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Dairy Farm International Holdings

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FY2019 Annual Report · Dairy Farm International Holdings
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Annual Report 2019

  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 2019

1

Contents

2 

3 

4 

6

10

14

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

116 Independent Auditors’ Report

Sustainable Transformation at Dairy Farm

124 Five Year Summary

Business Review

18 

Food

22  Health and Beauty

26  Home Furnishings

30 

Restaurants

34  Other Associates

125 Responsibility Statement

126 Corporate Governance

133 Principal Risks and Uncertainties

135 Shareholder Information

136 Retail Outlets Summary

137 Management and Offices

2

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Corporate Information

Directors

Ben Keswick
Chairman and Managing Director

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive

Clem Constantine
(joined the Board on 11th November 2019)

Neil Galloway
(stepped down on 31st March 2019)

Mark Greenberg

George J. Ho

Adam Keswick

Simon Keswick 
(stepped down on 1st January 2020)

Michael Kok
(stepped down on 8th May 2019)

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

Clem Constantine
Chief Financial Officer 
(joined the board on 19th November 2019)

Neil Galloway
Group Finance & IKEA Director 
(stepped down on 31st March 2019)

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

Sam Kim 
Chief Executive Officer – Health & Beauty and  
Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer

Martin Lindström
Group Director – IKEA

Simon McDowell
Group Chief Customer Officer and  
Chief Executive Officer North Asia Health and Beauty 
(stepped down on 31st July 2019)

Michael Wu
Chairman and Managing Director, Maxim’s

Mark Greenberg

David Hsu

Anne O’Riordan
(joined the board on 1st June 2019)

Y.K. Pang

Jeremy Parr

John Witt

Corporate Secretary

Jonathan Lloyd

Dairy Farm At-a-Glance 

Annual Report 2019

3

Network Span

12 Asian markets 

and territories

Geographical Locations

 Grocery Retail

 Convenience Stores

 Health and Beauty

 Home Furnishings

 Restaurants

 Other Retailing

Thailand

  Maxim’s

Cambodia

  Giant
  Lucky 
  Guardian
  Maxim’s

Malaysia

  Cold Storage
  Giant
  Jasons 
  Shopsmart 
  Guardian
  Maxim’s

Store Network

10,533outlets

(Including associates and joint ventures.)

Mainland China

  Yonghui 
  7-Eleven
  Mannings
  Maxim’s

Macau

  San Miu
  7-Eleven
  Mannings
  IKEA
  Maxim’s

Hong Kong 

  MarketPlace
  Wellcome
  7-Eleven
  GNC
  Mannings
  IKEA
  Maxim’s

Taiwan

  Jasons
  Wellcome
  IKEA

The Philippines

  Rose Pharmacy

  Robinsons 

Vietnam

  Guardian
  Maxim’s

Singapore

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

Indonesia

  Giant
  Hero
  Guardian
  IKEA

Brunei

  Guardian

 
 
 
4

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Highlights

•  Multi-year transformation making progress
•  Underlying profit impacted by social unrest in Hong Kong
•  Improvement in Southeast Asia Grocery Retail and Health and Beauty

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

– Grocery Retail

– Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Restaurants

Other Retailing

2019

US$m

11,192

27,665

1,439

321

3

324

821

US¢

23.72

23.93

21.00

89.39

2019

5,732

2,518

3,214

2,402

12

1,753

634

10,533

2018

US$m

restated#

11,749

21,957

1,607

358

(273)

85

744

US¢

26.48

6.27

21.00

83.27

Change

%

(5)

26

(10)

(10)

n/a

282

10

%

(10)

282

–

7

2018

Net change

5,474

2,501

2,973

2,322

10

1,298

643

9,747

+258

+17

+241

+80

+2

+455

–9

+786

* 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 35 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 the change in accounting policy upon adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’, as set out in note 1 to the financial statements.

Annual Report 2019

5

Total Sales*

Underlying Profit

Profit Attributable to Shareholders

 26%

 10%

 282%

Number of Stores*

Number of Employees*

10,533

some 230,000 people

Total Sales*

US$27.7 billion

Underlying Profit Attributable to Shareholders

US$321 million

US$b
28

24

20

16

12

8

4

0

US$m
500

400

300

200

100

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Grocery Retail
Convenience Stores
Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings 
Restaurants
Other Retailing

On an IFRS 16 basis

Before effect of 
adopting IFRS 16

Underlying Earnings per Share

US¢23.72

Ordinary Dividends per Share

US¢21.00

US¢
35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

US¢
24

21

18

15

12

9

6

3

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

On an IFRS 16 basis

Before effect of 
adopting IFRS 16

Interim dividend

Final dividend

6

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Chairman’s Statement

“ While difficult market conditions in Hong Kong impacted the 
Group’s financial performance during the year, the multi-year 
transformation of the Dairy Farm Group continued to gain 
momentum during 2019, with signs of progress across our 
businesses.  The Group’s space optimisation plan, new store 
formats and improvement programmes together generated 
greater efficiencies and started to deliver tangible results.  We 
expect this progress to continue in 2020, although the Group’s 
results are being materially impacted by the ongoing 
COVID-19 outbreak.  Performance for the remainder of the 
year will depend on the duration, geographic extent and 
impact of the outbreak and the measures taken to control it. ”

Overview
The Dairy Farm Group’s multi-year transformation 
programme to reshape and reorganise the business 
adapting to the changing needs of customers, continued 
to gain momentum during 2019.  Opportunities are 
being unlocked across the Group as the business seeks 
to leverage its scale effectively and develop a more 
coherent approach to improving its customer 
proposition, both by banner and at a country level.

While the Group began to see some early benefits  
from its transformation programme, profitability was 
impacted by market conditions in Hong Kong in the 
second half of the year caused by social unrest.  The 
ongoing COVID-19 outbreak has added extra 
complexity to Group’s businesses and the Group’s results 
are being significantly impacted by it.  Performance for 
the remainder of the year will depend on the duration, 
geographic extent and impact of the outbreak and the 
measures taken to control it.  The Group’s diverse retail 

portfolio does, however, provide some insulation against 
market uncertainties and Dairy Farm remains firmly 
focused on the successful delivery of its transformation.

Operating performance
Sales of US$11.2 billion for the year by the Group’s 
subsidiaries were 5% behind those of 2018.  Total sales 
of US$27.7 billion, including 100% of associates and joint 
ventures, were 26% higher, reflecting the investment in 
Robinsons Retail in the prior year.

The underlying operating profit of the Group’s 
subsidiaries was US$437 million, 14% lower than 2018, 
primarily due to social unrest in Hong Kong which 
disrupted trading at some of the Group’s banners in the 
second half of the year.  Among the Group’s subsidiaries, 
the impact was greatest for Mannings, because of the 
significant reduction in the number of visitors from the 
Chinese mainland to Hong Kong.  Ongoing investments 
in the IKEA store network in the year also reduced Group 

Annual Report 2019

7

9%

1%

5%

1%

14%

15%

21%

2019
Sales Mix*

50%

14%

2019
Profit Mix†

7%

Grocery Retail

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings 

Restaurants

Other Retailing

14%

49%

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit before effect of adopting 
IFRS 16 and share of results of associates and joint 
ventures, excluding selling, general and administrative 
expenses and non-trading items.

profitability.  Offsetting these impacts was a significant 
improvement in profitability in our Southeast Asia 
Grocery Retail business, as the space optimisation plan 
took effect.  The businesses also benefitted from 
transformation and improvement programmes.

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders was 
US$321 million, down 10% from US$358 million last 
year.  Underlying earnings per share of US¢23.72 were 
also down 10%.

The Group maintained solid net cash flows from 
operating activities of US$1,288 million.  Net debt at the 
end of 2019 was US$821 million, an increase from 
US$744 million last year.

The Board is recommending an unchanged final dividend 
of US¢14.50 per share, giving a total dividend of US¢21.00 
per share for the year, which is in line with 2018.

Food – Grocery Retail

The divestment of the Rustan Supercenters business,  
as well as the execution of the Group’s space 
optimisation plan in Southeast Asia, led to overall sales 
for the Grocery Retail business reducing by 12% to 
US$5.2 billion.  Sales in Hong Kong and Macau Grocery 
Retail rose in 2019.

There was a significant improvement in operating profit 
in the Group’s Grocery Retail business, from US$22 
million in 2018 to US$63 million in 2019.  The 
improvement was driven by Southeast Asia, as the space 
optimisation plan took effect.  The foundation for future 
growth by the business were also strengthened by the 
ongoing transformation and improvement programmes.

Profits in Hong Kong and Macau Grocery Retail were 
impacted by cost pressures and ongoing investments  
in people and capabilities, but the Group has started to 
see improving trends in underlying profit performance.

Convenience

Sales in the Convenience business increased by 4% to 
US$2.2 billion, driven by new store growth and strong 
like-for-like sales in Chinese mainland in particular.  
Enhancements to range and services are proving 
popular with customers and the business continues to 
focus on brand differentiation to support sales growth.  
Profits for the year declined by US$6 million, however, as 
a result of pre-opening costs in respect of the expansion 
of the 7-Eleven store network in Guangdong, as a net 
total of over 200 new stores were opened in 2019.  
Profits in 2018 were also positively impacted by a 
number of one-off items.

8

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Health and Beauty

Associates

Total sales for the Health and Beauty Division increased 
by 1% to US$3.1 billion, supported by the consolidation 
of Rose Pharmacy as well as strong growth in other 
Southeast Asian markets.  Operating profit, however, 
declined by 11% to US$296 million, as the business was 
impacted by the social unrest in Hong Kong.  The Group 
has been addressing these challenging conditions by 
appropriate management of costs.

The contribution from key associate Maxim’s declined  
to US$82 million from US$105 million in the prior year, 
as the business was impacted by the ongoing social 
unrest in Hong Kong.  Despite the challenging market 
conditions in the second half, however, Maxim’s 
reported a 4% growth in sales overall for the year,  
as it saw the benefit of its acquisition of the Starbucks 
Thailand business.

Weakness in North Asia Health and Beauty was  
partially offset by strong revenue and like-for-like sales 
growth in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and 
Malaysia.  Guardian in Southeast Asia delivered a strong 
performance during the year, with improvements in 
operating standards, service and product availability, 
and it benefitted from a growing middle-class customer 
base in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Home Furnishings

In Home Furnishings, sales for IKEA were up by 6% in  
the year.  Operating margins were, however, adversely 
affected through a combination of currency 
movements, cost of goods changes and pre-opening 
costs in support of strong store expansion.

Yonghui in the Chinese mainland reported strong sales 
growth and positive like-for-like sales.  Our share of 
results in Yonghui grew from US$15 million in 2018 to 
US$23 million in 2019 and benefitted from the partial 
sell-down by Yonghui of their investment in the 
Yunchuang Technology business, which was announced 
in December 2018.  The Group also benefitted from the 
contribution from its interest in Robinsons Retail, which 
it acquired in late 2018. 

Transformation
The Group’s multi-year transformation programme  
to reshape and reorganise the business, adapting to  
the changing needs of customers, continued to gain 
momentum during 2019.  Opportunities are being 
unlocked across the group as the business seeks to 
leverage its scale effectively and develop a more coherent 

Chairman’s StatementAnnual Report 2019

9

approach to improving its customer proposition, both 
by banner and at a country level.  The Group’s space 
optimisation plan, new store formats and improvement 
programmes generated greater efficiencies and started 
to deliver tangible results in the year.

Corporate developments
In May, Maxim’s acquired the Starbucks franchise  
in Thailand, with some 370 stores in operation, through  
a 64%-owned joint venture.

As at 31st December 2019, Dairy Farm, including 
associates and joint ventures, operated over 10,000 
outlets across all formats, compared with some 9,700 at 
31st December 2018.

People
Undoubtedly 2019 was a challenging year for many of 
our businesses, however the hard work, resilience and 
determination of colleagues and their commitment to 
serve our customers every day has been outstanding.   
I would like to thank all the Group’s employees for their 
efforts in moving the Group towards becoming a truly 
modern-day retailer that puts our customers first.

Neil Galloway stepped down as Group Finance Director 
at the end of March 2019.  The Board would like to 
express its gratitude for the significant contribution  
Neil made to the Group over a number of years.   

Clem Constantine showed strong leadership during  
his time as interim Chief Financial Officer following Neil’s 
departure, and the Board confirmed his appointment  
to the role permanently in November 2019.

Michael Kok stepped down from the Board on  
8th May 2019 and Simon Keswick retired as a Director 
with effect from 1st January 2020.  It was announced  
on 20th January 2020 that Lord Sassoon will retire from 
the Board on 9th April 2020.  The Board would like to 
express its gratitude for the significant contribution all 
three Directors have made to the Group over many 
years.  Clive Schlee will join the Board with effect from 
6th May 2020.

As announced on 5th March 2020, with effect from 15th 
June 2020 the roles of Chairman and Managing Director, 
which are currently held on a combined basis by Ben 
Keswick, will be separated.  Ben Keswick will remain as 
Chairman and John Witt will take on the role of 
Managing Director of the Company. 

Prospects
Dairy Farm is undergoing transformation across all areas 
of its business and this scale of change will take time to 
execute successfully.  However, good progress is being 
made in implementing the Group’s customer-focused 
and market-driven strategy and Dairy Farm is well-placed 
to achieve long-term sustainable growth.  Performance 
for the remainder of the year will depend on the 
duration, geographic extent and impact of the COVID-19 
outbreak and the measure taken to control it. 

Ben Keswick
Chairman
5th March 2020

10

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Group Chief Executive’s Review

“ The Group continued to make progress in 2019 in improving the 

fundamentals underpinning our businesses as part of our multi-year 
transformation.  While we still have work to do to complete phase 
one of our transformation plan, we are pleased with the progress  
so far and are turning attention to some areas of phase two with  
the objective of delivering well consistently…  The diversity of  
the Group’s business mix from the perspective of both direct and 
indirectly managed businesses, formats and geography did provide 
some insulation from unprecedented market challenges.”

Introduction
Overall, the Group continued to make progress in 2019 
in improving the fundamentals underpinning our 
businesses as part of our multi-year transformation.  
While we still have work to do to complete phase one of 
our transformation plan which entails building a strong 
retail foundation, we are pleased with the progress so  
far and are turning attention to some areas of phase two 
with the objective of delivering well consistently across 
all facets of our business.

The Group’s Grocery Retail profits increased significantly 
in the year, driven by an improvement in Southeast Asia 
Grocery Retail as the space optimisation plan delivered 
enhanced quality and operating standards.  While  
the turnaround of the Southeast Asian businesses 
remains at an early stage, there are encouraging signs  
of improvement.  

Underlying performance for our Convenience format 
was pleasing.  We continued to invest in mainland 
China, with the network having now grown to almost 
1,300 stores.  We also continued to invest in IKEA, with 
two additional stores opened in 2019.  E-commerce 
growth was also strong for IKEA as improvements were 
made to website functionality across the region.

The Group’s investments in Yonghui and Robinsons 
Retail delivered good returns.  Underlying profit growth 
in Yonghui was strong as it benefitted from the partial 
sell-down of their investment in the Yunchuang 
Technology business, which was announced in 
December 2018.  Robinsons Retail successfully 
integrated the Rustan acquisition in 2019.

The diversity of the Group’s business mix from the 
perspective of both direct and indirectly managed 
businesses, formats and geography did provide some 
insulation from unprecedented market challenges.   
In particular, the social unrest in Hong Kong materially 
impacted the performance of the Group’s Health and 
Beauty division, as well as Maxim’s.

Five strategic imperatives
1) Grow in China
7-Eleven delivered strong growth, with almost  
1,300 stores now opened, and we are pleased with  
the underlying performance of the business with  
strong like-for-like sales growth throughout the year.  
Strong focus has been put on the development of  
the ready-to-eat offering, which has resulted in higher 
day time traffic and converted consumer behaviour  
to encourage eating at 7-Eleven.  On-top of this,  
digital and other services – such as facial recognition 
payment – continue to be one of the key drivers in 
China.  There remains significant opportunity for growth 
in the longer-term with Guangdong province home to 
over 100 million people.  In the short-term, however, 
competition for site rentals has intensified and we will 
remain disciplined in our property growth strategy.

Mannings China reported good like-for-like sales growth 
in the second half due to strong O2O e-commerce 
growth as well as encouraging results from new format 
designs.  We have also developed a revised cross-border 
e-commerce platform for Mannings, with an upgraded 
and integrated supply chain to support fulfilment and 
accessibility.  Our scale of growth in Mannings China has 
not fulfilled its potential historically, but we see 

Annual Report 2019

11

Grocery Retail

Convenience Stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings 

Restaurants

Other Retailing

Store Support Centre and Shared Services

6%

4%

2%

3%

2%

Total Gross  
  Trading Area*

>110 million
sq. ft

83%

* Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

9%

1%

17%

2%

8%

Total Employees*
some 
230,000
people

6%

57%

opportunities for further space development through a 
realignment programme which aims to identify the 
optimal store format and size.  There will be a stronger 
focus on the Greater Bay Area where Mannings has 
strong brand awareness and where the business can 
leverage the existing scale of 7-Eleven in the region.

Performance for our Convenience format was pleasing 
with sales and profit ahead of last year.  This is despite 
challenging conditions in the second half.  In order to 
continue to build store traffic and brand differentiation, 
aggressive development of ready-to-eat and the Own 
Brand range was a key focus.  This will continue in 2020.

We continue to develop a strong and growing 
relationship with Yonghui.  Projects to leverage the  
scale of both companies are beginning to bear fruit  
with partnerships in procurement enhancing efficiency 
and reducing costs.  In addition, Mannings branded 
products have been introduced into almost 450 Yonghui 
stores.  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 the use of technology in this 
market and beyond.

2) Maintain strength in Hong Kong
The social unrest in Hong Kong negatively impacted our 
operations in our home market last year.  Reduction in 
tourist traffic has had the greatest impact on Mannings 
within our portfolio.  Disruptions to stores have also 
impacted our key associate Maxim’s.  IKEA’s Hong Kong 
operations were also disrupted by the social unrest.

