia

Cambodia

Despite increasing competition, our Indonesian Health 
and Beauty business achieved increasing sales and  
profit improvement, with healthy higher customer 
footfall driving like-for-like sales growth.  Marketing 
initiatives such as ‘Beauty Days’ proved successful and 
delivered significant sales uplift.  Own Brand penetration 
remained strong, and there were further improvements 
in range selections.  

Vietnam

In Vietnam, sales increased, driven by new store 
openings and the strong performance of our Beauty 
ranges.  As a relatively new business in Vietnam, we 
continued to develop our brand proposition to better 
serve the Health and Beauty needs of our customers.

Guardian reported good sales performance with strong 
like-for-like growth.  However, losses increased as we 
invested in new store expansion.  

The Philippines

While sales at Rose Pharmacy showed modest 
improvement, this was offset by the increase of operating 
expenses, resulting in a slight fall in profit.  A continuous 
focus on cost saving measures is expected to help boost 
performance.  Own Brand products, especially health 
care items, continued to prove popular in the market.   
In December, Dairy Farm completed the acquisition of 
the remaining 51% interest in Rose Pharmacy and now 
owns the company outright, which will give greater 
opportunity for accelerating growth.  

28

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review

Home Furnishings

IKEA achieved record sales  
of US$721 million in 2018,  
up 11% in constant currency,  
while operating profit was in line 
with last year at US$68 million, 
despite cost increases, in part 
related to investments in new  
store expansion.

Well-established in Hong Kong and Taiwan, and  
now with a presence in Indonesia, IKEA provides  
a comprehensive range of affordable and attractive 
home furnishing products.

Annual Report 2018

29

5%

5%

of Group Sales*

Home Furnishings

10%

10%

of Group Profit†

Home Furnishings

Home Furnishings

 * Including share of associates and joint ventures.
 † Based on operating profit and share of results  

of associates and joint ventures, excluding store 
support centre costs and non-trading items.

Macau

Hong Kong

Taiwan

Indonesia

Home Furnishings

Total Sales (US$)

721million

Operating Profit (US$)

68 million

Store Network

10 stores

30

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Hong Kong    Taiwan    Indonesia

IKEA achieved record sales again in 2018, bolstered  
by the full year effect of the new store opened in  
Hong Kong in the fourth quarter of 2017, together  
with strong like-for-like performances in Taiwan and 
Indonesia.  While there was a strong profit increase in 
both Taiwan and Indonesia, lower profits in Hong Kong 
left overall profits in line with last year for the Division.  
Encouragingly there has been strong growth in IKEA’s 
e-commerce channels in all markets and a significant 
revamp of the e-commerce site has been launched  
in Indonesia and will follow in Hong Kong and Taiwan 
during 2019 which is expected to improve this channel’s 
adoption by customers significantly.

This year IKEA announced commitments to inspire and 
enable sustainable living.  This includes reducing the 
total IKEA climate footprint by an average of 70% per 
product, using only renewable or recycled materials  
by 2030 and removing all single-use plastic products 
from the IKEA range globally by 2020.  To meet these 
challenges, IKEA is investing more resources to develop 
new materials and a truly recyclable IKEA range.

Progress continues to be made on new site 
development.  A new store has been announced in 
Macau with plans to open in 2020.  In Taiwan, significant 
progress has been made on the fit out of the new store 
in southern Taipei, which is expected to open in 2019,  

Business Review — Home FurnishingsAnnual Report 2018

31

as well as the construction of a new store in Taoyuan  
by 2021.  In Indonesia, we have made progress on the 
construction of the second store in Jakarta Garden City 
and secured the site for a third store in Bandung with 
planned openings in 2021.  We have also identified an 
opportunity to convert an existing Giant Hypermarket  
in Indonesia to a smaller format IKEA store during 2019.  
In the meantime, we have been establishing pop-up 
stores in Hong Kong and Taiwan for the first time to 
provide festival inspiration.

We will continue to strengthen our affordability position 
by investing in prices to further drive sales and volume 
growth, and increase our focus on market specific 
products to enhance local customer appeal.  We are also 
developing shopping experiences beyond ‘cash & carry’ 
to meet the needs of today’s customers, experimenting 
with different store formats and distribution set ups.

32

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review

Restaurants

Annual Report 2018

33

Restaurants

Restaurants

Maxim’s reported another record year, 
with US$2.6 billion in total sales,  
an increase of 16% over last year  
in constant currency, while profit 
increased by 13%.  The business had  
a particularly strong performance in 
both its branded products division, 
with record mooncake sales, and 
Starbucks benefitting from a full year 
of operating in Singapore.  

Dairy Farm’s restaurant associate, Maxim’s, is known for  
its passion for excellence, innovative approach to cuisine,  
and superior service.  With operations in Hong Kong, Macau, 
mainland China, Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and 
Malaysia, Maxim’s offers a diverse mix of Chinese, Asian and 
Western restaurants in addition to fast food and coffee outlets 
and cake shops.

Mainland China

Macau

Hong Kong

Cambodia

Vietnam

Thailand

Malaysia

Singapore

Restaurants

9%

9%

of Group Sales*

16%

16%

of Group Profit†

Restaurants

 * Including share of associates and joint ventures.
 † Based on operating profit and share of results  

of associates and joint ventures, excluding store 
support centre costs and non-trading items.

Total Sales‡ (US$)

2.6 billion

Share of Results (US$)

107 million

Store Network‡

1,316 stores

‡  Including 100% of associates and  

joint ventures.

34

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

In Hong Kong, Maxim’s achieved record high sales  
and strong profit growth.  Maxim’s mooncakes grew 
even more popular with the introduction of an online 
sales platform.  The Japanese Chain Restaurants  
division had an impressive sales increase, driven by  
the conversion of Genki Sushi stores to ‘Kousoku’ lines 
with a ‘sushi bullet train’ which will continue over the 
next two years.  The first Shake Shack was opened in 
May with overwhelming public reception supported  
by the effective use of social media, and a second store 
was opened in December.   

A Starbucks Hong Kong Flagship was opened and 
‘Mobile Order & Payment’ has been particularly 
successful across all stores.  Moreover, Maxim’s is also 
responding to the popularity of Taiwanese tea with its 
Cha Long brand, launching six stores during the year.  

In Macau, Maxim’s signed lease terms with the Airport 
Authority to operate Quick Serving Restaurants and 
Starbucks in Macau Airport, commencing in 2019.   
More international brands are also expected to be 
introduced to the market from the year onwards.  

Business Review — RestaurantsAnnual Report 2018

35

In mainland China, expansion continued including  
the addition of a new Cantonese restaurant in Nanjing 
and The Cheesecake Factory in Beijing.  The first  
Shake Shack in China will open in Shanghai in early 
2019.  However, performance in China during the year 
was very challenging with the growth in food delivery 
services impacting profitability on the back of changing 
consumer behaviour.

In Singapore, Maxim’s benefitted from the full year 
financial impact of integrating Starbucks and  
Genki Sushi into the business.  Profitability improved 
further since the acquisition through refining 
operational efficiencies and efforts to reduce ineffective 
marketing tactics.  The business further extended its 
footprint in Malaysia by opening the first Genki Sushi 
store in Kuala Lumpur in November.

36

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Financial Review

31%

2018
Sales Mix*

42%

2018 Retail 
Outlet Mix†

69%

58%

North Asia
North Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia

North Asia

Southeast Asia

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  On a 100% and continuing basis.

“ Sales, excluding those of 

associates and joint ventures, 
at US$11.7 billion, were 4%  
higher than last year.  
Underlying operating profit  
at US$426 million, was 16% up 
on prior year, principally due to 
good performances in Health 
and Beauty and Convenience.”

Accounting policies
The accounting policies are consistent with those of  
the previous year.  The Directors continue to review the 
appropriateness of the accounting policies adopted by 
the Group with regard to developments in International 
Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’).  In 2018, the 
Group adopted IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and  
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.  The 
adoption of these standards does not have a material 
effect on the financial statements, but the comparative 
financial statements have been restated in accordance 
with the requirements under IFRS.

The new accounting standard, IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ will be 
effective from 2019 onwards.  The standard will require 
the Group to recognise almost all of its leases onto the 
balance sheet by capitalising future lease payments into 
a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability.  
The Group will apply IFRS 16 based on a full retrospective 
approach from 1st January 2019.  A preliminary 
assessment of the estimated impact on the Group’s 
results for 2018 can be found in note 1 to the financial 
statements.  In future years, the impact on the Group’s 
underlying profit will vary.  While the expense on the 
existing portfolio of leases will decrease over time  

(due to the front-loaded expense recognition pattern), 
this could be more than offset by the impact of lease 
renewals and new leases added to the overall portfolio.

Results
Sales, excluding those of associates and joint ventures, 
at US$11.7 billion, were 4% higher than last year.  
Underlying operating profit at US$426 million, was 16% 
up on prior year, principally due to good performances 
in the Health and Beauty and Convenience stores 
businesses partly offset by further deterioration in the 
Supermarket and Hypermarket operations in Southeast 
Asia and softening in the Supermarket business in  
Hong Kong.

The Group’s share of results of associates and joint 
ventures decreased 7%, to US$133 million compared 
with 2017 principally due to a lower contribution from 
Yonghui.  Group results include Yonghui’s performance 
only for the first nine months of 2018 compared with a 
full 12 months in 2017 as Yonghui’s preliminary full year 
results will be announced later, in March 2019.  However, 
the nine months results were also 27% lower than the 
comparable nine months period in 2017 due to the 
investments in new formats and the additional costs  
of the new employee incentive scheme.  In contrast, 
Maxim’s produced record sales and profitability for the 
year with increases of 16% and 13%, respectively.

The tax charge for 2018 was US$101 million, 9% higher 
than 2017, mainly due to a change in the profit 
contribution mix across the territories.  The prior year 
also benefitted from a tax rebate from an earlier period, 
effectively reducing the overall tax charge for that year.  
On a normalised basis, the tax charge would have risen 
by 3%.

Underlying net profit was US$424 million, a 5% increase 
from 2017.  Underlying earnings per share were 
US¢31.37, compared to US¢29.77 in 2017.

Annual Report 2018

37

Underlying EBITDA

Net Asset Value per Share

US$m
800

700

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

US¢
140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

In 2017, we noted US$73 million of pre-tax costs for 
ongoing store closures and stock write offs that were 
taken against underlying profitability.  In 2018, following 
the conclusion of a strategic review of the Southeast 
Asia Food business, a decision was made to significantly 
restructure the business with pre-tax costs of  
US$467 million which included impairments against 
certain goodwill and assets, provisions in relation to 
onerous leases on underperforming stores and other 
associated business correction costs.  The net cost after 
tax and non-controlling interests was US$453 million.  
These one-off business restructuring charges have been 
classified as non-trading items due to the scale of the plan 
and the impact that it will have on business.  Most of the 
costs related to the restructuring were non-cash charges 
to write down the value of assets to their recoverable 
amounts, with the net cash impact expected to be less 
than US$50 million.

These costs were partly offset by one-off net gains 
related to several corporate actions in 2018, notably 
arising from the reorganisation of its business interests 
in the Philippines described below, the divestment of 
Giant in Vietnam and the sale of a number of non-core 
properties.  

7%

6%

13%

2018 Normal  
Capital Expenditure:

US$256
million

59%

15%

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Home Furnishings 

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

IT and Distribution  
Centres

Reflecting these significant net non-trading items, 
profit attributable to shareholders was US$92 million, 
compared to US$402 million in 2017 with basic earnings 
per share of US¢6.80, compared to US¢29.75 in 2017.  

Cash flow

Summarised Cash Flow

2018
US$m

2017
US$m

Underlying operating  
  profit
Depreciation and  
  amortisation
(Increase)/decrease  
in working capital
Dividends received  
from associates

Others
Cash flows from  

operating activities

Normal capital  
  expenditure
Investments
Disposals
Cash flow from  

investing activities

Cash flow before  

financing

426

229

(19)

94
(87)

643

(256)
(278)
33

(501)

142

367

221

92

85
(94)

671

(279)
(6)
4

(281)

390

The Group maintained strong operating cash flow and 
generated a net inflow from operating activities of 
US$643 million in the year, compared to US$671 million 
in 2017.  The unfavourable movement in working capital 
this year was partly due to tighter stock control resulting 
in lower purchases in the Malaysia and Indonesia Food 
businesses and a corresponding reduction in supplier 
payables.  Payments to suppliers due to the earlier Chinese 
New Year holidays in 2019 also had a negative impact.

 
38

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Normal capital expenditure was slightly lower at  
US$256 million versus US$279 million in 2017 principally 
due to tighter control on both new store expansion and 
refurbishment of the existing estate.

During the year, the Group exchanged its 100% interest 
in its Rustan Supercenters, Inc. business in the 
Philippines for a 12.15% shareholding in RRHI.  The 
Group made further purchases of RRHI shares both  
from RRHI’s major shareholders and through market 
purchases, and now owns a 20% interest in RRHI.   
In addition, the Group completed the acquisition of  
the remaining 51% interest in Rose Pharmacy in the 
Philippines for US$55 million and reclassified from a  
joint venture to a wholly-owned subsidiary.  In 2018,  
the Group also realised proceeds on the disposal of  
a number of non-core properties in Singapore.

The Group’s businesses, including associates and  
joint ventures, added a net 689 outlets in 2018.  Also,  
as a result of the Group’s 20% interest in RRHI with its 
portfolio of 1,878 stores, Dairy Farm’s presence now 
consists of 9,747 stores across all formats in 11 markets.  
Included in this total are 1,250 Yonghui stores and 1,298 
Maxim’s stores.

Number of Stores

2018

2017

At 1st January
Net additions,  
  excluding RRHI
Additions related to  
  RRHI investment
At 31st December

7,180

6,547

689

633

1,878
9,747

– 
7,180

Balance sheet
Total assets, excluding cash and bank balances, of 
US$5.1 billion were broadly in line with 2017, mainly 
reflecting the capital expenditure for new and 
refurbished stores offset by impairment of tangible  
and intangible assets.  Inventory was down by 4%  
to US$913 million reflecting the continuous effort to 
manage inventory more tightly and clear poor quality 
stocks.  Net operating assets were US$1.5 billion at the 
end of 2018, a 15% decrease versus the previous year.

The Group ended the year with net debt of  
US$744 million, US$145 million higher as compared  
to US$599 million at 31st December 2017, reflecting  
the additional investments in the Philippines.

Dividend
The Board is recommending an unchanged final 
dividend of US¢14.50 per share, bringing the total 
dividend in respect of 2018 to US¢21.00 per share,  
the same as prior year.

Financing
Where required, and typically for working capital 
purposes, borrowings are normally taken out in local 
currencies by the Group’s operating subsidiaries to  
fund daily operations.  Borrowings to fund any strategic 
expansion of the Group are managed centrally and 
typically funded in US dollars and Hong Kong dollars, 
with hedging of foreign exchange and interest  
rate risk as may be appropriate depending on the 
particular investment.  

The Group, excluding associates and joint ventures,  
had gross debt of US$1,040 million at the year end, an 
increase of US$106 million from 2017.  The gross debt is 
funded by total committed and uncommitted lines of 
US$2,341 million. At the end of 2018, US$597 million  
of committed and US$704 million of uncommitted 
facilities were unused and available.  The Group had 
cash balances of US$296 million at 31st December 2018.  
The Group has implemented a global liquidity cash 
pooling scheme which enables the Group to manage 
and optimise its working capital funding requirements 
on a daily basis.

Net financing charges increased from US$26 million in 
2017 to US$33 million in 2018, reflecting the drawdown 
of facilities to fund the purchase of the additional 
investments in the Philippines and higher interest rates.

Financial risk management
A comprehensive discussion of the Group’s financial  
risk management policies is included in note 2 to the 
financial statements.  The Group manages its exposure 
to financial risk using a variety of techniques and 
instruments.  The main objectives are to limit exchange 
and interest rate risks and to provide a degree of 
certainty about costs.  As a matter of policy, the Group 
does not enter into speculative transactions in derivatives.  
The investment of the Group’s cash resources is managed 
so as to minimise risk while seeking to enhance yield.  
Overall, the Group’s funding arrangements are designed 
to keep an appropriate balance between equity and 
debt (short and long term), to maximise flexibility for  
the future development of the business.

Principal risks and uncertainties
A review of the principal risks and uncertainties facing 
the Group is set out on pages 125 and 126.

Neil Galloway 
Group Finance Director
28th February 2019

Financial ReviewDirectors’ Profiles

Annual Report 2018

39

Mr Keswick joined the Board as Managing Director in 2012 and became Chairman in 2013.  He 
has held a number of executive positions since joining the Jardine Matheson group in 1998, 
including finance director and then chief executive officer of Jardine Pacific between 2003  
and 2007 and, thereafter, group managing director of Jardine Cycle & Carriage until 2012.   
He has an MBA from INSEAD.  Mr Keswick is chairman of Jardine Matheson Limited, Jardine 
Cycle & Carriage and Yonghui Superstores and a commissioner of Astra.  He is also executive 
chairman and managing director of Jardine Matheson and Jardine Strategic, chairman and 
managing director of Hongkong Land and Mandarin Oriental, and a director of Jardine Pacific 
and Jardine Motors.

Mr McLeod joined the Board as Group Chief Executive in 2017.  He has extensive experience 
in the retail sector, and was previously chief executive of Southeastern Grocers in the United 
States, before which he was managing director of Coles in Australia.  He is also a director of 
Yonghui Superstores and a commissioner of Hero.

Mr Galloway joined the Board as Group Finance Director in 2013.  He was previously  
finance director and chief financial officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels from 2008.  
Mr Galloway began his career in investment banking and he held a range of senior positions 
in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.  He is also a commissioner of Hero.  As announced 
on 22nd January 2019, Mr Galloway will be stepping down as a Director on 31st March 2019.

Mr Greenberg joined the Board in 2006.  He is group strategy director of Jardine Matheson.  
He previously spent 16 years in investment banking with Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein in 
London.  He is also a director of Jardine Matheson Limited, Hongkong Land, Jardine Cycle & 
Carriage and Mandarin Oriental, and a commissioner of Astra and Permata Bank.

Mr Ho joined the Board in 1998.  He was previously engaged in private law practice in  
San Francisco and is currently engaged in the broadcasting and multi-media industries.  
Mr Ho is also chairman of Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company.

Mr Keswick joined the Board in 2012.  Having joined Jardine Matheson in 2001,  
he was appointed to the board in 2007 and was deputy managing director from 2012 to 
2016.  Mr Keswick is also deputy chairman of Jardine Lloyd Thompson and a director of 
Hongkong Land, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.  He is also a director of Ferrari, 
and vice chairman of the supervisory board of Rothschild & Co.

Mr Keswick joined the Board in 1986 and was Chairman of the Company from 1986  
to 2013.  He joined the Jardine Matheson group in 1962 and is a director of Hongkong Land, 
Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.

Mr Kok was Group Chief Executive from 2007, when he first joined the Board, until he retired 
from executive office in 2012.  He began his career in Dairy Farm in 1987 and has extensive 
experience in the retail industry in Asia.  He is also a director of Jardine Cycle & Carriage, 
Mapletree North Asia Commercial Trust Management and SATS.

Ben Keswick *
Chairman and  
Managing Director

Ian McLeod *
Group Chief Executive

Neil Galloway *
Group Finance Director

Mark Greenberg

George J. Ho

Adam Keswick

Simon Keswick

Michael Kok

* Executive Director

40

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Dr Delman Lee

Dr Lee joined the Board in May 2018.  He is currently the president and chief technology 
officer of TAL Apparel, and a director of The Bank of East Asia and Tradelink Electronic 
Commerce.  He is also a council member of The Hong Kong Management Association.

Anthony Nightingale

Y.K. Pang

Jeremy Parr

Lord Sassoon, Kt 

Percy Weatherall

John Witt

Mr Nightingale joined the Board in 2006 and was Managing Director of the Company from 
2006 to 2012.  He is also a director of Hongkong Land, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, Jardine 
Matheson, Jardine Strategic, Mandarin Oriental, Prudential, Schindler, Shui On Land and 
Vitasoy, and a commissioner of Astra.  He is chairperson of The Sailors Home and Missions  
to Seafarers in Hong Kong.

Mr Pang joined the Board in 2016.  He is deputy managing director of Jardine Matheson, 
chairman of Jardine Pacific, and chairman and chief executive of Jardine Motors.  He previously 
held a number of senior executive positions in the Jardine Matheson group, which he joined 
in 1984, including chief executive of Hongkong Land between 2007 and 2016.  Mr Pang  
is also deputy chairman of Jardine Matheson Limited, and a director of Hongkong Land, 
Jardine Matheson (China), Jardine Strategic, Mandarin Oriental and Zhongsheng.  He is 
chairman of the General Committee and Executive Committee of the Employers’ Federation 
of Hong Kong, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Management Association and a past 
chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

Mr Parr joined the Board in 2015.  He is general counsel of the Jardine Matheson group.   
He was previously a senior corporate partner with Linklaters, where he was the global  
head of the firm’s corporate division, based in London.  Mr Parr is also a director of Jardine 
Matheson Limited, Jardine Matheson and Mandarin Oriental.

Lord Sassoon joined the Board in 2013.  He began his career at KPMG, before joining  
SG Warburg (later UBS Warburg) in 1985.  From 2002 to 2006 he served as a civil servant  
in the United Kingdom Treasury, where he had responsibility for financial services and 
enterprise policy.  He subsequently chaired the Financial Action Task Force and conducted  
a review of the UK’s system of financial regulation.  From 2010 to 2013 Lord Sassoon was  
the first Commercial Secretary to the Treasury and acted as the Government’s Front Bench 
Treasury spokesman in the House of Lords.  He is a director of Hongkong Land, Jardine  
Lloyd Thompson, Jardine Matheson and Mandarin Oriental.  He is also chairman of the 
China-Britain Business Council.

Mr Weatherall joined the Board in 2000 and was Managing Director from 2000 to 2006.   
He first joined the Jardine Matheson group in 1976 and retired from executive office in 2006.  
He is also a director of Hongkong Land, Jardine Matheson, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin 
Oriental.  He is chairman of Corney & Barrow and the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board.

Mr Witt joined the Board in 2016, following his appointment as group finance director of 
Jardine Matheson.  He is a Chartered Accountant and has an MBA from INSEAD.  He has  
been with the Jardine Matheson group since 1993 and has held a number of senior finance 
positions.  Most recently, he was the chief financial officer of Hongkong Land.  He is also  
a director of Jardine Matheson Limited and a commissioner of Astra.

