Annual Report and Accounts
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6 2015/16
www.dixonscarphone.com
@DixonsCarphone
“I am very pleased to be announcing another year of significant earnings growth, with
profits before tax up more than 17%. In this momentous year we have largely completed
our merger activities, driven customer satisfaction and market share to all-time highs in
virtually all of our markets, made our shops more interactive and exciting while becoming
ever more competitive with pure-play retailers, launched a new joint venture in the US,
launched a new UK mobile network, and embarked on an ambitious property plan in
the UK and Ireland. We also had our biggest ever trading day on Black Friday last year.
We are far from done, though. We have very ambitious plans this year which include
making every one of the former Dixons stores one of the new 3-in-1 shops, introducing
a lively and interactive new e-Commerce platform to Carphone Warehouse, opening
Europe’s most modern distribution centre in Sweden, introducing same-day delivery,
rolling out c.150 new stores in the US with Sprint, delivering our honeyBee platform
to major global clients, launching our new home services division with a mandate to
become a true emergency service for customers across the UK, and continuing to
drive market share, price competitiveness and customer satisfaction everywhere.
It is likely to be busy.
I am truly grateful to all of my colleagues – right across the world – for their hard work
and dedication. I am also very proud to be able to say that I work alongside such a
creative and dedicated group of men and women.
Finally, the nation has spoken and there has been a vote to exit the EU in due course.
As you can imagine, we have been giving some thought to this. Our view is that, as the
strongest player in our market and despite the volatility that is the inevitable consequence
of such change, we expect to find opportunities for additional growth and further
consolidate our position as the leader in the UK market.”
Sebastian James
Group Chief Executive
28 June 2016
Cautionary statement
Certain statements made in this Annual Report and Accounts are forward looking. Such statements are based on current expectations and are
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any expected future events or results
referred to in these forward looking statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable laws, regulations or accounting standards, we do not
undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise. Nothing in this Annual Report and Accounts should be regarded as a profit forecast.
Contents
Strategic report
Highlights of the year
Business segments
Chairman’s Statement
2
3
4
5 Group Chief Executive’s Statement
Strategy, KPIs and Risks overview
8
10 Our markets
14 Strategy and business model
17 Our resources
19 Key Performance Indicators
20 Principal risks to achieving the Group’s objectives
24 Performance review
30 Corporate Responsibility
Corporate Governance
36 Board of Directors
38 Corporate Governance Report
47 Directors’ Report
50 Audit Committee Report
55 Nominations Committee Report
57 Remuneration Report – Remuneration Policy
69 Remuneration Report – Annual Remuneration Report
82 Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
Financial statements
Independent Auditor’s report
83
88 Consolidated income statement
89 Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
90 Consolidated balance sheet
91 Consolidated statement of changes in equity
92 Consolidated cash flow statement
93 Notes to the Group financial statements
141 Company balance sheet
142 Company statement of changes in equity
143 Notes to the Company financial statements
Investor information
150 Five-year record
151 Pro forma information
153 Shareholder and corporate information
154 Glossary and definitions
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Highlights of the year
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Dixons Carphone plc is Europe’s leading specialist electrical and
telecommunications retailer and services company, employing over
42,000 people in 11 countries.
• Group like-for-like revenue up 5%
• UK & Ireland like-for-like revenue up 6%
• Nordics like-for-like revenue up 4%
• Group pro forma Headline PBT of £447 million, up over 17%
• Group pro forma Headline EPS of 29.3p
• Free cash flows of £202 million
• Strong balance sheet with year end net debt broadly flat year on year
at £267 million
• Final dividend of 6.50p proposed, taking total dividends for the year to 9.75p
Pro forma revenue (£million)
Pro forma Headline EBIT (£million)
Headline basic EPS (pence)
9,738
9,750
9,752
9,517
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
468
413
359
310
500
400
300
200
100
0
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
29.3
25.5
18.6
10.9
2015/16
2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
2015/16 2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
2015/16 2014/15
2013/14
2012/13
Our European store presence
Store numbers
UK and Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Own
Franchise
Total
1,271
248
317
1,836
—
1,271
131
276
379
593
407
2,243
Headline and pro forma performance measures are as defined in the Performance review on page 24. Pro forma results are presented as if the CPW Europe Acquisition
and the Merger had occurred at the start of the comparative periods.
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Business segments
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We operate four segments as follows:
UK & Ireland
• Currys and PC World are the largest specialist electrical retailing
and services operators in the UK & Ireland.
• Carphone Warehouse is the largest independent
telecommunications retailer in the UK & Ireland.
• Dixons Travel operates in major UK airports and Dublin.
• Knowhow is our market-leading services brand.
Brands
Currys
PC World
Websites
currys.co.uk
currys.ie
pcworld.co.uk
pcworld.ie
Carphone Warehouse
carphonewarehouse.com
carphonewarehouse.ie
Dixons Travel
dixonstravel.com
• Geek Squad is the repairs and support provider for
Knowhow
knowhow.co.uk
Carphone Warehouse.
• Simplifydigital is the UK’s largest, and fastest growing, multi-
channel broadband, phone and TV switching platform.