However, even within Hong Kong, we benefitted to 
some extent from the diversified mix of our businesses.  
While there was disruption to stores, a clear trend towards 
more eating at home supported solid like-for-like sales 
growth for Wellcome Hong Kong.  A combination of 
improvement programmes and a more disciplined 
approach to store space saw an improving trend in 
underlying profit performance.  We remain confident 
about the future growth potential of our Grocery Retail 
business in Hong Kong.

Faced with the current challenges, the Group is adopting 
a prudent approach to cost control.  The challenges in 
Hong Kong were also difficult for our team members 
but their commitment towards putting customers first 
was nevertheless unwavering and I would like to thank 
all of them for their hard work and dedication.

3) Revitalise Southeast Asia
Profitability in our Southeast Asian Grocery Retail business 
improved significantly in 2019 as we execute our 
multi-year transformation plan.  Greater efficiencies 
generated from improvement programmes as well  
as our space optimisation plan supported the strong 
growth in profits.  While the turnaround remains at  
an early stage, there are encouraging signs.

Our upscale stores continue to show signs of recovery 
as we raise operating standards of quality, freshness, 
availability and range.  Remodelled pilot stores  
have been developed and initial performance has  
been encouraging.

We continue to re-engineer our food offering within 
Giant to focus on improving the customer proposition 
and optimising space.  A detailed plan is being executed  
and we are expecting to see continued progress in 2020.

We are taking a holistic view towards space 
optimisation, of which the conversion of a Giant 
hypermarket to an IKEA store in Sentul, Indonesia is  
a good example.  The store was opened in November, 
only five months after handover and was the fastest 
IKEA store opening in history.

12

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Our Guardian Health and Beauty business remains  
a significant opportunity for us in Southeast Asia.   
Over 1,000 stores have now been opened across the 
region, with the business achieving strong like-for-like 
sales growth overall in the region.  Profits in Singapore, 
Malaysia and Indonesia each achieved double-digit 
percentage growth.  Indonesia grew particularly 
strongly, driven by strong retail execution as we 
introduced better, more relevant range into stores and 
invested in store fitout in a cost-effective manner.

Guardian is leveraging its strong brand name in the 
region both from the perspective of Own Brand, as  
well as innovative partnerships.  Guardian Own Brand 
performance for products introduced into Rose 
Pharmacy has been strong.  Guardian Singapore also 
entered into an exclusive partnership in 2019 with 
leading Korean Health and Beauty retailer Olive Young 
to enhance its range in the K-beauty segment.

We are continuing to invest in growth of the IKEA 
network across the Group, but in particular in Indonesia.  
While this will have some short-term impact on profits 
due to new store startup costs and pre-opening 
expenses, we remain confident about our underlying 
profitability for IKEA and its growth potential in the 
markets where we operate the franchise.

Robinsons Retail made a positive contribution in 2019.  
The adoption of the new lease accounting standard, IFRS 
16, led to Robinsons Retail reporting a decline in profits.

4) Build capability
Since the start of 2018, we have significantly changed 
the leadership team to assemble a group of people who 
have strong track records in the Retail and Consumer 
industries.  In addition to the senior leadership team, we 
have also built management depth within the business.  
There have been close to 200 middle-management new 
hires since 2018.  In addition, over 80% of senior 
managers have taken new or expanded responsibilities.

The result of the strengthening of our capabilities has 
driven a significantly different way of working and seen 
a significant improvement in our ability to collaborate 
across functions, banners and regions, which has led  
to successful execution of a number of improvement 
programmes.  We plan to change our Store Support 
Centre to an open plan environment to facilitate  
better collaboration.

We are taking a proactive approach towards nurturing 
younger talent within the organisation and collaborating 
more closely with the Jardine Matheson Group.  
Graduates of the Jardine Executive Trainee programme 

have taken opportunities in key areas of the business 
including commercial operations, merchandising, digital 
and finance management.  We are also working more 
closely with Jardines in developing a pipeline of junior 
talent and graduate trainees.

We now have the ability to drive 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.

5) Driving digital innovation
Retail is rapidly changing and Dairy Farm has historically 
been slow to respond to the pace of digital change.

Since the appointment of our Chief Digital Officer and 
Chief Technology Officer in the fourth quarter of 2018,  
a significant review of the previous ad-hoc programmes 
has been undertaken.  Focus and discipline in our IT 
investments has been enhanced and we are confident 
that returns on our IT investments will improve over  
the coming years.

We have now successfully consolidated our IT systems 
in Singapore by introducing SAP and removing  
a significant number of legacy systems.

We have invested in e-commerce across both our  
Home Furnishings and Health and Beauty businesses.  
Enhanced website functionality supported growth for 
IKEA.  In addition, we have invested in e-commerce 
infrastructure to support the growth of online sales for 
our Health and Beauty businesses.  E-commerce for 
Guardian Singapore was relaunched in early 2020 with 
significant improvement in the customer experience.  
We expect these investments to support online sales 
growth for Mannings Hong Kong later in 2020.

Significant investments have also been made to 
enhance the Group’s own digital data analytics 
capabilities, which will support the future growth  
of our businesses.  In addition, progress is also being 
made in our partnerships with technology companies, 
which will support our digital transformation.

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.  While  
we fully recognise that there needs to be localisation  
of the 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 

Group Chief Executive’s ReviewAnnual Report 2019

13

through a more cohesive approach towards leveraging 
synergy and scale.

Improvement programmes have been a key area of 
focus to date and will continue to be in 2020 and 
beyond.  We are continuing to make progress in 
improving consistency and lowering costs in areas  
such as Procurement, Category Management, People 
Development, Store Productivity, Supply Chain 
Optimisation and Business Process Re-engineering.   
At the store level, we have been working on a number 
of projects to improve the workflow for team members 
and remove unnecessary duplication of work.  For 
example, auto-replenishment systems have been 
introduced into Mannings Hong Kong, which reduces 
the amount of manual labour required for store team 
members when re-ordering inventory.  In addition, 
programmes to introduce new systems and processes 
to improve fresh food quality and lower waste are being 
implemented and have been introduced to over 300 
stores across the company, which are also yielding 
significant cost savings.  At the Store Support Centre 
level, we have also taken a more centralised approach 
across functions to leverage the scale of the organisation.  
As an example, we have taken a centralised approach to 
marketing by moving away from having different media 
agencies across each banner and country.  This has 
yielded a 90% reduction in the number of agencies  
we use and considerable cost savings.

The Group is now adopting a more consistent approach 
to Own Brand.  One example is with the launch of the 
Meadows brand in our Food businesses.  The brand is 
common across markets and we are able to leverage  
its scale in common sourcing, as well as marketing.  The 
number of SKUs brought to market has progressively 
increased with focus on increasing range over time.  
The value proposition is exceptional with high quality 
products introduced that are significantly cheaper  
than branded equivalent products, helping to support 
value-for-money in our store offer.  In addition, customers 
can find Meadows branded products across multiple 
banners including our supermarkets and convenience 
stores.  We are piloting other Own Brand development 
options across our Health and Beauty businesses and 
leveraging scale when opportunities arise.

Impactful growth
As the business transforms there is a great opportunity 
to improve the Group’s impact on the communities  
it serves, by demonstrating that Dairy Farm’s business 
and commercial objectives are closely correlated  
with addressing societal challenges and by creating  
a consistent approach across our businesses to how 

they address those challenges.  The Group is developing 
an enduring sustainable business architecture that is 
aligned with its corporate strategy and commercial 
ambitions.  There is much work to do but the journey  
is underway to become a truly purpose-led business.

Year ahead
The Dairy Farm transformation remains on track.  Our 
efforts over the past two years to enhance capability, 
change the way in which we operate, to address 
underlying business challenges previously neglected and 
to focus on consistently improving retail basics across 
our business are all combining to enhance Dairy Farm’s 
prospects for the future.  This cultural change to drive 
Standardisation, Synergy and Scale is now integrated 
into our way of working.

We also benefit from the diversity of our portfolio, not 
only in terms of retail sector, format and geographical 
spread, but also in the balance between Dairy Farm 
managed businesses and Dairy Farm invested 
businesses.  While we have seen some businesses  
with a Hong Kong bias adversely impacted in their 2019 
performance, others have seen performance improve, 
most notably in Southeast Asia where our turnaround 
plans are beginning to bear fruit.  In addition, the 
integration of our Rustan business into Robinsons Retail 
has proved to be a successful financial investment 
decision in its first year. 

We are not ignoring the current short-term challenges 
and have been pro-active in adapting to a changing 
operating environment, seeking to optimise our current 
trading position in difficult circumstances.  However, the 
diversity of our portfolio does provide the Group with 
greater resilience when facing external market 
uncertainties such as the events of 2019 and the current 
COVID-19 challenges of 2020.

All sustainable business transformations take time  
to execute and we are still in the early stages of that 
transformation.  Nonetheless, we are encouraged by our 
underlying progress to date, remain resolute in our 
confidence in our turnaround plan and are grateful for 
the determination and effort of all our team members 
across Dairy Farm in their personal hard work to make a 
sustainable performance difference over time, both for 
our shareholders and most importantly, our customers.

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive
5th March 2020

14

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Sustainable Transformation at Dairy Farm

Dairy Farm Group is going through a significant transformation.   
We are transforming every level of our business and bringing 
together all our banners under one Dairy Farm.  This business 
change is all about putting our customers at heart of everything we 
do, whilst building a sustainable long-term business which serves 
the communities around us.  It is also a demonstration of how we 
live our values; to care passionately, do the right thing, respect each 
other and put our customers first.

The Dairy Farm Group is going through a significant 
multi-year transformation, bringing together all our 
banners under one Dairy Farm.

While it is essential that the business transforms, at the 
operating level this move towards best practice in Asian 
retail also gives rise to an opportunity to improve our 
impact on our communities, allowing us to take greater 
steps to becoming a more sustainable business.  With 
the business change, the Group can leverage its scale  
and resources to take a collective stance on key issues 
such as the environment, responsible consumption  
and social inclusion.  This transformation and alignment 
of our businesses is also a demonstration of how we  
live our values: to care passionately, do the right thing, 
respect each other and put our customers first.  By 
putting our customers at the heart of everything we do, 
we are building a sustainable long-term business which 
serves the communities around us.

2019 Progress
We firmly believe in giving back to the communities  
in which we live and work, supporting the community 
initiatives of NGOs and other charitable organisations 
who share our goals and values.

During 2019, we strengthened our efforts to support the 
communities around us.  We collaborated more closely 
with industry and government authorities in the regions 
we operate to help find solutions to tackle large societal 
problems.  A good example of this is our involvement in 
“Drink without Waste” (“DWW”) in Hong Kong which is 
an industry and NGO-led body aiming to align industry 
and government on the path towards a statutory 
producer responsibility scheme, increasing the recovery 
of plastic beverage waste in Hong Kong and creating  
a circular economy.  As part of our commitment to 
DWW, Dairy Farm has embarked on a pilot scheme  
of Reverse Vending Machines located at some of our 

Annual Report 2019

15

retail locations to support DWW’s long term goal of 
diverting plastic that would otherwise go to landfill.

We are also working smarter within our own businesses, 
with food waste being a key focus.  In our new and refitted 
stores where improvements in our supply chain and 
better product sourcing are already in place, we have 
seen food waste in our ‘Fresh’ category reduced by 50%.

Plastic waste is also being addressed as a priority and  
in our reformatted Giant and Upscale stores, we have 
visibly reduced our plastic packaging and wrapping.   
In April 2019 we introduced new internal guidelines  
in Hong Kong to use less plastics in stores and have,  
so far, achieved a 25% decrease in plastic waste.  Internal 
training has also been stepped up, with frontline team 
members, to ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives 
is maximised.  We are working with our suppliers too –  
requesting them to use much less plastic; light-weighting 
plastic, removing unnecessary foam, as well as removing 
single-use plastics in our in-store cafes and Store 
Support Centres.  Incorporating new and innovative 
materials going forward will help ensure that our 
customers get their products in perfect and fresh 
condition, while reducing the impact of single use 
plastics through design of products with greater 
environmental focus.

Our customers trust us to be a responsible retailer and 
to provide them with the best products sourced from 
around the globe.  We are improving guidelines to  
our suppliers on quality with a greater emphasis on 
responsible sourcing.  A good example of this is our 
commitment to have Own Brand eggs cage-free in 
Taiwan supermarkets by 2025 and for all our upscale 
food businesses to follow suit by 2028.  Dairy Farm is 

taking a more holistic approach to tackling animal 
welfare issues with respect to food safety, food quality 
and sustainable environmental management.  Over 
time, we aim to influence positive environmental, ethical 
practices and behaviour across the agricultural supply 
chain, addressing and solving issues in a sustainable 
way.  All of these initiatives focus on doing the right 
thing for those customers who want more transparency 
on where their food comes from and how it was 
produced.  We aim to provide them with the choices 
they want, respecting their preferences, and creating 
greater awareness within our communities.

Health plays a major role in our business with our health 
and beauty banners supporting the communities they 
serve with our trusted brands.  Our businesses support 
vulnerable groups in their respective communities, 
running activities promoting health and wellbeing.   
For example, Guardian in Indonesia recently ran  
a #StrongerTogether campaign for the LovePink 
Foundation in the fight against breast cancer and  
how early detection saves lives.

As we refit and reformat our existing store network, 
significant consideration has been given to the 
environmental impact of these programmes.  Trials are 
currently underway to utilise recycled pallet material in 
some of our upscale stores in Malaysia and Hong Kong.  
The fixtures and cladding have been produced from 
pallets taken from our local Distribution Centres that 
were destined for disposal.  New initiatives around 
materials used, improvement programmes, education 
and behavioural change are being rolled out across the 
portfolio with physical improvements being made to 
insulation, more energy efficient refrigeration and 
installation of LED lighting where possible.  Energy 

16

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

efficiency targets and monitoring systems are now in 
place with a view to actively reduce energy use across 
our stores and warehouses.  With these programmes, 
and through subtle changes to behaviour, as well as  
the ongoing education of our team members in stores  
and support Centres, we have seen a significant 
combined reduction of 6 Million kWh across our  
Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysian Markets*.

PT Hero, was awarded one of the Most Valued Business 
in Indonesia in 2019 in recognition of Hero’s momentum 
in sustainability initiatives.  Hero also won SINDO INOVASI 
2019 for CSR Innovation and received the Human 
Initiative Award, and Best Partner in Humanity in 
recognition of Hero’s service to the communities across 
Indonesia including; Hero and Giant supermarkets 
ongoing children’s education development programmes; 
IKEA’s Bunk Beds for Lombok, and their support to  
help build a “Children Playing Center” in Lombok as 
communities there are still suffering the aftereffects  
of the 2018 earthquakes.  Hero was given the Gold 
Award in the Womens Empowerment Category and 
Industrial Relations Award 2019, and Best Social 
Dialogue Awards Category for the strong commitment 
shown in labour relations.

IKEA launched its “People and Plant Positive’ plan in 2019 
and the “Three Roads Forward” programme to drive 
continual improvement.  The IKEA sustainability strategy 
has 4 areas of focus.  Waste management, to reduce 
operational waste in stores and prolong IKEA product 
life.  Energy Efficiency and Independency, using 100% 
renewable energy and increasing energy efficiency  
by 2030.  Circular IKEA, rental and leasing of furniture, 
waste material remade and circular packing.  People  
and Planet, incorporating much greater coworker 
community involvement activity.

Without the hard work and dedication of our 230,000 
team members we would not be able to support and 
serve our customers and contribute to the communities 
around us.  The wellbeing and safety of our team 
members, and other working parties is paramount  
to Dairy Farm.  We are committed to providing a safe 
working environment and creating a culture that values 
health, safety and wellbeing of our team members, as 
well as our customers.

Looking forward to a more  
Sustainable Future
While acknowledging these achievements, as a Group 
of businesses, we are only at the start of our sustainability 
journey.  We have some work ahead but we will not 
duck hard challenges in favour of tokenism.  Our focus  
is on making real, sustainable and long-term progress.  
Our aim is to embed impactful growth into our 
businesses and not treat sustainability as a ‘bolt-on 
function’  but to integrate it into the fabric of our 
business progress and growth.

Sustainable Development at  
Dairy Farm 2020-2025 
Dairy Farm is now in the process of building an enduring 
sustainable business that is aligned with our corporate 
strategy and commercial ambitions.  This sustainable 
transformation won’t happen overnight, it will be  
a multi-year programme and takes place in tandem  
with the broader business transformation.  We have a 
five-year sustainability development timeline 2020-2025 
and in the coming year we will establish Group wide 
policies and set the Group agenda whilst supporting the 
transformation.  There is undoubtedly much work to do, 
but Dairy Farm’s sustainable transformation sits across all 
our values as a business…

* Data from City FM Monthly Energy Report Dated 25th February 2020.

Sustainable Transformation at Dairy FarmAnnual Report 2019

17

“ We care passionately.  We do the right 
thing.  We respect each other and  
we put our customers first.”

18
18

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited
Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review
Food

Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2019

1919

Operating profit for Grocery Retail increased significantly, 
driven by Southeast Asia as we execute towards our multi-year 
transformation plan.  Convenience sales increased 4%  
to US$2.2 billion, driven by new store growth and strong  
like-for-like sales in China.  

14%

Convenience
Stores

14%

50%

Grocery 
 Retail

15%

64%

of Group Sales*

of Group Profit†29%

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit before effect of adopting IFRS 16 and share of results of associates and joint ventures,  

excluding selling, general and administrative expenses and non-trading items.

Mainland China

Taiwan

Hong Kong

Macau

The Philippines

Cambodia

Malaysia

Singapore

Indonesia

19.9 billion

Total Sales‡ (US$)

145 million

Operating Profit (US$)

5,732 stores

Store Network‡

Grocery Retail

Convenience Stores

‡  Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

20

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Grocery Retail
Dairy Farm’s Grocery Retail business has been serving our customers for over 70 
years.  Today we lead the industry in Asia, offering the freshest produce, excellent 
service and great value through a range of iconic brands.