Directors’ ProfilesOur Leadership

Annual Report 2018

41

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive

Choo Peng Chee
Chief Executive Officer –  
North Asia &  
Group Convenience

Sam Kim
Chief Executive Officer – 
Southeast Asia

Ian was named Group Chief Executive of Dairy Farm in September 2017, having spent  
the previous two years as CEO of Southeastern Grocers, the fifth largest supermarket chain  
in the United States.  With over 30 year’s retail experience, Ian began his career with Asda 
(subsequently Wal-Mart) in 1981, where he spent 20 years working in the United Kingdom  
and Germany.  Following this, he moved to Halfords where he became CEO in 2005.  In 2008,  
he moved to Australia as Managing Director of Coles, overseeing 2,200 outlets and 100,000 
employees.  Whilst there he oversaw fundamental improvements in product quality and  
value as well as customer service.  This resulted in Coles producing substantial increases in  
both turnover and profits, as well as significant market outperformance.

Ian attended the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 1999 and  
was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in his native Scotland in 2010 for services to Business  
and Retail.

Choo was appointed Chief Executive Officer – North Asia & Group Convenience in May 2018, 
covering all food retail operations (supermarkets, hypermarkets and convenience stores) in 
Hong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan, also the convenience format in Singapore.

He joined Dairy Farm in 2000 and was the Chief Executive Officer of Cold Storage, Market Place 
and Shop N Save in Singapore from 2005 to 2009.  He subsequently served as the Chief Executive 
Officer for Wellcome Hong Kong from 2010, and was appointed as the Regional Director,  
North Asia (Food) in 2013.

Choo brings with him more than 35 years of retail experience to this role and has an MBA in 
Retailing from the University of Stirling, Scotland.

Sam joined Dairy Farm as Chief Executive Officer – Southeast Asia Division in April 2018.

Prior to joining Dairy Farm, he was the Chief Executive Officer at Home plus (formerly Tesco)  
in South Korea where he launched the “Minus is Plus” campaign leading to a transformation  
of the corporate culture, improving organisational capabilities and eventually, performance  
of the business.

Before that, Sam spent 30 years at P&G, where he was one of the top Asian executives having 
assumed many senior leadership positions including Regional Head for P&G ASEAN and Asia 
Development Markets from 2008 to 2015.  He personally helped start up P&G Korea in 1989, 
and later also served as the President of P&G Korea from 2003 to 2008.

Sam has dual degrees in Political Science and Management from Wharton School, University  
of Pennsylvania, where he also serves currently on the Board of Advisors for Penn’s Huntsman 
Program.  He is also an advisor to the Asian Alumni Council of Phillips Academy, Andover, and  
a member of the Andover Development Board.

Neil Galloway
Group Finance & IKEA Director

Neil joined the Board as Group Finance Director in 2013.  He was previously Finance Director 
and Chief Financial Officer of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels from 2008.

Neil began his career in investment banking and he has held a range of senior positions in 
Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.  He is also a commissioner of Hero.

42

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Simon McDowell
Group Chief Customer Officer 
and Chief Executive Officer 
North Asia Health and Beauty

Marcus Spurrell
Chief Digital Officer

Simon joined Dairy Farm in May 2018 as the Group Chief Customer Officer and Chief Executive 
Officer North Asia Health and Beauty.

Simon has extensive senior management experience in Consumer Marketing, General 
Management and end to end P&L leadership, working across the FMCG, Media & 
Entertainment and Retail sectors.

Over his career he has lived and worked in the United States, Europe, Asia and in his home 
country of Australia.

Prior to joining Dairy Farm, Simon worked for major global corporations including The 
Coca-Cola Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment and most recently was a Director of the 
Coles Retail group for nine years.

Simon has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Sydney and a Master of Commerce 
degree in Marketing from the University of New South Wales.

Marcus joined Dairy Farm as the Chief Digital Officer in October 2018.

Marcus has over 25 years direct management experience in this field, having held a number  
of positions working in a digital environment from website development, eCommerce data 
analytics to personalised customer communication.  Prior to joining Dairy Farm, he was the 
Senior Vice President for Digital, Loyalty and eCommerce at Ahold Delhaize group where  
he led a transformation of its loyalty programs that delivered strong business results.   
Marcus previously held several Digital and eCommerce leadership roles for Adidas group 
across Asia Pacific, USA, and Europe.

Marcus has a joint honours degree in Japanese and Economics from SOAS London University, 
and have lived in Asia for 13 years.

Our LeadershipAnnual Report 2018

43

Judith Nelson
Group Human Resources 
Director

Judith joined Dairy Farm as the Group Human Resources Director in July 2018.

Judith is an experienced HR leader who has led significant transformation and change across 
the UK and various international markets.  More recently she has been a director and consultant 
to a number of businesses, including the e-commerce delivery enterprise, Deliveroo.

Clem Constantine
Group Property Director

Edward Hunter
Group Supply Chain Director

Prior to this, Judith built a remarkable career with Tesco where she started as a trainee and 
ultimately led the people function for their international business comprising 12 markets 
across Asia and Europe, before her appointment as HR Director for Tesco UK where she 
transformed the function, built HR capabilities across Tesco, and created a people strategy  
and people operating model that delivered on the business’ long-term plan.

Clem joined Dairy Farm as the Group Property Director in July 2018.

Clem brings with him both international experience and extensive knowledge of property 
portfolio reviews, property contracts, store design and expansion projects, together with 
strong reputation in driving and delivering property and store development strategies.

Clem ran his own international retail property consultancy from 2014 to 2018.  Prior to this,  
Clem spent nine years with Marks & Spencer and held two major positions, Group Property & 
Development Director from 2005 to 2014, also appointed as International Director between 
2009 and 2011.  From 1999 to 2005, Clem was the Group Property Director at Arcadia group 
and previously the Group Finance Director of the group.

Clem has a Master degree in Economics.

Edward joined Dairy Farm as the Group Supply Chain Director in September 2018.

Prior to this, Edward has held several leadership roles within P&G around the world including 
most recently as Vice President for Product Supply Chain for Asia responsible for supply chain 
delivery of all P&G categories across Asian markets including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, 
India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, Korea, the Philippines and Myanmar.

Edward graduated in Chemical Engineering.

Charlie Wood
Group Counsel

Charlie was appointed Group Counsel in January 2007.  He was initially recruited in September 
1999 to set up a legal department for Dairy Farm in Hong Kong, and subsequently became 
responsible for the legal affairs of Dairy Farm in North Asia before assuming his current role.

Charlie qualified as a solicitor in England and worked in private practice in London for three 
years before moving to Vietnam in 1995 to work for an international law firm.

44

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Consolidated Profit and Loss Account

for the year ended 31st December 2018

Underlying 
business 
performance

Note

US$m

2018

Non- 
trading  
items

US$m

Underlying 
business 
performance

US$m

Total

US$m

2017

Non- 
trading  
items

US$m

Total

US$m

restated

restated

4

5

6

7

8

Sales

Cost of sales

Gross margin

Other operating income

Selling and  

distribution costs

Administration and  
other operating  

  expenses

Operating profit

Financing charges

Financing income

Net financing charges

Share of results of  
associates and  
joint ventures

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax

Attributable to:

Shareholders of  
the Company

Non-controlling interests

Earnings per share

9

– basic

– diluted

11,749.3

(8,100.5)

3,648.8

194.9

–

–

–

181.2

11,749.3

(8,100.5)

3,648.8

376.1

11,288.7

(7,856.1)

3,432.6

182.4

–

–

–

1.5

11,288.7

(7,856.1)

3,432.6

183.9

(2,876.7)

–

(2,876.7)

(2,714.1)

–

(2,714.1)

(540.8)

426.2

(37.8)

5.1

(32.7)

131.6

525.1

(98.6)

426.5

424.3

2.2

426.5

US¢

31.37

31.36

(528.5)

(1,069.3)

(347.3)

78.9

–

–

–

(37.8)

5.1

(32.7)

1.2

(346.1)

132.8

179.0

(2.8)

(101.4)

(348.9)

77.6

(332.3)

(16.6)

(348.9)

92.0

(14.4)

77.6

US¢

6.80

6.80

(533.5)

367.4

(28.0)

1.7

(26.3)

143.4

484.5

(92.5)

392.0

402.6

(10.6)

392.0

US¢

29.77

29.76

–

1.5

–

–

–

(1.2)

0.3

(0.5)

(0.2)

(0.2)

–

(0.2)

(533.5)

368.9

(28.0)

1.7

(26.3)

142.2

484.8

(93.0)

391.8

402.4

(10.6)

391.8

US¢

29.75

29.74

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 for the year ended 31st December 2018

Annual Report 2018

45

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss:

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Tax relating to items that will not be reclassified

Share of other comprehensive income of  

associates and joint ventures

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Net exchange translation differences

– net (loss)/gain arising during the year

– transfer to profit and loss

Cash flow hedges

– net gain/(loss) arising during the year

– transfer to profit and loss

Tax relating to items that may be reclassified

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Note

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

restated

77.6

391.8

21

(12.0)

2.2

(9.8)

0.9

(8.9)

(99.0)

46.7

(52.3)

3.1

1.8

4.9

(1.0)

(48.4)

(57.3)

20.3

38.4

(18.1)

20.3

19.2

(2.6)

16.6

5.4

22.0

108.6

–

108.6

(1.8)

0.2

(1.6)

0.2

107.2

129.2

521.0

532.8

(11.8)

521.0

46

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31st December 2018

Net operating assets
Intangible assets
Tangible assets
Associates and joint ventures
Other investments
Non-current debtors
Deferred tax assets
Non-current assets

Stocks
Current debtors
Current tax assets
Cash and bank balances

Assets classified as held for sale
Current assets

Current creditors
Current borrowings
Current tax liabilities
Current provisions

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale
Current liabilities

Net current liabilities

Long-term borrowings
Deferred tax liabilities
Pension liabilities
Non-current creditors
Non-current provisions
Non-current liabilities

Total equity
Share capital
Share premium and capital reserves
Revenue and other reserves
Shareholders’ funds
Non-controlling interests

Approved by the Board of Directors

Ben Keswick
Ian McLeod
Directors

28th February 2019

Note

11
12
13
14
15
16

15

17

18
19

20

19
16
21
18
20

22
24

2018

US$m

666.7
848.0
2,066.9
7.4
160.3
23.8
3,773.1

913.1
372.0
35.2
296.2
1,616.5
–
1,616.5

(2,398.6)
(1,025.7)
(84.3)
(104.1)
(3,612.7)
–
(3,612.7)

2017

US$m

814.7
1,184.2
1,601.0
6.9
162.6
26.4
3,795.8

950.0
350.7
27.1
332.4
1,660.2
11.2
1,671.4

(2,469.5)
(412.7)
(71.6)
(52.5)
(3,006.3)
(6.2)
(3,012.5)

(1,996.2)

(1,341.1)

(14.5)
(58.6)
(47.6)
(39.7)
(125.6)
(286.0)
1,490.9

75.1
58.3
1,313.6
1,447.0
43.9
1,490.9

(522.0)
(62.7)
(34.2)
(42.7)
(37.4)
(699.0)
1,755.7

75.1
57.9
1,557.0
1,690.0
65.7
1,755.7

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31st December 2018

Annual Report 2018

47

Attributable to shareholders of the Company

Share 
 capital

US$m

Share 
premium

Capital 
reserves

Revenue  
and other 
reserves

US$m

US$m

US$m

Attributable 
to non-
controlling 
interests

US$m

Total

US$m

Total  
equity

US$m

75.1

33.1

24.8

1,557.0

1,690.0

65.7

1,755.7

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.4

–

38.4

38.4

(18.1)

20.3

(284.0)

(284.0)

–

(284.0)

–

0.4

–

–

–

0.4

0.4

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

–

–

0.4

0.4

(3.5)

(3.5)

–
–
75.1

–
0.8
33.9

–
(0.8)
24.4

1.8
–
1,313.6

1.8
–
1,447.0

–
–
43.9

1.8
–
1,490.9

75.1

31.1

28.3

1,370.8

1,505.3

74.1

1,579.4

532.8

532.8

(11.8)

521.0

(284.0)

(284.0)

–

(284.0)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

–

–

–

0.6

–

–

0.6

1.6

(66.4)

(66.4)

0.1

0.1

–
–
75.1

–
2.0
33.1

–
(5.1)
24.8

–
3.1
1,557.0

–
–
1,690.0

(0.5)

–

–

6.3

–

(2.4)
–
65.7

(0.5)

0.6

1.6

(60.1)

0.1

(2.4)
–
1,755.7

2018
At 1st January
Total comprehensive  

income

Dividends paid by  
the Company
Dividends paid to  
  non-controlling  

interests

Unclaimed dividends  

forfeited

Share-based long-term 

incentive plans
Change in interests  
in subsidiaries
Change in interests  
in associates and  
joint ventures

Transfer
At 31st December

2017
At 1st January
Total comprehensive  

income

Dividends paid by  
the Company
Dividends paid to  
  non-controlling  

interests

Unclaimed dividends  

forfeited

Share-based long-term 

incentive plans
Change in interests  
in subsidiaries
Change in interests  
in associates and  
joint ventures

Capital repayment to  
  non-controlling  

interests

Transfer
At 31st December

Revenue and other reserves comprised revenue reserves of US$1,657.1 million (2017: US$1,855.7 million), hedging reserves of  
US$4.3 million (2017: US$0.4 million) and exchange reserves of US$347.8 million loss (2017: US$299.1 million loss).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31st December 2018

Operating activities

Operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation

Other non-cash items

(Increase)/decrease in working capital

Interest received

Interest and other financing charges paid

Tax paid

Dividends from associates and joint ventures

Cash flows from operating activities

Investing activities

Purchase of a subsidiary

Purchase of associates and joint ventures

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of tangible assets

Sale of subsidiaries

Sale of properties

Sale of tangible assets

Cash flows from investing activities

Financing activities

Change in interests in subsidiaries

Capital repayment to non-controlling interests

Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Net increase in other short-term borrowings

Dividends paid by the Company

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash flows from financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

Note

5

28(a)

28(b)

28(c)

28(d)

28(e)

28(f )

28(g)

28(h)

19

19

19

25

28(i)

2018

US$m

78.9

229.1

386.7

(19.1)

3.9

(34.3)

(96.0)

549.2

94.2

643.4

(54.6)

(223.1)

(33.2)

(222.9)

(1.6)

32.6

1.9

2017

US$m

restated

368.9

221.0

15.1

92.1

1.6

(28.0)

(84.3)

586.4

84.9

671.3

–

(5.8)

(60.9)

(218.4)

–

3.2

1.3

(500.9)

(280.6)

(3.5)

–

998.2

(963.6)

67.1

(284.0)

(0.2)

(186.0)

(43.5)

334.5

(6.5)

284.5

(60.1)

(2.4)

851.0

(1,014.2)

122.3

(284.0)

(0.5)

(387.9)

2.8

322.6

9.1

334.5

Notes to the Financial Statements

Annual Report 2018

49

1. Principal Accounting Policies

Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’), including 
International Accounting Standards (‘IAS’) and Interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’).  
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis and under the historical cost convention except as disclosed 
in the accounting policies below.

The Group has adopted the following new accounting standards in 2018:

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’
Under IFRS 9, the gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of the Group’s equity investments, previously classified as 
available-for-sale, have been recognised in profit and loss, instead of through other comprehensive income.  Such fair value gains  
or losses on revaluation of these investments are classified as non-trading items, and do not have any impact on the Group’s 
underlying profit attributable to shareholders and shareholders’ funds.  The new hedge accounting rules, which align the accounting 
for hedging instruments closely with the Group’s risk management practices, and the new forward-looking expected credit loss 
model replacing the incurred loss impairment model, have no significant impact to the Group.

IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’
IFRS 15 establishes a comprehensive framework for the recognition of revenue.  It replaces IAS 11 ‘Construction Contracts’, and  
IAS 18 ‘Revenue’ which covers contracts for goods and services.  The core principle in the framework is that revenue is recognised 
when control of a good or service transfers to a customer.  There is no significant impact of the new standard on the Group.

Changes to accounting policies on adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 have been applied retrospectively, and the comparative financial 
statements have been restated.

There are no other amendments, which are effective in 2018 and relevant to the Group’s operations, that have a significant effect on 
the Group’s accounting policies.

50

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Principal Accounting Policies continued

Basis of preparation continued
The effects of adopting IFRS 9 and IFRS 15
(i)  On the consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31st December 2017

Other operating income

Share of results of associates and joint ventures

Tax

Profit after tax

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company*

Non-controlling interests

*Further analysed as:

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

Non-trading items

– fair value gain on equity investments

– share of Yonghui’s fair value loss on equity investment

– share of net gain from disposal of an investment by Yonghui

Profit attributable to shareholders

Basic underlying earnings per share

Diluted underlying earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Increase/(decrease)

US$m

1.0

(2.0)

(0.1)

(1.1)

(1.1)

–

(1.1)

–

0.9

(1.8)

(0.2)

(1.1)

US¢

–

–

(0.08)

(0.08)

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

51

Increase/(decrease)

US$m

(1.1)

(1.0)

0.1

2.0

1.1

–

–

–

–

1. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Basis of preparation continued
The effects of adopting IFRS 9 and IFRS 15 continued
(ii)  On the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December 2017

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Revaluation of other investments at fair value through other comprehensive income

– net gain arising during the year

Tax relating to items that may be reclassified

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures

Other comprehensive income for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

(iii)  On the consolidated balance sheet at 31st December 2017
There is no impact on the consolidated balance sheet upon the adoption of IFRS 9 and IFRS 15.

52

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Principal Accounting Policies continued

Basis of preparation continued
New standards and amendments effective after 2018 which are relevant to the Group’s operations and yet to be adopted:

A number of new standards and amendments, which are effective for accounting periods beginning after 2018, have been 
published and will be adopted by the Group from their effective dates.  An assessment of the impact of the standards and 
amendments, that are relevant and have a material impact to the Group, is set out below.

IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ (effective from 1st January 2019)
The standard replaces IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and related interpretations.  It will result in lessees bringing almost all of their leases onto the 
balance sheet as the distinction between operating leases and finance leases is removed.  The model requires a lessee to recognise 
a right-of-use asset and a lease liability, except for leases with a term ending within 12 months or with low-value.  IFRS 16 will affect 
primarily the accounting for the Group’s operating leases while the accounting for lessors will not change significantly.  The Group 
will apply IFRS 16 based on a full retrospective approach from 1st January 2019.

Based on a preliminary assessment, it is estimated that the change in accounting for the Group’s operating leases will result  
in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities of approximately US$3.5 billion and US$3.8 billion respectively as  
at 31st December 2018.  The Group’s underlying profit attributable to shareholders for the year ended 31st December 2018  
would decrease by around US$90 million and the shareholders’ funds would decrease by approximately US$400 million as at 
31st December 2018.  These estimates are based on the Group’s lease profile during 2018 and based on a range of assumptions 
across the markets we operate in including: discount rates, future rent based on market conditions and lease terms.  The assessment 
has yet to include the impact from the Group’s two associates, Yonghui and RRHI, as they are still in the process of assessing the  
IFRS 16 impact at the balance sheet date.

Apart from the above, there are no other standards or amendments that are not yet effective and that would be expected to have  
a material impact to the Group.

The principal operating subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures have different functional currencies in line with the economic 
environments of the locations in which they operate.  The functional currency of the Company is United States dollars.  The 
consolidated financial statements are presented in United States dollars.

The Group’s reportable segments are set out in notes 4, 5 and 7 and are described on page 67.

Basis of consolidation
(i) 

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, its subsidiaries, and the Group’s 
interests in associates and joint ventures.

(ii)  A subsidiary is an entity 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.

The purchase method of accounting is used to account for the acquisition of subsidiaries by the Group.  The cost of  
an acquisition includes the fair value at the acquisition date of any contingent consideration.  The Group recognises the 
non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the recognised identifiable net assets of the acquired subsidiary.  In a business 
combination achieved in stages, the Group remeasures its previously held interest in the acquiree at its acquisition-date fair 
value and recognises the resulting gain or loss in profit and loss.  Changes in a parent’s ownership interest in a subsidiary that 
do not result in the loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions.  When control over a previous subsidiary is lost,  
any remaining interest in the entity is remeasured at fair value and the resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit and loss.

All material intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised surpluses and deficits on transactions between Group 
companies have been eliminated.

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
Annual Report 2018

53

1. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Basis of consolidation continued
(iii)  An associate is an entity, not being a subsidiary or joint venture, over which the Group exercises significant influence.  A joint
venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net
assets of the joint venture.  Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which exists only
when decisions about the relevant activities require unanimous consent of the parties sharing control.

Associates and joint ventures are included on the equity basis of accounting.

Profits and losses resulting from upstream and downstream transactions between the Group and its associates and joint
ventures are recognised in the consolidated financial statements only to the extent of unrelated investor’s interests in the
associates and joint ventures.

(iv)  Non-controlling interests represent the proportion of the results and net assets of subsidiaries and their associates and joint

ventures not attributable to the Group.

(v)  The results of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are included or excluded from their effective dates of acquisition or
disposal, respectively.  The results of entities other than subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures are included to the extent
of dividends received when the right to receive such dividend is established.

Foreign currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are accounted for at the exchange rates ruling at the transaction dates.

Assets and liabilities of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, together with all other monetary assets and liabilities expressed  
in foreign currencies, are translated into United States dollars at the rates of exchange ruling at the year end.  Results expressed  
in foreign currencies are translated into United States dollars at the average rates of exchange ruling during the year, which 
approximate the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions.

Exchange differences arising from the retranslation of the net investment in foreign subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, and  
of financial instruments which are designated as hedges of such investments, are recognised in other comprehensive income and 
accumulated in equity under exchange reserves.  On the disposal of these investments, such exchange differences are recognised  
in profit and loss.  All other exchange differences are recognised in profit and loss.

Goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on acquisition of a foreign entity after 1st January 2003 are treated as assets and 
liabilities of the foreign entity and translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange ruling at the year end.

Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets that have indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortisation and are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is 
an indication that the assets may be impaired.  Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  For the purpose of assessing impairment, 
assets are grouped at the lowest level for which there is a separately identifiable cash flow.  Cash-generating units or groups of 
cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually and whenever there is an indication 
that the units may be impaired.  An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset 
exceeds its recoverable amount, which is the higher of an asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use.  Non-financial assets 
other than goodwill that suffered an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment annually.

54

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Principal Accounting Policies continued

Intangible assets
(i)  Goodwill represents the excess of the sum of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interests in  

the acquiree, and the acquisition-date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the acquiree over the acquisition-date 
fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired.  Non-controlling interests are measured at their proportionate 
share of the net identifiable assets at the acquisition date.  If the cost of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets 
acquired, the difference is recognised directly in profit and loss.  Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in 
intangible assets.  Goodwill on acquisitions of associates and joint ventures is included in investment in associates and joint 
ventures.  Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units or groups of cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment 
testing and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment loss.