Geek Squad
geeksquad.co.uk
Simplifydigital
simplifydigital.co.uk
• PC World Business provides computing products and services
PC World Business
pcworldbusiness.co.uk
to business to business (‘B2B’) customers.
Nordics
Elkjøp
elkjop.no
• The Elkjøp Group is the leading specialist electrical retailer across
Elgiganten
the Nordics.
• Elkjøp, Elkjøp Phonehouse and Lefdal stores operate in Norway,
Elgiganten and Elgiganten Phone House in Sweden and Denmark
and Gigantti in Finland.
Gigantti
Lefdal
elgiganten.se
elgiganten.dk
gigantti.fi
lefdal.com
• Knowhow has been introduced in the Nordic region.
Phone House
phonehouse.se
• InfoCare is the largest consumer electrical repair company in the
region, operating in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.
InfoCare
infocareworkshop.no
Southern Europe
Kotsovolos
kotsovolos.gr
• Kotsovolos is Greece’s leading specialist electrical retailer.
Phone House
phonehouse.es
• Phone House is the leading independent telecommunications retailer
Geek Squad
geeksquad.es
in Spain.
• Geek Squad is the repairs and support provider for the Phone
House in Spain.
Connected World Services (‘CWS’)
• CWS aims to leverage the Group’s existing expertise, operating
processes and technology to provide a range of services to
businesses.
• CWS organises its services into three product towers:
– Connected Retailing
– Support and Services
– honeyBee platform
connectedworldservices.com
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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The telecommunications markets are undergoing a period
of immense change and it is exciting to be serving customers
in these turbulent times. We have already seen some
consolidation in our markets and the press is rife with
speculation about the future structure of the UK telco market.
Against this backdrop, and following the result of the
referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU, I remind the
team every day: we are successful because we add value both
to our customers – by being the one place where people can
get choice and impartial advice – and to our network partners,
by telling their stories powerfully. While we continue to do
these things, I have no doubt that we will continue to win, no
matter how our market shifts in the background.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to
Roger Taylor and John Gildersleeve. Roger and John stepped
down from the Board at the end of 2015 having made very
significant contributions to the Group over many years and I
would like to thank them most sincerely. I am also pleased to
welcome two highly experienced and talented new members in
Lord Livingston and Tony DeNunzio.
Last, and by no means least, on behalf of the Board and our
shareholders, I would like to thank each and every one of my
colleagues at Dixons Carphone. It goes without saying that
we would not have delivered this extraordinary year without
you, and our future is all the brighter for your hard work
and dedication.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Chairman
28 June 2016
Chairman’s Statement
Accounts 2015/16
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It has been a very good year for Dixons
Carphone and I am delighted that we
have been able to achieve a strong
financial performance at the same time
as making excellent operational progress
across the Group. The Board is therefore
pleased to recommend a final dividend
of 6.50p per share to be paid on
23 September 2016.
Over the past year we have largely completed the process
of integration and it has been a source of real pleasure for me
to see the progress we have made so powerfully validating
our reasons for bringing the businesses together. We have
increased sales and gained market share in just about every
category, business and territory as well as reducing costs as
a result of the Merger. I am also particularly proud that our
customer satisfaction is at a record high across the board.
Moreover, we have made important strategic decisions since
our merger, developing our proposition and discovering new
opportunities. Our strategy of creating exciting new 3-in-1
stores with all our brands under one roof is being rolled out at
pace across the UK & Ireland and I have been impressed by
the positive reaction from both colleagues and customers.
Complementary acquisitions have supported areas where
we see a real opportunity to develop the business. Multi-play
is a key area of focus and our acquisition of Simplifydigital –
the UK’s leading broadband, TV and home phone switching
business – helps us offer customers a fully-developed
multi-play proposition at a time when customers are looking
for independent advice across all their technology,
connectivity, media content and service needs. Similarly, our
acquisition of InfoCare in Norway makes us, at a stroke, the
leading repair operation in the Nordics.
Our Connected World Services business looks more and more
exciting with a very strong pipeline of global clients who are
interested in using the software and intellectual property
predominantly built up over 25 years in our mobile business
to improve their own. Our Sprint joint venture has had a very
good start and we are now well into the second phase,
with three to four new stores opening every week in key
US locations.
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Group Chief Executive’s Statement
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business across the UK & Ireland. We have plenty of work to
do on our systems integration, but we are taking this nice and
steady with significant changes to our merchandise planning
systems and customer databases planned for this year as
part of a programme that we expect to take – all in – four
or five years.
We continue to be very focused on price competitiveness and
have further improved this so that we are now at parity or
better versus our most aggressive pure-play competitors on
pretty much all of our products, all of the time. We released
a free app ‘Compare Prices’ that allows customers to check
this for themselves, and we encourage our colleagues in store
to reassure customers about market prices as part of the
sales journey. As a result we believe that we are successfully
addressing the phenomenon of ‘showrooming’ where
customers seek our support and advice before buying, more
cheaply, elsewhere.