Consistent with the Group’s strategy of proactively 
managing our business portfolio, the Rustan 
Supercenters business was successfully integrated into 
Robinsons Retail in 2019.  The Rustan deal as well as the 
execution of our store optimisation plan in Southeast 
Asia led to sales for the Grocery Retail unit reducing  
by 12% to US$5.2 billion.  Operating profit, however, 
increased close to three-fold to US$63 million, 
compared to US$22 million reported in 2018.  The 
improvement in performance was driven by Southeast 
Asia, as we continue to execute towards our multi-year 
transformation plan, with the space optimisation plan 
also yielding benefits.

Sales in Hong Kong and Macau were ahead of the prior 
year.  While the social unrest in Hong Kong did disrupt 
trading, Wellcome’s like-for-like sales grew as customers 
shifted towards eating at home.  Underlying profitability 

improvements have been encouraging as we start to 
enhance efficiency across the business despite some 
cost pressures.  Reported profitability was impacted by 
ongoing investments in people and capabilities.  Our 
price reinvestment campaign in Taiwan led to improved 
performance in the second half, despite the market 
backdrop of weak sentiment and fierce competition.

The divestment of the Rustan Supercenters business as 
well as the Southeast Asian space optimisation plan 
impacted our reported sales for Southeast Asia Grocery 
Retail.  However, the space optimisation initiatives as 
well as improvements in format and range are delivering 
some encouraging results, particularly in our upscale 
and smaller format stores.  Ongoing success in 
executing against our transformation plan supported 
profit growth for the Southeast Asian grocery businesses 
in 2019.

Business Review — FoodAnnual Report 2019

21

Convenience Store
With 30 years of delivering the convenience shopping 
experience, 7-Eleven, the leading global chain of one-stop 
stores, continues to run and operate in Hong Kong, Macau, 
Southern China and Singapore and offers innovative 
products and services to customers. 

Convenience sales increased 4% to US$2.2 billion, driven 
by new store growth and strong like-for-like sales in 
China.  Underlying profit performance for the Division 
was pleasing.  Investments into the growth of our China 
business, however, as well as the non-recurrence of 
some one-off factors which positively impacted profit in 
2018 led to reported profits for the Division reducing by 
US$6 million to US$82 million. 

22
22

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited
Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review
Health and Beauty

Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2019

2323

Sales for our Health and Beauty Division benefitted from strong 
revenue and like-for-like sales growth in our Guardian business 
in Southeast Asia.  Like-for-like sales for both China and Macau 
also improved over the course of the year as we continued to 
improve the customer offer.  However, these positives were 
offset by the impact that the social unrest in Hong Kong has  
had on Mannings.

21%

of Group Sales*

21%

Health and Beauty

49%

of Group Profit†49%

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit before effect of adopting IFRS 16 and share of results of associates and joint ventures,  

excluding selling, general and administrative expenses and non-trading items.

Mainland China

Hong Kong

Macau

The Philippines

Cambodia

Vietnam

Malaysia

Singapore

Brunei

Indonesia

3.4 billion

Total Sales‡ (US$)

296 million

Operating Profit (US$)

2,402 stores

Store Network‡

Health and Beauty

‡  Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

24

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Health and Beauty
Dairy Farm’s Health and Beauty business operates across Asia through  
well-established and trusted brands such as Mannings and GNC in North Asia, 
Guardian in Southeast Asia and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines, serving  
our customers with a wide range of health, beauty, personal care and baby  
care products.

Sales for our Health and Beauty Division benefitted from 
strong revenue and like-for-like sales growth in our 
Guardian business in Southeast Asia.  Improvements in 
the customer range, particularly in the Beauty category, 
as well as investments in store fitout supported sales 
growth.  Like-for-like sales for both China and Macau 
also improved over the course of the year as we 
continued to improve the customer offer.  However, 
these positives were offset by the impact that the social 
unrest in Hong Kong has had on Mannings, with the 
business seeing decline in foot traffic both from visitors 
to Hong Kong and local customers.  

Reported sales for our Health and Beauty Division were 
US$3.1 billion in 2019, ahead of 2018, supported by the 
consolidation of Rose Pharmacy.

Diversity in our business geography mix saw robust 
profit growth by Guardian Indonesia, Malaysia and 
Singapore partially offset challenging trading conditions 
which impacted Mannings Hong Kong.  The good 
performance of our Southeast Asia business was driven 
by strong sales growth as well as better mark-down 
management.  Overall, operating profit for the Division 
reduced 11% to US$296 million.

Business Review — Health and BeautyAnnual Report 2019

25

In the Philippines, Rose Pharmacy’s profitability also 
improved materially.  The acquisition of the remaining 
51% interest in the business in late 2018 allowed the 
Group to accelerate growth in new stores as well as 
investment into Own Brands, with financial performance 
improving as a result. 

We are also beginning to leverage the strong brands 
that we have within our Health and Beauty portfolio, 
with the introduction of Mannings Own Brand into 
almost 450 Yonghui stores across China, as well as 
Wellcome Taiwan stores.

We continued to improve the customer offer 
throughout the Health and Beauty Division.  Some 
examples include the relaunched Mannings cross-
border e-commerce offering through a WeChat mini 
programme, with a significant increase in range and 
Guardian Singapore’s exclusive partnership with leading 
Korean health and beauty retailer Olive Young. 

26
26

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited
Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review
Home Furnishings

Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2019

2727

We continued to invest in the future growth of our Home 
Furnishings business in 2019.  Sales grew 6% to a record  
US$766 million.  Taiwan and Indonesia both reported strong 
sales growth, with two new store openings.  In addition, 
e-commerce growth was also strong across all markets  
with investments made to support website functionality.

5%

of Group Sales*

5%

Home Furnishings

7%

of Group Profit†7%

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit before effect of adopting IFRS 16 and share of results of associates and joint ventures,  

excluding selling, general and administrative expenses and non-trading items.

Taiwan

Hong Kong

Macau

Indonesia

766 million

Total Sales‡ (US$)

43 million

Operating Profit (US$)

12 stores

Store Network‡

Home Furnishings

‡  Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

28

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Home Furnishings
The world’s largest furniture retailer, IKEA, is operated by Dairy Farm in  
Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and Indonesia.  Renowned for design, functionality 
and quality at affordable prices, IKEA offers a comprehensive range of attractive 
home furnishing products, underpinned by a solid commitment to sustainability.

We continued to invest in the future growth of our 
Home Furnishings business in 2019.  Sales grew 6% to  
a record US$766 million.  Taiwan and Indonesia both 
reported strong sales growth, with two new store 
openings.  In addition, e-commerce growth was also 
strong across all markets with investments made to 
support website functionality.  Like-for-like sales in  
Hong Kong, however, were impacted in the second half 
by the social unrest.  

The IKEA team continues to innovate from the 
perspective of store format with the conversion of  
the Giant hypermarket in Sentul, Indonesia to an IKEA 
store, a good example of taking a holistic view to space 
optimisation.  The store was opened in November,  
only five months after handover and was the fastest  
ever IKEA store opening in history and the first ever 
hypermarket conversion.  Performance for the store 
since opening has been pleasing.  IKEA also introduced 
a pick-up point format in Bandung, Indonesia in 
September 2019, a year ahead of the official store 
opening in 2020.

Our investments into new stores, higher cost of goods 
as well as currency fluctuations impacted operating 
profits in the short-term.  However, we remain confident 
in the future prospects of IKEA across the region.  Our 
first store in Macau will open in the first half of 2020.   
In addition to a new store opened in Southern Taipei  

in 2019, good progress has been made with new store 
projects in Taiwan as well as in Indonesia, which are 
anticipated to open in 2020.  Our strategic plans to meet 
the demands of the growing middle-income consumer 
involve opening traditional and new IKEA formats.  

Business Review — Home FurnishingsAnnual Report 2019

29

30
30

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited
Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review
Restaurants

Annual Report 2019
Annual Report 2019

3131

Maxim’s reported 4% growth in sales to US$2.7 billion.   
The acquisition of the Starbucks franchise in Thailand  
through a 64%-owned joint venture was another milestone  
in the year.  A portfolio of some 370 retail outlets was acquired  
as part of the deal.  After this acquisition, Maxim’s has now 
secured the Starbucks franchise in six markets.

9%

of Group Sales*

9%

Restaurants

14%

of Group Profit†14%

* Including share of associates and joint ventures.
†  Based on operating profit before effect of adopting IFRS 16 and share of results of associates and joint ventures,  

excluding selling, general and administrative expenses and non-trading items.

Mainland China

Hong Kong

Macau

Thailand

Cambodia

Vietnam

Malaysia

Singapore

2.7 billion

Total Sales‡ (US$)

82 million

Share of Results (US$)

1,753 stores

Store Network‡

Restaurants

‡  Including 100% of associates and joint ventures.

32

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Restaurant
Founded in 1956, Maxim’s is a household name in Hong Kong, famous for its 
mooncakes and successful restaurants, bakeries, cafes and catering.  The Maxim’s 
network has expanded across Asia Pacific, with over 1,700 outlets in Hong Kong, 
Macau, mainland China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Maxim’s reported 4% growth in sales to US$2.7 billion.  
The acquisition of Starbucks franchise in Thailand 
through a 64%-owned joint venture in May supported 
sales growth for the year.  A portfolio of some 370 retail 
outlets was acquired as part of the deal.  After this 
acquisition, Maxim’s has now secured the Starbucks 
franchise in six markets.

Profitability, however, was impacted significantly by the 
social unrest in Hong Kong, with disruptions caused to 
restaurants and shops, as well as reduction in foot traffic.  
Mooncake sales performance did continue to grow  
in 2019.

It was another successful year for the introduction  
of new concepts, with expansion of the Shake Shack 
franchise into China.  Shake Shack is expected to  
expand into Macau in 2020.  Maxim’s also launched  
The Cheesecake Factory in Macau in 2019, with one 
opening in the heart of the Cotai area.

In addition to the Starbucks Thailand acquisition, 
Maxim’s continues to diversify its business in Southeast 
Asia, as well as growing its Starbucks business in  
the region.  The Genki Sushi franchise is also being 
expanded in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

Business Review — RestaurantsAnnual Report 2019

33

34

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Business Review
Other Associates

Annual Report 2019

35

The Group’s investments in Yonghui and Robinsons Retail 
delivered good returns with Dairy Farm’s share of results  
from both companies growing in 2019.

Yonghui delivered strong sales growth in the year, driven largely by store openings, while also 
achieving positive like-for-like sales.  Underlying profit growth was strong due to the partial 
sell-down of the investment in the Yunchuang digital business as well as lower cost from 
employee share incentive expenses.

Reported profitability for Robinsons Retail in 2019 was impacted by the adoption of IFRS 16 as 
its profits in 2018 were not adjusted for the new lease accounting standard.  Underlying profit 
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased by double-digit percentage.

Other Associates
Dairy Farm owns a 19.99% stake in Yonghui Superstores, a leading 
grocery retailer in China with over 1,300 stores.  In November 2018, 
Dairy Farm also acquired a 20% stake in Robinsons Retail, one of the 
largest multi-format retailers in the Philippines.

Mainland China

The Philippines

Other Associates

36

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Financial Review

30%

2019
Sales Mix*

44%

2019 Retail 
Outlet Mix†

56%

North Asia

Southeast Asia

70%

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

“ Strong profit growth in 

the Food segment was driven 
by Southeast Asia Grocery 
Retail as the Group’s multi-year 
transformation plan started  
to deliver enhanced quality  
and operating standards.”

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 
2019, the Group adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’.  The standard 
requires the Group to recognise almost all of its leases 
onto the balance sheet by capitalising future lease 
payments into a lease liability and a corresponding 
right-of-use asset.  The Group has applied IFRS 16  
based on a full retrospective approach.  The adoption  
of this standard has a material effect on the financial 
statements, and the comparative financial statements 
have been restated in accordance with the requirements 
under IFRS.  The impact on the Group’s results for 2018 
can be found in note 1 to the financial statements.

Results
The ongoing execution of the Group’s space optimisation 
plan as well as the divestment of the Rustan Supercenters 
business saw sales, excluding those of associates and 
joint ventures, reduced 5% to US$11.2 billion.  Strong 
profit growth in the Food segment was driven by 
Southeast Asia Grocery Retail as the Group’s multi-year 
transformation plan started to deliver enhanced quality 
and operating standards.  Performance for the Health 
and Beauty Division was impacted by difficult trading 
conditions caused by the social unrest in Hong Kong, 
while increased investments in the growth of the store 
network impacted Home Furnishings profits.  Overall, 
underlying operating profit at US$437 million, reduced 
14% relative to the prior year.

Net financing charges decreased by US$8 million 
compared to 2018 mainly due to lower interest expense 
on lease liabilities partly offset by higher interest charge 
on bank borrowings as a result of higher debt to fund 
investments in the Philippines last year.

The Group’s share of the results of associates and joint 
ventures increased 11% to US$126 million compared 
with 2018 principally due to higher contribution from 
Yonghui and the new contribution from Robinsons 
Retail since the Group invested 20% interest in 
November 2018, partly offset by the lower contribution 
from Maxim’s.

The tax charge for 2019 was US$69 million, 29% lower 
than 2018, mainly due to reduced profit contribution 
from Hong Kong businesses.

Annual Report 2019

37

Underlying EBITDA

Underlying EBITDA

Net Asset Value per Share

Net Asset Value per Share

US$m
1,800

1,500

1,200

900

600

300

0

US¢
150

120

90

60

30

0

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

On an IFRS 16 basis

Before effect of  
adopting IFRS 16

On an IFRS 16 basis

Before effect of  
adopting IFRS 16

financing charges paid

(160)

(164)

Underlying net profit was US$321 million, 10% behind 
2018 levels.  Underlying earnings per share were US¢23.72, 
as compared to US¢26.48 in 2018 on a restated basis.

The Group maintained good operating cash flow and 
generated a net inflow from operating activities after 
lease payments of US$498 million in the year, compared 
to US$643 million in 2018.  The unfavourable movement 
in working capital this year was partly due to a negative 
impact on payments to suppliers as a result of the earlier 
Chinese New Year holidays in 2020.

Normal capital expenditure was higher at US$305 million 
versus US$256 million in 2018 principally due to increased 
investment for new IKEA stores in Taiwan and Indonesia.

2019
US$m

2018
US$m
restated

437

506

1,002

1,101

10%

(77)

(21)

89
(3)

94
(58)

37%

1,288

1,458

2019 Normal  
Capital Expenditure:

US$305
million

29%

11%

13%

(790)

(815)

Grocery Retail

Home Furnishings 

Convenience Stores

IT and Distribution Centres

Health and Beauty

498

(305)
(6)
28

(283)

643

(256)
(278)
33

(501)

215

142

Cash flow

Summarised Cash Flow

Underlying operating  
  profit
Depreciation and  
  amortisation
Increase in working  
  capital
Net interest and other  

Dividends received  
from associates

Others
Cash flows from  
  operating activities
Principal elements  
  of lease payments
Cash flows from  
  operating activities  
  after lease payments
Normal capital  
  expenditure
Investments
Disposals
Cash flow from  

investing activities

Cash flow before  

financing but after  
lease payments

 
 
 
 
 
38

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

The Group’s businesses, including associates and joint 
ventures, added a net 786 outlets in 2019, and now 
consists of 10,533 stores across all formats in 12 markets.  
Included in this total are 1,351 Yonghui stores, 1,753 
Maxim’s stores and 1,918 Robinsons Retail stores.

Number of Stores

At 1st January
Net additions
Additions related to 
Robinsons Retail
investment in 2018

At 31st December

2019

9,747
786

–
10,533

2018

7,180
689

1,878
9,747

Balance sheet
Total assets, excluding cash and bank balances,  
of US$8.1 billion were broadly in line with 2018.  
Inventory was down by 2% to US$896 million  
reflecting the continuous effort to manage inventory.  
Net operating assets were US$1.2 billion at the end  
of 2019, a 7% increase versus the previous year.

The Group ended the year with net debt of  
US$821 million, US$77 million higher as compared  
to US$744 million at 31st December 2018, reflecting  
the continuous investments in our stores.

Dividend
The Board is recommending an unchanged final 
dividend of US¢14.50 per share, bringing the total 
dividend in respect of 2019 to US¢21.00 per share,  
the same as the 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 United States 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$1,122 million at the year end,  
an increase of US$82 million from 2018.  The gross debt 
is funded by total committed and uncommitted lines  
of US$2,344 million.  At the end of 2019, US$462 million 
of committed and US$760 million of uncommitted 
facilities were unused and available.  The Group had  
cash balances of US$301 million as at 31st December 2019.  
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 excluding those on lease liabilities 
increased from US$33 million in 2018 to US$39 million  
in 2019, 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 37  
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 133 to 134.

Clem Constantine
Chief Financial Officer
5th March 2020

Financial ReviewDirectors’ Profiles

Annual Report 2019

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 Constantine joined the Board as Chief Financial Officer in November 2019, having joined 
the Dairy Farm leadership team as Group Property Director in September 2018.  He is a 
Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in senior finance and property roles in  
the retail sector.  He has previously held finance, international and property directorships  
with Marks and Spencer, the Arcadia group, Debenhams and the Burton Group in the  
United Kingdom.

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 and president  
of Hong Kong Red Cross.

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 a director of Hongkong Land, Jardine Strategic and Mandarin Oriental.   
He is also a director of Ferrari NV and Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum and vice-chairman  
of the supervisory board of Rothschild & Co.

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

Ben Keswick *
Chairman and Managing Director

Ian McLeod *
Group Chief Executive

Clem Constantine *
Chief Financial Officer

Mark Greenberg

George J. Ho

Adam Keswick

Dr Delman Lee

* Executive Director

40

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

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 and chairman of Hong 
Kong of Jardine Matheson, and chairman of Jardine Pacific and Gammon.  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 and Mandarin Oriental.  He is chairman of the Hong Kong 
Tourism Board, deputy chairman of the Hong Kong Management Association, a member of 
the Council and General Committee of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and 
the Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong.