The profit or loss on disposal of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures is stated after deducting the carrying amount of 
goodwill relating to the entity sold.

(ii) 

Leasehold land represents payments to third parties to acquire short-term interests in property.  These payments are stated at 
cost and are amortised over the useful life of the lease which includes the renewal period if the lease can be renewed by the 
Group without significant cost.

(iii)  Other intangible assets, consist of trademarks and computer software, are stated at cost less accumulated amortisation.  

Amortisation is calculated on the straight line basis to allocate the cost of intangible assets over their estimated useful lives.  
Trademarks with indefinite useful lives are not subject to amortisation.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Freehold land and buildings, and the building component of owner-occupied leasehold properties are stated at cost less any 
accumulated depreciation and impairment.  Long-term interests in leasehold land are classified as finance leases and grouped 
under tangible assets if substantially all risks and rewards relating to the land have been transferred to the Group, and are amortised 
over the useful life of the lease.  Grants related to tangible assets are deducted in arriving at the carrying amount of the assets.   
Other tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less amounts provided for depreciation and impairment.

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets is calculated on the straight line basis to allocate the cost of each asset to its residual value over 
its estimated useful life.  The residual values and useful lives are reviewed at each balance sheet date.  The estimated useful lives are 
as follows:

Freehold properties

Leasehold properties

Leasehold improvements

Leasehold land

Plant and machinery

Furniture, equipment and motor vehicles

25 – 40 years

Shorter of the lease term or useful life

Shorter of unexpired lease term or useful life

Over period of the lease

3 – 15 years

3 – 7 years

Notes to the Financial Statements 
Annual Report 2018

55

1. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation continued
No depreciation is provided on freehold land as it is deemed to have an indefinite life.

Where the carrying amount of a tangible fixed asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount, it is written down 
immediately to its recoverable amount.

The profit or loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets is recognised by reference to their carrying amount.

Investments
The Group’s investments are measured at fair value through profit and loss.  The classification is based on the management’s 
business model and their contractual cash flow characteristics.

Equity investments are measured at fair value with fair value gains and losses recognised in profit and loss.  Transaction costs of 
financial assets carried at fair value through profit and loss are expensed in profit and loss.

Investments are classified as non-current assets.  All purchases and sale of investments are recognised on the trade date, which is 
the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the investments.

Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases when the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the 
lessee.  All other leases are classified as operating leases.

Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to profit and loss on a straight 
line basis over the period of the lease.  When a lease is terminated before the lease period has expired, any payment required to be 
made to the lessor by way of penalty is recognised as an expense in the year in which termination takes place.

Stocks
Stocks, which principally comprise goods held for resale, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.  Cost is determined 
on a weighted average cost basis and comprises purchase price less rebates.  A stock provision is recognised when the net realisable 
value from sale of the stock is estimated to be lower than the carrying value.

Debtors
Trade and other debtors, excluding derivative financial instruments, are measured at amortised cost except where the effect of 
discounting would be immaterial.  Provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the outstanding 
amounts will not be collected.  Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or 
financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments are considered indicators that the debtor is impaired.  The carrying 
amount of the asset is reduced through the use of an allowance account and the amount of the loss is recognised in arriving at 
operating profit.  When a debtor is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account.  Subsequent recoveries of amount 
previously written off are credited to profit and loss.

Debtors with maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date are classified under non-current assets.

56

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Principal Accounting Policies continued

Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise deposits with banks, and bank and cash balances, 
net of bank overdrafts.  In the balance sheet, bank overdrafts are included in current borrowings.

Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has present legal or constructive obligations as a result of past events, it is probable  
that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligations, and a reliable estimate of  
the amount of the obligations can be made.  Obligations arising from restructuring plans are recognised when detailed formal plans 
have been established and when there is a valid expectation that such plans will be carried out by either starting to implement 
them or announcing their main features to those affected by it.

Borrowings and borrowing costs
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred.  In subsequent periods, borrowings are stated at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.  All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred.

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.

Current and deferred tax
The tax expense for the year comprises current and deferred tax.  Tax is recognised in profit and loss, except to the extent that it 
relates to items recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.  In this case, the tax is also recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date 
in the countries where the Group operates and generates taxable income.  Management periodically evaluates positions taken in 
tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to interpretation.  It establishes provisions where 
appropriate on the basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is provided, using the liability method, for all temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities and their carrying values.  Deferred tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantially 
enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred tax 
liability is settled.

Provision for deferred tax is made on the revaluation of certain non-current assets and, in relation to acquisitions, on the difference 
between the fair value of the net assets acquired and their tax base.  Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences associated 
with investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the 
temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.  Deferred tax assets 
relating to the carry forward of unused tax losses are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be 
available against which the unused tax losses can be utilised.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

57

1. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Employee benefits
(i) Pension obligations

The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans, the assets of which are held in trustee
administered funds.

Pension accounting costs for defined benefit plans are assessed using the projected unit credit method.  Under this method,  
the costs of providing pensions are charged to profit and loss spreading the regular cost over the service lives of employees in 
accordance with the advice of qualified actuaries, who carry out a full valuation of major plans every year.  The pension obligations 
are measured as the present value of the estimated future cash outflows by reference to market yields on high quality corporate 
bonds which have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability.  Plan assets are measured at fair value.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised in other 
comprehensive income in the year in which they occur.

Past service costs are recognised immediately in profit and loss.

The Group’s total contributions relating to the defined contribution plans are charged to profit and loss in the year to which  
they relate.

(ii) Share-based compensation

The Company operates a number of equity-settled employee share option schemes.  The fair value of the employee services
received in exchange for the grant of the share options or the share awards in respect of options or awards granted after
7th November 2002 is recognised as an expense.  The total amount to be expensed over the vesting period is determined by
reference to the fair value of the share options or share awards granted as determined on the grant date.  At each balance sheet
date, the Group revises its estimates of the number of share options that are expected to become exercisable and the number of
share awards which will vest free of payment.  The impact of the revision of original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit and loss.

Non-current assets and disposal group held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal group are classified as held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less 
costs to sell if their carrying amounts are expected to be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through 
continuing use.  Once classified as held for sale, the assets are no longer amortised or depreciated.

58

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Principal Accounting Policies continued

Derivative financial instruments
The Group only enters into derivative financial instruments in order to hedge underlying exposures and not as speculative 
investments.  Derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered  
into and are subsequently remeasured at their fair value.  The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss is dependent  
on the nature of the item being hedged.  The Group designates certain derivatives as a hedge of the fair value of a recognised  
asset or liability (‘fair value hedge’), or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or of the foreign currency risk on a firm commitment  
(‘cash flow hedge’).

At inception of the hedge relationship, the Group documents the economic relationship between hedging instruments and 
hedged items including whether changes in the cash flows of the hedging instruments are expected to offset changes in the cash 
flows of hedged items.  The Group documents its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking its hedge transactions.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualified as fair value hedges and that are highly effective, are 
recognised in profit and loss, along with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that is attributable to the 
hedged risk.  The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest rate swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings is recognised  
in profit and loss within finance costs, together with changes in the fair value of the hedged fixed rate borrowings attributable to 
interest rate risk.  The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognised in profit and loss.  When a hedging instrument 
expires or is sold, or when a hedge no longer meets the criteria for hedge accounting, the cumulative adjustment to the carrying 
amount of a hedged item for which the effective interest method is used is amortised to profit and loss over the residual period  
to maturity.

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualified as cash flow hedges and that are highly effective, are 
recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity under hedging reserves.  Changes in the fair value relating 
to the ineffective portion are recognised immediately in profit and loss.  Where the hedged item results in the recognition of a 
non-financial asset or of a non-financial liability, the deferred gains and losses are included in the initial measurement of the cost  
of the asset or liability.  The deferred amounts are ultimately recognised in profit and loss as the hedged item affects profit and loss.  
Otherwise, amounts deferred in hedging reserves are transferred to profit and loss in the same periods during which the hedged 
firm commitment or forecasted transaction affects profit and loss.  The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of the interest 
rate swaps hedging variable rate borrowings is recognised in profit and loss within finance cost at the same time as the interest 
expense on the hedged borrowings.  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 hedging reserves at that time remains in the hedging reserves and is 
recognised in profit and loss when the committed or forecasted transaction occurs.  When a committed or forecasted transaction is 
no longer expected to occur, the cumulative gain or loss that was reported in hedging reserves is immediately transferred to profit 
and loss.

Certain derivative transactions, while providing effective economic hedges under the Group’s risk management policies, do not 
qualify for hedge accounting under the specific rules in IFRS 9.  Changes in the fair value of any derivative instruments that do not 
qualify for hedge accounting under IFRS 9 are recognised immediately in profit and loss.

The fair value of derivatives which are designated and qualified as effective hedges are classified as non-current assets or liabilities if 
the remaining maturities of the hedged assets or liabilities are greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date.

Offsetting financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the balance sheet when there is a legally enforceable  
right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and settle the liability 
simultaneously.  The legally enforceable right must not be contingent on future events and must be enforceable in the normal 
course of business and in the event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of the company or the counterparty.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

59

1. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Non-trading items
Non-trading items are separately identified to provide greater understanding of the Group’s underlying business performance.  
Items classified as non-trading items include fair value gains and losses on equity investments which are fair value through profit 
and loss; gains and losses arising from the sale of businesses, investments and properties; impairment of non-depreciable intangible 
assets and other investments; provisions for the closure of businesses; acquisition-related costs in business combinations; and  
other credits and charges of a non-recurring nature that require inclusion in order to provide additional insight into underlying 
business performance.

Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders and on the weighted average number of shares in issue 
during the year.  The weighted average number excludes the shares held by the Trustee under the Share-based Long-term Incentive 
Plans.  For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share, profit attributable to shareholders is adjusted for the effects of the 
conversion of dilutive potential ordinary shares, and the weighted average number of shares is adjusted for the number of shares 
which are deemed to be issued for no consideration under the share-based long-term incentive plans based on the average share 
price during the year.

Dividends
Dividends proposed or declared after the balance sheet date are not recognised as a liability at the balance sheet date.

Sales recognition
Sales consist of the fair value of goods sold to customers, net of returns, discounts and sales related taxes.  This does not include 
sales generated by associates and joint ventures.  Sale of goods is recognised at the point of sale, when the control of the asset is 
transferred to customers, is recorded at the net amount received from customers.

Buying income
Supplier incentives, rebates and discounts are collectively referred to as buying income.  Buying income is recognised when earned 
by the Group, which occurs when all obligations conditional for earning income have been discharged, and the income can be 
measured reliably based on the terms of the contract.

The income is recognised as a credit within cost of sales.  Where the income earned relates to stocks which are held by the Group  
at period ends, the income is included within the cost of those stocks, and recognised in cost of sales upon sale of those stocks.   
The accrued value at the reporting date is included in trade receivables or trade payables, depending on the right of offset.

The key types of buying income which the Group receives include:
– Discounts and incentives relate to individual unit sales.
– Sales volume-based incentives based on achieving certain purchases on promotion for an event or a period.
– Conditional incentives subject to satisfaction of certain conditions by the Group.
– Fixed amounts agreed with suppliers for supporting in-store activity.

Other operating income
Other operating income primarily comprises income from concessions, service income and rental income.  Concessions and service 
income are recognised based on the Group’s contractual commission.  Rental income is accounted for as earned.

Pre-operating costs
Pre-operating costs are expensed as incurred.

60

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

2.  Financial Risk Management

Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign exchange risk and interest rate risk), credit 
risk and liquidity risk.

The Group’s treasury function co-ordinates financial risk management policies and their implementation on a group-wide basis.   
The Group’s treasury policies are designed to manage the financial impact of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange 
rates and to minimise the Group’s financial risks.  The Group uses derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, 
forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign currency options as appropriate for hedging transactions and managing the 
Group’s assets and liabilities in accordance with the Group’s financial risk management policies.  Financial derivative contracts are 
executed between third party banks and the Group entity that is directly exposed to the risk being hedged.  Hedge accounting  
is applied to remove the accounting mismatch between the hedging instrument and the hedged item.  The effective portion of  
the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is deferred into the cash flow hedge reserve through other comprehensive 
income and will be recognised in profit and loss when the hedged item affects profit and loss.  This will effectively result in 
recognising interest expense at a fixed interest rate for the hedged loans and inventory at the fixed foreign currency rate for the 
hedged purchases.

(i) Market risk

Foreign exchange risk
Entities within the Group are exposed to foreign exchange risk arising from future commercial transactions, net investments  
in foreign operations and net monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency that is not the entity’s  
functional currency.

The Group uses forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign currency options in a consistent manner to hedge firm and 
anticipated foreign exchange commitments and manage foreign exchange risk arising from future commercial transactions.   
The purpose of these hedges is to mitigate the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates on assets and liabilities and  
the profit and loss account of the Group.

Currency risks as defined by IFRS 7 arise on account of monetary assets and liabilities being denominated in a currency that is not 
the functional currency.  There are no significant monetary balances held by Group companies at 31st December 2018 that are 
denominated in a non-functional currency.  Differences resulting from the translation of financial statements into the Group’s 
presentation currency are not taken into consideration.

Interest rate risk
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk through the impact of rate changes on interest-bearing assets and liabilities.  These 
exposures are managed partly by using natural hedges that arise from offsetting interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities, and 
partly through fixed rate borrowings and the use of derivative financial instruments including interest rate swaps.  The Group 
monitors interest rate exposure on a regular basis by currency and business unit, taking into consideration proposed financing and 
hedging arrangements.  The Group’s guideline is to maintain 40% to 60% of its long-term non-working capital gross borrowings in 
fixed rate instruments.  At 31st December 2018, the Group’s fixed rate borrowings were 19% (2017: 21%) on total borrowings, with an 
average tenor of 0.2 year (2017: 1.2 years).  The interest rate profile of the Group’s borrowings after taking into account hedging 
transactions is set out in note 19.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

61

2. Financial Risk Management continued

Financial risk factors continued
(i) Market risk continued

Interest rate risk continued
Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will impact cash flows arising from variable rate financial
instruments.  Borrowings at floating rates therefore expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk.  The Group manages this risk
by entering into interest rate swaps for a maturity of up to five years.  Interest rate swaps have the economic effect of converting
borrowings from floating rate to fixed rate.

At 31st December 2018, if interest rates had been 100 basis points higher/lower with all other variables held constant, the Group’s 
profit after tax would have been US$6.5 million (2017: US$5.0 million) higher/lower, and with no change to hedging reserves  
(2017: US$2.0 million) higher/lower, as a result of fair value changes to cash flow hedges.  The sensitivity analysis has been 
determined assuming that the change in interest rates had occurred at the balance sheet date and had been applied to the 
exposure to interest rate risk for both derivative and non-derivative financial instruments in existence at that date.  The 100 basis 
point increase or decrease represents management’s assessment of a reasonably possible change in those interest rates which have 
the most impact on the Group, specifically the United States, Hong Kong and Malaysian rates, over the period until the next annual 
balance sheet date.  In the case of effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the hedged items caused by interest rate 
movements balance out in the profit and loss account against changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments.  Changes in 
market interest rates affect the interest income or expense of non-derivative variable-interest financial instruments, the interest 
payments of which are not designated as hedged items of cash flow hedges against interest rate risks.  As a consequence, they are 
included in the calculation of profit after tax sensitivities.  Changes in the market interest rate of financial instruments that were 
designated as hedging instruments in a cash flow hedge to hedge payment fluctuations resulting from interest rate movements 
affect the hedging reserves and are therefore taken into consideration in the equity-related sensitivity calculations.

(ii) Credit risk

The Group’s credit risk is primarily attributable to deposits with banks and credit exposures to derivative financial instruments with a
positive fair value.  The Group has credit policies in place and the exposures to these credit risks are monitored on an ongoing basis.

The Group manages its deposits with banks and transactions involving derivative financial instruments by monitoring credit ratings 
and capital adequacy ratios of counterparties, and limiting the aggregate risk to any individual counterparty.  The utilisation of  
credit limits is regularly monitored.  Similarly, transactions involving derivative financial instruments are with banks with sound credit 
ratings and capital adequacy ratios.  In developing countries it may be necessary to deposit money with banks that have a lower 
credit rating, however the Group only enters into derivative transactions with counterparties which have credit ratings of at least 
investment grade.  Management does not expect any counterparty to fail to meet its obligations.

Sales to customers are made in cash or by major credit cards.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying 
amount of each financial asset in the balance sheet after deducting any impairment allowance.

62

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

2.  Financial Risk Management continued

Financial risk factors continued
(iii) Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management includes managing the profile of debt maturities and funding sources, maintaining sufficient 
cash and ensuring the availability of funding from an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out 
market positions.  The Group’s ability to fund its existing and prospective debt requirements is managed by maintaining diversified 
funding sources with adequate committed funding lines from high quality lenders, and by monitoring rolling short-term forecasts 
of the Group’s cash and gross debt on the basis of expected cash flows.  Long-term cash flows are projected to assist with the 
Group’s long-term debt financing plans.  In addition, the Group has implemented a global liquidity cash pooling scheme, which 
enables the Group to manage and optimise its working capital funding requirement on a daily basis.

At 31st December 2018, total available borrowing facilities amounted to US$2,340.8 million (2017: US$2,064.7 million), of which  
US$1,371.4 million (2017: US$1,232.2 million) are committed facilities.  A total of US$1,040.2 million (2017: US$934.7 million) from both 
committed and uncommitted facilities was drawn down.  Undrawn committed facilities, in the form of revolving credit facilities, 
totalled US$596.6 million (2017: US$482.8 million).

The following table analyses the Group’s non-derivative financial liabilities, net-settled derivative financial liabilities and gross-settled 
derivative financial instruments into relevant maturity groupings based on the remaining period at the balance sheet date to the 
contractual maturity date.  Derivative financial liabilities are included in the analysis if their contractual maturities are essential for  
an understanding of the timing of the cash flows.  The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows.

Within  
one year

Between 
one and 
two years

Between 
two and 
three 
years

Between 
three and 
four years

Between 
four and 
five years

Beyond 
five years

Total 
undiscounted 
cash flows 

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

2,261.8

1,038.1

–

455.9

451.4

35.0

15.9

–

50.0

49.6

1.2

0.1

–

–

–

0.2

0.3

3.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,330.0

429.6

12.9

307.9

26.1

21.3

0.4

208.3

–

–

163.8

165.3

150.0

148.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

2.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,301.5

1,054.1

–

505.9

501.0

2,372.6

967.1

–

313.8

314.1

At 31st December 2018

Creditors

Borrowings

Net-settled derivative  
financial instruments

Gross-settled derivative  
financial instruments

– inflow

– outflow

At 31st December 2017

Creditors

Borrowings

Net-settled derivative 

 financial instruments

Gross-settled derivative  
financial instruments

– inflow

– outflow

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2018

63

2. Financial Risk Management continued

Capital management
The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern whilst seeking  
to maximise benefits to shareholders and other stakeholders.  Capital is equity as shown in the consolidated balance sheet plus  
net debt.

The Group actively and regularly reviews its capital structure to ensure optimal capital structure and shareholder returns, by taking 
into consideration the future capital requirements of the Group and capital efficiency, prevailing and projected profitability, 
projected operating cash flows, projected capital expenditures and projected strategic investment opportunities.  In order to 
maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, repurchase Company 
shares, return capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

The Group monitors capital on the basis of the Group’s consolidated gearing ratio and consolidated interest cover.  The gearing  
ratio is calculated as net debt divided by total equity.  Net debt is calculated as total borrowings less cash and bank balances.  
Interest cover is calculated as underlying operating profit and share of results of associates and joint ventures divided by  
net financing charges.  The Group does not have a defined gearing or interest cover benchmark or range.

The ratios at 31st December 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

Gearing ratio (%)

Interest cover (times)

2018

2017

50

17

34

19

Fair value estimation
(i) Financial instruments that are measured at fair value

For financial instruments that are measured at fair value in the balance sheet, the corresponding fair value measurements are
disclosed by level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

(a)  Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (‘quoted prices in active markets’)
The fair values of listed securities are based on quoted prices in active markets at the balance sheet date.

(b) 

Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly
(‘observable current market transactions’)
The fair values of all interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts are determined using rates quoted
by the Group’s bankers at the balance sheet date which are calculated by reference to market interest rates and foreign
exchange rates.

The fair values of unlisted equity investments, mainly include club debentures, are determined using market prices quoted
by brokers at the balance sheet date.

64

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

2.  Financial Risk Management continued

Fair value estimation continued
(i) Financial instruments that are measured at fair value continued

(c) 

Inputs for assets or liabilities that are not based on observable market data (‘unobservable inputs’)
The fair values of other unlisted equity investments are determined using valuation techniques by reference to observable 
current market transactions or the market prices of the underlying investments with certain degree of entity specific estimates 
or discounted cash flow by projecting the cash inflows from these investments.

There were no changes in valuation techniques during the year.

The table below analyses financial instruments carried at fair value measured by observable current market transactions.

Assets

Other investments

– equity investments (note 14)

Derivatives designated at fair value (note 29)

– through other comprehensive income

– through profit and loss

Liabilities

Derivatives designated at fair value (note 29)

– through other comprehensive income

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

7.4

6.2

0.1

13.7

(0.3)

(0.3)

6.9

2.7

0.7

10.3

(2.3)

(2.3)

(ii) Financial instruments that are not measured at fair value

The fair values of current debtors, cash and bank balances, current creditors and current borrowings are assumed to approximate 
their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities.

The fair values of long-term borrowings are based on market prices or are estimated using the expected future payments 
discounted at market interest rates.