In January, we announced a plan to complete our estate of
3-in-1 stores in the UK – which house a fully-fledged Carphone
Warehouse proposition – within all of our CurrysPCWorld
stores. We are also taking the opportunity to roll out the best
new ideas that we have been developing in our newer stores.
Our colleagues really like working in these refurbished stores,
and our customers seem to very much enjoy shopping in them.
We currently have 233 3-in-1 stores and we are rolling out the
remainder at an average rate of three per week so that we can
be finished by the time we focus on Christmas. This will mean
that customers from Inverness to Penzance will have the same
experience of our shops and all of our stores will be up to date,
lively and in good condition.
iD mobile operations in the UK & Ireland were launched in
May 2015. This was enabled by an innovative IT platform and
with a particular focus on personalising plans with flexible
tariffs and introducing shared data. iD has been very positively
received and I am delighted that active customer numbers
have now passed 335,000. iD allows us to find solutions for
customers for whom the traditional networks are not quite right
and is another invaluable arrow in our quiver when talking to
people about their mobile needs.
Multi-play is a real area of focus for us this year and, following
a successful trial earlier in the year, we launched our offer to
help our customers with all of their connectivity needs, initially
focusing on broadband. This offer is enhanced by our
acquisition of Simplifydigital, the UK’s largest broadband, TV
and home phone switching business. We are now really the
only place where a customer can compare, discuss, choose
and switch – from a wide choice of national providers – the
broadband and TV package that is perfect for them, bringing
the expertise we have in mobile connectivity to this wider
canvas. It is early days, but the response from customers
has been very encouraging so far.
As we reach the end of our first full
year as a merged company, I am very
pleased to be reporting such a strong
performance. It has been a very good
year for the Group, with many great
achievements against a backdrop, not
only of industry change, but also the
execution of our merger. This year saw
us sailing in potentially squally waters
but we have, thankfully, successfully
navigated them.
Dixons Carphone has had a strong year financially; Group
like-for-like revenues were up 5% over the year, with growth
in almost every business in the Group leading to a 17%
increase in Group Headline pro forma PBT from £381 million
to £447 million, towards the higher end of the guidance we
gave, resulting in an increase in Headline pro forma basic
EPS from 25.5p to 29.3p.
Operationally, we have also made excellent progress, with
improvements in customer propositions in all markets as well
as a number of systems and infrastructure investments to
improve efficiency. Our customers have continued to respond
very well to our continued improvements in service, and we
end the year with our customer satisfaction and Net Promoter
Scores at all-time highs. I am very pleased to see that we have
also increased our colleague engagement scores across the
Group – not a trivial achievement when so much change is
happening across the business.
Our business in the UK & Ireland enjoyed an excellent year,
with like-for-like revenues up 6% over the year and Headline
pro forma EBIT grew by 20% to £365 million. This sales growth
was driven in large part by market share gains in our mobile
phone business in the UK coupled with solid growth
in electricals. This has been underpinned by solid cost control
across the business.
Our integration has now been largely, and successfully,
completed with regard to people and physical infrastructure,
and we now are a single, fully integrated business with one
head office, one repair centre and one warehouse, and an
organisational structure that suits the size and scale of the
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Group Chief Executive’s Statement
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In addition there have been a raft of significant improvements
that we have made this year including: launching our new
e-commerce web platform for Carphone Warehouse;
dramatically extending the range of white goods that we can
ship next day; and rolling out our ‘own the kitchen’ small
domestic appliance layouts with much more life, colour and
interest into the majority of our larger stores and much more.
It is heartening to see the power of our UK business being
used by an excellent team to generate real differences for our
customers, and very heartening to see us all reap the rewards
for their clarity of thinking and energy.
We have done a great deal of work on our in-home and
consumer services business, Knowhow, and we will launch
a pilot of a new, highly digitally enabled and wide ranging
proposition in Leeds later this year with a view to having a
rebranded, nationwide launch in the New Year. We believe very
passionately that customers will increasingly want somebody
to take responsibility for keeping the dozens of devices and
appliances in their homes working, always on and upgraded
and that we are uniquely placed to do that cost-effectively
and well.
Our Nordics business had a good year with like-for-like
revenues up 4% over the year and 9% in the fourth quarter
and all-time record profitability in local currency. We have,
however, seen a further erosion in the Norwegian Krone versus
Sterling and this has meant that our Sterling-reported profits
are down somewhat with Headline pro forma EBIT reducing by
£7 million to £79 million. Over the last two years the Krone has
devalued significantly and, since virtually all of our goods are
imported, this has created some commercial challenges. We
have used this change to bring our prices in line with our pure-
play competitors, something that we have already done in the
UK & Ireland and this has, I believe, been a cause of the very
strong growth in our sales.
The Nordics have also seen some really encouraging
operational developments over the year. We acquired and
successfully integrated InfoCare, the largest repair company
in the region, which gives us a base upon which to build our
services and repair proposition. A major project to extend our
automated small box warehouse at Jönköping in Sweden
– and create the most modern automated small-box
distribution centre in Europe – is also well on track. We have
integrated the Phone House business in Sweden, merging
head offices and contact centres, closing 26 stores and
co-branding all remaining stores. In Norway we have
rebranded our Elkjøp Express stores to Elkjøp Phonehouse.