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 
Matheson and Mandarin Oriental.  He is also President of the China-Britain Business  
Council.  As announced on 20th January 2020, Lord Sassoon will be retiring as a Director  
on 9th April 2020.

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 and chairman of the executive 
committee of Astra.

Directors’ ProfilesOur Leadership

Annual Report 2019

41

Ian McLeod
Group Chief Executive

Chris Bush
Chief Executive Officer –  
South East Asia Food

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

Clem Constantine
Chief Financial Officer

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.

Chris Bush was appointed CEO – South East Asia Food in August 2019.

Chris is a highly experienced senior food retailer with an impressive track record in leadership 
roles in Tesco for over 30 years, including CEO roles in Malaysia, Thailand, Korea and the U.K.  
After a period of time in a consultancy role for a major retailer in the United States, Chris joined 
Dairy Farm in 2018 to lead the transformation of the food business in Indonesia.

Chris has Business background and executive training from Manchester Business school in 
United Kingdom.

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.

Mr Constantine took up the position of Chief Financial Officer in November 2019, having 
joined the Dairy Farm leadership team as Group Property Director in September 2018.   
He is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience of senior finance and property roles  
in the retail sector.  He has previously held finance, international and property directorships 
with Marks and Spencer, the Arcadia Group, Debenhams and the Burton Group in the  
United Kingdom.

42

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Edward Hunter
Group Supply Chain Director

Sam Kim
Chief Executive Officer –  
Health & Beauty and  
Chief Marketing & Business 
Development Officer

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.

Sam was appointed Chief Executive Officer – Health & Beauty and Chief Marketing & Business 
Development Officer in August 2019.

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.

Martin Lindström
Group Director – IKEA

Martin was appointed Group Director – IKEA in January 2013 with responsibilities for the Group’s 
IKEA operations in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Indonesia.  Prior to that, he was General Manager  
of IKEA Taiwan in 2007 and subsequently CEO of the Dairy Farm IKEA business in 2010.

Martin has more than 20 years’ experience in a variety of senior positions with the IKEA 
business in Europe, Eastern Europe and more than a decade in the Asia Pacific region.

Our LeadershipAnnual Report 2019

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.

Marcus Spurrell
Chief Digital Officer

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.

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, e-commerce data 
analytics to personalised customer communication.  Prior to joining Dairy Farm, he was the 
Senior Vice President for Digital, Loyalty and e-commerce at Ahold Delhaize Group where  
he led a transformation of its loyalty programmes that delivered strong business results.   
Marcus previously held several Digital and e-commerce 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.

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 2019

Underlying 
business 
performance

Note

US$m

2019

Non- 
trading  
items

US$m

Underlying 
business 
performance

US$m

Total

US$m

2018

Non- 
trading  
items

US$m

Total

US$m

restated

restated

restated

2

3

4

5

6

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

7

– basic

– diluted

11,192.3

(7,658.5)

3,533.8

189.8

–

–

–

19.3

11,192.3

(7,658.5)

3,533.8

209.1

11,749.3

(8,100.5)

3,648.8

194.9

–

–

–

207.0

11,749.3

(8,100.5)

3,648.8

401.9

(2,700.7)

–

(2,700.7)

(2,806.4)

–

(2,806.4)

(586.4)

436.5

(164.9)

6.7

(158.2)

114.9

393.2

(69.5)

323.7

320.9

2.8

323.7

US¢

23.72

23.71

(30.2)

(10.9)

–

–

–

11.4

0.5

0.8

1.3

2.9

(1.6)

1.3

(616.6)

425.6

(164.9)

6.7

(158.2)

126.3

393.7

(68.7)

325.0

323.8

1.2

325.0

US¢

23.93

23.92

(531.7)

505.6

(171.7)

5.1

(166.6)

112.8

451.8

(93.8)

358.0

358.2

(0.2)

358.0

US¢

26.48

26.47

(495.9)

(288.9)

(1,027.6)

216.7

–

–

–

1.2

(287.7)

(2.8)

(290.5)

(273.4)

(17.1)

(290.5)

(171.7)

5.1

(166.6)

114.0

164.1

(96.6)

67.5

84.8

(17.3)

67.5

US¢

6.27

6.27

 
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31st December 2019

Annual Report 2019

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 gain/(loss) arising during the year

– transfer to profit and loss

Cash flow hedges

– net (loss)/gain arising during the year

– transfer to profit and loss

Tax relating to items that may be reclassified

Share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures

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

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Note

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

restated

325.0

67.5

21

15.9

(2.4)

13.5

0.7

14.2

25.5

3.4

28.9

(2.6)

(5.5)

(8.1)

1.6

2.8

25.2

39.4

364.4

362.1

2.3

364.4

(12.0)

2.2

(9.8)

0.9

(8.9)

(91.1)

45.2

(45.9)

3.1

1.8

4.9

(1.0)

–

(42.0)

(50.9)

16.6

37.1

(20.5)

16.6

46

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 31st December 2019

Net operating assets

Intangible assets

Tangible assets

Right-of-use 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 lease liabilities

Current tax liabilities

Current provisions

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Current liabilities

Net current liabilities

Long-term borrowings

Non-current lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Pension liabilities

Non-current creditors

Non-current provisions

Non-current liabilities

At 31st December At 1st January

Note

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2018

US$m

restated

restated

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

14

16

17

18

19

20

18

19

15

21

17

20

589.2

820.2

3,186.3

2,101.9

6.8

142.4

18.2

571.0

756.6

3,430.9

2,030.9

7.4

151.3

14.4

707.9

1,086.7

3,646.1

1,582.2

6.9

113.8

26.4

6,865.0

6,962.5

7,170.0

896.1

281.3

26.1

301.4

913.1

326.0

35.2

296.2

1,504.9

1,570.5

–

–

1,504.9

1,570.5

(2,315.4)

(938.2)

(728.3)

(126.5)

(56.0)

(2,364.4)

(1,025.7)

(736.1)

(84.3)

(84.2)

950.0

345.2

27.1

332.4

1,654.7

11.2

1,665.9

(2,429.6)

(412.7)

(710.6)

(71.6)

(61.2)

(4,164.4)

(4,294.7)

(3,685.7)

–

–

(6.2)

(4,164.4)

(4,294.7)

(3,691.9)

(2,659.5)

(2,724.2)

(2,026.0)

(184.0)

(14.5)

(2,577.5)

(2,816.5)

(34.9)

(31.3)

(13.2)

(125.1)

(2,966.0)

1,239.5

(23.4)

(47.6)

(39.7)

(134.7)

(3,076.4)

1,161.9

(522.0)

(2,944.0)

(41.3)

(34.2)

(42.7)

(129.4)

(3,713.6)

1,430.4

Annual Report 2019

47

Note

22

24

At 31st December At 1st January

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2018

US$m

restated

restated

75.1

59.2

1,074.9

1,209.2

30.3

1,239.5

75.1

58.3

993.0

1,126.4

35.5

1,161.9

75.1

57.9

1,238.1

1,371.1

59.3

1,430.4

Total equity

Share capital

Share premium and capital reserves

Revenue and other reserves

Shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests

Approved by the Board of Directors

Ian McLeod
Clem Constantine
Directors

5th March 2020

48

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31st December 2019

Share 
premium

Capital 
reserves

Attributable 
to 
shareholders 
of the 
Company

Attributable 
to non-
controlling 
interests

Revenue  
and other 
reserves

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Share  
capital

US$m

Total  
equity

US$m

75.1

–
75.1

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
75.1

75.1

–
75.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

33.9

–
33.9

–

–

–

–

–

–
0.2
34.1

33.1

–
33.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–
75.1

–
0.8
33.9

24.4

–
24.4

–

–

–

0.9

–

1,313.6

1,447.0

43.9

1,490.9

(320.6)
993.0

(320.6)
1,126.4

362.1

362.1

(284.0)

(284.0)

0.1

–

0.8

0.1

0.9

0.8

(8.4)
35.5

2.3

–

–

–

(329.0)
1,161.9

364.4

(284.0)

0.1

0.9

(7.5)

(6.7)

–
(0.2)
25.1

2.9
–
1,074.9

2.9
–
1,209.2

–
–
30.3

2.9
–
1,239.5

24.8

–
24.8

–

–

–

–

0.4

–

–
(0.8)
24.4

1,557.0

1,690.0

(318.9)
1,238.1

(318.9)
1,371.1

65.7

(6.4)
59.3

1,755.7

(325.3)
1,430.4

37.1

37.1

(20.5)

16.6

(284.0)

(284.0)

–

(284.0)

–

0.4

–

–

0.4

0.4

(0.2)

–

–

(0.4)

(0.4)

(3.1)

(0.2)

0.4

0.4

(3.5)

1.8
–
993.0

1.8
–
1,126.4

–
–
35.5

1.8
–
1,161.9

2019
At 1st January
– as previously reported
– change in accounting  
  policy (note 1)
– as restated
Total comprehensive  

income

Dividends paid by  
the Company

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

2018
At 1st January
– as previously reported
– change in accounting  
  policy (note 1)
– as restated
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

Revenue and other reserves at 31st December 2019 comprised revenue reserves of US$1,388.5 million (2018: US$1,330.6 million), 
hedging reserves of US$0.7 million (2018: US$4.3 million) and exchange reserves of US$314.3 million loss (2018: US$341.9 million loss).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31st December 2019

Annual Report 2019

49

Operating activities

Operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation

Other non-cash items

Increase 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 subsidiaries

Purchase of associates and joint ventures

Purchase of intangible assets

Purchase of tangible assets

Additions to right-of-use assets

Sale of subsidiaries

Sale of properties

Sale of tangible assets

Cash flows from investing activities

Financing activities

Change in interests in subsidiaries

Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Net (decrease)/increase in other short-term borrowings

Principal elements of lease payments

Dividends paid by the Company

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests

Cash flows from financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at 1st January

Effect of exchange rate changes

Cash and cash equivalents at 31st December

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

restated

425.6

1,002.2

33.2

(76.7)

7.1

(166.7)

(25.1)

1,199.6

88.5

1,288.1

(2.6)

(3.8)

(53.2)

(233.3)

(18.4)

–

22.6

5.7

216.7

1,101.3

326.7

(20.5)

3.9

(168.2)

(96.0)

1,363.9

94.2

1,458.1

(54.6)

(223.1)

(33.2)

(222.6)

(0.3)

(1.6)

32.6

1.9

(283.0)

(500.9)

(6.7)

1,778.4

(1,662.6)

(42.4)

(790.3)

(284.0)

–

(3.5)

998.2

(963.6)

67.1

(814.7)

(284.0)

(0.2)

(1,007.6)

(1,000.7)

(2.5)

284.5

6.3

288.3

(43.5)

334.5

(6.5)

284.5

Note

3

28(a)

28(b)

28(c)

28(d)

28(e)

28(f )

28(g)

28(h)

18

18

18

25

28(j)

50

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. 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.

Details of the Group’s principal accounting policies are included in note 35.

The Group has applied IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ for the first time for the Group’s annual reporting period commencing 1st January 2019.  
Changes to principal accounting policies are described below.  There are no other amendments or interpretations, which are 
effective in 2019 and relevant to the Group’s operations, that have a significant effect on the Group’s accounting policies.  

The Group has elected to early adopt the ‘Interest Rate Benchmark Reform: Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7’ (effective  
1st January 2020) in relation to hedge accounting for the Group’s annual reporting period commencing 1st January 2019.  In 
accordance with the transition provisions, the amendments have been adopted retrospectively with respect to hedging 
relationships that existed at the start of the reporting period or were designated thereafter.  The amendments provide temporary 
relief from applying specific hedge accounting requirements to hedging relationships which are directly affected by the uncertainty 
arising from the reforms and replacement of existing benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR and other inter-bank offered rates 
(‘IBOR reform’).  The forthcoming IBOR reform may take effect at different times and may have a different impact on the hedged 
items (the fixed and floating rate borrowings) and the hedging instruments (the interest rate swaps and cross currency swaps used 
to hedge the borrowings).  The reliefs have the effect that the IBOR reform should not generally cause hedge accounting to 
terminate.  The reliefs under the amendments will end when the uncertainty arising from the IBOR reform are no longer present; or 
the hedging relationship is discontinued.  Early adoption of these amendments has no impact on the Group’s consolidated financial 
statements for 2019. 

Apart from the above, the Group has not early adopted any other standard, interpretation or amendments that have been issued 
but not yet effective (note 36).

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 2, 3 and 5 and are described on page 55.

Changes in principal accounting policies
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’
The standard replaces IAS 17 ‘Leases’ and related interpretations, and introduces a comprehensive model for the identification of 
lease arrangements and accounting treatments for both lessors and lessees.  The distinction between operating and finance leases 
is removed for lessee accounting, and is replaced by a model where a lease liability and a corresponding right-of-use asset have to 
be recognised on the balance sheet for almost all leases by the lessees, except for leases with a term ending within 12 months or 
low-value assets.  The Group’s recognised right-of-use assets primarily relate to property leases, which are entered into for use as 
retail stores, distribution centres and offices.  IFRS 16 affects primarily the Group’s accounting for lessees while the accounting for 
lessors does not change significantly.

Prior to 2019, payments made under operating leases were charged to profit and loss on a straight-line basis over the period of  
the lease.  Upon the adoption of IFRS 16, each lease payment is allocated between settlement of the lease liability and finance cost.  
The finance cost is charged to profit and loss over the lease period using the effective interest rate method.  The right-of-use asset is 
depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

Annual Report 2019

51

1. Basis of Preparation continued

Changes in principal accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ continued
In addition, leasehold land which represents payments to third parties to acquire interests in property, previously included in
intangible assets and tangible assets, is now presented under right-of-use assets.  Leasehold land is amortised over the useful life
of the lease, which includes the renewal period if the lease is likely to be renewed by the Group without significant cost.

Changes to accounting policies on adoption of IFRS 16 have been applied retrospectively, and the comparative financial statements 
have been restated.

The effects of adopting IFRS 16 were as follows:

(i)  On the consolidated profit and loss account for the year ended 31st December 2018:

Increase/(decrease) 
in profit

Other operating income

Selling and distribution costs

Administration and other operating expenses

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

*Further analysed as:

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders

Non-trading items

Profit attributable to shareholders

Basic underlying earnings per share

Diluted underlying earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

US$m

25.8

70.3

41.7

(133.9)

(18.8)

(14.9)

4.8

(10.1)

(7.2)

(2.9)

(10.1)

(66.1)

58.9

(7.2)

US¢

(4.89)

(4.89)

(0.53)

(0.53)

52

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Basis of Preparation continued

Changes in principal accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ continued
(ii)  On the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31st December 2018:

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss:

Net exchange translation differences

– net loss arising during the year

– transfer to profit and loss

Other comprehensive expense for the year, net of tax

Total comprehensive income for the year

Attributable to:

Shareholders of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Increase/(decrease)  
in total  
comprehensive  
income

US$m

(10.1)

7.9

(1.5)

6.4

(3.7)

(1.3)

(2.4)

(3.7)

1.  Basis of Preparation continued

Changes in principal accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ continued
(iii)  On the consolidated balance sheet at 1st January:

Net operating assets

Intangible assets

Tangible assets

Right-of-use assets

Associates and joint ventures

Non-current debtors

Deferred tax assets

Non-current assets

Current debtors

Current assets

Current creditors

Current lease liabilities

Current provisions

Current liabilities

Net current liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Non-current provisions

Non-current liabilities

Total equity

Revenue and other reserves

Shareholders’ funds

Non-controlling interests

Annual Report 2019

53

Increase/(decrease)

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

(95.7)

(91.4)

(106.8)

(97.5)

3,430.9

3,646.1

(36.0)

(9.0)

(9.4)

(18.8)

(48.8)

–

3,189.4

3,374.2

(46.0)

(46.0)

34.2

(736.1)

19.9

(682.0)

(5.5)

(5.5)

39.9

(710.6)

(8.7)

(679.4)

(728.0)

(684.9)

(2,816.5)

(2,944.0)

35.2

(9.1)

21.4

(92.0)

(2,790.4)

(3,014.6)

(329.0)

(325.3)

(320.6)

(320.6)

(8.4)

(329.0)

(318.9)

(318.9)

(6.4)

(325.3)

54

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

1.  Basis of Preparation continued

Changes in principal accounting policies continued
IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ continued
(iv)  On the consolidated cash flow statement for the year ended 31st December 2018:

Operating activities

Operating profit

Depreciation and amortisation

Other non-cash items

Increase in working capital

Interest and other financing charges paid

Investing activities

Purchase of tangible assets

Additions to right-of-use assets

Financing activities

Principal elements of lease payments

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Inflows/(outflows)

US$m

137.8

872.2

(60.0)

(1.4)

(133.9)

814.7

0.3

(0.3)

–

(814.7)

(814.7)

–

Annual Report 2019

55

Including associates  
and joint ventures

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

19,907.3

17,603.4

2,303.9

3,400.8

765.7

2,701.2

890.0

15,424.7

13,320.6

2,104.1

3,225.7

721.3

2,585.5

–

Subsidiaries

2019

US$m

7,375.6

5,190.2

2,185.4

3,051.0

765.7

–

–

2018

US$m

7,992.2

5,888.1

2,104.1

3,035.8

721.3

–

–

27,665.0

21,957.2

11,192.3

11,749.3

2.  Sales

Analysis by operating segment:

Food

– Grocery retail

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Restaurants

Other Retailing

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 five segments: Food, Health 
and Beauty, Home Furnishings, Restaurants and Other Retailing.  Food comprises grocery retail and convenience store businesses 
(including the Group’s associate, Yonghui, a leading grocery 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.  Other Retailing represents the department stores, specialty and Do-It-Yourself (‘DIY’) stores  
of the Group’s newly acquired Philippines associate, Robinsons Retail.

Sales and share of results of Yonghui represent 12 months from October 2018 to September 2019 based on their latest published 
announcement (2018: nine months from January to September 2018) and that of Robinsons Retail represent 11 months from the date 
of acquisition, November 2018 to September 2019 based on their latest published announcement (note 5).