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
Annual Report 2018

65

2. Financial Risk Management continued

Fair value estimation continued
Financial instruments by category

The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities at 31st December 2018 and 2017 are as follows:

Fair value of 
hedging 
instruments

Fair value 
through 
profit  
and loss

Financial 
assets at 
amortised 
cost

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Total 
carrying 
amounts

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

2018
Financial assets measured at fair value
Other investments
– equity investments
Derivative financial instruments

Financial assets not measured at fair value
Debtors
Cash and bank balances

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Borrowings
Trade and other payables excluding  

non-financial liabilities

2017
Financial assets measured at fair value
Other investments
– equity investments
Derivative financial instruments

Financial assets not measured at fair value
Debtors
Cash and bank balances

Financial liabilities measured at fair value
Derivative financial instruments

Financial liabilities not measured at fair value
Borrowings
Trade and other payables excluding  

non-financial liabilities

–
6.2
6.2

–
–
–

(0.3)
(0.3)

–

–
–

–
2.7
2.7

–
–
–

(2.3)
(2.3)

–

–
–

7.4
0.1
7.5

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–

6.9
0.7
7.6

–
–
–

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

153.4
296.2
449.6

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

161.3
332.4
493.7

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

7.4
6.3
13.7

153.4
296.2
449.6

(0.3)
(0.3)

(1,040.2)

(1,040.2)

(2,301.5)
(3,341.7)

(2,301.5)
(3,341.7)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

6.9
3.4
10.3

161.3
332.4
493.7

(2.3)
(2.3)

(934.7)

(934.7)

(2,372.6)
(3,307.3)

(2,372.6)
(3,307.3)

The fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities approximate their carrying amounts.

66

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

3.  Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements

Estimates and judgements used in preparing the financial statements are continually evaluated and are based on historical 
experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable.  The resulting accounting 
estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are discussed below.

Acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures
The initial accounting on the acquisition of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures involves identifying and determining the  
fair values to be assigned to the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of the acquired entities.  The fair values  
of leasehold land and tangible assets are determined by independent valuers by reference to market prices or present value of 
expected net cash flows from the assets.  Any changes in the assumptions used and estimates made in determining the fair values, 
and management’s ability to measure reliably the contingent liabilities of the acquired entity will impact the carrying amount of 
these assets and liabilities.

On initial acquisition or acquisition of further interests in an entity, an assessment of the level of control or influence exercised by  
the Group is required.  For entities where the Group has a shareholding of less than 50%, an assessment of the Group’s level of 
voting rights, board representation and other indicators of influence is performed to consider whether the Group has de facto 
control, requiring consolidation of that entity, or significant influence, requiring classification as an associate.

Impairment of assets
The Group tests annually whether goodwill and other assets that have indefinite useful lives suffered any impairment.  Other assets 
are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset exceeds 
its recoverable amount.  The recoverable amount of an asset or a cash-generating unit is determined based on the higher of its fair 
value less costs to sell and its value in use, calculated on the basis of management’s assumptions and estimates.  Changing the key 
assumptions, including the discount rates or the growth rate assumptions in the cash flow projections, could materially affect the 
value-in-use calculations.

Income taxes
The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions.  Significant judgement is required in determining the worldwide 
provision for income taxes.  There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain 
during the ordinary course of business.  Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were 
initially recorded, such differences will impact the current and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination  
is made.

Provision of deferred tax follows the way management expects to recover or settle the carrying amount of the related assets or 
liabilities, which the management may expect to recover through use, sale or combination of both.  Accordingly, deferred tax will  
be calculated at income tax rate, capital gains tax rate or combination of both.

Recognition of deferred tax assets, which principally relate to tax losses, depends on the management’s expectation of future 
taxable profit that will be available against which the tax losses can be utilised.  The outcome of their actual utilisation may  
be different.

Buying income
The Group receives buying income, including supplier incentives, rebates and discounts, which are deducted from cost of sales on 
an accrual basis.  Management is required to make estimates in determining the expected entitlement which has been earned up 
to the balance sheet date for each relevant supplier contract and the timing of recognition.

There is limited estimation involved in recognising income for fixed amounts agreed with suppliers.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

67

4. Sales

Analysis by operating segment:

Food

– Supermarkets/hypermarkets

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Restaurants

Including associates  
and joint ventures

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

15,424.7

13,320.6

2,104.1

3,225.7

721.3

2,585.5

16,148.7

14,128.7

2,020.0

2,787.2

653.0

2,238.1

Subsidiaries

2018

US$m

7,992.2

5,888.1

2,104.1

3,035.8

721.3

–

2017

US$m

8,038.3

6,018.3

2,020.0

2,597.4

653.0

–

21,957.2

21,827.0

11,749.3

11,288.7

Sales including associates and joint ventures comprise 100% of sales from associates and joint ventures.

Operating segments are identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by 
the Board for the purpose of resource allocation and performance assessment.  Dairy Farm operates in four segments: Food, Health 
and Beauty, Home Furnishings and Restaurants.  Food comprises supermarket, hypermarket and convenience store businesses 
(including the Group’s associate, Yonghui, a leading supermarket/hypermarket retailer in mainland China).  Health and Beauty 
comprises the health and beauty businesses.  Home Furnishings is the Group’s IKEA businesses.  Restaurants is the Group’s catering 
associate, Maxim’s, a leading Hong Kong restaurant chain.

Sales and share of results of Yonghui represent only nine months from January to September 2018 based on their latest published 
announcement (2017: full year results).  The share of Yonghui’s results for October to December 2018 will be accounted for in the year 
ending 31st December 2019 (note 7).

Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (‘RRHI’), the Group’s newly acquired associate, has not announced its 2018 full year results yet.  Sales 
and share of results of RRHI from the date of acquisition of its 20% interest to 31st December 2018 will be accounted for in the year 
ending 31st December 2019 (note 7).

Set out below is an analysis of the Group’s sales by geographical locations:

Analysis by geographical area:

North Asia

Southeast Asia

Including associates  
and joint ventures

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

Subsidiaries

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

17,254.1

4,703.1

21,957.2

17,153.6

4,673.4

21,827.0

7,422.4

4,326.9

6,870.9

4,417.8

11,749.3

11,288.7

The geographical areas covering North Asia and Southeast Asia, are determined by the geographical location of customers.  
North Asia comprises Hong Kong, mainland China, Macau and Taiwan.  Southeast Asia comprises Singapore, Cambodia,  
the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei.

68

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

5.  Operating Profit

Analysis by operating segment:

Food

– Supermarkets/hypermarkets

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Store support centre

Business change costs

Underlying operating profit

Non-trading items:

– business restructuring costs

– profit on sale of businesses and properties

– loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary

– fair value gain on equity investments

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

126.5

34.1

92.4

334.3

68.4

529.2

(103.0)

426.2

–

426.2

(467.3)

180.7

(61.2)

0.5

78.9

220.0

135.1

84.9

209.9

68.0

497.9

(57.7)

440.2

(72.8)

367.4

–

0.5

–

1.0

368.9

In 2017, following management’s decision to exit various stores and stock categories in the Food businesses in Southeast Asia, a 
charge of US$61.1 million was recognised in the profit and loss.  In addition, a restructuring cost of US$11.7 million for the Group 
was also recognised in the profit and loss.

Set out below is an analysis of the Group’s underlying operating profit by geographical locations:

Analysis by geographical area:

North Asia

Southeast Asia

Store support centre

Business change costs

Underlying operating profit

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

528.0

1.2

529.2

(103.0)

426.2

–

426.2

457.7

40.2

497.9

(57.7)

440.2

(72.8)

367.4

Notes to the Financial Statements5. Operating Profit continued

The following items have been (charged)/credited in arriving at operating profit:

Cost of stocks recognised as expense

Amortisation of intangible assets (note 11)

Depreciation of tangible assets (note 12)

Impairment of intangible assets (note 11)

Impairment of tangible assets (note 12)

Write down of stocks

Reversal of write down of stocks

Employee benefit expense

– salaries and benefits in kind

– share options and share awards granted (note 24)

– defined benefit pension plans (note 21)

– defined contribution pension plans

Operating lease expenses

– minimum lease payments

– contingent rents

– subleases

Auditors’ remuneration

– audit

– non-audit services

Concession and service income

Rental income from properties

Net foreign exchange gains

Profit/(loss) on sale of tangible and intangible assets

Annual Report 2018

69

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

(8,060.5)

(7,818.1)

(23.5)

(205.6)

(117.4)

(209.3)

(19.1)

4.2

(21.7)

(199.3)

(0.4)

(2.0)

(9.4)

6.7

(1,130.6)

(1,065.4)

(0.4)

(22.9)

(54.0)

(1.6)

(19.5)

(51.4)

(1,207.9)

(1,137.9)

(986.4)

(50.4)

43.1

(993.7)

(3.3)

(0.7)

(4.0)

159.9

27.7

2.7

11.7

(932.1)

(35.0)

39.8

(927.3)

(3.4)

(1.3)

(4.7)

145.4

27.9

4.7

(10.1)

70

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

6.  Net Financing Charges

Interest expense – bank loans and advances

Commitment and other fees

Financing charges

Financing income

7.  Share of Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

Analysis by operating segment:

Food – Supermarkets/hypermarkets

Health and Beauty

Restaurants

Share of results of associates and joint ventures included the following from non-trading items:

Share of Yonghui’s fair value gain/(loss) on equity investments

Share of net gain from disposal of an investment by Yonghui

2018

US$m

(33.3)

(4.5)

(37.8)

5.1

(32.7)

2017

US$m

(23.7)

(4.3)

(28.0)

1.7

(26.3)

2018*

US$m

2017

US$m

30.1

(4.4)

107.1

132.8

2018

US$m

1.2

–

1.2

52.0

(5.0)

95.2

142.2

2017

US$m

(1.8)

0.6

(1.2)

Results are shown after tax and non-controlling interests in the associates and joint ventures.

*  Includes Yonghui’s nine months results from January to September 2018 (2017: full year results) while the 20% interest of RRHI’s results from the date of acquisition to  

31st December 2018 will be accounted for in the year ending 31st December 2019 as the 2018 full year results were not yet announced (note 4).

Notes to the Financial Statements8. Tax

Tax charged to profit and loss is analysed as follows:

Current tax

Deferred tax

Reconciliation between tax expense and tax at the applicable tax rate†:

Tax at applicable tax rate

Income not subject to tax

Expenses not deductible for tax purposes

Tax losses and temporary differences not recognised

Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses and temporary differences

Deferred tax assets written off

Over provision in prior years

Withholding tax

Change in tax rate

Other

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income is analysed as follows:

Remeasurements of defined benefit plans

Cash flow hedges

Annual Report 2018

71

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

(102.1)

0.7

(101.4)

35.7

11.7

(96.2)

(38.9)

–

(3.5)

0.1

(12.9)

0.7

1.9

(101.4)

2.2

(1.0)

1.2

(86.9)

(6.1)

(93.0)

(49.8)

4.9

(15.7)

(17.8)

0.3

–

3.0

(16.5)

–

(1.4)

(93.0)

(2.6)

0.2

(2.4)

Share of tax charge of associates and joint ventures of US$34.7 million (2017: US$32.0 million) is included in share of results of 
associates and joint ventures.

†  The applicable tax rate for the year was 15.2% (2017: 14.5%) and represents the weighted average of the rates of taxation prevailing in the territories in which the Group operates. 

72

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

9. Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$92.0 million (2017: US$402.4 million), and on the 
weighted average number of 1,352.6 million (2017: 1,352.4 million) shares in issue during the year.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$92.0 million (2017: US$402.4 million), and on  
the weighted average number of shares in issue after adjusting for the number of shares which are deemed to be issued for no 
consideration under the share-based long-term incentive plans based on the average share price during the year.

The weighted average number of shares is arrived at as follows:

Ordinary shares in millions

2018

2017

Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share calculation

1,352.6

1,352.4

Adjustment for shares deemed to be issued for no consideration under  

the share-based long-term incentive plans

Weighted average number of shares for diluted earnings per share calculation

0.8

1,353.4

0.6

1,353.0

Additional basic and diluted earnings per share are also calculated based on underlying profit attributable to shareholders.  
A reconciliation of earnings is set out below:

2018

Basic 
earnings 
per share

Diluted 
earnings 
per share

2017

Basic 
earnings  
per share

Diluted 
earnings  
per share

US$m

US¢

US¢

US$m

US¢

US¢

Profit attributable to  

shareholders

Non-trading items (note 10)

Underlying profit attributable  

92.0

332.3

6.80

6.80

to shareholders

424.3

31.37

31.36

402.4

0.2

402.6

29.75

29.74

29.77

29.76

Notes to the Financial Statements 
Annual Report 2018

73

10. Non-trading Items

An analysis of non-trading items in operating profit and profit attributable to shareholders is set out below:

Business restructuring costs

– impairment of intangible assets

– impairment of tangible assets

– onerous lease provisions

– business correction provisions

Profit on sale of businesses

Loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary

Profit on sale of properties

Others

Operating profit

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

Profit attributable to 
shareholders

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

(102.1)

(186.0)

(83.1)

(96.1)

(467.3)

152.5

(61.2)

28.2

0.5

120.0

(347.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5 

1.0

1.5

1.5

(102.1)

(173.1)

(83.1)

(95.2)

(453.5)

152.5

(61.2)

28.2

1.7

121.2

(332.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.1

(0.3)

(0.2)

(0.2)

Following the completion of a detailed strategic review undertaken since late 2017, it was concluded that the Group’s Southeast 
Asia Food business was not viable in the current form.  Impairments against certain goodwill and assets, provisions in relation to 
onerous leases on underperforming stores and other associated business correction provisions have been recorded.  Business 
correction provisions included expected future payments to landlords, tenants and employees.

Profit on sale of businesses included profit on disposal of 100% interest in Rustan Supercenters, Inc. (‘RSCI’) amounting to  
US$143.8 million and US$8.7 million related to Asia Investment and Supermarket Trading Company Limited (‘AISTC’) (note 28(f )).

The Group reorganised its business in the Philippines by exchanging its 100% interest in RSCI with RRHI, the third largest retailer in 
the Philippines, listed on the Philippines Stock Exchange, for a 12.15% interest in the enlarged share capital of RRHI.  This together 
with a further 6.1% interest acquisition in the enlarged share capital from the existing controlling shareholders, and certain  
on-market purchases, gave the Group a total shareholding of 20% in RRHI at 31st December 2018 (notes 13(a) and 28(e)).

74

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

10. Non-trading Items continued

The profit on disposal of 100% interest in RSCI is shown below:

Consideration received in the form of 12.15% interest in RRHI

Less:

– net assets disposed of

– release of exchange reserves

– transaction costs

Profit on sale of business

2018

US$m

336.2

(149.4)

(31.0)

(12.0)

143.8

In addition, the Group acquired the remaining 51% interest in Rose Pharmacy, Inc. (‘Rose Pharmacy’) from its joint venture partner in 
December 2018 and Rose Pharmacy became a wholly-owned subsidiary (note 28(d)).  Upon the completion of the remaining 
interest acquisition in Rose Pharmacy, goodwill amounting to US$97.5 million was recognised, followed by goodwill impairment 
amounting to US$15.3 million.  The loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary is summarised as follows:

Fair value of previously held investment in a joint venture

Less:

– carrying value of investment disposed of

– release of exchange reserves

– transaction costs

Impairment of goodwill

Loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary

2018

US$m

42.0

(73.1)

(14.7)

(0.1)

(45.9)

(15.3)

(61.2)

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

75

Goodwill

Leasehold 
land

Computer 
software

US$m

US$m

US$m

Other

US$m

Total

US$m

569.1

(0.3)

568.8

(11.6)

97.5

–

(101.5)

–

–

(116.8)

436.4

551.9

(115.5)

436.4

562.6

(0.3)

562.3

8.2

–

–

–

–

(1.7)

568.8

569.1

(0.3)

568.8

118.3

(11.5)

106.8

(7.0)

–

–

–

–

(2.4)

(0.2)

97.2

110.5

(13.3)

97.2

95.6

(9.2)

86.4

(0.9)

23.7

–

(2.4)

–

–

106.8

118.3

(11.5)

106.8

178.4

(66.6)

111.8

(1.3)

0.4

32.2

(1.1)

(0.3)

(18.1)

(0.1)

123.5

203.5

(80.0)

123.5

134.2

(48.8)

85.4

2.1

40.9

(0.2)

(16.0)

(0.4)

–

111.8

178.4

(66.6)

111.8

43.7

(16.4)

27.3

(1.4)

5.5

–

909.5

(94.8)

814.7

(21.3)

103.4

32.2

(18.5)

(121.1)

–

(3.0)

(0.3)

9.6

18.8

(9.2)

9.6

44.0

(13.0)

31.0

(0.4)

–

–

(3.3)

–

–

27.3

43.7

(16.4)

27.3

(0.3)

(23.5)

(117.4)

666.7

884.7

(218.0)

666.7

836.4

(71.3)

765.1

9.0

64.6

(0.2)

(21.7)

(0.4)

(1.7)

814.7

909.5

(94.8)

814.7

11. Intangible Assets

2018

Cost

Amortisation and impairment

Net book value at 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Disposals

Amortisation

Impairment charge

Net book value at 31st December

Cost

Amortisation and impairment

2017

Cost

Amortisation and impairment

Net book value at 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Disposals

Amortisation

Impairment charge

Reclassified to assets held for sale

Net book value at 31st December

Cost

Amortisation and impairment

76

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

11. Intangible Assets continued

Additions of goodwill in respect of a new subsidiary in 2018 related to the acquisition of the remaining 51% shareholding of Rose 
Pharmacy (note 28(d)).

In 2018, other intangible assets comprised mainly trademarks.  While in 2017, the same also included a right-to-use trademark and 
assets under a lease agreement.

There were no intangible assets pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2018 and 2017.

The amortisation charges are all recognised in arriving at operating profit and are included in selling and distribution costs and 
administration expenses.

The remaining amortisation periods for intangible assets are as follows:

Leasehold land

Computer software

Trademarks and others

up to 56 years

up to 7 years

up to 13 years

Goodwill is allocated to groups of cash-generating units (‘CGU’) identified by banners or group of stores acquired in each territory.  
The table below analyses the carrying value of goodwill by CGU.

San Miu Macau

RSCI, the Philippines

Giant Malaysia

Rose Pharmacy, the Philippines

Giant Singapore

Others

Total

2018

US$m

180.0

–

–

82.4

42.1

131.9

436.4

2017

US$m

180.3

108.8

81.3

–

63.2

135.2

568.8

Management has assessed the recoverable amount of each CGU based on value-in-use calculations using cash flow projections 
based on approved budgets which have forecasts covering a period of three years and projections for a further two years.

Following the completion of a strategic review, the Group has recognised impairment charges against goodwill relating to its  
Giant businesses in Malaysia amounting to US$81.5 million and Singapore of US$20.0 million, and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines 
of US$15.3 million in the profit and loss.  Goodwill related to the Giant Malaysia business was fully impaired during the year and 
goodwill related to the businesses in Giant Singapore and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines have been reduced to their recoverable 
amounts.  Any decrease in gross margins, average growth rates and any increase in the discount rate would result in further 
impairment.

Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the remaining significant balances of goodwill in 2018 include budgeted 
gross margins between 21% and 30% and average sales growth rates are between 0.3% and 3.8% to project cash flows, which  
vary across the Group’s business segments and geographical locations, over a five-year period and thereafter, and are based on 
management expectations for the market development; and pre-tax discount rates of between 6% and 14% applied to the cash 
flow projections.  The discount rates used reflect business specific risks relating to the relevant industry, business life-cycle and 
geographical location.  On the basis of this review, management concluded that no further impairment charge is required.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

77

12. Tangible Assets

Freehold 
properties

Leasehold 
properties

Leasehold 
improvements

Plant & 
machinery

Furniture, 
equipment 
& motor 
vehicles

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

2018

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

Net book value at 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Disposals

Depreciation charge

Impairment charge

Reclassified from assets held for sale

141.2

(6.3)

134.9

(2.3)

–

–

–

–

(1.6)

(24.0)

–

Net book value at 31st December

107.0

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

2017

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

Net book value at 1st January

Exchange differences

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation charge

Impairment charge

Reclassified to assets held for sale

Net book value at 31st December

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

133.4

(26.4)

107.0

115.8

(4.6)

111.2

11.5

13.4

–

(1.2)

–

–

134.9

141.2

(6.3)

134.9

543.0

(119.1)

423.9

(13.6)

–

8.2

(20.1)

(3.4)

(16.0)

(128.3)

0.4

251.1

493.7

(242.6)

251.1

511.6

(100.0)

411.6

17.7

16.7

(0.9)

(16.8)

–

(4.4)

423.9

543.0

(119.1)

423.9

860.2

(590.8)

269.4

(4.6)

2.0

74.1

(25.1)

(6.9)

(78.7)

(11.4)

–

718.3

(483.8)

234.5

(4.3)

–

79.4

(20.3)

(4.8)

(69.2)

(20.7)

–

218.8

194.6

825.1

(606.3)

218.8

756.5

(516.8)

239.7

8.9

104.8

(6.1)

(76.9)

(1.0)

–

269.4

860.2

(590.8)

269.4

691.9

(497.3)

194.6

620.2

(422.1)

198.1

8.6

94.5

(3.2)

(62.5)

(0.9)

(0.1)

234.5

718.3

(483.8)

234.5

525.8

2,788.5

(404.3)

(1,604.3)

121.5

1,184.2

(4.4)

2.1

27.4

(2.2)

(2.9)

(40.1)

(24.9)

–

76.5

(29.2)

4.1

189.1

(67.7)

(18.0)

(205.6)

(209.3)

0.4

848.0

503.2

2,647.3

(426.7)

(1,799.3)

76.5

848.0

518.1

(379.2)

138.9

1.6

25.4

(2.4)

(41.9)

(0.1)

–

121.5

525.8

(404.3)

121.5

2,522.2

(1,422.7)

1,099.5

48.3

254.8

(12.6)

(199.3)

(2.0)

(4.5)

1,184.2

2,788.5

(1,604.3)

1,184.2

78

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

12. Tangible Assets continued

Net book value of leasehold properties acquired under finance leases amounted to US$79.7 million (2017: US$87.9 million).

Rental income from properties amounted to US$27.7 million (2017: US$27.9 million) including contingent rents of US$0.4 million 
(2017: US$2.9 million).

Future minimum rental payments receivable under non-cancellable leases are as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Beyond five years

There were no tangible assets pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2018 and 2017.

13. Associates and Joint Ventures

Listed associates

Unlisted associate

Share of attributable net assets

Goodwill on acquisition

Unlisted joint ventures

Goodwill on acquisition

2018

US$m

12.2

5.9

5.6

1.6

25.3

2018

US$m

862.2

449.6

1,311.8

740.4

2,052.2

14.7

–

14.7

2017

US$m

13.9

8.6

7.6

1.9

32.0

2017

US$m

696.0

396.9

1,092.9

413.6

1,506.5

19.3

75.2

94.5

2,066.9

1,601.0

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

79

13. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

Movements of associates and joint ventures  

during the year:

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Share of results after tax and non-controlling interests

Share of other comprehensive income/(expense)  

after tax and non-controlling interests

Dividends received

Acquisition and capital injections

Reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary

Other

At 31st December

Fair value of listed associates

Associates

Joint ventures

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

1,506.5

(57.6)

138.2

1.3

(94.2)

556.2

–

1.8

1,366.8

70.6

148.3

5.6

(84.9)

–

–

0.1

2,052.2

1,506.5

2,669.3

2,962.5

94.5

(4.1)

(5.4)

(0.4)

–

3.2

(73.1)

–

14.7

95.0

–

(6.1)

(0.2)

–

5.8

–

–

94.5

(a) Investment in associates
The material associates of the Group are listed below.  These associates have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares,  
which are held directly by the Group.  The country of incorporation or registration is also their principal place of business, and the 
proportion of ownership interest is the same as the proportion of voting rights held.