In both Sweden and Norway, these co-branded stores are
performing well.
Our Southern European business had a good year in the face
of significant political and economic turbulence – most notably,
of course, in Greece, and I am pleased that the Southern
Europe business has reported a 4% rise in like-for-like
revenues over the year with Headline pro forma EBIT growing
from £15 million to £17 million.
Our Greek business has increased profitability in 2015/16.
To have achieved this against this year’s backdrop is no mean
feat and is, of course, down to the efforts of our colleagues in
the region. In Greece, despite the mounting economic crisis,
our teams consistently demonstrated innovative thinking,
emotional resilience, strong management and an
entrepreneurial spirit. This meant that Kotsovolos was able to
gain significant market share. I said last year that the situation
in Greece may end up proving the aphorism that all crises lead
to opportunity and I am delighted that this remarkable team
has proved this to be correct so far.
In Spain, we have continued to move to a more flexible
franchise approach, and to pivot the model to offer multi-play,
sim-only and handset only, as well as a host of additional
services while successfully retaining our market share. Here,
again, the market has much change happening with M&A
activity and an evolving business model requiring us to be
nimble if we are to retain and grow our profitability. The Phone
House team have responded magnificently to these challenges
in the best traditions of entrepreneurship that is at the heart of
the team.
I am also particularly excited to be updating you on some
terrific progress from our Connected World Services and
Knowhow businesses. While still relatively new areas of the
Group and in the investment stage, I see huge potential and
a strong pipeline of activity.
The joint venture between our Connected World Services
business and Sprint continues to go very well and, following a
very successful trial, in January we signed a joint venture (‘JV’)
to open up to 500 stores with Sprint in the US. The Sprint JV
has had very encouraging results so far but, as always, there’s
no room for complacency and we are focused on developing
the opportunity further.
We have signed a new and separate software agreement with
Sprint and will now be rolling out our market-leading software
platform, honeyBee, across their entire estate. We also have a
fast-growing pipeline of promising discussions with companies
in a number of different segments and territories about how
honeyBee can help them.
Our support and services business also had a good year. The
integration of our distribution and repair centre to one site in
Newark means we are perfectly positioned to take advantage
of the opportunities in insurance support and reverse logistics
services. Our clients are increasingly asking us for help and
support throughout a product’s lifecycle, from choosing the
right product at the outset through to installation, connection,
and repair. Behind our end-to-end service operation we have
a comprehensive – and unique – infrastructure, including
technical support, delivery, installation, repair and recycling.
This was rewarded this year as we retained our contract
through the re-bid process to manage RBS’s mobile phone
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insurance and won a contract to undertake a similar activity
for EE making us the second largest provider of mobile phone
insurance in the UK. Our infrastructure advantages mean that
we are able to win these contracts profitably while still
representing very good value to our partners.
We have achieved a great deal this year and are very pleased
to be ending the year in such a strong position. That said, as
ever, we are focused on delivering even more next year and we
know that, in fully mature markets, this means fighting for each
and every customer, each and every day.
Finally, the nation has spoken and we are to exit the EU in due
course. Our view is that, as the strongest player in our market
and despite the volatility that is the inevitable consequence of
such change, we may be able to find significant opportunities
for additional growth and additional market share. As you can
imagine, we have been giving some thought to this possibility
and we believe that, by acting decisively and intelligently, we
can further consolidate our position as the leader in our market.
My thanks go to everyone in our 42,000-strong team of
employees in 11 countries for making the successes of the
past year possible through impressive levels of industry and
creativity. I am constantly amazed and delighted by the
passion and commitment of the men and women who make
up the Dixons Carphone family, and am very proud to work
alongside them.