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

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

Subsidiaries

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

20,560.3

7,104.7

27,665.0

17,254.1

4,703.1

21,957.2

7,339.5

3,852.8

7,422.4

4,326.9

11,192.3

11,749.3

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, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei.

56

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

3.  Operating Profit

Analysis by operating segment:

Food

– Grocery retail

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Underlying operating profit before adopting IFRS 16*

Effect of adopting IFRS 16

Underlying operating profit

Non-trading items:

– business restructuring costs

– profit on sale of businesses and properties

– loss on reclassification of joint ventures as subsidiaries

– adjustment to deferred consideration for acquisition of a subsidiary

– fair value (loss)/gain on equity investments

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

Analysis by geographical area:

North Asia

Southeast Asia

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Underlying operating profit before adopting IFRS 16*

Effect of adopting IFRS 16

Underlying operating profit

2019

US$m

145.1

63.1

82.0

295.5

42.7

483.3

2018

US$m

110.2

22.3

87.9

330.2

68.4

508.8

(143.4)

(103.0)

339.9

96.6

436.5

(15.6)

15.7

(13.9)

3.6

(0.7)

425.6

2019

US$m

443.4

39.9

483.3

(143.4)

339.9

96.6

436.5

405.8

99.8

505.6

(435.4)

206.5

(60.5)

–

0.5

216.7

2018

US$m

513.7

(4.9)

508.8

(103.0)

405.8

99.8

505.6

* Property lease payments and depreciation of reinstatement costs under the lease contracts were included in the Group’s analysis of operating and geographical segments’ 

results.

3.  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 9)

Depreciation of tangible assets (note 10)

Depreciation of right-of-use assets (note 11)

Impairment of intangible assets (note 9)

Reversal of impairment/(impairment) of tangible assets (note 10)

Impairment of right-of-use assets (note 11)

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

Lease expenses

– short-term leases

– variable lease payments

– sublease income

Auditors’ remuneration

– audit

– non-audit services

Concession and service income

Rental income from properties

Net foreign exchange gains

(Loss)/profit on sale of tangible and intangible assets

Gain on lease modification and termination

Annual Report 2019

57

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

(7,617.6)

(8,060.5)

(27.1)

(160.2)

(814.9)

(20.7)

4.4

(1.9)

(5.7)

6.3

(21.1)

(203.5)

(876.7)

(117.2)

(207.9)

(93.9)

(19.1)

4.2

(1,131.9)

(1,129.1)

(2.0)

(37.7)

(49.8)

(0.4)

(22.9)

(54.0)

(1,221.4)

(1,206.4)

(47.3)

(51.3)

43.7

(54.9)

(4.9)

(1.9)

(6.8)

159.3

23.3

2.6

(3.4)

4.1

(22.1)

(54.6)

43.1

(33.6)

(3.3)

(0.7)

(4.0)

159.9

27.7

2.7

11.7

6.2

58

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

4.  Net Financing Charges

Interest expense on bank loans and advances

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Commitment and other fees

Financing charges

Financing income

5.  Share of Results of Associates and Joint Ventures

Analysis by operating segment:

Food

– Grocery retail

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Restaurants

Other Retailing

Share of results of associates and joint ventures included the following gains/(losses) from non-trading items (note 8):

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

Share of net gains from partial divestment of subsidiaries by Yonghui

2019

US$m

(0.4)

11.8

11.4

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

* Included Yonghui’s 12 months results from October 2018 to September 2019 (2018: nine months from January to September 2018) and Robinsons Retail’s 11 months results from 

November 2018 to September 2019 (note 2).

2019

US$m

(41.8)

(119.2)

(3.9)

(164.9)

6.7

(158.2)

2018

US$m

(33.3)

(133.9)

(4.5)

(171.7)

5.1

(166.6)

2019*

US$m

2018*

US$m

40.9

40.7

0.2

(1.4)

82.1

4.7

126.3

14.8

14.8

–

(5.3)

104.5

–

114.0

2018

US$m

1.2

–

1.2

6.  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

Deferred tax assets written off

Deferred tax liabilities written back

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 2019

59

2019

US$m

(76.7)

8.0

(68.7)

(42.5)

14.0

(26.8)

(7.4)

0.1

–

–

1.6

(10.2)

–

2.5

(68.7)

(2.4)

1.6

(0.8)

2018

US$m

(102.1)

5.5

(96.6)

20.9

18.0

(82.4)

(39.4)

–

(6.5)

3.0

0.1

(12.9)

0.7

1.9

(96.6)

2.2

(1.0)

1.2

Share of tax charge of associates and joint ventures of US$30.7 million (2018: US$29.0 million) is included in share of results of 
associates and joint ventures.

†  The applicable tax rate for the year was 16.3% (2018: 17.1%) and represents the weighted average of the rates of taxation prevailing in the territories in which the Group operates.

60

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

7. Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$323.8 million (2018: US$84.8 million), and on  
the weighted average number of 1,352.7 million (2018: 1,352.6 million) shares in issue during the year.

Diluted earnings per share are calculated on profit attributable to shareholders of US$323.8 million (2018: US$84.8 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

2019

2018

Weighted average number of shares for basic earnings per share calculation

1,352.7

1,352.6

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

0.7

1,353.4

0.8

1,353.4

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:

2019

Basic 
earnings 
per share

Diluted 
earnings 
per share

US$m

US¢

US¢

US$m

Profit attributable to  

shareholders

Non-trading items (note 8)

Underlying profit attributable  

323.8

(2.9)

23.93

23.92

to shareholders

320.9

23.72

23.71

84.8

273.4

358.2

2018

Basic 
earnings  
per share

US¢

6.27

Diluted 
earnings  
per share

US¢

6.27

26.48

26.47

 
Annual Report 2019

61

8. Non-trading Items

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

Business restructuring costs

Profit on sale of businesses

Loss on reclassification of joint ventures as subsidiaries

Profit on sale of properties

Adjustment to deferred consideration for acquisition  

of a subsidiary

Share of net gains from partial divestment of subsidiaries 

by Yonghui

Others

Operating profit

Profit attributable to 
shareholders

2019

US$m

(15.6)

–

(13.9)

15.7

3.6

–

(0.7)

(10.9)

2018

US$m

(435.4)

178.3

(60.5)

28.2

–

–

0.5

(288.9)

2019

US$m

(13.2)

–

(13.9)

15.7

3.6

11.8

(1.1)

2.9

2018

US$m

(421.1)

178.3

(60.5)

28.2

–

–

1.7

(273.4)

In August 2019, the Group acquired the remaining 70% shareholding in Jutaria Gemilang Sdn. Bhd. (‘Jutaria’) which resulted in
a loss on deemed disposal of US$9.5 million.  Following the acquisition, the Group disposed of its 30% economic interest to a third 
party at no consideration.  Together with the full impairment charge on the goodwill arising from acquisition of US$4.4 million, 
a loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary of US$13.9 million was charged to profit and loss (note 28(d)).

In 2018, the Group acquired the remaining 51% interest in Rose Pharmacy, Inc. (‘Rose Pharmacy’) in the Philippines from its  
joint venture partner and Rose Pharmacy became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group in December (note 28(d)).  Upon  
the completion of the transaction, goodwill amounting to US$99.0 million was recognised, followed by a goodwill impairment 
charge amounting to US$15.3 million.  Together with the loss on deemed disposal of Rose Pharmacy amounted to US$45.2 million, 
a loss on reclassification of a joint venture as a subsidiary of US$60.5 million was recorded.

Business restructuring costs in 2018 related to the Group’s restructuring of its Southeast Asia Food business following the completion 
of a strategic review.  The charges mainly comprised impairment charges on the carrying values of certain goodwill, tangible  
assets and right-of-use assets as well as business correction provisions which mainly represented expected payments to tenants  
and employees.  In 2019, apart from certain balance of business restructuring costs incurred in Southeast Asia Food business,  
the management also decided to exit some stores in mainland China and the associated costs were charged to profit and loss.

Profit on sale of businesses in 2018 included US$169.6 million from the disposal of 100% interest in Rustan Supercenters, Inc. (‘RSCI’) 
under a partnership agreement with Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. (‘Robinsons Retail’), and US$8.7 million from the disposal of 
100% interest in Asia Investment and Supermarket Trading Company Limited (‘AISTC’) (note 28(f )).

62

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

9. 

Intangible Assets

2019
Cost
– as previously reported
– change in accounting policy (note 1)
– as restated
Amortisation and impairment
– as previously reported
– change in accounting policy (note 1)
– as restated
Net book value at 1st January
Exchange differences
New subsidiary
Additions
Disposals
Amortisation
Impairment charge
Net book value at 31st December

Cost
Amortisation and impairment

2018
Cost
– as previously reported
– change in accounting policy (note 1)
– as restated
Amortisation and impairment
– as previously reported
– change in accounting policy (note 1)
– as restated
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

Goodwill

Leasehold 
land

Computer 
software

US$m

US$m

US$m

Other

US$m

Total

US$m

551.9
1.5
553.4

(115.5)
–
(115.5)
437.9
6.7
4.4
–
–
–
(4.4)
444.6

565.9
(121.3)
444.6

569.1
–
569.1

(0.3)
–
(0.3)
568.8
(11.6)
99.0
–
(101.5)
–

–
(116.8)
437.9

553.4
(115.5)
437.9

110.5
(110.5)
–

(13.3)
13.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

118.3
(118.3)
–

(11.5)
11.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

203.5
–
203.5

(80.0)
–
(80.0)
123.5
1.2
–
53.7
(0.2)
(25.2)
(16.3)
136.7

257.9
(121.2)
136.7

178.4
–
178.4

(66.6)
–
(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

18.8
–
18.8

(9.2)
–
(9.2)
9.6
0.2
–
–
–
(1.9)
–
7.9

19.3
(11.4)
7.9

43.7
–
43.7

(16.4)
–
(16.4)
27.3
(1.4)
5.5
–
(18.5)
–

(3.0)
(0.3)
9.6

18.8
(9.2)
9.6

884.7
(109.0)
775.7

(218.0)
13.3
(204.7)
571.0
8.1
4.4
53.7
(0.2)
(27.1)
(20.7)
589.2

843.1
(253.9)
589.2

909.5
(118.3)
791.2

(94.8)
11.5
(83.3)
707.9
(14.3)
104.9
32.2
(121.1)
(0.3)

(21.1)
(117.2)
571.0

775.7
(204.7)
571.0

Annual Report 2019

63

9. 

Intangible Assets continued

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

Rose Pharmacy, the Philippines

Giant Singapore

Others

Total

2019

US$m

181.1

86.9

42.7

133.9

444.6

2018

US$m

180.0

83.9

42.1

131.9

437.9

Addition of goodwill in 2019 related to the acquisition of the remaining 70% shareholding in Jutaria.  The addition in 2018 related to 
the acquisition of the remaining 51% shareholding in Rose Pharmacy (note 28(d)).

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.

Goodwill arising from the acquisition of Jutaria in 2019 amounted to US$4.4 million was fully impaired after the impairment review.

In 2018, following the completion of a strategic review, the Group recognised impairment charges against goodwill relating to  
its Giant businesses in Malaysia and Singapore totalling US$101.5 million, and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines of US$15.3 million  
in the profit and loss.  Goodwill related to Giant Malaysia business was fully impaired and goodwill related to the businesses in  
Giant Singapore and Rose Pharmacy in the Philippines had been reduced to their estimated recoverable amounts.

Key assumptions used for value-in-use calculations for the significant balances of goodwill in 2019 include budgeted gross  
margins between 18% and 31% and average sales growth rates are between 1.0% and 2.7% 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 5% 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.

Other intangible assets comprised mainly trademarks.

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

The remaining amortisation periods for intangible assets are as follows:

Computer software

Trademarks

up to 7 years

up to 12 years

64

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

10. Tangible Assets

2019

Cost

Buildings 
on 
leasehold 
land*

Freehold 
properties

Leasehold  
improvements

Plant & 
machinery

Furniture, 
equipment  
& motor 
vehicles

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

– as previously reported

133.4

493.7

825.1

691.9

503.2

2,647.3

– change in accounting policy  

(note 1)

– as restated

Depreciation and impairment

–

133.4

(95.6)

398.1

(22.9)

802.2

–

691.9

–

(118.5)

503.2

2,528.8

– as previously reported

(26.4)

(242.6)

(606.3)

(497.3)

(426.7)

(1,799.3)

– change in accounting policy 

(note 1)

– as restated

Net book value at 1st January

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation charge

Reversal of impairment charge/ 

(impairment charge)

Net book value at 31st December

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

–

(26.4)

107.0

1.5

–

–

(0.5)

(1.4)

–

106.6

134.8

(28.2)

106.6

15.9

(226.7)

171.4

4.7

–

26.3

(17.8)

(8.0)

7.3

183.9

411.2

(227.3)

183.9

11.2

(595.1)

207.1

3.5

0.1

116.4

(5.0)

(64.6)

(2.5)

255.0

872.9

(617.9)

255.0

–

(497.3)

194.6

1.8

0.5

73.0

(7.5)

(63.4)

(0.4)

198.6

701.2

(502.6)

198.6

–

27.1

(426.7)

(1,772.2)

76.5

1.1

–

21.9

(0.6)

(22.8)

–

76.1

756.6

12.6

0.6

237.6

(31.4)

(160.2)

4.4

820.2

518.7

2,638.8

(442.6)

(1,818.6)

76.1

820.2

* In previous years, the total net book value of leasehold land and buildings was reported, while in 2019, the net book value of leasehold land was reclassified to right-of-use assets 

upon the adoption of IFRS 16.

 
 
 
Annual Report 2019

65

10. Tangible Assets continued

Buildings  
on  
leasehold 
land*

Freehold 
properties

Leasehold  
improvements

Plant & 
machinery

Furniture, 
equipment 
& motor 
vehicles

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

2018

Cost

– as previously reported

141.2

543.0

860.2

718.3

525.8

2,788.5

– change in accounting policy  

(note 1)

– as restated

Depreciation and impairment

–

141.2

(98.0)

445.0

(24.6)

835.6

–

718.3

–

525.8

(122.6)

2,665.9

– as previously reported

(6.3)

(119.1)

(590.8)

(483.8)

(404.3)

(1,604.3)

– change in accounting policy 

(note 1)

– as restated

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

Net book value at 31st December

Cost

Depreciation and impairment

–

(6.3)

134.9

(2.3)

–

–

–

–

(1.6)

(24.0)

–

107.0

133.4

(26.4)

107.0

10.2

(108.9)

336.1

(12.4)

–

7.9

(20.1)

(3.4)

(14.8)

(122.3)

0.4

171.4

398.1

(226.7)

171.4

14.9

(575.9)

259.7

(4.2)

2.0

75.4

(25.1)

(6.9)

(77.8)

(16.0)

–

207.1

802.2

(595.1)

207.1

–

(483.8)

234.5

(4.3)

–

79.4

(20.3)

(4.8)

(69.2)

(20.7)

–

194.6

691.9

(497.3)

194.6

–

(404.3)

121.5

(4.4)

2.1

27.4

(2.2)

(2.9)

(40.1)

(24.9)

–

76.5

503.2

(426.7)

76.5

25.1

(1,579.2)

1,086.7

(27.6)

4.1

190.1

(67.7)

(18.0)

(203.5)

(207.9)

0.4

756.6

2,528.8

(1,772.2)

756.6

 
 
66

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

10. Tangible Assets continued

Rental income from properties amounted to US$23.3 million (2018: US$27.7 million) which had no contingent rents (2018:  
US$0.4 million).

The maturity analysis of the undiscounted lease payments to be received after the balance sheet date are as follows:

Within one year

Between one and two years

Between two and five years

Beyond five years

2019

US$m

16.2

9.7

6.0

1.8

33.7

There were no tangible assets pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2019 and 2018.

11. Right-of-use Assets

Leasehold 
land

Properties

Furniture, 
equipment 
& others

US$m

US$m

US$m

2019

Net book value at 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additions

Depreciation charge

Impairment charge

Other movements

–

176.9

176.9

5.3

–

18.4

(4.0)

–

(0.5)

–

3,251.7

3,251.7

26.3

1.7

142.5

(809.6)

(1.9)

377.4

Net book value at 31st December

196.1

2,988.1

–

2.3

2.3

0.1

–

0.8

(1.3)

–

0.2

2.1

2018

US$m

12.2

5.9

5.6

1.6

25.3

Total

US$m

–

3,430.9

3,430.9

31.7

1.7

161.7

(814.9)

(1.9)

377.1

3,186.3

Annual Report 2019

67

Total

US$m

–

3,646.1

3,646.1

(57.7)

12.0

214.3

(102.6)

(876.7)

(93.9)

689.4

3,430.9

–

3.5

3.5

–

–

0.2

–

(1.4)

–

–

2.3

Leasehold 
land

Properties

Furniture, 
equipment 
& others

US$m

US$m

US$m

–

194.6

194.6

(8.2)

–

0.3

–

(3.6)

(6.2)

–

–

3,448.0

3,448.0

(49.5)

12.0

213.8

(102.6)

(871.7)

(87.7)

689.4

11. Right-of-use Assets continued

2018

Net book value at 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Depreciation charge

Impairment charge

Other movements

Net book value at 31st December

176.9

3,251.7

Furniture, equipment and others comprised furniture, equipment, plant & machinery, motor vehicles and others.

The typical lease terms associated with the right-of-use assets are as follows: 

Leasehold land

Properties

Furniture, equipment & others

25 to 999 years

1 to 50 years

1 to 6 years

There was no leasehold land pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2019 and 2018.