Nature of investments in material associates in 2018 and 2017:

Name of entity

Nature of business

place of listing

Country of incorporation/ 

Maxim’s Caterers Limited (‘Maxim’s’)

Restaurants

Hong Kong/Unlisted

Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd 

(‘Yonghui’)

Supermarkets and  
  hypermarkets

Mainland China/Shanghai

% of ownership interest

2018

50

19.99

2017

50

19.99

 
80

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

13. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

(a) Investment in associates continued
In November 2018, the Group completed the investment of 20% in RRHI by exchanging its 100% interest in RSCI and further  
shares acquisition from the existing controlling shareholders and in the market.  At the date of investment, goodwill amounting to 
US$346.4 million arose from the excess of the purchase consideration over the Group’s interest in the fair value of the identifiable net 
assets of RRHI (note 10).

A summary of the purchase consideration and percentage of ownership for acquisition of RRHI is shown as below:

Disposal of 100% interest in RSCI

Further interest acquired from the existing controlling shareholders and 
  certain on-market purchases

Consideration 
for acquisition

Ownership 
acquired

US$m

%

336.2

12.15

220.0

556.2

7.85

20.00

The fair value of the identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date is provisional and will be finalised within one year after 
the acquisition date.

Summarised financial information for material associates

Summarised balance sheets at 31st December (unless otherwise indicated):

Non-current assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Other current assets

Total current assets

Non-current liabilities

Financial liabilities†

Other non-current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Financial liabilities†

Other current liabilities

Total current liabilities

Non-controlling interests

Net assets

Maxim’s

Yonghui

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018*

US$m

2017*

US$m

1,130.0

1,082.5

2,863.8

2,195.3

268.8

210.2

479.0

(145.5)

(51.8)

(197.3)

(352.6)

(144.3)

(496.9)

(15.6)

899.2

192.6

182.7

375.3

(154.8)

(43.5)

(198.3)

(323.7)

(128.2)

(451.9)

(13.7)

793.9

835.9

2,426.2

3,262.1

–

(27.1)

(27.1)

(591.8)

(2,252.0)

(2,843.8)

(119.4)

3,135.6

850.1

2,032.2

2,882.3

–

(20.3)

(20.3)

(60.8)

(1,646.5)

(1,707.3)

(67.4)

3,282.6

* Based on unaudited summarised balance sheet at 30th September 2018 and 2017.
†  Excluded trade and other payables, which are presented under other current and non-current liabilities.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

81

13. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

(a) Investment in associates continued
Summarised financial information for material associates continued

Summarised statements of comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December (unless otherwise indicated):

Sales

Depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Interest expense

Profit from underlying business performance

Income tax expense

Profit after tax from underlying business performance

Profit after tax from non-trading items

Profit after tax

Non-controlling interests

Profit after tax and non-controlling interests

Other comprehensive (expense)/income

Total comprehensive income

Dividends received from associates

Maxim’s

Yonghui

2018

US$m

2,585.5

(121.6)

3.4

(1.6)

267.4

(50.4)

217.0

–

217.0

(2.9)

214.1

(6.7)

207.4

51.0

2017

US$m

2,238.1

(101.6)

1.6

(0.4)

235.2

(42.0)

193.2

–

193.2

(2.7)

190.5

19.1

209.6

51.3

2018*

US$m

8,051.9

(140.2)

7.9

(4.0)

144.9

(46.1)

98.8

10.0

108.8

46.7

155.5

–

155.5

43.2

2017*

US$m

8,148.2

(151.6)

50.6

(26.8)

290.4

(57.6)

232.8

19.8

252.6

14.3

266.9

–

266.9

33.6

* Based on unaudited summarised statement of comprehensive income for the nine months ended 30th September 2018 and 12 months ended 30th September 2017.

The information contained in the summarised balance sheets and statements of comprehensive income reflect the amounts 
presented in the financial statements of the associates adjusted for differences in accounting policies between the Group and  
the associates, and fair value of the associates at the time of acquisition.

82

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

13. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

(a) Investment in associates continued
Reconciliation of the summarised financial information

Reconciliation of the summarised financial information presented to the carrying amount of the Group’s interests in its material 
associates for the year ended 31st December:

Maxim’s

Yonghui

Total

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

Net assets

899.2

793.9

3,135.6†

3,282.6†

Interest in associates (%)

Group’s share of net assets in associates

Goodwill

Other reconciling items

Carrying value

50

449.6

–

–

50

396.9

–

–

19.99

626.8

392.2

21.5

19.99

656.2

413.6

39.8

1,076.4

1,053.1

392.2

21.5

413.6

39.8

449.6

396.9

1,040.5

1,109.6

1,490.1

1,506.5

Fair value

n/a

n/a

2,188.9

2,962.5

†  Based on unaudited summarised balance sheet at 30th September 2018 and 2017.

There were no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interests in associates at 31st December 2018 and 2017.

(b) Investment in joint ventures
The Group has interests in a number of unlisted joint ventures.  In the opinion of the Directors, no joint ventures are  
considered material.

Commitments and contingent liabilities in respect of joint ventures

There were no commitments and contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in joint ventures at 31st December 2018  
and 2017.

Notes to the Financial Statements14. Other Investments

Movements during the year:

At 1st January

Change in fair value recognised in profit and loss

At 31st December

Annual Report 2018

83

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

6.9

0.5

7.4

5.9

1.0

6.9

Other investments are unlisted non-current equity investments measured at fair value through profit and loss.  The fair value is 
based on observable current market transactions.

15. Debtors

Trade debtors

Third parties

Joint ventures

Less: provision for impairment

Other debtors

Third parties

Less: provision for impairment

Non-current

Current

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

121.8

1.4

123.2

(2.5)

120.7

413.6

(2.0)

411.6

532.3

160.3

372.0

532.3

139.7

1.1

140.8

(3.9)

136.9

379.0

(2.6)

376.4

513.3

162.6

350.7

513.3

Trade and other debtors excluding derivative financial instruments are stated at amortised cost.  The fair values of these debtors 
approximate their carrying amounts.  Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.

84

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

15. Debtors continued

Trade and other debtors
Sales to customers are mainly made in cash or by major credit cards.  The average credit period on sale of goods and services varies 
among Group businesses and is normally not more than 30 days.  The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the 
carrying amount of trade debtors after deducting the impairment allowance.

Significant financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default 
or delinquency in payment are considered indicators that the debtor is impaired.  An allowance for impairment of trade and other 
debtors is made based on the estimated irrecoverable amount.

Other debtors are further analysed as follows:

Derivative financial instruments

Other receivables

Financial assets

Rental and other deposits

Prepayments

Other

2018

US$m

6.3

32.7

39.0

171.0

86.6

115.0

411.6

2017

US$m

3.4

24.4

27.8

175.1

82.5

91.0

376.4

Impairment of trade and other debtors
At 31st December 2018, trade debtors of US$8.7 million (2017: US$5.2 million) and other debtors of US$5.5 million  
(2017: US$4.4 million), respectively, were past due but not impaired.  The ageing analysis of these debtors is as follows:

Trade debtors

Other debtors

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

3.0

2.5

1.9

1.3

8.7

1.2

1.1

2.7

0.2

5.2

4.1

0.7

0.3

0.4

5.5

2.0

1.3

0.5

0.6

4.4

Below 30 days

Between 31 and 60 days

Between 61 and 90 days

Over 90 days

Most of the balances have been settled subsequent to year end.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

85

15. Debtors continued

Impairment of trade and other debtors continued
At 31st December 2018, trade debtors of US$2.5 million (2017: US$3.9 million) and other debtors of US$2.0 million
(2017: US$2.6 million) were impaired, which have been fully provided for in both years.  The ageing analysis of these debtors
is as follows:

Below 30 days

Between 61 and 90 days

Over 90 days

Movements in the provision for impairment are as follows:

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additional provisions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Unused amounts reversed

Amounts written off

At 31st December

Trade debtors

Other debtors

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

–

–

2.5

2.5

–

–

3.9

3.9

0.7

0.6

0.7

2.0

–

0.1

2.5

2.6

Trade debtors

Other debtors

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

(3.9)

0.1

(0.4)

0.1

1.4

0.2

(2.5)

(2.7)

(0.1)

(1.3)

–

0.1

0.1

(3.9)

(2.6)

0.1

(1.3)

1.3

0.5

–

(2.0)

(2.4)

(0.1)

(0.9)

–

–

0.8

(2.6)

There were no debtors pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2018 and 2017.

86

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

16. Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities)

2018

At 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Credited/(charged) to profit and loss

(Charged)/credited to other  
  comprehensive expense

Disposal of subsidiaries

At 31st December

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2017

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Charged to profit and loss

Credited/(charged) to other  
  comprehensive income

At 31st December

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation

Fair value 
gains/ 
losses

Employee 
benefits

Provisions 
and other 
temporary 
differences

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

(50.7)

0.7

–

3.4

–

–

(46.6)

1.3

(47.9)

(46.6)

(45.1)

(1.2)

(4.4)

–

(50.7)

1.1

(51.8)

(50.7)

(3.2)

0.2

–

1.1

(1.0)

–

(2.9)

–

(2.9)

(2.9)

(3.3)

–

(0.1)

0.2

(3.2)

0.4

(3.6)

(3.2)

6.4

(0.3)

1.3

0.7

2.2

(0.9)

9.4

9.4

–

9.4

9.0

–

–

(2.6)

6.4

6.4

–

6.4

11.2

(0.5)

0.2

(4.5)

–

(1.1)

5.3

13.1

(7.8)

5.3

11.8

1.0

(1.6)

–

11.2

18.5

(7.3)

11.2

Total

US$m

(36.3)

0.1

1.5

0.7

1.2

(2.0)

(34.8)

23.8

(58.6)

(34.8)

(27.6)

(0.2)

(6.1)

(2.4)

(36.3)

26.4

(62.7)

(36.3)

Deferred tax balances predominantly comprise non-current items.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are netted when the taxes 
relate to the same taxation authority and where offsetting is allowed.

Deferred tax assets of US$34.2 million (2017: US$28.0 million) arising from unused tax losses of US$141.4 million  
(2017: US$115.8 million) have not been recognised in the financial statements.  Included in the unused tax losses, US$56.1 million 
have no expiry date and the remaining balance will expire at various dates up to and including 2028.

Deferred tax liabilities of US$7.1 million (2017: US$14.9 million) arising on temporary differences associated with investment in 
subsidiaries of US$71.3 million (2017: US$149.2 million) have not been recognised as there is no current intention of remitting the 
retained earnings of these subsidiaries to the holding companies in the foreseeable future.

Notes to the Financial Statements17. Cash and Bank Balances

Deposits with banks
Bank balances
Cash balances

Analysis by currency:
Australian dollar
Chinese renminbi
Hong Kong dollar
Indonesian rupiah
Macau patacas
Malaysian ringgit
New Taiwan dollar
Philippine peso
Singapore dollar
United Kingdom sterling
United States dollar
Other

The weighted average interest rate on deposits with banks is 1.4% (2017: 0.4%) per annum.

18. Creditors

Trade creditors
– third parties
– associates

Accruals
Rental and other refundable deposits
Deferred consideration for acquisition of a subsidiary
Derivative financial instruments
Other creditors

Financial liabilities
Contract liabilities
Rental and other income received in advance

Non-current
Current

Annual Report 2018

87

2018

US$m

86.1
82.2
127.9

296.2

1.1
13.7
79.4
33.4
26.5
18.4
62.0
5.2
34.9
0.2
18.3
3.1

296.2

2018

US$m

1,525.3
3.8

1,529.1
703.9
26.4
24.8
0.3
17.3

2,301.8
134.8
1.7

2,438.3

39.7
2,398.6

2,438.3

2017

US$m

95.8
88.4
148.2

332.4

1.8
18.7
109.9
15.7
26.2
27.8
60.3
19.0
27.0
0.5
21.2
4.3

332.4

2017

US$m

1,548.6
3.6

1,552.2
755.1
27.3
24.8
2.3
13.2

2,374.9
135.4
1.9

2,512.2

42.7
2,469.5

2,512.2

Derivative financial instruments are stated at fair value.  Other creditors are stated at amortised cost.  The fair values of these creditors 
approximate their carrying amounts.

Contract liabilities principally include payments received in advance from customers for sale of unredeemed gift vouchers.

88

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

19. Borrowings

Current

– bank overdrafts

– other bank advances

Current portion of bank borrowings

Long-term bank borrowings

2018

US$m

11.7

714.0

725.7

300.0

1,025.7

14.5

1,040.2

All borrowings are unsecured.  The fair values of borrowings are not materially different from their carrying amounts.

The Group’s borrowings are further summarised as follows:

By currency

2018

Chinese renminbi

Hong Kong dollar

Malaysian ringgit

New Taiwan dollar

Philippine peso

United States dollar

2017

Hong Kong dollar

Malaysian ringgit

United States dollar

Fixed rate borrowings

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rates

Weighted 
average 
period 
outstanding

Floating 
rate 
borrowings

%

4.4

3.8

4.6

1.3

6.0

3.3

1.9

4.3

2.1

Years

US$m

US$m

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

1.2

–

–

–

–

–

200.0

200.0

–

–

200.0

200.0

9.1

316.2

158.7

5.8

23.8

326.6

840.2

278.5

149.0

307.2

734.7

2017

US$m

1.1

411.6

412.7

–

412.7

522.0

934.7

Total

US$m

9.1

316.2

158.7

5.8

23.8

526.6

1,040.2

278.5

149.0

507.2

934.7

The weighted average interest rates and period of fixed rate borrowings are stated after taking into account hedging transactions.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

89

19. Borrowings continued

The exposure of the Group’s borrowings to interest rate changes and the contractual repricing dates at 31st December after taking 
into account hedging transactions are as follows:

Floating rate borrowings

– within one year

The movements in borrowings are as follows:

2018

At 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Disposal of subsidiaries

Transfer

Change in bank overdrafts

Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Net increase in other short-term borrowings

2017

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Change in bank overdrafts

Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Net increase in other short-term borrowings

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

840.2

734.7

Bank 
overdrafts

Short-term 
borrowings

Long-term 
borrowings

US$m

US$m

US$m

1.1

(0.4)

–

–

–

11.0

–

–

–

411.6

(4.1)

23.8

(26.2)

300.0

–

998.2

(756.4)

67.1

11.7

1,014.0

1.2

0.1

(0.2)

–

–

–

1.1

368.4

10.3

–

674.8

(764.2)

122.3

411.6

522.0

(0.3)

–

–

(300.0)

–

–

(207.2)

–

14.5

595.0

0.8

–

176.2

(250.0)

–

522.0

Total

US$m

934.7

(4.8)

23.8

(26.2)

–

11.0

998.2

(963.6)

67.1

1,040.2

964.6

11.2

(0.2)

851.0

(1,014.2)

122.3

934.7

Net change in other short-term borrowings represents the aggregated net drawdown and repayment movement under the Group’s 
global liquidity cash pooling scheme, which is implemented for enhancing the daily cash flow management.

90

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

20. Provisions

2018

At 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additional provisions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Unused amounts reversed

Utilised

At 31st December

Non-current

Current

2017

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Additional provisions

Unused amounts reversed

Utilised

Reclassified to liabilities directly associated  
  with assets held for sale

At 31st December

Non-current

Current

Closure 
cost 
provisions

Obligations 
under 
onerous 
leases

Reinstatement 
and 
restoration 
costs

US$m

US$m

US$m

47.5

(3.0)

0.2

71.9

(0.1)

(6.5)

(19.7)

90.3

6.5

83.8

90.3

5.9

1.1

47.4

(2.8)

(4.1)

–

47.5

–

47.5

47.5

12.5

(2.6)

–

88.8

–

–

–

98.7

91.3

7.4

98.7

14.4

1.3

6.1

(9.3)

–

–

12.5

12.3

0.2

12.5

29.9

(0.8)

–

13.9

–

(1.6)

(0.7)

40.7

27.8

12.9

40.7

26.2

1.8

3.7

(0.6)

(1.1)

(0.1)

29.9

25.1

4.8

29.9

Total

US$m

89.9

(6.4)

0.2

174.6

(0.1)

(8.1)

(20.4)

229.7

125.6

104.1

229.7

46.5

4.2

57.2

(12.7)

(5.2)

(0.1)

89.9

37.4

52.5

89.9

Closure cost provisions are established when legal or constructive obligations, and obligations from restructuring plans, arise on 
store closure or disposal of businesses.

Provisions are made for obligations under onerous operating leases when the Group believes that the net costs of exiting from the 
leases exceed the economic benefits expected to be received.

Reinstatement cost provisions comprise the estimated costs of dismantling and removing property, plant and equipment and 
restoring the site on which the asset is located.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

91

21. Pension Plans

The Group operates defined benefit pension plans in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan and the Philippines, with the major plan in 
Hong Kong.  These plans are final salary defined benefits, calculated based on members’ lengths of service and their salaries in the 
final years leading up to retirement.  All pension benefits are paid in one lump sum.  With the exception of certain plans, all the 
defined benefit plans are closed to new members.  In addition, all plans are impacted by discount rate while liabilities are driven  
by salary growth.

The Group’s defined benefit plans are either funded or unfunded, with the assets of the funded plans held independently of the 
Group’s assets in separate trustee administered funds.  Plan assets held in trusts are governed by local regulations and practices in 
each country.  Responsibility for governance of the plans, including investment decisions and contribution schedules, lies jointly 
with the company and the boards of trustees.  The Group’s major plans are valued by independent actuaries annually using the 
projected unit credit method.

The amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet are as follows:

Fair value of plan assets

Present value of funded obligations

Present value of unfunded obligations

Net pension liabilities

Analysis of net pension liabilities:

Pension assets

Pension liabilities

2018

US$m

169.3

(210.0)

(40.7)

(6.9)

(47.6)

–

(47.6)

(47.6)

2017

US$m

189.4

(216.5)

(27.1)

(7.1)

(34.2)

–

(34.2)

(34.2)

92

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

21. Pension Plans continued

The movements in the net pension liabilities are as follows:

2018
At 1st January
Current service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Past service cost on settlements
Administration expenses

Exchange differences
New subsidiary
Disposal of subsidiaries
Remeasurements
– return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income
– change in financial assumptions
– experience losses

Contributions from employers
Benefit payments
Settlements
Transfer (to)/from other plans
At 31st December

2017
At 1st January
Current service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Losses on settlements
Administration expenses

Exchange differences
Remeasurements
– return on plan assets, excluding amounts included in interest income
– change in financial assumptions
– experience losses

Contributions from employers
Benefit payments
Settlements
Transfer from/(to) other plans
At 31st December

Fair value 
of plan 
assets

Present 
value of 
obligations

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

189.4
–
5.4
–
(0.8)
4.6
194.0
(0.5)
1.1
(0.2)

(15.6)
–
–
(15.6)
12.5
(21.3)
(0.4)
(0.3)
169.3

195.2
–
5.3
–
(0.2)
5.1
200.3
(0.7)

28.3
–
–
28.3
16.9
(21.1)
(34.4)
0.1
189.4

(223.6)
(17.4)
(5.9)
(4.2)
–
(27.5)
(251.1)
1.6
(5.1)
5.8

–
5.9
(2.3)
3.6
–
27.6
0.4
0.3
(216.9)

(247.6)
(15.7)
(6.7)
(2.2)
–
(24.6)
(272.2)
0.2

–
(7.6)
(1.5)
(9.1)
–
23.2
34.4
(0.1)
(223.6)

(34.2)
(17.4)
(0.5)
(4.2)
(0.8)
(22.9)
(57.1)
1.1
(4.0)
5.6

(15.6)
5.9
(2.3)
(12.0)
12.5
6.3
–
–
(47.6)

(52.4)
(15.7)
(1.4)
(2.2)
(0.2)
(19.5)
(71.9)
(0.5)

28.3
(7.6)
(1.5)
19.2
16.9
2.1
–
–
(34.2)

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

93

21. Pension Plans continued

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations at 31st December 2018 is 7.5 years (2017: 7.9 years).

Expected maturity analysis of undiscounted pension benefits at 31st December is as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Between five and ten years

Between ten and fifteen years

Between fifteen and twenty years

Beyond twenty years

2018

US$m

17.8

18.4

67.3

128.3

116.1

96.1

109.0

553.0

2017

US$m

18.5

17.1

65.9

134.1

111.5

96.5

86.1

529.7

The principal actuarial assumptions used for accounting purposes at 31st December are as follows:

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Taiwan

The Philippines

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

2018

2017

%

3.3

4.8

%

2.9

4.8

%

8.3

4.0

%

7.0

4.0

%

1.2

1.8

%

1.5

2.1

%

7.3

4.4

%

4.9

3.5

Discount rate

Salary growth rate

The sensitivity of the defined benefit obligations to changes in the weighted principal assumptions is as follows:

Discount rate

Salary growth rate

(Increase)/decrease on 
defined benefit  
obligations

Change in 
assumption

Increase in 
assumption

Decrease in 
assumption

%

1

1

US$m

US$m

(14.8)

17.3

16.8

(15.3)

The above sensitivity analyses are based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant.  In practice, 
this is unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated.  When calculating the sensitivity of the  
defined benefit obligations to significant actuarial assumptions, the same method (present value of the defined benefit obligations 
calculated with the projected unit credit method at the end of the reporting period) has been applied as when calculating the 
pension liability recognised within the balance sheet.

94

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

21. Pension Plans continued

The analysis of the fair value of plan assets at 31st December is as follows:

Equity investments

  Asia Pacific

Debt investments

  Asia Pacific

Investment funds

  Asia Pacific

  Europe

  North America

  Global

Total investments

Cash and cash equivalents

Benefits payable and other

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

6.7

0.7

36.2

24.6

53.8

34.4

149.0

156.4

18.9

(6.0)

169.3

19.3

0.7

36.6

17.6

41.8

62.7

158.7

178.7

15.2

(4.5)

189.4

At 31st December 2018, 100% of equity investments, 100% of debt investments and 70% of investment funds were quoted on 
active markets (2017: 100%, 100% and 67%, respectively).