Sebastian James
Group Chief Executive
28 June 2016
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Strategy, KPIs and Risks overview
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Our markets1
Our strategic priorities2
Achievements in 2015/163
Core retail
• Mobile phone connectivity
• Consumer electronics
Continue to enhance and drive
successful and sustainable retail
business models in a multi-channel
world
Market share and like-for-like revenue
growth in core markets
Largely completed the integration of
Dixons and Carphone
Rolled out 273 SWAS
Price competitiveness in the UK and
customer satisfaction scores in core
markets at record levels
Launch of the iD mobile operations and
multi-play offering
Completion of non-core business
disposals
Consumer services –
Knowhow
Leverage our scale, our knowhow,
and our unique infrastructure to
drive growth in new product areas
including growth in services
Acquisitions of InfoCare and
Simplifydigital, bolstering our Nordic
services and amplifying UK multi-play
capabilities
New leadership structure in place
Capital Markets Day held in March 2016
Connected World
Services (‘CWS’)
Develop the Connected World
Services model and establish it as
a material contributor to earnings
Successful trial of 15 Sprint stores,
and launched formal joint venture
with Sprint
Extension of existing honeyBee
agreement with a major US
manufacturer
New mobile phone insurance
agreements with EE and RBS
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Plans for 2016/173
Relevant Group KPIs4
Principal risks5
Property optimisation programme
Headline revenue
Complete SWAS roll-out
Like-for-like revenue
Drive growth in the iD customer base
and multi-play
Launch of new Carphone Warehouse
store and online formats
Market position
Headline EBIT
Dependence on networks and
key suppliers
Consumer environment and sustainable
business model
Greek exit from the Euro
Headline profit before tax
IT systems and infrastructure
Relentless focus on price and service
Free cash flow
Information security
Complete integration programme
Return on capital employed
FCA regulation
Colleague retention
Business continuity plans are
not effective
Health and safety
Fraud
Impact of Brexit
Launch of trial in Leeds
Headline revenue
Nationwide launch in 2017,
following trial
Market position
Return on capital employed
Consumer environment and sustainable
business model
IT systems and infrastructure
Roll-out of joint venture Sprint stores
Headline revenue
honeyBee US extension and
implementation across Sprint estate
Further sales and support opportunities
Market position
Headline EBIT
Return on capital employed
Information security
Colleague retention
Business continuity plans are
not effective
Fraud
Impact of Brexit
Consumer environment and sustainable
business model
IT systems and infrastructure
Information security
FCA regulation
Colleague retention
Business continuity plans are
not effective
1 Our markets pages 10 to 13
2 Strategy and business model pages 14 to 16
3 Chairman’s and Group Chief Executive’s Statements on pages 4 to 7
4 Key Performance Indicators on page 19
5 Principal risks to achieving the Group’s objectives on pages 20 to 23
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Our markets
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Our markets
Mobile phone and connectivity and consumer electronics
are Dixons Carphone’s core retail markets, but increasingly
the Group is growing beyond these product markets by
1) industrialising its existing services infrastructure and
expanding its offerings to focus on consumer services in the
home, and 2) continuing to expand its rapidly growing
business-to-business operations via the Connected World
Services division.
Mobile phone connectivity
Dixons Carphone is the only nationwide independent mobile
phone retailer. The Group is uniquely placed to offer impartial
advice over the vast array of network, handset and operating
platform propositions available in the market.
This market is also served by MNOs, with whom the Group has
long and well-established relationships, as well as independent
and generalist retailers. The MNOs will offer propositions for
their own networks, whilst independent and generalist retailers
will provide a greater variety of propositions on one or multiple
networks. Furthermore there are online-only retailers providing
a variety of these services.
This market is also served by MVNOs as well as a relatively
small number of global manufacturers supplying goods to
local, regional, national and international MNOs/MVNOs
and retailers.
In recent years there have been significant changes in the
landscape of mobile phone distribution. In the UK we have
seen a major market withdrawal with the exit of Phones 4u
and the acquisition of the EE network by BT. During this period
the Group has managed to gain significant market share
particularly in the post-pay segment.
The sophistication of mobile phones continues to grow rapidly,
from simple mobile devices to sophisticated hardware with
advanced functionality. There is a wide choice of operating
platforms and network options for customers, which makes
the Group’s expert and impartial advice, simplified by the
tablet based tool, Pin Point, particularly relevant.
MNOs continue to see increasing levels of data usage, a trend
which will continue as customers migrate to new tariffs that
include 4G access as standard. As MNOs continue to roll out
their 4G networks, quality and speeds improve, facilitating
much faster downloads and providing levels of performance
comparable to many Wi-Fi networks, enabling a much better
platform for streaming, in particular for video content.
To benefit from 4G services, customers need 4G-enabled
devices and as 4G network coverage improves, there is an
incentive for customers to upgrade their contracts, providing
a stimulus to the replacement cycle increasing the penetration
of 4G devices and tariff uplifts. After several years of
downward pressure on ARPU, increased data usage provides
an exciting opportunity.
The internet plays an important part of customers' purchasing
journey for mobile, with the majority of customers researching
online before making a purchase. However, online sales have
remained relatively flat in the UK at c. 20% of sales for a
number of years. The complexity of the mobile-buying decision
means that customers continue to value the advice available
within stores. This preference to touch and feel products prior
to purchasing has restricted the penetration for mobile online
sales. Elsewhere, in markets that are less mature than the UK,
the proportion of online sales continues to grow and
represents between 4% and 11% of total retail sales.
The mobile market has remained robust during periods of
reduced economic activity and whilst mobile phones might be
considered discretionary purchases, the reality is that mobile
phone contracts are considered an essential element of
people’s lives.
Consumer electronics
The consumer electronics retail market can be split between
specialist electrical retailers, such as Dixons Carphone, and
general retailers which sell electronic goods as part of a wider
offering. The market can also be broken down into two distinct
distribution channels: ‘assisted’ and ‘unassisted’. In the
assisted channel, specialist retailers, such as Dixons
Carphone, help customers through the buying process in the
form of product advice, add-on services, delivery and
installation. The unassisted channel, which includes single
channel internet retailers as well as general retailers, tends not
to offer all of these services.
Specialist electrical retailers are the predominant destination
for customers in the European consumer electronics market.
Buying groups, general merchants and independents also have
a retail presence through stores and / or online. The market is
served by a relatively small number of global manufacturers
supplying goods to local, regional, national and international
electrical retailers.