12. Associates and Joint Ventures

Listed associates

Unlisted associate

Share of attributable net assets

Goodwill on acquisition

Unlisted joint ventures

2019

US$m

928.1

466.7

1,394.8

701.9

2,096.7

5.2

2,101.9

2018

US$m

847.4

431.1

1,278.5

740.4

2,018.9

12.0

2,030.9

68

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

12. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

Movements of associates and joint ventures  

during the year:

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

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 joint ventures as subsidiaries

Other

At 31st December

Fair value of listed associates

Associates

Joint ventures

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2,052.2

(33.3)

2,018.9

14.1

130.8

3.5

(88.5)

15.0

–

2.9

1,506.5

(16.3)

1,490.2

(56.8)

120.4

1.3

(94.2)

556.2

–

1.8

2,096.7

2,018.9

2,565.4

2,669.3

14.7

(2.7)

12.0

–

(4.5)

–

–

3.8

(6.1)

–

5.2

94.5

(2.5)

92.0

(4.0)

(6.4)

(0.4)

–

3.2

(72.4)

–

12.0

In November 2018, the Group completed the investment of 20% interest in Robinsons Retail.  A 12.15% interest of which was 
attained through the exchange of the Group’s 100% interest in RSCI with Robinsons Retail at a consideration of US$336.2 million and 
the remaining 7.85% interest through shares acquisition from the controlling shareholders and in the market at a consideration of 
US$220.0 million (note 28(e)).

(a) Investment in associates
The material associates of the Group are listed as follows.  These associates have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares, 
which are held directly by the Group.  The country of incorporation 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 2019 and 2018:

Name of entity

Nature of business

place of listing

Country of incorporation/ 

Maxim’s Caterers Limited 

Restaurants

Hong Kong/Unlisted

(‘Maxim’s’)

% of ownership interest

2019

50

2018

50

Yonghui Superstores Co., Ltd 

Grocery retail

Mainland China/Shanghai

19.99

19.99

(‘Yonghui’)

 
 
Annual Report 2019

69

12. Associates and Joint Ventures continued

(a) Investment in associates continued
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

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019*

US$m

2018*

US$m

2,848.0

1,935.1

7,074.7

6,857.3

235.9

234.7

470.6

(799.4)

(252.7)

(1,052.1)

(1,022.5)

(169.5)

(1,192.0)

(141.1)

933.4

268.8

210.2

479.0

(740.4)

(51.8)

(792.2)

(600.7)

(144.3)

(745.0)

(14.7)

862.2

870.1

2,555.0

3,425.1

835.9

2,426.2

3,262.1

(3,753.8)

(4,067.3)

(48.6)

(27.1)

(3,802.4)

(4,094.4)

(1,081.9)

(2,495.4)

(3,577.3)

(29.9)

3,090.2

(591.8)

(2,252.0)

(2,843.8)

(119.4)

3,061.8

* Based on unaudited summarised balance sheet at 30th September 2019 and 2018, adjusted by the effect of adopting IFRS 16.
†  Excluded trade and other payables and provisions, which are presented under other current and non-current liabilities.

70

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

12. 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 income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income

Dividends received from associates

Maxim’s

Yonghui

2019

US$m

2,701.2

(431.2)

3.1

(40.2)

208.7

(38.0)

170.7

–

170.7

(6.5)

164.2

0.3

164.5

53.6

2018

US$m

2,585.5

(378.0)

3.4

(29.7)

260.9

(49.2)

211.7

–

211.7

(2.8)

208.9

(6.0)

202.9

51.0

2019*

US$m

11,822.8

(387.7)

5.9

(223.2)

110.9

(28.4)

82.5

56.2

138.7

32.8

171.5

–

171.5

30.5

2018*

US$m

8,051.9

(378.4)

7.9

(134.9)

42.9

(20.6)

22.3

10.0

32.3

46.7

79.0

–

79.0

43.2

* Based on unaudited summarised statement of comprehensive income for the 12 months ended 30th September 2019 and nine months ended 30th September 2018, adjusted 

by the effect of adopting IFRS 16.

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.  2018 information was restated for the change in 
accounting policy upon adoption of IFRS 16.

Annual Report 2019

71

12. 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

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

Net assets

933.4

862.2

3,090.2†

3,061.8†

Interest in associates (%)

Group’s share of net assets in associates

Goodwill

Other reconciling items

Carrying value

50

466.7

–

–

50

431.1

–

–

19.99

617.7

386.7

13.4

19.99

612.1

392.2

21.5

1,084.4

1,043.2

386.7

13.4

392.2

21.5

466.7

431.1

1,017.8

1,025.8

1,484.5

1,456.9

Fair value

n/a

n/a

2,067.7

2,188.9

†  Based on unaudited summarised balance sheet at 30th September 2019 and 2018, adjusted by the effect of adopting IFRS 16.

There were no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interests in associates at 31st December 2019 and 2018.

(b) Investment in joint ventures
In the opinion of the Directors, none of the Group’s interests in unlisted 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 interests in joint ventures at 31st December 2019  
and 2018.

72

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

13. Other Investments

Movements during the year:

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Change in fair value recognised in profit and loss

At 31st December

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

7.4

0.1

(0.7)

6.8

6.9

–

0.5

7.4

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.

14. Debtors

Trade debtors

Third parties

Joint ventures

Less: provision for impairment

Other debtors

Third parties

Less: provision for impairment

Non-current

Current

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

95.8

0.2

96.0

(7.4)

88.6

337.6

(2.5)

335.1

423.7

142.4

281.3

423.7

121.8

1.4

123.2

(2.5)

120.7

358.6

(2.0)

356.6

477.3

151.3

326.0

477.3

Trade and other debtors, other than 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.

Annual Report 2019

73

14. 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

2019

US$m

0.3

14.8

15.1

176.9

50.6

92.5

335.1

2018

US$m

6.3

32.7

39.0

171.0

31.6

115.0

356.6

Impairment of trade and other debtors
At 31st December 2019, trade debtors of US$3.2 million (2018: US$8.7 million) and other debtors of US$2.2 million (2018: 
US$5.5 million), respectively, were past due but not impaired.  The ageing analysis of these debtors is as follows:

Trade debtors

Other debtors

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

0.5

1.3

1.3

0.1

3.2

3.0

2.5

1.9

1.3

8.7

1.0

0.5

0.3

0.4

2.2

4.1

0.7

0.3

0.4

5.5

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.

74

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

14. Debtors continued

Impairment of trade and other debtors continued
At 31st December 2019, trade debtors of US$7.4 million (2018: US$2.5 million) and other debtors of US$2.5 million (2018: 
US$2.0 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 31 and 60 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

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

–

–

–

7.4

7.4

–

–

–

2.5

2.5

–

–

0.3

2.2

2.5

0.7

–

0.6

0.7

2.0

Trade debtors

Other debtors

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

(2.5)

(0.1)

(4.9)

–

–

0.1

(7.4)

(3.9)

0.1

(0.4)

0.1

1.4

0.2

(2.5)

(2.0)

–

(1.7)

–

0.3

0.9

(2.5)

(2.6)

0.1

(1.3)

1.3

0.5

–

(2.0)

There were no debtors pledged as security for borrowings at 31st December 2019 and 2018.

Annual Report 2019

75

15. Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities)

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation

Fair value 
gains/ 
losses

Employee 
benefits

Provisions 
and other 
temporary 
differences

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

2019

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

Credited/(charged) to profit and loss

Credited/(charged) to other  
  comprehensive income

Other movements

At 31st December

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2018

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

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

(46.6)

25.8

(20.8)

(0.3)

7.8

–

–

(13.3)

10.3

(23.6)

(13.3)

(50.7)

21.4

(29.3)

0.3

–

8.2

–

–

(20.8)

9.6

(30.4)

(20.8)

(2.9)

–

(2.9)

(0.2)

–

1.6

–

(1.5)

0.5

(2.0)

(1.5)

(3.2)

–

(3.2)

0.2

–

1.1

(1.0)

–

(2.9)

(0.9)

(2.0)

(2.9)

9.4

–

9.4

0.1

0.3

(2.4)

–

7.4

2.4

5.0

7.4

6.4

–

6.4

(0.3)

1.3

0.7

2.2

(0.9)

9.4

2.5

6.9

9.4

5.3

–

5.3

0.5

(0.1)

–

(15.0)

(9.3)

5.0

(14.3)

(9.3)

11.2

–

11.2

(0.5)

0.2

(4.5)

–

(1.1)

5.3

3.2

2.1

5.3

(34.8)

25.8

(9.0)

0.1

8.0

(0.8)

(15.0)

(16.7)

18.2

(34.9)

(16.7)

(36.3)

21.4

(14.9)

(0.3)

1.5

5.5

1.2

(2.0)

(9.0)

14.4

(23.4)

(9.0)

76

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

15. Deferred Tax Assets/(Liabilities) continued

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$46.3 million (2018: US$34.2 million) arising from unused tax losses of US$192.1 million (2018:  
US$141.4 million) have not been recognised in the financial statements.  Included in the unused tax losses, US$64.6 million have  
no expiry date and the balance will expire at various dates up to and including 2029.

Deferred tax liabilities of US$1.8 million (2018: US$4.0 million) arising on temporary differences associated with investment in 
subsidiaries of US$18.4 million (2018: US$40.4 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.

16. 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

2019

US$m

72.2
113.9
115.3

301.4

2.9
25.8
87.0
15.2
30.9
18.5
36.2
8.2
16.3
0.5
57.5
2.4

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

301.4

296.2

The weighted average interest rate on deposits with banks at 31st December 2019 was 2.2% (2018: 1.4%) per annum.

17. 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 2019

77

2019

US$m

1,394.0
2.4

1,396.4
727.1
27.8
21.4
4.0
15.0

2,191.7
136.0
0.9

2,328.6

13.2
2,315.4

2,328.6

2018

US$m

1,525.3
3.8

1,529.1
669.7
26.4
24.8
0.3
17.3

2,267.6
134.8
1.7

2,404.1

39.7
2,364.4

2,404.1

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.

18. Borrowings

Current

– bank overdrafts

– other bank advances

Current portion of long-term bank borrowings

Long-term bank borrowings

2019

US$m

13.1

925.1

938.2

–

938.2

184.0

1,122.2

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.

78

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

18. Borrowings continued

The Group’s borrowings are further summarised as follows:

Fixed rate borrowings

Weighted 
average 
interest 
rates

Weighted 
average 
period 
outstanding

Floating 
rate 
borrowings

Year

US$m

US$m

By currency

2019

Chinese renminbi

Hong Kong dollar

Malaysian ringgit

New Taiwan dollar

Philippine peso

United States dollar

2018

Chinese renminbi

Hong Kong dollar

Malaysian ringgit

New Taiwan dollar

Philippine peso

United States dollar

%

4.4

4.0

4.1

2.1

3.9

2.5

4.4

3.8

4.6

1.3

6.0

3.3

Total

US$m

14.3

536.4

192.3

10.7

4.0

364.5

14.3

536.4

192.3

10.7

4.0

364.5

1,122.2

1,122.2

9.1

316.2

158.7

5.8

23.8

326.6

840.2

9.1

316.2

158.7

5.8

23.8

526.6

1,040.2

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

200.0

200.0

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

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

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

1,122.2

840.2

Annual Report 2019

79

18. Borrowings continued

The movements in borrowings are as follows:

2019

At 1st January

Exchange differences

Change in bank overdrafts

Drawdown of borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Net decrease in other short-term borrowings

At 31st December

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

At 31st December

Bank 
overdrafts

Short-term 
borrowings

Long-term 
borrowings

US$m

US$m

US$m

11.7

(0.1)

1.5

–

–

–

13.1

1.1

(0.4)

–

–

–

11.0

–

–

–

1,014.0

6.9

–

1,469.7

(1,523.1)

(42.4)

925.1

411.6

(4.1)

23.8

(26.2)

300.0

–

998.2

(756.4)

67.1

11.7

1,014.0

14.5

0.3

–

308.7

(139.5)

–

184.0

522.0

(0.3)

–

–

(300.0)

–

–

(207.2)

–

14.5

Total

US$m

1,040.2

7.1

1.5

1,778.4

(1,662.6)

(42.4)

1,122.2

934.7

(4.8)

23.8

(26.2)

–

11.0

998.2

(963.6)

67.1

1,040.2

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.

80

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

19. Lease Liabilities

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

New subsidiaries

Additions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Lease payments

Interest expense

Other movements

At 31st December

Non-current

Current

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

–

3,552.6

3,552.6

29.7

1.8

139.3

–

(909.5)

119.2

372.7

–

3,654.6

3,654.6

(57.7)

13.4

209.0

(130.5)

(948.6)

133.9

678.5

3,305.8

3,552.6

2,577.5

728.3

3,305.8

2,816.5

736.1

3,552.6

Lease terms are negotiated on an individual basis and contain a wide range of different terms and conditions.  The lease agreements 
do not impose any covenants other than the security interests in the leased assets that are held by the lessor.

The Group is not exposed to any residual guarantees in respect of the leases entered into at 31st December 2019 and 2018.

The Group has entered into lease contracts which have not commenced at 31st December 2019 amounting to US$107.6 million 
(2018: US$15.0 million).

Annual Report 2019

81

Closure 
cost 
provisions

Obligations 
under 
onerous 
leases

Reinstatement 
and  
restoration 
costs

US$m

US$m

US$m

90.3

(25.0)

65.3

1.2

–

10.6

(8.7)

(39.9)

28.5

0.3

28.2

28.5

47.5

(5.6)

41.9

(2.2)

0.2

51.7

(0.1)

(6.5)

(19.7)

65.3

6.5

58.8

65.3

98.7

(98.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12.5

(12.5)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

40.7

112.9

153.6

1.4

0.1

5.4

(1.3)

(6.6)

152.6

124.8

27.8

152.6

29.9

118.8

148.7

(1.8)

0.6

11.2

(0.2)

(3.1)

(1.8)

153.6

128.2

25.4

153.6

Total

US$m

229.7

(10.8)

218.9

2.6

0.1

16.0

(10.0)

(46.5)

181.1

125.1

56.0

181.1

89.9

100.7

190.6

(4.0)

0.8

62.9

(0.3)

(9.6)

(21.5)

218.9

134.7

84.2

218.9

20. Provisions

2019

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additional provisions

Unused amounts reversed

Utilised

At 31st December

Non-current

Current

2018

At 1st January

– as previously reported

– change in accounting policy (note 1)

– as restated

Exchange differences

New subsidiary

Additional provisions

Disposal of subsidiaries

Unused amounts reversed

Utilised

At 31st December

Non-current

Current

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

Provisions for reinstatement and restoration costs comprised the estimated costs, to be incurred by the Group as lessees, in 
dismantling and removing the underlying assets, restoring the sites on which they are located or restoring the underlying assets  
to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the leases.

82

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

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 both funded and 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

2019

US$m

183.2

(208.0)

(24.8)

(6.5)

(31.3)

–

(31.3)

(31.3)

2018

US$m

169.3

(210.0)

(40.7)

(6.9)

(47.6)

–

(47.6)

(47.6)

Annual Report 2019

83

21. Pension Plans continued

The movements in the net pension liabilities are as follows:

2019
At 1st January
Current service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Past service cost
Administration expenses

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

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

2018
At 1st January
Current service cost
Interest income/(expense)
Past service cost
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

Fair value 
of plan 
assets

Present 
value of 
obligations

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

169.3
–
5.7
–
(1.2)
4.5
173.8
1.2

15.8
–
–
15.8
17.9
0.1
(1.5)
(21.6)
(2.5)
183.2

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

(216.9)
(17.9)
(7.0)
(17.3)
–
(42.2)
(259.1)
(1.8)

–
(6.5)
6.6
0.1
–
(0.1)
3.0
40.9
2.5
(214.5)

(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)

(47.6)
(17.9)
(1.3)
(17.3)
(1.2)
(37.7)
(85.3)
(0.6)

15.8
(6.5)
6.6
15.9
17.9
–
1.5
19.3
–
(31.3)

(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)

84

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

21. Pension Plans continued

The weighted average duration of the defined benefit obligations at 31st December 2019 was 7.6 years (2018: 7.5 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

2019

US$m

17.1

18.8

70.9

123.9

116.7

89.2

125.3

561.9

2018

US$m

17.8

18.4

67.3

128.3

116.1

96.1

109.0

553.0

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

Hong Kong

Indonesia

Taiwan

The Philippines

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

2019

2018

%

3.0

4.8

%

3.3

4.8

%

7.0

5.7

%

8.3

4.0

%

0.8

1.8

%

1.2

1.8

%

5.2

4.9

%

7.3

4.4

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

(14.9)

17.5

17.2

(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.

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

Annual Report 2019

85

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

0.3

2.1

47.4

37.6

71.1

17.2

173.3

175.7

11.4

(3.9)

183.2

6.7

0.7

36.2

24.6

53.8

34.4

149.0

156.4

18.9

(6.0)

169.3

At 31st December 2019, 100% of equity investments, 100% of debt investments and 94% of investment funds were quoted on 
active markets (2018: 100%, 100% and 70%, respectively).

The strategic asset allocation is derived from the asset-liability modelling (‘ALM’) review, completed 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 2019, the Hong Kong plans had assets of US$171.5 million (2018: US$161.1 million).

The Group maintains an active and regular contribution schedule across all the plans.  The contributions to all its plans in 2019 were 
US$17.9 million and the estimated amounts of contributions expected to be paid to all its plans in 2020 are US$15.2 million.

86

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

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

2019

2018

1,352.7

–

1,352.7

1,352.5

0.2

1,352.7

2019

US$m

125.0

400.0

525.0

2019

US$m

75.1

–

75.1

2018

US$m

125.0

400.0

525.0

2018

US$m

75.1

–

75.1

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.  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.  During 2019, no awards were granted,  
while conditional awards of 597,514 shares were first awarded in 2018.  The fair value of the share awards granted in 2018 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 ranged from 2.63% to 2.84%.

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.  The exercise price of the granted options was based on the average market price for 
the five trading days immediately preceding the date of grant of the options.  Options are vested over a period of up to three years 
and are exercisable for up to ten years following the date of grant.  No options were granted in 2019 and 2018.