The strategic asset allocation is derived from the asset-liability modelling (‘ALM’) review, done triennially to ensure the plans can 
meet future funding and solvency requirements.  The last ALM review was completed in 2018, with the modified strategic asset 
allocation adopted in 2018.  The next ALM review is scheduled for 2021.

At 31st December 2018, the Hong Kong plans had assets of US$161.1 million (2017: US$182.1 million).

The Group maintains an active and regular contribution schedule across all the plans.  The contributions to all its plans in 2018 were 
US$12.5 million and the estimated amounts of contributions expected to be paid to all its plans in 2019 are US$14.8 million.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

95

2018

US$m

125.0

400.0

525.0

2018

US$m

75.1

–

75.1

2017

US$m

125.0

400.0

525.0

2017

US$m

75.1

–

75.1

22. Share Capital

Authorised:

2,250,000,000 shares of US¢5 5/9 each

500,000 shares of US$800 each

Issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of US¢5 5/9 each

At 1st January

Issued under share-based long-term incentive plans

At 31st December

23. Share-based Long-term Incentive Plans

Ordinary shares in millions

2018

2017

1,352.5

0.2

1,352.7

1,352.2

0.3

1,352.5

Share-based long-term incentive plans (‘LTIP’) have been put in place to provide incentives for selected executives.  Awards take the 
form of share options to purchase ordinary shares in the Company with exercise prices based on the then prevailing market prices, 
however, share awards which will vest free of payment may also be made.  Awards normally vest on or after the third anniversary of 
the date of grant and may be subject to the achievement of performance conditions.

An LTIP was adopted by the Company on 5th March 2015.  During 2018, conditional awards of 597,514 shares were first awarded 
under the LTIP.  Under these awards, free shares are received by the participants to the extent the award vests.  Conditions, if any, are 
at the discretion of the Directors.  The fair value of the share awards granted during the year was US$4.5 million.  The inputs into the 
discounted cash flow valuation model were share price of US$8.38 per share at the grant date, dividend yield of 2.52%, and annual 
risk-free interest rates range from 2.63% to 2.84%.

Additionally, during 2018, a new LTIP 2018-2022 has been designed to align management’s reward with shareholders’ interests, over 
a five-year period, while also considering how management delivers earnings growth.  This new plan is aimed at investing in new 
people capabilities as well as retaining high potential individuals for stronger succession planning.  The scheme has been designed 
to appropriately compensate, attract and retain experienced senior management. 

The scheme will be predominantly measured based on compound growth in underlying earnings per share.  To ensure that the 
growth is delivered appropriately, another measure based on health of business (focused on areas such as quality of earnings and 
balance sheet strength) is also incorporated.  Finally, a sustainability check will be applied after the end of the five-year period to 
ensure that the results are sustainable.

The scheme was adopted on 5th December 2018.

During 2017, awards were granted in the form of options with exercise prices based on the then prevailing market prices, and no 
free shares were granted.  Prior to the adoption of the LTIP, The Dairy Farm International Share Option Plan 2005 provided selected 
executives with options to purchase ordinary shares in the Company.

96

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

23. Share-based Long-term Incentive Plans continued

Movements of the outstanding conditional awards during the year:

At 1st January

Granted

At 31st December

Outstanding conditional awards at 31st December:

Awards vest date

2021

2022

2023

Total outstanding

Movements of the outstanding options during the year:

At 1st January

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

At 31st December

Conditional awards  
in millions

2018

2017

–

0.6

0.6

–

–

–

Ordinary shares in millions

2018

2017

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.6

–

–

–

–

2018

2017

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

US$

8.0741

–

6.1906

8.6230

8.2155

Options 
in millions

5.4

–

(0.8)

(1.9)

2.7

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

US$

8.2712

8.9060

6.1680

9.8772

8.0741

Options 
in millions

7.2

2.8

(1.2)

(3.4)

5.4

The average share price during the year was US$8.70 (2017: US$8.18) per share.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

97

Exercise price

Options in millions

US$

2018

2017

12.1580

9.7160

9.6000

5.9320

8.9060

0.2

–

0.2

0.9

1.4

2.7

0.3

0.2

0.3

0.7

2.0

2.2

5.4

0.6

23. Share-based Long-term Incentive Plans continued

Outstanding options at 31st December:

Expiry date

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

Total outstanding

of which exercisable

No options were granted during the year.  The fair value of options granted in 2017, determined using the trinomial valuation 
model, was US$4.2 million.  The significant inputs into the model, based on the number of options issued, were share price of 
US$8.95 at the grant date, exercise price shown above, expected volatility based on the last five years of 20.69%, dividend yield of 
2.31%, option life disclosed above, and annual risk-free interest rate of 2.00%.  Options are assumed to be exercised at the end of the 
fifth year following the date of grant.

24. Share Premium and Capital Reserves

2018

At 1st January

Share-based long-term incentive plans

– value of employee services

Transfer

At 31st December

2017

At 1st January

Share-based long-term incentive plans

– value of employee services

– share options lapsed

Transfer

At 31st December

Share 
premium

Capital 
reserves

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

33.1

–

0.8

33.9

31.1

–

–

2.0

33.1

24.8

0.4

(0.8)

24.4

28.3

1.6

(3.1)

(2.0)

24.8

57.9

0.4

–

58.3

59.4

1.6

(3.1)

–

57.9

Capital reserves comprise contributed surplus of US$20.1 million (2017: US$20.1 million) and other reserves of US$4.3 million  
(2017: US$4.7 million), which represent the value of employee services under the Company’s share-based long-term incentive plans.  
The contributed surplus principally arose from the conversion of convertible preference shares in 1989 and, under the Bye-laws of 
the Company, is distributable.

98

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

25. Dividends

Final dividend in respect of 2017 of US¢14.50 (2016: US¢14.50) per share

Interim dividend in respect of 2018 of US¢6.50 (2017: US¢6.50) per share

2018

US$m

196.1

87.9

284.0

2017

US$m

196.1

87.9

284.0

A final dividend in respect of 2018 of US¢14.50 (2017: US¢14.50) per share amounting to a total of US$196.1 million  
(2017: US$196.1 million) is proposed by the Board.  The dividend proposed will not be accounted for until it has been approved at  
the 2019 Annual General Meeting.  This amount will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue reserves in the year ending 
31st December 2019.

26. Non-controlling Interests

Summarised financial information on a subsidiary with material non-controlling interests

The following is the summarised financial information for PT Hero Supermarket Tbk (‘PT Hero’), a subsidiary with non-controlling 
interests that is material to the Group.

Summarised balance sheet at 31st December:

Current

Assets

Liabilities

Total current net assets

Non-current

Assets

Liabilities

Total non-current net assets

Net assets

Non-controlling interests

2018

US$m

219.9

(156.6)

63.3

191.9

(24.8)

167.1

230.4

(33.1)

2017

US$m

187.8

(147.7)

40.1

333.6

(11.1)

322.5

362.6

(56.2)

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

99

26. Non-controlling Interests continued

Summarised financial information on a subsidiary with material non-controlling interests continued

Summarised statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December:

Sales

Loss after tax from underlying business performance

Loss after tax from non-trading items

Loss after tax

Other comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense

Total comprehensive expense allocated to non-controlling interests

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Summarised cash flows for the year ended 31st December:

Cash generated from operations

Interest received

Interest and other financing charges paid

Tax paid

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

The information above is the amount before inter-company eliminations.

2018

US$m

909.1

(3.8)

(106.7)

(110.5)

(20.8)

(131.3)

(20.1)

–

2017

US$m

972.7

(20.8)

–

(20.8)

(6.9)

(27.7)

(4.4)

–

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

37.1

0.5

(0.3)

(1.8)

35.5

(16.4)

–

19.1

16.7

(1.3)

34.5

47.2

0.2

(0.4)

(5.3)

41.7

(38.0)

–

3.7

13.2

(0.2)

16.7

100

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

27. Geographical Analysis of Non-current Assets

Set out below is an analysis of the Group’s non-current assets, excluding financial instruments, non-current debtors and deferred tax 
assets, by geographical area:

North Asia

Southeast Asia

At 31st December

28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

(a) Depreciation and amortisation

Food

– Supermarkets/hypermarkets

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Store support centre

(b) Other non-cash items

By nature:

Profit on sale of businesses

Loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary

(Profit)/loss on sale of tangible and intangible assets

Fair value gain on other investments

Fair value gains on forward foreign exchange contracts not qualifying as hedges

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

Write down of stocks

Reversal of write down of stocks

Share-based payment

Business correction provisions

Onerous lease provisions

Fair value gain on fair value hedge

(c) (Increase)/decrease in working capital

(Increase)/decrease in stocks

Increase in debtors

Increase in creditors

2018

US$m

2,151.6

1,430.0

3,581.6

2018

US$m

171.5

143.3

28.2

32.0

17.3

8.3

229.1

(152.5)

61.2

(12.7)

(0.5)

–

311.4

4.5

(4.2)

0.4

96.1

83.1

(0.1)

386.7

(16.9)

(41.6)

39.4

(19.1)

2017

US$m

2,184.4

1,415.5

3,599.9

2017

US$m

170.9

144.8

26.1

28.9

14.2

7.0

221.0

–

–

10.1

(1.0)

(0.7)

2.4

9.4

(6.7)

1.6

–

–

–

15.1

63.9

(58.6)

86.8

92.1

Notes to the Financial Statements28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

(d) Purchase of a subsidiary

Intangible assets

Tangible assets

Non-current debtors

Deferred tax assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Fair value of identifiable net assets acquired

Adjustment for fair value of previously held investment in a joint venture

Goodwill

Consideration paid

Cash and cash equivalents at the date of acquisition

Net cash outflow

Annual Report 2018

101

2018

US$m

5.9

4.1

1.5

1.5

46.7

(52.3)

(4.1)

3.3

(42.0)

(38.7)

97.5

58.8

(4.2)

54.6

For the subsidiary acquired during 2018, the fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities at the acquisition date are provisional 
and will be finalised within one year after the acquisition date.

Net cash outflow for purchase of a subsidiary during the year represented US$54.6 million for acquisition of the remaining 51% 
interest in Rose Pharmacy, which operates health and beauty stores chain in the Philippines in December 2018.  Following the 
acquisition, Rose Pharmacy became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group (note 10).

The goodwill arising from the acquisition amounted to US$97.5 million was attributable to the retail network and its market position 
in the Philippines.  None of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

There was no contribution from the subsidiary acquired to the Group’s sales and profit after tax since the acquisition took place at 
end of December 2018.  Had the acquisition occurred on 1st January 2018, consolidated sales and profit after tax for the year ended 
31st December 2018 would have been US$11,910.2 million and US$68.1 million, respectively.

(e) Purchase of associates and joint ventures in 2018 mainly related to the acquisition of 7.85% interest in RRHI at a total
consideration of US$220.0 million (note 13(a)) and a capital injection of US$3.1 million in the Group’s business in Vietnam.

Purchase in 2017 mainly related to the Group’s capital injection of US$3.4 million in the business in Vietnam and US$2.4 million  
in Rose Pharmacy.

102

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

(f ) Sale of subsidiaries

Intangible assets

Tangible assets

Current assets

Current liabilities

Net liabilities disposed of

Release of exchange reserves

Profit on disposal

Net sale proceeds

Cash and cash equivalents of the subsidiary disposed of

Net cash inflow

2018

US$m

1.7

0.1

3.3

(5.8)

(0.7)

1.0

8.7

9.0

(2.6)

6.4

In February 2018, the Group disposed of its 100% interest in AISTC, operating a hypermarket in Vietnam to a third party, for net cash 
inflow of US$6.4 million.  

In November 2018, the Group completed the exchange of its interest in RSCI with RRHI with no cash consideration received  
(note 10).  The disposed cash and cash equivalents of RSCI and the associated transaction costs leading to a net cash outflow of 
US$8.0 million, together with the net cash inflow from the disposal of AISTC, it brought to a total net cash outflow of US$1.6 million.

(g) Sale of properties
Sale of properties in 2018 included disposal of 14 properties in Singapore for a total consideration of US$32.6 million.

Sales in 2017 comprised sale of land in Malaysia and a property in Taiwan for a total cash consideration of US$3.2 million.

(h) Change in interests in subsidiaries
In October 2018, the Group acquired an additional 1.29% interest in PT Hero for a total consideration of US$3.5 million.

In 2017, the Group acquired a further 34% interest in RSCI for a total consideration of US$59.9 million and an additional 0.06% 
interest in PT Hero for US$0.2 million.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

103

2018

US$m

296.2

(11.7)

–

284.5

2017

US$m

332.4

(1.1)

3.2

334.5

28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

(i) Analysis of balances of cash and cash equivalents

Cash and bank balances (note 17)

Bank overdrafts (note 19)

Cash and bank balances included in assets held for sale

29. Derivative Financial Instruments

The fair values of derivative financial instruments at 31st December are as follows:

Designated as cash flow hedges

– forward foreign exchange contracts

– interest rate swaps

Designated as fair value hedges

– forward foreign exchange contracts

Non-qualifying as hedges

– forward foreign exchange contracts

2018

2017

Positive 
fair value

Negative 
fair value

Positive  
fair value

Negative 
fair value

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

5.3

0.9

6.2

0.1

0.1

–

–

0.3

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

0.5

2.2

2.7

–

–

0.7

0.7

2.3

–

2.3

–

–

–

–

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The contract amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31st December 2018 were US$641.4 million  
(2017: US$513.6 million).

Interest rate swaps
The notional principal amounts of the outstanding interest rate swap contracts at 31st December 2018 were US$200.0 million  
(2017: US$200.0 million) and the fixed interest rates relating to interest rate swaps vary from 0.9% to 1.0% (2017: 0.9% to 1.0%)  
per annum.

The fair values of interest rate swaps are based on the estimated cash flows discounted at market rate of 2.8% (2017: 1.6%)  
per annum.

104

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

30. Commitments

Capital commitments

Authorised not contracted

Contracted not provided

Operating lease commitments

Total commitments under operating leases

– due within one year

– due between one and two years

– due between two and three years

– due between three and four years

– due between four and five years

– due beyond five years

2018

US$m

290.5

118.0

408.5

792.6

558.0

334.9

202.0

138.8

795.5

2017

US$m

298.7

40.0

338.7

822.6

561.5

350.8

217.1

161.1

790.6

2,821.8

2,903.7

Total future sublease payments receivable relating to the above operating leases amounted to US$25.1 million  
(2017: US$35.4 million).

In addition, the Group has operating lease commitments with rentals determined in relation to sales.  It is not possible to quantify 
accurately future rentals payable under such leases.

31. Contingent Liabilities

Various Group companies are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  Having reviewed 
outstanding claims and taking into account legal advice received, the Directors are of the opinion that adequate provisions have 
been made in the financial statements.

Notes to the Financial StatementsAnnual Report 2018

105

32. Related Party Transactions

The parent company of the Group is Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited and the ultimate parent company is Jardine Matheson 
Holdings Limited (‘JMH’).  Both companies are incorporated in Bermuda.

In the normal course of business the Group undertakes a variety of transactions with JMH and its subsidiaries, associates and joint 
ventures.  The more significant of such transactions are described below.

Under the terms of a Management Services Agreement,  the Group paid a management fee of US$0.4 million (2017: US$2.0 million) 
to Jardine Matheson Limited (‘JML’), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JMH, based on 0.5% of the Group’s profit attributable to 
shareholders in consideration for certain management consultancy services provided by JML.  The Group also paid directors’ fees  
of US$0.5 million in 2018 (2017: US$0.5 million) to JML.

The Group rents properties from Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (‘HKL’), a subsidiary of JMH.  The gross annual rentals paid by the 
Group to HKL in 2018 were US$3.4 million (2017: US$3.0 million).  The Group’s 50%-owned associate, Maxim’s, also paid gross annual 
rentals of US$13.7 million (2017: US$11.8 million) to HKL in 2018.

The Group uses Jardine Lloyd Thompson Limited (‘JLT’), an associate of JMH, to place certain of its insurance policies.  Brokerage fees 
and commissions, net of rebates, paid by the Group to JLT in 2018 were US$1.9 million (2017: US$2.0 million).

The Group sources information technology infrastructure and related services from Jardine Technology Holdings Limited (‘JTH’),  
a subsidiary of JMH.  The total fees paid by the Group to JTH in 2018 amounted to US$10.5 million (2017: US$9.9 million).  Maxim’s 
also paid total fees of US$6.4 million (2017: US$3.5 million) to JTH in 2018.

The Group also obtains repairs and maintenance services from Jardine Engineering Corporation (‘JEC’), a subsidiary of JMH.  The total 
fees paid by the Group to JEC in 2018 amounted to US$7.2 million (2017: US$9.3 million).

Maxim’s supplies ready-to-eat products at arm’s length to certain subsidiaries of the Group.  In 2018, these amounted to  
US$33.6 million (2017: US$30.5 million).

Amounts of outstanding balances with associates and joint ventures are included in debtors and creditors, as appropriate.

Balances with group companies of JMH at 31st December 2018 and 2017 are immaterial, unsecured, and have no fixed terms  
of repayment.

Details of Director’s remuneration (being key management personnel compensation) are shown on page 120 under the heading  
of Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts.

106

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

33. Summarised Balance Sheet of the Company

Included below is certain summarised balance sheet information of the Company disclosed in accordance with Bermuda law.

Subsidiaries, at cost less provision*

Current assets

Current liabilities

Net operating assets

Share capital (note 22)

Share premium and capital reserves (note 24)

Revenue and other reserves

Shareholders’ funds

* Included intercompany balances due from/(to) subsidiaries.

34. Principal Subsidiaries

2018

US$m

658.3

0.5

–

658.8

75.1

58.3

525.4

658.8

2017

US$m

645.0

–

(1.3)

643.7

75.1

57.9

510.7

643.7

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 31st December 2018 are set out below:

Proportion of ordinary 
shares and voting powers 
at 31st December 2018  
held by

Attributable 
interests

Company name

incorporation

Nature of business

Country of  

2018
%

2017
%

the Group
%

Dairy Farm Management Limited†

Bermuda

Holding

Dairy Farm Management Services Limited† Bermuda

Group management

DFI Treasury Limited†

British Virgin Islands

Treasury

DFI (China) Commercial Investment  
  Holding Company Ltd

Mainland China

Investment holding

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Guangdong Sai Yi Convenience  
  Stores Limited

Mannings Guangdong Retail  
  Company Limited

Mainland China

Convenience stores

65

65

Mainland China

Health and beauty stores

100

100

The Dairy Farm Company, Limited

Hong Kong

100

100

Investment holding,  
supermarkets,  

  convenience, health  
  and beauty and home  

furnishings stores

100

100

100

100

65

100

100

non-
controlling 
interests
%

–

–

–

–

35

–

–

Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
Annual Report 2018

107

34. Principal Subsidiaries continued

Proportion of ordinary 
shares and voting powers 
at 31st December 2018  
held by

Attributable 
interests

Company name

incorporation

Nature of business

Country of  

2018
%

2017
%

the Group
%

Wellcome Company Limited

Hong Kong

Property and  

100

100

San Miu Supermarket Limited

Wellcome Taiwan Company Limited

DFI Home Furnishings Taiwan Limited

GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

Macau

Taiwan

Taiwan

Malaysia

food processing

Supermarkets

Supermarkets

Home furnishings stores

Supermarkets and  
  hypermarkets

100

100

100

85

100

100

100

85

Guardian Health And Beauty  

Malaysia

Health and beauty stores

100

100

Sdn. Bhd.

PT Hero Supermarket Tbk

Indonesia

Supermarkets,  

86

84

Giant TMC (B) Sdn. Bhd.

Brunei

hypermarkets, health  
and beauty and home  
furnishings stores

Hypermarket and health  
and beauty stores

Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte  
  Limited

Singapore

Supermarkets,  
  hypermarkets,  

convenience and health  
and beauty stores

DFI Lucky Private Limited

Cambodia

Supermarkets and health  

and beauty stores

Rose Pharmacy, Inc.

The Philippines

Health and beauty stores

All subsidiaries are included in the consolidation.

100

100

100

100

70

100

70

49

100

100

100

100

70

100

86

100

100

70

100

non-
controlling 
interests
%

–

–

–

–

30

–

14

–

–

30

–

Attributable interests represent the proportional holdings of the Company, held directly or through its subsidiaries, in the issued 
share capitals of the respective companies, after the deduction of any shares held by the trustees of the employee share option 
schemes of any such company and any shares in any such company owned by its wholly-owned subsidiaries.

†  Directly held by the Company.

 
108

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Independent Auditors’ Report

To the members of Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion
In our opinion, Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited’s Group (‘the Group’) financial statements (the ‘financial statements’):

• 

• 

• 

give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s affairs as at 31st December 2018 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 issued by the International 
Accounting Standards Board (‘IASB’); and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda).

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report, which comprise: the Consolidated Balance Sheet  
as at 31st December 2018; the Consolidated Profit and Loss Account, the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, the 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, and the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year then ended; and the notes to 
the financial statements, which include the Principal Accounting Policies.

Certain required disclosures have been presented in the Corporate Governance section on page 120, rather than in the notes to  
the financial statements.  These disclosures are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited.  

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law.  Our 
responsibilities under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section 
of our report.  We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence

We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial 
statements in the UK, which includes the Financial Reporting Council’s (‘FRC’s’) Ethical Standard as applicable to listed entities, and 
we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

Annual Report 2018

109

Our audit approach
Overview

Materiality
• 
• 

Overall Group materiality: US$26 million (2017: US$28 million)
Based on 5% of underlying profit before tax

Audit scope
• 

A full scope audit was performed on seven entities including six subsidiaries and one associate, Maxim’s.
These entities, together with procedures performed on central functions and at the Group level, accounted for 90% of
the Group’s revenue, 86% of the Group’s profit before tax, and 80% of the Group’s underlying profit before tax.

Key audit matters
• 
• 
• 
• 

Business restructuring costs
Impairment of goodwill in subsidiaries
Buying income
IT environment

The scope of our audit

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed 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.  

Key audit matters

Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the 
financial statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation  
of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team.  These matters, and any comments we make on the 
results of our procedures thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming 
our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters.  This is not a complete list of all risks identified by 
our audit.  

110

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Business restructuring costs

Refer to note 5 (Operating Profit) and note 10 (Non-trading 
Items) to the financial statements.

The Group has recognised business restructuring costs of 
US$467 million in relation to the Southeast Asia Food business 
for the year ended 31st December 2018.

These costs comprise impairment of intangible assets  
(US$102 million), impairment of tangible assets (US$186 million), 
onerous lease provisions (US$83 million) and business 
correction provisions (US$96 million).