We are one of the largest specialist electrical retailing and
services companies in Europe with leading market shares in
the UK, Ireland, the Nordic region and Greece. In each of our
markets there are varying numbers of specialist retailers who
compete in the assisted market. While we do compete against
general retailers, this is usually limited to certain lower price
categories as these retailers do not offer the full range of
products, assisted sale or the other services we are able
to provide.
We have seen some significant shifts in capacity in many of
our markets in recent years with some mass merchandisers
reducing space for electronic products, some single channel
internet operators de-emphasising certain segments, as well
as some specialists exiting the market. These shifts have
helped us to gain market share and it underpins our view that
a strong service led multi-channel operation satisfies both
customer and supplier needs while delivering a sustainable
business as customer shopping habits continue to evolve. We
believe further consolidation will occur in some of our markets.
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The sale of white goods is underpinned by the replacement
cycle. Due to higher costs of repair, it often makes better
economic sense for consumers to replace white goods outright
rather than to arrange for their repair. The sale of white goods
is also driven by the dynamics of the housing market
as new construction, house sales and refurbishment trigger
new purchases.
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Consumer services – Knowhow
Everyday technology, whether smart TVs, computing, mobile
phones or kitchen appliances, is becoming increasingly
complicated with connectivity and inter-operability penetrating
into more and more areas. Families are dependent on this
technology working for an ever-increasing range of
applications such as keeping in touch with friends and family,
entertainment, work, finances and school homework. Keeping
this home technology working and online is increasingly
becoming an essential requirement.
Most homes in markets in which we operate have around ten
connected devices, and this is expected to grow dramatically
over the near term, creating further expected positive demand
for home technology support services.
We believe the market for home technology support to be
already large, worth around £5bn in the UK alone, of which we
estimate to hold a c. 10% share. Despite the significant
demand and a large market, the supply of services is highly
fragmented.
There is a major opportunity to grow our share of these
valuable and growing markets to more closely match our share
of product sales. Our aim is for our Knowhow business to be
the digital leader in technology support.
Importantly we start from a position of real strength; our
services capabilities and operating platform developed to
support our product sales business is already class-leading
and at real scale.
We are already the UK’s leading technology support business
with: over 11m warranty and insurance policies; 700,000
mobile repairs per year; 4.2m home visits per year; 740,000
computer repairs per year; over 100,000 gas installations per
year; more than 600 skilled engineers; and over 1,500 in-store
service colleagues.
We have a leading share in the sale of connected technology
through our significant multi-channel presence with strong
manufacturer and supplier relationships and a ‘cross
ecosystem’ approach in place. We have Europe’s largest tech
and white goods repair capability at Newark with more
technical support agents than any other business providing a
nationwide solution. This is a complex business to replicate.
The internet has established itself as an important part of the
electrical retail landscape. It supports enhanced product
information as well as price comparability. It is an essential part
of the buying process for customers, particularly for large ticket
discretionary products. However, the expert advice provided
by well-informed sales advisors within stores is highly valued
by customers. Larger retailers, with an integrated multi-channel
offer, with scalable distribution and systems, together with
proven after-sales service and support are increasingly
attractive to customers.
The increase in online penetration provides us with the
opportunity to increase both the range of goods on offer and
the availability of product information. Our multi-channel
approach is well placed to exploit synergies between our
internet sites and stores.
Our reserve&collect service (collect@store in the Nordics),
where customers can order on the internet and collect from a
convenient store, at a time to suit them is proving to be
increasingly attractive to customers. Similarly, our pay&collect
service, where customers can access a wider range of
products than is typically available in their local store for either
home delivery or later collection from the store, is also
increasingly popular.
Innovation brings new products with improved functionality
that drives sales growth. These include 4K Ultra High Definition
(‘HD’) and smart TVs, wearable technology, connected
products for the home such as heating and lighting. Content,
such as social media, apps, digital media and cloud
computing, also help to drive hardware innovation and
replacement. Product sales are driven by structural shifts, such
as analogue to digital and standard format through to Ultra HD
television. In addition, innovation drives new service
requirements, including TV installation, data backup, computer
set up and instructional Showhow teach-ins. In this
increasingly complex world we believe our assisted sales
model is best placed to help customers navigate the market
and to help them choose a complete solution that best meets
their needs.
Many electronic products are predominantly discretionary
purchases. However, increasing penetration of digital
technology in the home drives faster replacement cycles as
these products become less discretionary. The economic
backdrop also determines whether customers trade up or
down. Accordingly, the electronics market tends to grow at a
rate that is at or exceeding the economy during years of
economic growth. While the opposite can be true during a
downturn, this may be influenced by new innovation and an
exciting product cycle.
The rapid innovation cycle may lead to price deflation, but also
drives volumes as products become more affordable and
replacement cycles accelerate. For larger ticket items, the low
frequency of purchases limits the impact of price deflation on
total market sales as consumers typically trade up to higher
specification products. Our ‘Customer Journeys’ are designed
to explain the features and benefits of the latest technology to
customers and help them understand the reasons for trading
up to these newer technologies.