 
Annual Report 2019

87

Conditional awards  
in millions

2019

2018

0.6

–

0.6

–

0.6

0.6

Ordinary shares in millions

2019

2018

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.6

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.6

2019

2018

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

US$

8.2155

7.7907

7.7249

8.5014

Options 
in millions

2.7

(0.1)

(0.9)

1.7

Weighted 
average 
exercise 
price

US$

8.0741

6.1906

8.6230

8.2155

Options 
in millions

5.4

(0.8)

(1.9)

2.7

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

Exercised

Lapsed

At 31st December

The average share price during the year was US$7.36 (2018: US$8.70) per share.

88

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

23. Share-based Long-term Incentive Plans continued

Outstanding options at 31st December:

Expiry date

2023

2025

2026

2027

Total outstanding

of which exercisable

Exercise price

Options in millions

US$

2019

2018

12.1580

9.6000

5.9320

8.9060

0.2

–

0.5

1.0

1.7

0.9

0.2

0.2

0.9

1.4

2.7

0.3

A new LTIP 2018-2022 was adopted by the Company on 5th December 2018.  The scheme 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 scheme 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.

24. Share Premium and Capital Reserves

2019

At 1st January

Share-based long-term incentive plans

– value of employee services

– share options lapsed

Transfer

At 31st December

2018

At 1st January

Share-based long-term incentive plans

– value of employee services

Transfer

At 31st December

Share 
premium

Capital 
reserves

US$m

US$m

Total

US$m

33.9

24.4

–

–

0.2

34.1

33.1

–

0.8

33.9

2.0

(1.1)

(0.2)

25.1

24.8

0.4

(0.8)

24.4

58.3

2.0

(1.1)

–

59.2

57.9

0.4

–

58.3

Capital reserves comprise contributed surplus of US$20.1 million (2018: US$20.1 million) and other reserves of US$5.0 million  
(2018: US$4.3 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.

25. Dividends

Final dividend in respect of 2018 of US¢14.50 (2017: US¢14.50) per share

Interim dividend in respect of 2019 of US¢6.50 (2018: US¢6.50) per share

Annual Report 2019

89

2019

US$m

196.1

87.9

284.0

2018

US$m

196.1

87.9

284.0

A final dividend in respect of 2019 of US¢14.50 (2018: US¢14.50) per share amounting to a total of US$196.1 million (2018:  
US$196.1 million) is proposed by the Board.  The dividend proposed will not be accounted for until it has been approved at  
the 2020 Annual General Meeting.  This amount will be accounted for as an appropriation of revenue reserves in the year ending 
31st December 2020.

26. Non-controlling Interests

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

The following is the summarised financial information, adjusted by the effect of adopting IFRS 16, 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

2019

US$m

180.6

(155.8)

24.8

239.3

(47.7)

191.6

216.4

(24.7)

2018

US$m

208.5

(168.9)

39.6

226.5

(66.6)

159.9

199.5

(28.7)

90

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

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

Profit/(loss) after tax from underlying business performance

Loss after tax from non-trading items

Profit/(loss) after tax

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(expense)

Total comprehensive income/(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 (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

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

2019

US$m

868.2

16.9

(10.9)

6.0

9.9

15.9

2.0

–

2018

US$m

909.1

(2.7)

(109.9)

(112.6)

(18.9)

(131.5)

(20.1)

–

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

36.4

0.8

(5.5)

(5.9)

25.8

(33.7)

(15.5)

(23.4)

34.5

1.0

12.1

62.0

0.5

(10.1)

(1.8)

50.6

(16.4)

(15.1)

19.1

16.7

(1.3)

34.5

Annual Report 2019

91

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

– Grocery retail

– Convenience stores

Health and Beauty

Home Furnishings

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(b) Other non-cash items

By nature:

Profit on sale of businesses

Loss on reclassification of joint ventures as subsidiaries

Loss/(profit) on sale of tangible and intangible assets

Fair value loss/(gain) on other investments

Adjustment to deferred consideration for acquisition of a subsidiary

Impairment of tangible and intangible assets

Impairment of right-of-use assets

Write down of stocks

Reversal of write down of stocks

Change in provisions

Gain on lease modification and termination

Share-based payment

Business correction provisions

Fair value loss/(gain) on fair value hedges

(c) Increase in working capital

Decrease/(increase) in stocks

Decrease/(increase) in debtors

(Decrease)/increase in creditors

2019

US$m

4,344.2

2,353.4

6,697.6

2019

US$m

663.8

418.8

245.0

248.9

72.2

17.3

2018

US$m

4,478.1

2,311.3

6,789.4

2018

US$m

771.3

527.8

243.5

248.7

70.4

10.9

1,002.2

1,101.3

–

13.9

5.1

0.7

(3.6)

11.9

1.9

2.5

(6.3)

(6.7)

(4.1)

0.9

16.3

0.7

33.2

30.7

52.1

(159.5)

(76.7)

(178.3)

60.5

(12.7)

(0.5)

–

309.8

93.9

4.5

(4.2)

–

(6.2)

0.4

59.6

(0.1)

326.7

(16.9)

(37.8)

34.2

(20.5)

92

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements

28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

(d) Purchase of subsidiaries
Net cash outflow for purchase of a subsidiary in 2019 represented US$2.6 million for acquisition of the remaining 70% shareholding 
in Jutaria which operates mini-marts in Malaysia.  Goodwill, amounting to US$4.4 million arising from the acquisition, was fully 
impaired after the fair value review (note 8).  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.

Sales and loss after tax since acquisition in respect of the subsidiary acquired during the year amounted to US$2.4 million and 
US$0.2 million, respectively.  Had the acquisition occurred on 1st January 2019, consolidated sales and profit after tax for the year 
ended 31st December 2019 would have been US$11,194.7 million and US$324.8 million, respectively.

Net cash outflow in 2018 represented US$54.6 million for the acquisition in December of the remaining 51% interest in  
Rose Pharmacy which operate a health and beauty stores chain in the Philippines.  Following the acquisition, Rose Pharmacy 
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group (note 8).

The fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities of the subsidiary acquired during 2018 were finalised in 2019 with the final fair 
values not materially different from that of the provisional amounts. 

(e) Purchase of associates and joint ventures in 2019 mainly related to capital injection of US$3.8 million in the Group’s business
in Vietnam.

Purchases in 2018 mainly related to the acquisition of the 7.85% interest in Robinsons Retail at a total consideration of  
US$220.0 million (note 12) and a capital injection of US$3.1 million in the Group’s business in Vietnam.

(f ) Sale of subsidiaries
Sale of subsidiaries in 2018 related to the exchange of the Group’s interest in RSCI with Robinsons Retail with no cash consideration 
received, while 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 of US$6.4 million from the disposal of the Group’s 100% interest in AISTC which 
operated a hypermarket in Vietnam, a total net cash outflow of US$1.6 million was recorded (note 8). 

(g) Sale of properties
Sale of properties in 2019 mainly related to disposal of a property in Singapore while the sale in 2018 included disposal of
14 properties in Singapore.

(h) Change in interests in subsidiaries
In 2019, the Group acquired an additional 2.75% interest in PT Hero for a total consideration of US$6.7 million.  In 2018, an additional
1.29% interest was acquired for US$3.5 million.

28. Notes to Consolidated Cash Flow Statement continued

(i) Cash outflows for leases

Lease rentals paid

Additions to right-of-use assets

The above cash outflows are included in

– operating activities

– investing activities

– financing activities

(j) Analysis of balances of cash and cash equivalents

Cash and bank balances (note 16)

Bank overdrafts (note 18)

Annual Report 2019

93

2019

US$m

(909.5)

(18.4)

(927.9)

(119.2)

(18.4)

(790.3)

(927.9)

2019

US$m

301.4

(13.1)

288.3

2018

US$m

(948.6)

(0.3)

(948.9)

(133.9)

(0.3)

(814.7)

(948.9)

2018

US$m

296.2

(11.7)

284.5

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

2019

2018

Positive 
fair value

Negative 
fair value

Positive  
fair value

Negative 
fair value

US$m

US$m

US$m

US$m

0.3

–

0.3

–

–

3.3

–

3.3

0.7

0.7

5.3

0.9

6.2

0.1

0.1

0.3

–

0.3

–

–

94

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

29. Derivative Financial Instruments continued

Forward foreign exchange contracts
The contract amounts of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts at 31st December 2019 were US$568.0 million  
(2018: US$641.4 million).

Interest rate swaps
There were no interest rate swaps at 31st December 2019.  At 31st December 2018, the notional principal amounts of the outstanding 
interest rate swap contracts were US$200.0 million and the fixed interest rates relating to interest rate swaps varied from 0.9% to 
1.0% per annum.  The fair values of interest rate swaps were based on the estimated cash flows discounted at market rate of 2.8% 
per annum.

30. Commitments

Capital commitments

Authorised not contracted

Contracted not provided

2019

US$m

227.4

111.4

338.8

2018

US$m

290.5

118.0

408.5

Operating lease commitments for short-term and low-value asset leases which were due within one year amounted to 
US$1.3 million (2018: US$3.7 million).

Total future sublease payments receivable amounted to US$16.3 million (2018: US$25.1 million).

31. Contingent Liabilities

Various Group companies are involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of their respective businesses.  

The Group has tax litigation with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department relating to the tax treatment of intra-group royalties 
for the tax years from 2012/13 to 2014/15 and a dispute for the same subject matter from 2015/16 to 2019/20.  The amount in 
dispute for the period from 2012/13 to 2019/20 is approximately US$100 million.  The exposure, net of amounts provided, is 
estimated to be US$68 million.  Having taken legal advice, the Directors are of the opinion that the Group has strong grounds to 
support its position.

Apart from the above, the Directors are of the opinion that adequate provisions have been made in the financial statements.

Annual Report 2019

95

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 certain of 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$1.6 million (2018: US$0.4 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 2019 (2018: US$0.5 million) to JML.

The Group rents properties from Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (‘HKL’), a subsidiary of JMH.  The annual lease payments paid  
by the Group to HKL in 2019 were US$3.3 million (2018: US$3.4 million).  The Group’s 50%-owned associate, Maxim’s, also paid annual 
lease payments of US$13.5 million (2018: US$13.7 million) to HKL in 2019.

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 2019 amounted to US$11.4 million (2018: US$10.5 million).  Maxim’s  
also paid total fees of US$8.3 million (2018: US$6.4 million) to JTH in 2019.

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 2019 amounted to US$4.9 million (2018: US$7.2 million).

Maxim’s supplies ready-to-eat products at arm’s length to certain subsidiaries of the Group.  In 2019, these amounted to  
US$32.4 million (2018: US$33.6 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 2019 and 2018 are immaterial, unsecured, and have no fixed terms  
of repayment.

Details of Director’s remuneration (being key management personnel compensation) are shown on page 128 under the heading  
of Directors’ Appointment, Retirement, Remuneration and Service Contracts.

96

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

33. Summarised Balance Sheet of the Company

Included below is certain summarised balance sheet information of the Company at 31st December 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

The Group’s principal subsidiaries at 31st December 2019 are set out below:

2019

US$m

462.7

–

(1.4)

461.3

75.1

59.2

327.0

461.3

2018

US$m

658.3

0.5

–

658.8

75.1

58.3

525.4

658.8

Proportion of ordinary 
shares and voting powers 
at 31st December 2019  
held by

Attributable 
interests

Company name

incorporation

Nature of business

Country of  

2019 
%

2018 
%

the Group 
%

Dairy Farm Management Limited†

Bermuda

Holding

Dairy Farm Management Services Limited† Bermuda

Group management

DFI Treasury Limited†

British Virgin Islands

Treasury

Mainland China

Investment holding

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

DFI (China) Commercial Investment  
  Holding Company Ltd

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,  
  grocery retail,  
  convenience, health  
  and beauty and home  

furnishings stores

non-
controlling 
interests 
%

–

–

–

–

35

–

–

100

100

100

100

65

100

100

 
 
Annual Report 2019

97

34. Principal Subsidiaries continued

Proportion of ordinary 
shares and voting powers 
at 31st December 2019  
held by

Attributable 
interests

Company name

incorporation

Nature of business

Country of  

2019 
%

2018 
%

the Group 
%

non-
controlling 
interests 
%

–

–

–

–

30

–

11

–

–

30

–

100

100

100

100

70

100

89

100

100

70

100

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.

Guardian Health And Beauty  
  Sdn. Bhd.

Macau

Taiwan

Taiwan

Malaysia

Malaysia

PT Hero Supermarket Tbk

Indonesia

food processing

Grocery retail

Grocery retail

Home furnishings stores

Grocery retail

Health and beauty stores

Grocery retail, health  
  and beauty and home  

furnishings stores

100

100

100

85

100

100

100

100

85

100

89

86

Brunei

Health and beauty stores

100

100

Guardian Health And Beauty (B)  
  Sdn. Bhd.

Cold Storage Singapore (1983) Pte  
  Limited

Singapore

DFI Lucky Private Limited

Cambodia

Grocery retail,  
  convenience and  
  health and beauty stores

Grocery retail and health  
  and beauty stores

100

100

70

70

Rose Pharmacy, Inc.

The Philippines

Health and beauty stores

100

100

All subsidiaries are included in the consolidation.

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. 

 
 
 
98

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

35. Principal Accounting Policies

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.

(iii)  An associate is an entity, not being a subsidiary or a 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.

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2019

99

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

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.

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.

 
100

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Intangible assets continued
(ii)  Other intangible assets, consisting 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 properties comprised land and buildings.  Freehold land is stated at cost less any impairment.  No depreciation is provided 
on freehold land as it is deemed to have an indefinite life.  Buildings on freehold and leasehold land are stated at cost less any 
accumulated depreciation and impairment.  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 buildings

Buildings on leasehold land

Leasehold improvements

Plant and machinery

Furniture, equipment and motor vehicles

25 to 40 years

Shorter of the lease term or useful life

Shorter of unexpired lease term or useful life

3 to 15 years

3 to 7 years

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.

Leases
At inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether a contract is, or contains, a lease.  A contract is, or contains, a lease if  
the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

Lease contracts may contain lease and non-lease components.  The Group allocates the consideration in the contract to lease and 
non-lease component based on their relative stand-alone prices.  For property leases where the Group is a lessee, it has elected not 
to separate lease and immaterial non-lease components and accounts for these items as a single lease component.

Annual Report 2019

101

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Leases continued
As a lessee, the Group enters into property leases for use as retail stores, distribution centres and offices.  The Group recognises 
right-of-use assets and lease liabilities at the lease commencement dates, that is the dates the underlying assets are available for use.  
Right-of-use assets are measured at cost, less any accumulated depreciation and impairment, and adjusted for any remeasurement 
of lease liabilities.  The cost of the right-of-use assets includes amounts of the initial measurement of lease liabilities recognised, lease 
payments made at or before the commencement dates less any lease incentives received, initial direct costs incurred and 
restoration costs.  Right-of-use assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives 
and the lease terms.

The Group also has interests in leasehold land for use in its operations.  Lump sum payments are made upfront to acquire these land 
interests from their previous registered owners or governments in the jurisdictions where the land is located.  There are no ongoing 
payments to be made under the term of the land leases, other than insignificant lease renewal costs or payments based  
on rateable value set by the relevant government authorities.  These payments are stated at cost and are amortised over the term  
of the lease which includes the renewal period if the lease can be renewed by the Group without significant cost.

Lease liabilities are measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease terms.  Lease payments include  
fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments) less any lease incentives receivable, variable lease payments that depend 
on an index or a rate, and amounts expected to be paid under residual value guarantees.  The lease payments also include  
the exercise price of a purchase option reasonably certain to be exercised and payments of penalties for terminating a lease, if  
the lease term reflects the Group exercising that option.  The variable lease payments that do not depend on an index or a rate  
are recognised as expenses in the period on which the event or condition that triggers the payment occurs.

In calculating the present value of lease payments, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement 
date if the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable.  Lease liabilities are measured at amortised cost using  
the effective interest rate method.  After the commencement date, the amount of lease liabilities is increased by the interest costs 
on the lease liabilities and decreased by lease payments made.

The carrying amount of lease liabilities is remeasured when there is a change in the lease term, or there is a change in future lease 
payments arising from a change in an index or a rate, or there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the amount expected to be 
payable under a residual guarantee, or there is a change arising from the reassessment of whether the Group will be reasonably 
certain to exercise an extension or a termination option.  When the lease liability is remeasured, a corresponding adjustment is 
made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of right-of-use asset  
has been reduced to zero.

102

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Leases continued
The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for leases of low-value assets (i.e. US$5,000 or less) 
and short-term leases.  Low-value assets comprised IT equipment and small items of office furniture.  Short-term leases are leases 
with a lease term of 12 months or less.  Lease payments associated with these leases are recognised on a straight-line basis as  
an expense in profit and loss over the lease term.

Lease liabilities are classified as non-current liabilities unless payments are within 12 months from the balance sheet date.

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.

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 by considering potential financial difficulties of the debtor, 
probability that the debtor will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation, and default or delinquency in payments.  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.

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

Annual Report 2019

103

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

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 rate 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.

104

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

35. 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 be vested 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.

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’).

Annual Report 2019

105

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

Derivative financial instruments continued
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 rate 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.

106

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

35. 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 measured at 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 relating 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.

Annual Report 2019

107

35. Principal Accounting Policies continued

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

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

36. Standards and Amendments Issued But Not Yet Effective

‘Interest Rate Benchmark Reform: Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7’ (effective 1st January 2020) was issued in September 
2019.  The Group has elected to early adopt the amendments in 2019 (note 1).

37. 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.  In general, the volatility in profit or 
loss can be reduced by applying hedge accounting. 

Hedge effectiveness is determined at the inception of the hedge relationship, and through periodic prospective effectiveness 
assessments to ensure that an economic relationship exists between the hedged item and hedging instrument.

For hedges of foreign currency purchases, the Group enters into hedge relationships where the critical terms of the hedging 
instrument match exactly with the terms of the hedged item.  The Group assesses whether the derivative designated in each 
hedging relationship has been and expected to be effective in offsetting changes in cash flow of the hedged item using  
the hypothetical derivative method. 

In hedges of foreign currency purchases, ineffectiveness may arise if the timing of the forecast transaction changes from what was 
originally estimated, or if there are changes in the credit risk of the Group or the derivative counterparty.