As required by accounting standards, management performed 
detailed impairment assessments of the tangible assets having 
identified impairment indicators arising from the financial 
performance of the Southeast Asia Food business.  The 
determination of the recoverable amount of tangible assets 
requires significant judgements, particularly management’s 
view on key inputs and assumptions made in the cash flow 
forecasts including long-term growth rates.

Provisions for onerous lease contracts were recorded in respect 
of underperforming or loss-making locations, where management 
identified that the expected future cash inflows were lower  
than the contractual lease obligations.  The provisions were 
calculated based on the terms of rental agreements and the 
earlier of the remaining lease term or possible exit date.

Determining the business correction provisions required 
management to make judgements over the key inputs and 
assumptions, including the amount and timing of expected 
costs that will be incurred.

For the impairment of intangible assets, refer to our key audit 
matter in respect of goodwill in subsidiaries.

We have considered management’s strategic review and the 
associated restructuring programme for the Southeast Asia 
Food business, and scrutinised the detailed plans which have 
been approved by the Board of Directors.

On a sample basis, we agreed the carrying value of tangible 
assets that were assessed for impairment to underlying financial 
records and fixed asset registers.

We tested the discounted cash flow models used by 
management to determine the amount of tangible asset 
impairment required.  We assessed the cash flow forecasts by 
comparing historical budgeted performance to actual results, 
agreeing the financial information used to the Board approved 
budget, and checked the accuracy of the calculations.

We tested the accuracy and completeness of the data used by 
management in the onerous lease calculations by agreeing key 
inputs, such as the cash flow forecasts for individual stores, to 
the detailed budget approved by the Board.  In addition, on a 
sample basis, we agreed the inputs used in the calculations to 
the underlying lease contracts.

We assessed the key inputs and assumptions used by 
management in calculating the business correction provisions 
with reference to actual historical performance and underlying 
contractual agreements.  We evaluated whether the assumptions 
were appropriate based on the evidence available.

We assessed whether the identification of business correction 
costs and the recording of provisions, together with the 
assumptions made, had been consistently applied to each 
location identified in management’s plan.  We evaluated the 
costs and provisions booked against the requirements of the 
applicable accounting standards.  

Based on the work performed, we consider that the key 
assumptions used, and calculations prepared by management 
to determine the tangible asset impairments, onerous lease 
provisions, and business correction provisions to be 
supportable based on available evidence.

Independent Auditors’ ReportAnnual Report 2018

111

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of goodwill in subsidiaries

Refer to note 3 (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements) 
and note 11 (Intangible Assets) to the financial statements.

As at 31st December 2018, goodwill held in subsidiaries totalled 
US$436 million.  

Management undertook impairment assessments, as required 
by accounting standards, noting certain cash generating units 
(‘CGUs’) that were underperforming or loss making.

Impairment charges of US$117 million were recognised  
against goodwill held in subsidiaries during the year ended  
31st December 2018 where the recoverable amount was less 
than the carrying value.

The determination of the recoverable amount of CGUs  
requires significant judgements by management, particularly 
management’s view on key internal inputs and external market 
conditions which impact future cash flows, the discount rates 
and long term growth rates.

We have reviewed and understood management’s impairment 
assessment process, including what indicators of impairment 
had been noted and the appropriateness of the valuation 
models used.  We assessed management’s determination of 
CGUs.  Where we identified a risk of impairment we performed 
the following procedures.

We benchmarked and challenged key assumptions in 
management’s valuation models used to determine recoverable 
amounts, including assumptions of projected profits of businesses, 
long-term growth rates and discount rates appropriate for the 
CGUs under review, using our knowledge and experience.

We tested the discounted cash flow models used by management 
in their assessments, checked the accuracy of the calculations, 
compared historical budgeted performance to actual results 
and agreed the figures used to the detailed management 
approved budgets to assess the reasonableness of the cash 
flows used in the model.

Our challenge focused particularly on the discount rates and 
long term growth rates used.  With the support of our valuations 
specialists, we compared the discount rates used to the range 
of typical discount rates used in similar businesses and, 
considered whether management had incorporated all relevant 
macro-economic and country-specific factors, as well as those 
specific to those CGUs, in determining their discount rates.

For the growth rate we assessed whether management had 
considered macro-economic and country-specific factors 
specific to the relevant businesses.  We also compared the rate 
used to the range of growth rates used by similar businesses.  

We tested management’s historical estimation accuracy by 
comparing previous projected growth rates to the actual 
growth achieved.  Where differences were noted we understood 
management’s rationale and the evidence, such as actual recent 
performance, to support management’s estimates.

We evaluated the sensitivity analysis performed by management 
and performed our independent sensitivity analysis on the  
key assumptions above and considered a range of alternative 
outcomes to determine the sensitivity of the valuation models 
to changes in assumptions.

Where the recoverable amount was lower than the carrying 
amount of the CGU, we checked the calculation of the 
impairment charge recognised.

Based on the work performed, we found that the judgements 
made by management to determine the discount rate, long 
term growth rates and valuation models were reasonable.

112

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Key audit matter

Buying income

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Refer to note 1 (Principal Accounting Policies) and note 3 
(Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements) to the  
financial statements.

The Group has arrangements with suppliers whereby  
volume-based discounts and incentives, promotional and 
marketing incentives and various other rebates and discounts 
are earned in connection with the purchase of goods for resale 
from those suppliers.  As such, the Group recognises a net 
deduction from cost of sales as a result of amounts receivable 
from suppliers.

The individual supplier arrangements in place across the Group 
vary in nature.  The majority of buying income is driven by 
volume-based measures or event-driven schemes, with the 
remainder being ad-hoc and promotional buying income.

Given the varied types of buying income arrangements as well 
as various performance criteria which differ by suppliers, and 
given the fact that buying income is material to the financial 
statements, we identified buying income as a key audit matter.

The level of judgement in each category of buying income is 
noted below: 

We gained an understanding of and evaluated the key controls 
in place within the buying income process and tested those 
controls in certain components of the business.  We performed 
detailed analytical review of buying income by type and 
location to identify whether any unusual trends were present.

On a sample basis, we traced the reconciliation of supplier 
deductions or payments recognised in the income statement  
to cash receipts or supplier contracts.

We selected, on a sample basis, amounts recognised in  
debtors and creditors and agreed the amounts to supporting 
documentation.  Where amounts were offset we assessed 
whether there is a right to offset, based on the contractual 
terms with suppliers.

On a sample basis, we assessed whether the performance 
criteria of the items selected had been met and where buying 
income amounts were estimated, that there was appropriate 
supporting evidence in determining those estimates.

We assessed, on a sample basis, the appropriateness of manual 
journal entries and adjustments associated with buying income 
by tracing them to supporting documentation.  

Volume-based income
Volume-based rebates are generally driven by achieving 
purchase volume targets set with individual suppliers for 
specific products over a pre-set period of time.  In instances 
where the rebate agreement does not fully coincide with the 
period-end, the key judgement that we focused on was the 
estimate of expected purchase volumes in the period covered 
by the rebate agreement.  

Supplier dispute logs and management’s supplier statement 
reconciliations were assessed, on a sample basis, to determine 
whether material disputes or disagreements with suppliers 
existed.  Where significant disputes or disagreements existed,  
we understood the nature of these disputes through 
discussions with management and obtained documentation  
to assess whether the amounts recognised by management  
were reasonable.

Ad-hoc and promotional income
The remainder of the Group’s buying income is associated with 
ad-hoc and promotional income.  The nature of this income and 
the manner in which it is recognised varies depending on the 
nature of the agreement reached with the individual supplier.  
The income is earned as the relevant performance criteria are 
met.  Due to the significant number of transactions, individual 
agreements and potential for manual calculations associated 
with this type of buying income, we focused a significant 
amount of effort on assessing the appropriateness of amounts 
recognised.  Our focus is on the underlying agreements 
associated with the income earned, and assessing whether  
the income recorded is in accordance with those agreements.  

Independent Auditors’ Report 
 
Annual Report 2018

113

Key audit matter

IT environment

Refer to page 126 (Principal Risks and Uncertainties) of the 
Annual Report.

The Group is heavily reliant on its IT infrastructure and systems 
for the daily operations of its business.

The IT systems across the Group are complex and there are 
varying levels of standardisation and integration between new 
and legacy IT systems.  The systems are vital to the ongoing 
operations of the business and to the integrity of the financial 
reporting process.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

We updated our understanding of the IT environment through 
discussions with management and walked-through the key 
financial processes to understand the relevant IT systems which 
were integral to the Group’s controls over financial reporting.  
These procedures allowed us to determine which IT systems, 
processes and controls to rely upon.

We tested key controls over user access to programs and data; 
program development; program changes made to IT systems; 
and IT operations.

The key automated controls operating within IT systems that 
we rely on were also tested.

Where we noted deficiencies which affected IT systems or 
controls on which we planned to place reliance, we tested 
mitigating controls or extended the scope of our substantive 
audit procedures.

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 structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry  
in which it operates.

The Group’s accounting processes are structured around finance functions, which are responsible for their own accounting records 
and controls, which in turn report financial information to the Group’s finance function in Hong Kong to enable them to prepare 
consolidated financial statements.

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed by members 
of the Group engagement team or by component auditors from within the PwC Network 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 components to be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our 
opinion on the financial statements as a whole.  The Group engagement team was involved in the significant reporting entities in 
scope for Group reporting during the audit cycle through a combination of meetings, visits and conference calls.  The lead Group 
audit partner and other senior Group team members undertook multiple visits to Hong Kong during the audit and were involved 
throughout the year in regular conference calls and other forms of communication to direct and oversee the audit.  Other senior 
team members visited a number of countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and mainland China during 
the audit to review the work of component teams with regular communication throughout the year.

A full scope audit was performed on seven entities including six subsidiaries and one associate, Maxim’s.  These entities, together 
with procedures performed on central functions and at the Group level (on the consolidation and other areas of significant 
judgement), accounted for 90% of the Group’s revenue, 86% of the Group’s profit before tax, and 80% of the Group’s underlying 
profit before tax.  This gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the financial statements as a whole.

114

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

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 on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, 
both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.  

Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Overall Group materiality

How we determined it

Rationale for benchmark applied

US$26 million (2017: US$28 million)

5% of underlying profit before tax

Profit before tax is a primary measure used in assessing the performance of the Group 
which has been adjusted by adding back non-trading items of US$346 million incurred 
in 2018.

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality.   
The range of materiality allocated across components was US$5 million to US$25 million.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above US$1.3 million 
(2017: US$1.4 million) as well as misstatements below that amount that in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Conclusions relating to going concern

ISAs (UK) require us to report to you when the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the 
financial statements is not appropriate; or the Directors have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material 
uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the Group’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
for a period of at least 12 months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.  We have nothing to report 
in respect of the above matters.

However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern.  For example, the terms on which the United Kingdom may withdraw from the European Union or the 
outcome of ongoing US and China trade relationships, are not clear, and it is therefore difficult to evaluate potential implications.

Reporting on other information 

The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ 
report thereon.  The Directors are responsible for the other information.  Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover  
the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or any form of assurance thereon.  

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider 
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information.  If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement 
of this other information, we are required to report that fact.  We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

Independent Auditors’ ReportAnnual Report 2018

115

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit

Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the Responsibility Statement set out on page 117, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of  
the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view.   
The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, 
disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors 
either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion.  Reasonable assurance  
is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect  
a material misstatement when it exists.  Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually  
or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these 
financial statements.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:  
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.  This description forms part of our auditors’ report.

Use of this report 
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the company’s members as a body in accordance with 
Section 90 of the Companies Act 1981 (Bermuda) 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.

The engagement partner responsible for this independent auditors’ report is John Baker.  

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London
28th February 2019

a. 

The maintenance and integrity of the Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited website is the responsibility of the Directors;
the work carried out by the auditors does not involve consideration of these matters and, accordingly, the auditors accept
no responsibility for any changes that may have occurred to the financial statements since they were initially presented on
the website.

b. 

Legislation in Bermuda governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in
other jurisdictions.

116

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Five Year Summary

Profit and loss

Sales

Sales including associates and joint ventures

Profit attributable to shareholders

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

Underlying earnings per share (US¢)

Basic earnings per share (US¢)

Dividends per share (US¢)

Balance sheet

Total assets

Total liabilities

Net operating assets

Shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Net (debt)/cash

Net asset value per share (US¢)

Cash flow

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows before financing activities

Cash flow per share from operating  
  activities (US¢)

2018

US$m

2017

US$m

restated‡

2016

US$m

2015

US$m

2014

US$m

11,749.3

21,957.2

11,288.7

21,827.0

11,200.7

20,423.6

11,137.3

17,907.0

11,008.3

13,102.8

92.0

424.3

31.37

6.80

21.00

402.4

402.6*

29.77†

29.75

21.00

5,389.6

5,467.2

(3,898.7)

(3,711.5)

1,490.9

1,755.7

1,447.0

43.9

1,490.9

(744.0)

106.97

643.4

(500.9)

142.5

1,690.0

65.7

1,755.7

(599.1)

124.95

671.3

(280.6)

390.7

469.0

460.2

34.03

34.69

21.00

5,128.9

(3,549.5)

1,579.4

1,505.3

74.1

1,579.4

(640.8)

111.32

542.9

(428.0)

114.9

424.4

428.1

31.66

31.39

20.00

4,820.9

(3,365.7)

1,455.2

1,375.8

79.4

1,455.2

(481.7)

101.75

699.8

(1,365.4)

(665.6)

509.1

500.1

36.98

37.65

23.00

4,316.3

(2,793.8)

1,522.5

1,428.7

93.8

1,522.5

474.8

105.67

675.9

(432.5)

243.4

47.57

49.64

40.15

51.76

49.99

* The adjusted underlying profit attributable to shareholders for 2017 was US$467.1 million.
†  The adjusted underlying earnings per share for 2017 was US¢34.54.
‡  Figures in 2017 have been restated due to a change in accounting policy upon adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.

Responsibility Statement

Annual Report 2018

117

The Directors of the Company confirm to the best of their knowledge that:

a. 

b. 

the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards,
including International Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted by the International Accounting Standards Board; and

the sections of this Report, including the Chairman’s Statement, Group Chief Executive’s Review, Business Review and the
Principal Risks and Uncertainties, which constitute the management report, include a fair review of all information required to
be disclosed by the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules 4.1.8 to 4.1.11 issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in
the United Kingdom.

For and on behalf of the Board

Ian McLeod
Neil Galloway
Directors

28th February 2019

118

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Corporate Governance

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited is incorporated in Bermuda.  The Dairy Farm Group’s retailing interests are entirely in Asia.  
The Company’s equity shares have a standard listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, and secondary listings in 
Bermuda and Singapore.  The Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules (the ‘DTRs’) issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in 
the United Kingdom (the ‘FCA’) require that this Report address all relevant information about the corporate governance practices 
applied beyond the requirements under Bermuda law.  

The Company attaches importance to the corporate stability and opportunities that result from it being part of the Jardine 
Matheson group, which is considered to be fundamental to the Company’s ability to pursue a long-term strategy in Asian markets.  
By coordinating objectives, establishing common values and standards, and sharing experience, contacts and business relationships, 
the Jardine Matheson group companies aim to optimise their opportunities across the Asian countries where they operate.

The Dairy Farm Group is committed to high standards of governance.  The system of governance it has adopted is based on a 
well-tried approach to oversight and management that has been developed over many years by the members of the Jardine 
Matheson group.  It enables the Company to benefit from Jardine Matheson’s strategic guidance and professional expertise,  
while at the same time ensuring that the independence of the Board is respected and clear operational accountability rests with  
the Company’s executive management teams.

The Management of the Group

The Company has a dedicated executive management team led by the Group Chief Executive.  The Memorandum of Association of 
the Company, however, provides for the chairman of Jardine Matheson to be, or to appoint, the Managing Director of the Company.  
Reflecting this, and the Jardine Matheson group’s 78% interest in the Company’s share capital, the Group Chief Executive and  
the Managing Director meet regularly.  Similarly, the board of the Hong Kong-based Group management company, Dairy Farm 
Management Services Limited (‘DFMS’), and its finance committee are chaired by the Managing Director and include Dairy Farm 
Group executives as well as Jardine Matheson’s deputy managing director, group finance director, group strategy director and group 
general counsel.  

The presence of Jardine Matheson representatives on the Board of the Company and on the board of DFMS, as well as on its audit 
and finance committees, provides an added element of stability to the Company’s financial planning and supervision, enhancing  
its ability to raise finance and take a long-term view of business development.  It also eases the ability of management to work 
effectively together in exploiting the full range of the Jardine Matheson group’s commercial strengths.  

The Directors of the Company retain full power to manage the business affairs of the Company, other than matters reserved to be 
exercised by the Company in general meeting under Bermuda legislation or the Company’s Bye-laws.  Among the matters on which 
the Board decides are the Group’s business strategy, its annual budget, dividends and major corporate activities.

The Board

The Company currently has a Board of 15 Directors.  Their names and brief biographies appear on pages 39 and 40 of this Report.  
The Chairman has been appointed in accordance with the provisions of the Bye-laws of the Company, which provide that the 
chairman of Jardine Matheson, or any Director nominated by him, shall be the Chairman of the Company.  The Board composition 
and operation helps to provide the Company with the necessary stability as it seeks to grow its business.

Annual Report 2018

119

The Board continued

The role of the Chairman is to lead the Board as it oversees the Group’s strategic and financial direction, while the principal role of 
the Managing Director is to act as chairman of DFMS and of its finance committee.  Ben Keswick is currently appointed to both 
positions.  The responsibility for running the Group’s business and all the executive matters affecting the Group rests with the Group 
Chief Executive, Ian McLeod.  The implementation of the Group’s strategy is delegated to the Company’s executive management, 
with decision-making authority within designated financial parameters delegated to the DFMS finance committee.

The Board is scheduled to hold four meetings in 2019 and ad hoc procedures are adopted to deal with urgent matters which arise 
between scheduled meetings.  In 2018 one meeting was held in Bermuda and three were held in Asia.  The Board receives high 
quality, up to date information for each of its meetings.  In addition, certain Directors of the Company who do not serve on the 
board of DFMS and who are based outside Asia regularly visit Asia and Bermuda to discuss the Group’s business, as well as to 
participate in the four strategic reviews that precede the regular Board meetings.  These Directors are not directly involved in the 
operational management of the Group’s business activities, but their knowledge and close oversight of the Group’s affairs, as well as 
their knowledge and experience of the wider Jardine Matheson group, reinforces the process by which business is reviewed before 
consideration at Board meetings.  

Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts

Candidates for appointment as executive Directors of the Company, as executive directors of DFMS or as senior executives 
elsewhere in the Group may be sourced internally, or from the wider Jardine Matheson group or externally, including by using  
the services of specialist executive search firms.  The aim is to appoint individuals who combine international best practice with 
familiarity with, or adaptability to, Asian markets.  When appointing non-executive Directors, the Board pays particular attention  
to the Asian business experience and relationships that they can bring.

Each new Director is appointed by the Board and, in accordance with the Company’s Bye-laws, each new Director so appointed is 
subject to retirement and re-appointment at the first annual general meeting after appointment.  Thereafter, Directors are subject to 
retirement by rotation under the Bye-laws whereby one-third of the Directors retire at the annual general meeting each year.  These 
provisions apply to both executive and non-executive Directors, but the requirement to retire by rotation does not extend to the 
Chairman or Managing Director.  

Dr George C.G. Koo stepped down from the Board at the Annual General Meeting held on 9th May 2018, and Dr Delman Lee joined 
the Board on the same day.  Sir Henry Keswick retired from the Board with effect from 31st December 2018.  On 22nd January 2019 
it was announced that Neil Galloway will step down as Group Finance Director on 31st March 2019.

At this year’s Annual General Meeting to be held on 8th May 2019, Michael Kok is to retire and will not seek re-election.  In accordance 
with Bye-law 85, George J. Ho, Adam Keswick and Lord Sassoon retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  
In accordance with Bye-law 92, Dr Delman Lee will also retire and, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.  None of the Directors 
proposed for re-election has a service contract with the Company or its subsidiaries.

The Company’s policy is to offer competitive remuneration packages to its senior executives.  It is recognised that, due to the nature 
of the Group and its diverse geographic base, a number of its senior executives are required to be offered international terms and 
the nature of the remuneration packages is designed to reflect this.  Executive Directors joining from outside the Group may be 
offered an initial fixed-term service contract to reflect any requirement for them to relocate.

120

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts continued

Recommendations and decisions on remuneration and other benefits payable or made available to executive Directors result  
from consultations between the Chairman and other Directors as he considers appropriate.  Directors’ fees, which are payable to  
all Directors other than the Group Chief Executive and the Group Finance Director, are decided upon by shareholders in general 
meeting as provided for by the Company’s Bye-laws.  A motion to increase the Directors’ fees to US$65,000 each per annum and  
the fee for the Chairman and Managing Director to US$90,000 per annum with effect from 1st January 2019 will be proposed at  
the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

For the year ended 31st December 2018, the Directors received from the Group US$6.9 million (2017: US$11.4 million) in Directors’ 
fees and employee benefits, being US$0.9 million (2017: US$0.9 million) in Directors’ fees, US$4.9 million (2017: US$10.0 million)  
in short-term employee benefits including salary, bonuses, accommodation and deemed benefits in kind, US$0.1 million  
(2017: US$0.2 million) in post-employment benefits and US$1.0 million (2017: US$0.3 million) in share-based payments.   
The information set out in this paragraph forms part of the audited financial statements.

Share-based long-term incentive plans have also been established to provide incentives for executive Directors and senior 
managers.  Share options are granted by the scheme trustee after consultation between the Chairman and the Group Chief 
Executive as well as other Directors as they consider appropriate.  In December 2018 a new cash-based long-term incentive  
plan was implemented for senior management, in order to align their remuneration with shareholders’ interests by rewarding  
the delivery of strong EPS growth over the next five years.  Payouts under the plan will also be dependent on the achievement  
of appropriate targets linked to the health of the business and the sustainability of earnings growth.  

The Company purchases insurance to cover its Directors against their costs in defending themselves in civil proceedings taken 
against them in that capacity and in respect of damages resulting from the unsuccessful defence of any proceedings.  To the extent 
permitted by law, the Company also indemnifies its Directors.  Neither the insurance nor the indemnity provides cover where the 
Director has acted fraudulently or dishonestly.

Audit Committee

The Board has established within DFMS an audit committee (the ‘Audit Committee’), the current members of which are Y.K. Pang, 
Mark Greenberg, Jeremy Parr and John Witt; they have extensive knowledge of the Group while at the same time not being directly 
involved in operational management.  The chairman, group chief executive and group finance director of DFMS, together with 
representatives of the internal and external auditors, also attend the Audit Committee meetings by invitation.  The Audit Committee 
meets and reports to the Board semi-annually.