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Our markets
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We have put in place a new leadership team dedicated to this
division and developed a commercial model with refreshed
and innovative propositions that we will launch regionally
in 2016 prior to a full roll-out in 2017.
Our revised service propositions will be accessed and
delivered by customers through an increasingly digital
interface providing friction-free and highly responsive support
and care around the clock which is easily accessed at home
or on the move.
We will be able to deliver our core operating principles to
our customers through an ongoing and valuable dialogue
that includes providing independent / expert advice and
money-saving guidance through price comparison.
This regular, high-quality dialogue will build customer loyalty,
and allow us to deliver real value and support to our customers
day and night.
Once fully executed in all core markets, we expect our services
business to provide long-term sustainable revenues in
attractive, growing markets.
Connected World Services
Connected World Services aims to leverage the specialist
skills, operating processes and technology of the business to
provide services to third parties looking to develop their own
connected world solutions. CWS already provides managed
services to a number of major international businesses and has
a significant pipeline of active opportunities. The current focus
is on delivering value and growth from three specific areas –
Connected Retailing, Support and Services, and honeyBee
software.
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Current focus involves three specific CWS services:
Proposition
Services offered
Unique differentiators Existing third
party clients
Connected
Retailing
Support and
Services
honeyBee
software
Multi-channel retail
consultancy and
operational support for
businesses selling
connected product and
service propositions,
ranging from specific
managed services
through to full retail
partnerships
Who is it for?
Telco industry specialists
– typically carriers and
retailers
Leverages the
end-to-end capabilities
of Dixons Carphone in
the UK & Ireland to
provide a full suite of
services that enable the
sale and support of
connected devices
Who is it for?
UK & Ireland Telco
industry specialists –
typically carriers, retailers
and service providers
Unique omni-channel,
multi-industry software
that simplifies the
delivery and
management of complex
digital customer journeys
in any industry
Who is it for?
Any sales business that
has a complex customer
journey (e.g. Telco,
Financial Services,
Travel etc)
• Operational retail
leadership
• Consulting on retail
planning and execution
• Customer journey design
and management
Sprint
Samsung
• Proven track record of
transforming retail for
Best Buy Mobile and
Sprint
• Significant KPI
improvements
achieved in sales,
profitability and
customer satisfaction
• Expert team with 20+
years of connected
retail experience
• Unique and
differentiated sales and
operations platform
BT
RBS
TalkTalk
EE
Insurance
Partner
Aviva
Sprint
Partner
Accenture
• Connectivity and
• We run the largest
brokerage
• Value-added services
• Device supply
• Sales operations
• Forward and reverse
logistics
• Software platforms
• Customer service
mobile phone repair
centre in Europe
• Operate the biggest
handset sourcing
operation in Europe
• Proven experts in this
complex and regulated
industry
• Significant established
client base, with
long-term agreements
in place
• The honeyBee platform
consists of three principal
modules
• 25 years’ experience
of complex digital
journey innovation
• honeyBee Sell: best in
class multi-channel,
guided sales software that
includes an ultra-efficient
media platform and a
real-time journey analytics
and performance
management platform
• honeyBee Activate:
carrier / service provider
activations management
platform
• honeyBee Create:
simplifies the process of
designing and building
complex digital customer
journeys
• Unique multi-channel
sales and operations
platform
• Unique multi-country
carrier activations
platform
• Revolutionary
customer journey
development tools
• Partnership with
Accenture who bring
industry experience,
global scale and
delivery credibility
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Strategy and business model
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Dixons Carphone is Europe's leading specialist consumer
electrical and mobile phone and connectivity retailer and
services company, employing over 42,000 people in 11
countries. Focused on helping customers navigate the
connected world, Dixons Carphone offers a comprehensive
range of electronic and mobile products, connectivity and
expert after-sales services from the Geek Squad and Knowhow.
Looking at each of these in turn:
1. Continue to enhance and drive
successful and sustainable
retail business models in a
multi-channel world
Dixons Carphone's primary brands include Carphone
Warehouse, Currys and PCWorld in the UK & Ireland, Elkjøp
and Elkjøp Phonehouse, Elgiganten and Elgiganten Phone
House, Gigantti and Lefdal in the Nordic countries, Kotsovolos
in Greece, Dixons Travel in a number of UK & Ireland airports
and Phone House in Spain. Our key service brands include
Knowhow in the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, and Geek Squad
in the UK, Ireland and Spain.
Business-to-business (‘B2B’) services are provided through
Connected World Services (‘CWS’), PC World Business, Elkjøp
Business and Carphone Warehouse Business. Connected
World Services aims to leverage the Group's existing expertise,
operating processes and technology to provide a range of
services to other businesses.
During the year we have bolstered our Nordic and UK
consumer services offerings with the acquisitions of InfoCare
and Simplifydigital and we continue to review our business
portfolio, focusing on territories in which we are the market
leader and growing market share.
This enables us to drive the Group forward from a position
of strength with a focus on three strategic priorities. By
focusing on these we can deliver not only a better business
for our customers and colleagues, but also better returns for
our shareholders.