108

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

37. Financial Risk Management continued

Financial risk factors continued
(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 2019 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 2019, the Group had no outstanding fixed rate borrowings.  At 31st December 2018,  
the Group’s fixed rate borrowings were 19% on total borrowings, with an average tenor of 0.2 year.  The interest rate profile of  
the Group’s borrowings after taking into account hedging transactions is set out in note 18.

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.

Annual Report 2019

109

37. Financial Risk Management continued

Financial risk factors continued
(i) Market risk continued

Interest rate risk continued
At 31st December 2019, 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$9.2 million (2018: US$6.5 million) higher/lower, and hedging reserves would have had no change 
(2018: no change), 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 Hong Kong, United States 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.

(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.

110

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

37. Financial Risk Management continued

Financial risk factors continued
(iii) Liquidity risk continued

At 31st December 2019, total available borrowing facilities amounted to US$2,344.0 million (2018: US$2,340.8 million), of which  
US$1,452.8 million (2018: US$1,371.4 million) were committed facilities.  A total of US$1,122.2 million (2018: US$1,040.2 million) from 
both committed and uncommitted facilities was drawn down.  Undrawn committed facilities, in the form of revolving credit 
facilities, totalled US$462.2 million (2018: US$596.6 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

2,174.5

956.6

869.5

–

423.5

425.1

2,227.6

1,038.1

847.5

8.9

176.2

713.7

1.3

0.2

0.2

0.1

0.2

9.1

2.6

–

537.4

399.8

291.9

1,231.9

–

–

–

35.0

15.9

706.4

–

–

–

1.2

0.1

–

–

–

0.2

–

–

–

–

0.3

–

–

–

–

3.0

–

560.0

422.2

312.2

1,266.9

–

–

455.9

451.4

50.0

49.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,187.7

1,142.2

4,044.2

–

423.5

425.1

2,267.3

1,054.1

4,115.2

–

505.9

501.0

At 31st December 2019

Creditors

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Net-settled derivative  
financial instruments

Gross-settled derivative  
financial instruments

– inflow

– outflow

At 31st December 2018

Creditors

Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Net-settled derivative 

 financial instruments

Gross-settled derivative  
financial instruments

– inflow

– outflow

 
 
 
 
Annual Report 2019

111

37. 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 before taking into 
account the impact of IFRS 16.  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, before the deduction of 
depreciation of right-of-use assets, net of actual lease payments, and share of results of associates and joint ventures, divided by net 
financing charges excluding interest on leases liabilities.  The Group does not have a defined gearing or interest cover benchmark or 
range.

The ratios at 31st December 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

Gearing ratio (%)

Interest cover (times)

2019

2018

51

12

50

17

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 derivative financial instruments are determined using rates quoted by the Group’s bankers at the balance 
sheet date.  The rates for interest rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts 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 prices quoted by 
brokers at the balance sheet date.

 
 
 
 
 
112

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

37. 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 inflow 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 13)

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

– through profit and loss

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

6.8

0.3

–

7.1

(3.3)

(0.7)

(4.0)

7.4

6.2

0.1

13.7

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

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

The fair values of current debtors, cash and bank balances, current creditors, current borrowings and current lease liabilities 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 and non-current lease liabilities are based on market prices or are estimated using  
the expected future payments discounted at market interest rates.

 
 
Annual Report 2019

113

37. Financial Risk Management continued

Fair value estimation continued
Financial instruments by category

The carrying amounts of financial assets and financial liabilities at 31st December 2019 and 2018 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

2019
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
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables excluding  
  non-financial liabilities

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
Lease liabilities
Trade and other payables excluding  
  non-financial liabilities

–
0.3
0.3

–
–
–

6.8
–
6.8

–
–
–

–
–
–

103.4
301.4
404.8

(3.3)
(3.3)

(0.7)
(0.7)

–
–

–
–

–
6.2
6.2

–
–
–

(0.3)
(0.3)

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

7.4
0.1
7.5

–
–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

153.4
296.2
449.6

–
–

–
–

–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

6.8
0.3
7.1

103.4
301.4
404.8

(4.0)
(4.0)

(1,122.2)
(3,305.8)

(1,122.2)
(3,305.8)

(2,187.7)
(6,615.7)

(2,187.7)
(6,615.7)

–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–

7.4
6.3
13.7

153.4
296.2
449.6

(0.3)
(0.3)

(1,040.2)
(3,552.6)

(2,267.3)
(6,860.1)

(1,040.2)
(3,552.6)

(2,267.3)
(6,860.1)

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

114

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

38. 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.  Actual results may differ 
from these accounting estimates.  The estimates and assumptions that have a significant effect on the reported amounts of assets 
and liabilities, and income and expenses 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 tangible 
assets and right-of-use 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, or joint control, 
requiring classification as a joint venture.

Leases
Liabilities and the corresponding right-of-use assets arising from leases are initially measured at the present value of the lease 
payments at the commencement date, discounted using the interest rates implicit in the leases, or if that rate cannot be readily 
determinable, the Group uses the incremental borrowing rate.  The Group generally uses the incremental borrowing rate as  
the discount rate.

The Group applies the incremental borrowing rate with reference to the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow, 
over a similar term as that of the lease, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in the country 
where it is located.

Lease payments to be made during the lease term will be included in the measurement of a lease liability.  The Group determines 
the lease term as the non-cancellable term of the lease, together with any periods covered by an option to extend the lease if  
it is reasonably certain to be exercised, or any period covered by an option to terminate the lease, if it is reasonably certain not to  
be exercised.

The Group has the option, under some of its leases to lease the assets for additional terms.  The Group applies judgement in 
evaluating whether it is reasonably certain to exercise the option to renew.  That is, the Group considers all relevant factors that 
create an economic incentive for it to exercise the renewal.  After the commencement date, the Group reassesses the lease term  
if there is a significant event or change in circumstances that is within its control and affects its ability to exercise or not to exercise 
the option to renew.  The assessment of whether the Group is reasonably certain to exercise the options impacts the lease terms, 
which significantly affects the amount of lease liabilities and right-of-use assets recognised.

Annual Report 2019

115

38. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements continued

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.

116

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 2019 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 2019; 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 128, 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 2019

117

Our audit approach
Overview

Materiality
• 
• 

Overall Group materiality: US$19.6 million (2018: US$26 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 89% of the Group’s revenue, 
81% of the Group’s profit before tax, and 81% of the Group’s underlying profit before tax.

Key audit matters
• 
• 
• 
• 

Impairment of goodwill in subsidiaries
Buying income
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities
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.

118

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Impairment of goodwill in subsidiaries

Refer to note 38 (Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements) 
and note 9 (Intangible Assets) to the financial statements.

As at 31st December 2019, goodwill held in subsidiaries totalled 
US$444.6 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$4.4 million were recognised  
against goodwill held in subsidiaries during the year ended  
31st December 2019 where the recoverable amount was less 
than the carrying value.

The determination of the recoverable amount of CGUs  
requires significant judgements by management in preparing 
their value-in-use models, 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 financial information 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 own 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.

Independent Auditors’ ReportAnnual Report 2019

119

Key audit matter

Buying income

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Refer to note 35 (Principal Accounting Policies) and  
note 38 (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.

120

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities

Refer to note 35 (Principal Accounting Policies), note 11 
(Right-of-use Assets) and note 19 (Lease Liabilities) to the 
financial statements.

The Group adopted IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on 1st January 2019 using 
the retrospective approach and restated the 2018 comparative 
financial information.  The Group has right-of-use assets of 
US$3,186.3 million and lease liabilities of US$3,305.8 million as at  
31st December 2019.

Determining the value of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities 
requires management to make judgements over key estimates 
and assumptions, including the certainty of lease term renewals 
and determination of appropriate discount rates to be applied.

The Group has a significant number of leases with varying lease 
terms.  IFRS 16 requires management to assess the underlying 
terms of each lease and to make assumptions to determine  
the appropriate lease term and discount rates which are applied 
in the lease calculation.

We assessed the completeness of the population of leases by 
determining the number and types of leases in each of the 
Group’s significant businesses and comparing these against 
those leases recorded in the Group’s lease management system.

On a sample basis, we agreed the completeness and accuracy 
of lease data that would impact right-of-use assets and lease 
liabilities valuations, to underlying lease contracts and from 
lease payments.

For a sample of leases, we independently recalculated the 
right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and compared our results 
with management’s calculations.

With the support of our valuations specialists, we assessed  
the discount rates used to calculate the lease liabilities  
and considered whether management had incorporated 
relevant duration and country-specific factors in determining 
their discount rates.

We challenged the key judgements and assumptions used  
by management.  In particular, we evaluated whether 
management was reasonably certain to undertake renewal 
options and had appropriately accounted for the measurement 
of lease liabilities for renewal terms.  We evaluated whether  
the assumptions on the lease terms were appropriate based  
on the evidence available.

Based on the work performed, we considered the key 
assumptions used, and calculations undertaken by 
management to determine right-of-use assets and lease 
liabilities as defined by IFRS 16 to be appropriate based on 
available evidence.

Independent Auditors’ ReportAnnual Report 2019

121

Key audit matter

IT environment

Refer to page 134 (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 programmes and 
data; programme development; programme 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 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 89% of the Group’s revenue, 81% of the Group’s profit before tax, and 81% 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.

122

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$19.6 million (2018: US$26 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 deducting non-trading items of US$0.5 million incurred  
in 2019.

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 overall materiality allocated across components was US$5.0 million to US$19.5 million.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above US$1.0 million 
(2018: US$1.3 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 of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union or the outcome 
of ongoing US and China trade relationships, are not clear, and it is therefore difficult to evaluate all of the 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 2019

123

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 125 and in the Corporate Governance section set out on 
page 129, 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
5th March 2020

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.

124

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

Net asset value per share (US¢)

Cash Flow *

Cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Cash flows before financing activities

2019

US$m

2018

US$m

restated

2017

US$m

2016

US$m

2015

US$m

11,192.3

27,665.0

11,749.3

21,957.2

11,288.7

21,827.0

11,200.7

20,423.6

11,137.3

17,907.0

323.8

320.9

23.72

23.93

21.00

84.8

358.2

26.48

6.27

21.00

8,369.9

8,533.0

(7,130.4)

(7,371.1)

1,239.5

1,161.9

1,209.2

30.3

1,239.5

(820.8)

89.39

1,288.1

(283.0)

1,005.1

1,126.4

35.5

1,161.9

(744.0)

83.27

1,458.1

(500.9)

957.2

402.4

402.6

29.77

29.75

21.00

5,467.2

(3,711.5)

1,755.7

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)

Cash flow per share from operating activities (US¢)

95.22

107.80

49.64

40.15

51.76

* Figures in 2018 have been restated due to the change in accounting policy upon adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’.  Figures in 2017 have been restated due to changes in accounting 

policies upon adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’.  Figures prior to 2017 have not been restated.  

Responsibility Statement

Annual Report 2019

125

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
Clem Constantine
Directors

5th March 2020

126

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Corporate Governance

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited (the ‘Company’) is incorporated in Bermuda.  The retailing interests of the Dairy Farm Group 
(Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries together known as the ‘Group’) 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 
Holdings Limited (‘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 strengthens 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

As at 5th March 2020, the Company has a Board of 13 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 2019

127

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.  As announced on 5th March 2020, with effect from 15th June 2020 Ben Keswick will step down as Managing Director and 
John Witt will take on the role of Managing Director.  He will also become chairman of DFMS and of its finance committee.  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 2020 and ad hoc procedures are adopted to deal with urgent matters which arise 
between scheduled meetings.  In 2019 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.

Michael Kok stepped down from the Board at the Annual General Meeting held on 8th May 2019.  Clem Constantine was appointed 
as Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from 11th November 2019.  Simon Keswick retired from the Board with effect 
from 1st January 2020.  On 20th January 2020, it was announced that Lord Sassoon will retire from the Board on 9th April 2020.   
Clive Schlee will join the Board with effect from 6th May 2020.

In accordance with Bye-law 85, Y.K. Pang, Jeremy Parr and John Witt retire by rotation at this year’s Annual General Meeting and, 
being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.  In accordance with Bye-law 92, Clem Constantine will also retire and, being eligible, 
offers himself for re-election.  Clem Constantine has a service contract with a subsidiary of the Company that has a notice period of 
six months.  None of the other 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.

128

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 Chief Financial Officer, are decided upon by shareholders in general 
meeting as provided for by the Company’s Bye-laws.

For the year ended 31st December 2019, the Directors received from the Group US$8.5 million (2018: US$6.9 million) in Directors’  
fees and employee benefits, being US$0.8 million (2018: US$0.9 million) in Directors’ fees, US$6.3 million (2018: US$4.9 million)  
in short-term employee benefits including salary, bonuses, accommodation and deemed benefits in kind, US$0.1 million  
(2018: US$0.1 million) in post-employment benefits and US$1.3 million (2018: US$1.0 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 chief financial officer 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, Chief Financial Officer 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 2019

129

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 133 and 134.

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.

130

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 5th March 2020 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 
Anthony Nightingale 
Percy Weatherall 

1,818,804
34,183
200,000

In addition, Ian McLeod held deferred share awards in respect of 597,514 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 person 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  
the person holds reaching, exceeding, or falling below, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 50% and 75%.

The Company has been informed of the holding of voting rights of 5% or more attaching to the Company’s issued ordinary share 
capital by Jardine Strategic Holdings Limited (‘Jardine Strategic’) and its subsidiary undertakings, which are directly and indirectly 
interested in 1,049,589,171 ordinary shares carrying 77.59% of the voting rights.  By virtue of its interest in Jardine Strategic, Jardine 
Matheson is also interested in the same ordinary shares.  Apart from this shareholding, 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 5th March 2020.

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

Corporate GovernanceAnnual Report 2019

131

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 Regulation 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 95.

132

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 2020 Annual General Meeting will be held on 6th May 2020.  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 2019

133

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 129 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, the Group Chief Executive’s Review and other parts of this Report.

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 activities, and where practicable steps are taken to mitigate them.  Risks can be more 
pronounced when businesses are 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 are longer-term in nature and take more time to deliver 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 competitive pressure 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.

While social media presents significant opportunities for the Group’s businesses to connect with customers and the public, it also 
creates a whole new set of potential risks for companies to monitor, including damage to brand equity or reputation, which could 
affect the Group’s profitability.

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 37 to 
the financial statements on pages 107 to 113.

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.

134

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, including political or social unrest, 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 affects 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

2019 full-year results announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend

Share registers closed

Annual General Meeting to be held

2019 final dividend payable

2020 half-year results to be announced

Shares quoted ex-dividend

Share registers to be closed

2020 interim dividend payable

* Subject to change

Dividends

Annual Report 2019

135

5th March 2020

19th March 2020

23rd to 27th March 2020

6th May 2020

13th May 2020

29th July 2020*

20th August 2020*

24th to 28th August 2020*

14th October 2020*

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 2019 final dividend by notifying the United Kingdom transfer agent in writing by 24th April 2020.   
The Sterling equivalent of dividends declared in United States Dollars will be calculated by reference to a rate prevailing on  
29th April 2020.  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.

136

Dairy Farm International Holdings Limited

Retail Outlets Summary

Net  
addition

22
5
282
19
(28)
(19)
–
(11)
70
35
12
399

786

Net  
addition

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

2,567 

2019

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

Total

Food

Grocery 
 Retail

Convenience 
Stores

Health  
and  
Beauty

Home 

Furnishings Restaurants

Other 
Retailing

328
20
1,351
103
122
84
–
229
258
–
23
–

962
51
1,281
411
–
–
–
–
509
–
–
–

374
19
198
115
293
458
23
–
809
102
11
–

2,518

3,214

2,402

822
22
261
157
–
1
–
–
–
62
20
408

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
634
–
–
–

Total

2,490
112
3,091
786
417
543
23
235
2,210
164
54
408

1,753

634

10,533

455

(9)

786

4
–
–
–
2
–
–
6
–
–
–
–

12

2

Net change over 2018

17

241

80

Food

Grocery 
 Retail

Convenience 
Stores

Health  
and  
Beauty

Home 
Furnishings

Restaurants

Other 
Retailing

325
19
1,250
112
174
122
1
241
240
–
17
–

2,501

585

959
51
1,074
393
–
–
–
–
496
–
–
–

2,973

673

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

2,322

578

4
–
–
–
1
–
–
5
–
–
–
–

10

–

818
17
247
145
–
1
–
–
–
46
15
9

1,298

88

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
643
–
–
–

643

643

Total

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

9,747

2,567

2018

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

Total

Net change over 2017

Store Network

10,533

9,747

6,433

6,547

7,180

Stores
12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

Other Retailing
Restaurants
Home Furnishings 
Health and Beauty
Convenience Stores
Grocery Retail

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

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

Annual Report 2019

137

Management and Offices

Leadership Team
Ian McLeod 
Chris Bush 
Choo Peng Chee  
Clem Constantine 
Edward Hunter 
Sam Kim 

Martin Lindström 
Judith Nelson 
Marcus Spurrell 
Charlie Wood 

Brunei
Guardian Health And Beauty (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 Stree
Cheung Sha Wan
Kowloon
Tel : (852) 2523 4107
Fax : (852) 2216 7883
Website : www.maxims.com.hk

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

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) 2276 0698
Website : www.ikea.com.tw

Vietnam
Pan Asia Trading And Investment 
One Member Company Limited*
L2-VP-01, 346 Ben Van Don
Ward 1, District 4
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel : (84 28) 3832 8272
Fax : (84 28) 3832 8448
Website : www.guardian.com.vn

Group Chief Executive
Chief Executive Officer – South East Asia Food
Chief Executive Officer – North Asia & Group Convenience
Chief Financial Officer
Group Supply Chain Director
Chief Executive Officer – Health & Beauty and Chief Marketing & 
Business Development Officer 
Group Director – IKEA
Group Human Resources Director
Chief Digital Officer
Group Counsel

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

* Associates or joint ventures

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

www.dairyfarmgroup.com