Prior to completion and announcement of the half-year and year-end results, a review of the financial information and of any issues 
raised in connection with the preparation of the results, including the adoption of new accounting policies, is undertaken by the Audit 
Committee with the executive management and a report is received from the external auditors.  The external auditors also have access 
to the full Board when necessary, in addition to the Group Chief Executive, Group Finance Director and other senior executives.  

The Audit Committee keeps under review the nature, scope and results of the audits conducted by the internal audit function and 
the findings of the various Group audit committees.  The Audit Committee’s responsibilities extend to reviewing the effectiveness of 
both the internal and external audit functions; considering the independence and objectivity of the external auditors; and reviewing 
and approving the level and nature of non-audit work performed by the external auditors.

The terms of reference of the Audit Committee can be found on the Company’s website at www.dairyfarmgroup.com.

Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report 2018

121

Risk Management and Internal Control

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of risk management and internal control.  The Board has delegated to 
the Audit Committee responsibility for providing oversight in respect of risk management activities.  The Audit Committee considers 
the Group’s principal risks and uncertainties and potential changes to the risk profile, and reviews the operation and effectiveness of 
the Group’s systems of internal control and the procedures by which these risks are monitored and mitigated.  The Audit Committee 
considers the systems and procedures on a regular basis, and reports to the Board semi-annually.  The systems of internal control are 
designed to manage, rather than eliminate, business risk; to help safeguard the Group’s assets against fraud and other irregularities; 
and to give reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material financial misstatement or loss.  

Executive management is responsible for the implementation of the systems of internal control throughout the Group, and a series 
of audit committees at an operational level and the internal audit function monitor the effectiveness of the systems.  The internal 
audit function also monitors the approach taken by the business units to risk.  The internal audit function is independent of the 
operating businesses and reports its findings, and recommendations for any corrective action required, to the Audit Committee.  

The Group has in place an organisational structure with defined lines of responsibility and delegation of authority.  There are 
established policies and procedures for financial planning and budgeting; for information and reporting systems; for assessment  
of risk; and for monitoring the Group’s operations and performance.  The information systems in place are designed to ensure that 
the financial information reported is reliable and up to date.  

The Company’s policy on commercial conduct underpins the Group’s internal control process, particularly in the area of compliance.  
The policy is set out in the Group’s Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines to which every employee must adhere, and is 
reinforced and monitored by an annual compliance certification process.  

The Audit Committee has also been given the responsibility to oversee the effectiveness of the formal procedures for employees to 
raise any matters of serious concern, and is required to review any reports made under those procedures that are referred to it by 
the internal audit function.  

The Group’s 50% associate, Maxim’s Caterers Limited (‘MCL’), has a separate board, audit committee, risk management and internal 
audit structure.  The Group is represented on the board of MCL, at which reviews of strategy, operations, budgets and major 
investments are undertaken.  The MCL board has delegated to the MCL group’s audit and risk management committees and  
its audit department responsibility for reviewing areas of major risk and the effectiveness of the internal control procedures.

The principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company are set out on pages 125 and 126.

Directors’ Responsibilities in respect of the Financial Statements

The Directors are required under the Bermuda Companies Act to prepare financial statements for each financial year and to present 
them annually to the Company’s shareholders at the annual general meeting.  The financial statements are required to present fairly, 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (‘IFRS’), the financial position of the Group at the end of the year and 
the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended.  The Directors consider that applicable accounting policies 
under IFRS, applied on a consistent basis and supported by prudent and reasonable judgements and estimates, have been followed 
in preparing the financial statements.  The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. 

122

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Code of Conduct

The Group conducts business in a professional, ethical and even-handed manner.  Its ethical standards are clearly set out in its  
Code of Conduct, which is modelled on the Jardine Matheson group’s code of conduct.  The Code of Conduct requires that all 
Group companies comply with all laws of general application, all rules and regulations that are industry specific and proper 
standards of business conduct.  The Code of Conduct prohibits the giving or receiving of illicit payments, and requires that all 
managers must be fully aware of their obligations under the Code of Conduct and establish procedures to ensure compliance  
at all levels within their organisations.  

The Code of Conduct also encourages inclusion and diversity, and requires all employees to be treated fairly, impartially and  
with dignity and respect.  As a multinational Group with a broad range of businesses operating across Asia, the Group believes in 
promoting equal opportunities in recruiting, developing and rewarding its people regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, 
sexual orientation, disability, age or background.  The scale and breadth of the Group’s businesses necessitate that they seek the  
best people from the communities in which they operate most suited to their needs.

The Group has in place procedures by which employees can raise, in confidence, matters of serious concern in areas such as 
financial reporting or compliance.

Directors’ Share Interests

The Directors of the Company in office on 28th February 2019 had interests (within the meaning of the EU Market Abuse Regulation 
(‘MAR’), which applies to the Company as it is listed on the London Stock Exchange) as set out below in the ordinary share capital of 
the Company.  These interests include those notified to the Company in respect of the Directors’ closely associated persons (as that 
term is used under MAR).

George J. Ho 
Michael Kok 
Anthony Nightingale 
Percy Weatherall 

1,818,804
282,888
34,183
200,000

In addition, Ian McLeod held deferred share awards in respect of 597,514 ordinary shares, and Neil Galloway held share options in 
respect of 475,000 ordinary shares, issued pursuant to the Company’s share-based long-term incentive plans.

Substantial Shareholders

As a non-UK issuer, the Company is subject to the DTRs pursuant to which a person must in certain circumstances notify the 
Company of the percentage of voting rights attaching to the share capital of the Company that he holds.  The obligation to notify 
arises if that person acquires or disposes of shares in the Company which results in the percentage of voting rights which he holds 
reaching, exceeding, or falling below, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50% and 75%.  

The Company has been informed of the following holdings of voting rights of 5% or more attaching to the Company’s issued 
ordinary share capital: (i) Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited (‘Jardine Strategic’) and its subsidiary undertakings are directly and 
indirectly interested in 1,049,589,171 ordinary shares carrying 77.59% of the voting rights and, by virtue of its interest in Jardine 
Strategic, Jardine Matheson is also interested in the same ordinary shares; and (ii) Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its 
controlled undertakings are directly and indirectly interested in 74,438,054 ordinary shares carrying 5.50% of the voting rights.   
Apart from these shareholdings, the Company is not aware of any holders of voting rights of 5% or more attaching to the issued 
ordinary share capital of the Company as at 28th February 2019.

There were no contracts of significance with corporate substantial shareholders during the year under review.  

Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report 2018

123

Governance Principles

The Company’s primary listing on the London Stock Exchange is a standard listing on the Main Market.  Under a standard listing,  
the Company is subject to the UK Listing Rules (other than those which apply only to companies with a premium listing), the DTRs, 
the UK Prospectus Rules and MAR.  The Company, therefore, is bound by the rules in relation to continuous disclosure, periodic 
financial reporting, disclosure of interests in shares and market abuse, including the rules governing insider dealing, market manipulation 
and the disclosure of inside information.  The Company is also subject to regulatory oversight from the FCA, as the Company’s 
principal securities regulator, and is required to comply with the Admission and Disclosure Standards of the Main Market of the 
London Stock Exchange.

When shareholders approved the Company’s move to a standard listing from a premium listing in 2014, the Company stated that  
it intended to maintain certain governance principles on the same basis as was then applicable to the Company’s premium listing, 
as follows:

1.  When assessing a significant transaction, being a larger transaction which would be classified as a class 1 transaction under

the provisions of the UK Listing Rules, the Company will engage an independent financial adviser to provide a fairness opinion
on the terms of the transaction.

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

In the event of a related party transaction, being a transaction with a related party which would require a sponsor to
provide a fair and reasonable opinion under the provisions of the UK Listing Rules, the Company will engage an independent
financial adviser to confirm that the terms of the transaction are fair and reasonable as far as the shareholders of the Company
are concerned.

Further, as soon as the terms of a significant transaction or a related party transaction are agreed, an announcement will be
issued by the Company providing such details of the transaction as are necessary for investors to evaluate the effect of the
transaction on the Company.

At each annual general meeting, the Company will seek shareholder approval to issue new shares on a non-pre-emptive basis
for up to 33% of the Company’s issued share capital, of which up to 5% can be issued for cash consideration.

The Company will continue to adhere to its Securities Dealing Rules.  These rules, which were based on the UK Model Code,
have since been revised to follow the provisions of MAR with respect to market abuse and disclosure of interests in shares.

6. 

The Company will continue its policies and practices in respect of risk management and internal controls.

Related Party Transactions

Details of transactions with related parties entered into by the Company during the course of the year are included in note 32 to  
the financial statements on page 105.  

124

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Securities Purchase Arrangements

The Directors have the power under the Bermuda Companies Act and the Company’s Memorandum of Association to purchase  
the Company’s shares.  Any shares so purchased shall be treated as cancelled and, therefore, reduce the issued share capital  
of the Company.  When the Board reviews the possibility for share repurchases, it will take into consideration the potential for  
the enhancement of earnings or asset values per share.  When purchasing such shares, the Company is subject to the provisions  
of MAR.

Takeover Code

The Company is subject to a Takeover Code, based on London’s City Code on Takeovers and Mergers.  The Takeover Code provides 
an orderly framework within which takeovers can be conducted and the interests of shareholders protected.  The Takeover Code  
has statutory backing, being established under the Acts of incorporation of the Company in Bermuda.

Annual General Meeting

The 2019 Annual General Meeting will be held at Rosewood Bermuda, Bermuda on 8th May 2019.  The full text of the resolutions 
and explanatory notes in respect of the meeting are contained in the Notice of Meeting which accompanies this Report.   
A corporate website is maintained containing a wide range of information of interest to investors at www.dairyfarmgroup.com.  

Power to Amend Bye-laws

The Bye-laws of the Company can be amended by the shareholders by way of a special resolution at a general meeting of  
the Company.

Corporate GovernancePrincipal Risks and Uncertainties

Annual Report 2018

125

The Board has overall responsibility for risk management and internal control.  The process by which the Group identifies and 
manages risk is set out in more detail on page 121 of the Corporate Governance section of this Report.  The following are the 
principal risks and uncertainties facing the Company as required to be disclosed pursuant to the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules issued by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom and are in addition to the matters referred  
to in the Chairman’s Statement and Group Chief Executive’s Review.

Economic Risk

Most of the Group’s businesses are exposed to the risk of negative developments in global and regional economies and financial 
markets, either directly or through the impact such developments might have on the Group’s joint venture partners, associates, 
franchisors, bankers, suppliers or customers.  These developments could include recession, inflation, deflation, currency fluctuations, 
restrictions in the availability of credit, business failures, or increases in financing costs, oil prices, the cost of raw materials or finished 
products.  Such developments might increase operating costs, reduce revenues, lower asset values or result in some or all of the 
Group’s businesses being unable to meet their strategic objectives.

Commercial Risk and Financial Risk

Risks are an integral part of normal commercial practices, and where practicable steps are taken to mitigate them.  Risks can be 
further pronounced when operating in volatile markets.  While the Group’s regional diversification does help to mitigate some risks, 
a significant portion of the Group revenues and profits continue to be derived from our operations in Hong Kong.

A number of the Group’s businesses make significant investment decisions in respect of developments or projects and these are 
subject to market risks.  This is especially the case where projects take time to come to fruition and achieve the desired returns.

The Group’s businesses operate in areas that are highly competitive, and failure to compete effectively, whether in terms of price, 
product specification, technology, property site or levels of service or to adapt to changing consumer behaviours, including new 
shopping channels and formats, can have an adverse effect on earnings.  Significant pressure from such competition may also lead 
to reduced margins.

It is essential for the products and services provided by the Group’s businesses to meet appropriate quality and safety standards and 
there is an associated risk if they do not, including the risk of damage to brand equity or reputation, which might adversely impact 
the ability to achieve acceptable revenues and profit margins.

The steps taken by the Group to manage its exposure to financial risk are set out in the Financial Review on page 38 and note 2 to 
the financial statements on pages 60 to 65.

Concessions, Franchises and Key Contracts

A number of the Group’s businesses and projects are reliant on concessions, franchises, management or other key contracts.  
Cancellation, expiry or termination, or the renegotiation of any such concessions, franchises, management or other key contracts, 
could have an adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of certain subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures 
of the Group.

126

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Regulatory and Political Risk

The Group’s businesses are subject to a number of regulatory regimes in the territories in which they operate.  Changes in such 
regimes, in relation to matters such as foreign ownership of assets and businesses, exchange controls, licensing, imports, planning 
controls, emission regulations, tax rules and employment legislation, could have the potential to impact the operations and 
profitability of the Group’s businesses.

Changes in the political environment in the territories where the Group operates could adversely affect the Group’s businesses.

Terrorism, Pandemic and Natural Disasters

The Group’s operations are vulnerable to the effects of terrorism, either directly through the impact of an act of terrorism or 
indirectly through the effect on the Group’s businesses of generally reduced economic activity in response to the threat, or an actual 
act, of terrorism.

The Group businesses could be impacted by a global or regional pandemic which seriously affected economic activity or the ability 
of businesses to operate smoothly.  In addition, many of the territories in which the Group operates can experience from time to 
time natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes and typhoons.

Technology Risk

The Group has invested significantly in and is heavily reliant on its IT infrastructure and systems for the daily operation of its business.  
Any major disruption to the Group’s IT systems could have a significant impact on operations.  The ability to anticipate and adapt to 
technology advancements or threats is an additional risk that may also have an impact on the business.

Principal Risks and UncertaintiesShareholder Information

Financial Calendar

2018 full-year results announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend

Share registers closed

Annual General Meeting to be held

2018 final dividend payable

2019 half-year results to be announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend

Share registers to be closed

2019 interim dividend payable

* Subject to change

Dividends

Annual Report 2018

127

28th February 2019

14th March 2019

18th to 22nd March 2019

8th May 2019

15th May 2019

1st August 2019*

22nd August 2019*

26th to 30th August 2019*

17th October 2019*

Shareholders will receive their cash dividends in United States Dollars, unless they are registered on the Jersey branch register,  
in which case they will have the option to elect for their dividends to be paid in Sterling.  These shareholders may make new 
currency elections for the 2018 final dividend by notifying the United Kingdom transfer agent in writing by 18th April 2019.   
The Sterling equivalent of dividends declared in United States Dollars will be calculated by reference to a rate prevailing on  
2nd May 2019.  Shareholders holding their shares through CREST in the United Kingdom will receive their cash dividends in  
Sterling only.  Shareholders holding their shares through The Central Depository (Pte) Limited (‘CDP’) in Singapore will receive  
their cash dividends in United States Dollars unless they elect, through CDP, to receive Singapore Dollars. 

Registrars and Transfer Agent

Shareholders should address all correspondence with regard to their shareholdings or dividends to the appropriate registrar  
or transfer agent.

Principal Registrar
Jardine Matheson International Services Limited
P.O. Box HM 1068
Hamilton HM EX
Bermuda

Jersey Branch Registrar 
Link Market Services (Jersey) Limited
12 Castle Street
St Helier, Jersey JE2 3RT
Channel Islands

United Kingdom Transfer Agent
Link Asset Services
The Registry
34 Beckenham Road
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4TU
United Kingdom

Singapore Branch Registrar
M & C Services Private Limited
112 Robinson Road #05-01
Singapore 068902

Press releases and other financial information can be accessed through the internet at www.dairyfarmgroup.com.

128

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Retail Outlets Summary

Food

2018

Supermarkets Hypermarkets

Convenience 
Stores

Health  
and  
Beauty

Home 

Furnishings Restaurants

Other 
Retailing

Hong Kong
Macau
Mainland China
Singapore
Indonesia
Malaysia
Brunei
Taiwan
The Philippines
Vietnam
Cambodia
Thailand 

Total

Net change over 2017

325
19
943
104
117
52
–
241
225
–
17
–

2,043

593

–
–
307
8
57
70
1
–
15
–
–
–

458

(8)

Food

2017

Supermarkets

Hypermarkets

959
51
1,074
393
–
–
–
–
496
–
–
–

362
20
238
117
270
439
22
–
761
83
10
–

2,973

2,322

673

578

4
–
–
–
1
–
–
5
–
–
–
–

10

–

818
17
247
145
–
1
–
–
18
46
15
9

1,316

106

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
625
–
–
–

625

625

Convenience 
Stores

Health  
and  
Beauty

Home 
Furnishings

Restaurants

Other 
Retailing

Hong Kong
Macau
Mainland China
Singapore
Indonesia
Malaysia
Brunei
Taiwan
The Philippines
Vietnam
Cambodia
Thailand 

Total

Net change over 2016

329
17
472
106
140
61
–
253
61
–
11
–

1,450

313

–
–
307
8
58
80
1
–
12
–
–
–

466

(4)

938
49
920
393
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

355
18
238
118
250
425
21
–
251
60
8
–

2,300

69

1,744

29

4
–
–
–
1
–
–
5
–
–
–
–

10

1

774
14
232
141
–
–
–
–
–
33
8
8

1,210

225

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–

Net  
addition

68
9
640
1
(4)
(4)
1
(12)
1,816
36
15
1

2,567

Net  
addition

39
2
431
109
1
(9)
–
4
22
21
8
5

633

Total

2,468
107
2,809
767
445
562
23
246
2,140
129
42
9

9,747

2,567

Total

2,400
98
2,169
766
449
566
22
258
324
93
27
8

7,180

633

9,747

6,433

6,547

7,180

Store Network

Stores
10,000

8,000

6,000

5,955

4,000

2,000

0

Other Retailing
Restaurants
Home Furnishings 
Health and Beauty
Convenience Stores
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Note: Includes associates and joint ventures and excludes discontinued operations.

Annual Report 2018

129

Management and Offices

Leadership Team
Ian McLeod
Choo Peng Chee
Sam Kim
Neil Galloway
Simon McDowell
Marcus Spurrell
Judith Nelson
Clem Constantine
Edward Hunter
Charlie Wood

Brunei
Giant TMC (B) Sdn Bhd
Giant Hypermarket Tasik Rimba
Lot 58865 Kampong Rimba
Mukim Gadong
Bandar Seri Begawan
BE 3119
Negara Brunei Darussalam
Tel : (673) 246 0820
Fax : (673) 246 0821

Cambodia
DFI Lucky Private Limited
#01, Street 55P
Sangkat Tuek Thla
Khan Sen Sok
Phnom Penh
Tel : (855 23) 885 722
Website: www.dfilucky.com

Hong Kong and Macau
The Dairy Farm Company, Ltd
5/F Devon House
Taikoo Place
979 King’s Road
Quarry Bay
Tel : (852) 2299 3888
Fax : (852) 2299 2888

Maxim’s Caterers Ltd *
18/F Maxim’s Centre
17 Cheung Shun Street
Cheung Sha Wan
Kowloon
Tel : (852) 2523 4107
Fax : (852) 2216 7883
Website: www.maxims.com.hk

Group Chief Executive
Chief Executive Officer – North Asia & Group Convenience
Chief Executive Officer – Southeast Asia
Group Finance & IKEA Director
Group Chief Customer Officer and CEO North Asia Health and Beauty
Chief Digital Officer
Group Human Resources Director
Group Property Director
Group Supply Chain Director
Group Counsel

Corporate Office
11/F Devon House, Taikoo Place
979 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
Hong Kong
P.O. Box 286, G.P.O.
Tel : (852) 2299 1888
Fax : (852) 2299 4888
Website : www.dairyfarmgroup.com

Indonesia
PT Hero Supermarket Tbk
Graha Hero
KO. Komersial CBD Bintaro
Sektor VII B.7/A.7, Pondok Jaya
Pondok Aren, Tangerang Selatan
Banten 15224
Tel : (62 21) 8378 8000
Website: www.hero.co.id

Mainland China
Guangdong Sai Yi Convenience  
Stores Ltd
3/F Guangdong Mechanical  
Sub-Building
185 Yue Hua Road
Yue Xiu District
Guangzhou 510030
Tel : (86 20) 8364 7118
Fax : (86 20) 8364 7436
Website: www.7-11.cn

Mannings Guangdong Retail  
Company Ltd
2/F Guangdong Mechanical  
Main-Building
185 Yue Hua Road
Yue Xiu District
Guangzhou 510030
Tel : (86 20) 8318 1388
Fax : (86 20) 8318 2388
Website: www.mannings.com.cn

Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd *
120 Hutou Street
Fuzhou 350002
Tel : (86 591) 8376 2200
Fax : (86 591) 8378 7308
Website: www.yonghui.com.cn

Malaysia
GCH Retail (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
Mezzanine Floor
Giant Hypermarket Shah Alam  
Stadium
Lot 2, Persiaran Sukan, Seksyen 13
40100 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel : (603) 5544 8888
Fax : (603) 5511 0164
Website: www.giant.com.my

Guardian Health And Beauty  
Sdn Bhd
Mezzanine Floor
Giant Hypermarket Shah Alam  
Stadium
Lot 2, Persiaran Sukan, Seksyen 13
40100 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel : (603) 5544 8400
Fax : (603) 5518 1131
Website: www.guardian.com.my

The Philippines
Rose Pharmacy, Inc.
3/F FLC Centre
888 Hernan Cortes Street
Subangdaku
Mandaue City 6014
Tel : (63 32) 230 5000
Fax : (63 32) 416 5882
Website: www.rosepharmacy.com

Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc.*
43F Robinsons Equitable Tower
ADB Avenue cor Poveda St.
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Metro Manila
Tel : (63 2) 635 0751 to 64
Website: www.robinsonsretail 
holdings.com.ph

Singapore
Cold Storage Singapore (1983)  
Pte Ltd
21 Tampines North Drive 2
#03-01
Singapore 528765
Tel : (65) 6891 8000
Fax : (65) 6784 3623

Taiwan
Wellcome Taiwan Company Ltd
2/F 175 Hua Ling Street
Shi Lin
Taipei
Tel : (886 2) 2883 9489
Fax : (886 2) 2881 7050
Website: www.wellcome.com.tw

DFI Home Furnishings Taiwan Ltd
4/F 1 Zhong Zheng Road
XinZhuang District
New Taipei City 24243
Tel : (886 2) 8069 9005
Fax : (886 2) 2992 0586
Website: www.ikea.com.tw

Vietnam
Pan Asia Trading And
Investment One Member
Company Limited*
2/F Phuong Long Building
506 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street
Ward 4, District 3
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84 28) 3832 8272
Fax: (84 28) 3832 8448
Website: www.guardian.com.vn

* Associates or joint ventures

The ‘Dairy Farm’ trade and service marks are properties of the Nestlé, S.A. group

www.dairyfarmgroup.com