The strategic priorities are:
1. Continue to enhance and drive successful
and sustainable retail business models in a
multi-channel world;
2. Leverage our scale, our knowhow, and our unique
infrastructure to drive growth in new product areas
including growth in services; and
3. Continue to develop the CWS model and establish
it as a material contributor to earnings.
Our customers tell us that when buying consumer electronics
they want advice to ensure they are making the right choices,
particularly as these are often major purchases that customers
will own for several years. The growth of the internet has
empowered customers, providing instant access to information
including product knowledge and price transparency.
In mobile, we are uniquely positioned in the UK & Ireland and
the Nordics to provide independent advice and meet customer
requirements for impartiality, comparability and flexibility,
both online and in-store with the Pin Point tool in the UK. In
consumer electronics, single channel internet operators have
a different model whose principal advantage is structurally
lower costs and which have historically been able to offer
competitive prices versus store-based operators. By focusing
on the advantages that we, as a multi-channel specialist,
can offer customers and suppliers we can eliminate the cost
advantage that pure-play internet operators have historically
enjoyed. As a result we are able to offer customers very
competitive prices against our competitor set and still be
more profitable.
There are four distinct activities that we believe are the key
strengths of our multi-channel, service-based model and which
will support our competitive advantage going forward:
1. Work closely with suppliers to harness benefits available
to our business model: Suppliers want to ensure that
customers not only choose their brands, but also
experience the benefits of the latest products. As a
multi-channel operator we work with our suppliers to
ensure we can explain the benefits of these products and
demonstrate them to customers in our stores and our
suppliers support us in this work in a variety of ways.
2. Focus on complete solutions for customers: The Pin Point
tool enables the personalisation of the mobile customer
experience. Using tablets in store, we ask customers a
few simple questions to help them find the right deal.
The tool will identify the preferred network via its coverage
checker, handset and operating system, check bundle
options including data requirements and ensure this is
future-proofed. In consumer electronics, we do more than
simply sell the product; we will also get it working and keep
it working, as well as delivering it, and providing peace of
mind through product support and after-sales services.
The conversations our colleagues have in-store with
customers give us an opportunity to explain the benefits
of these solutions and sell more of them than our
single-channel competition.
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3. Drive our service proposition: We need to be able to stand
shoulder to shoulder with our customers and for them to
know they can come to our stores and get knowledgeable
advice and great service to help them buy the right
product. They need to be confident that we will solve their
problem quickly and efficiently. Geek Squad in the UK &
Ireland and Knowhow in the UK & Ireland and in the
Nordics offer customers services and technical support
that can help them with their product throughout its
lifetime. This is expanded in our second strategic priority.
4. Reduce costs: The scale of our operations across stores,
ranges, logistics, distribution, repairs and services means
that we can continually improve processes to reduce
costs. We have removed a considerable amount of cost
from the business over the last few years by making the
business simpler, easier to operate and more efficient; we
remain relentlessly focused on managing costs to make
our business more efficient. One of our principal priorities
in the coming year for improving cost efficiency is the
implementation of our UK & Ireland property plan. The
programme will, from 2017/18, result in a c. £20 million per
annum reduction in our operating costs as a result of
lower leasing costs.
2. Leverage our scale, our knowhow,
and our unique infrastructure to
drive growth in new product areas
including growth in services
We continue to expand and strengthen our proposition to
customers, our service capability and our relationship with
suppliers to underpin and drive even greater advantage in the
markets in which we operate.
Growing complexity and interconnectivity of products means
that customers are increasingly demanding help and support,
not just in choosing the right product, but also installation,
connection, support and repair. Our Geek Squad and
Knowhow services are at the forefront of this in the UK and we
have introduced our Knowhow services across the Nordics.
We must continue to innovate new services to help customers
and to remain relevant to the way products and connectivity is
evolving. Behind our end-to-end service operation we have a
comprehensive infrastructure, including technical phone
support, delivery, installation, repair and recycling. We can
leverage this infrastructure to widen our customer base either
to customers who bought their products through a third party
(for example, our fault&fix computer service), or for business
customers. By doing this we can increase the efficiency of
using this infrastructure and deliver even better value services
to our customers.
3. Continue to develop the Connected
World Services model and establish
it as a material contributor to
earnings
Connected Retailing
We successfully completed a trial of opening and operating
Sprint stores in the US, resulting in the creation of a Connected
Retail joint venture and the agreement to roll out 500 stores
over the next three years. We have developed a new, more
cost-efficient in-store format with an intended roll-out of at
least three per week over the next 12 months. In addition, as
part of our IP work stream we have taken over the operation
of 27 Sprint-owned stores in Miami and Dallas and we are
investigating opportunities to create value from OEM partners,
online optimisation and store productivity improvements. We
have a highly experienced team based in Kansas managing the
operation on a day-to-day basis to ensure the full potential of
the agreement is reached. We are working to identify our next
Connected Retail partner, focusing on high value markets with
competitive carrier environments.
Support and Services
We are now the second largest third-party provider of mobile
phones insurance in the UK, reaching agreement with RBS to
provide ongoing mobile device insurance administration and
winning new business with EE and TalkTalk. The Dixons
Carphone Merger has given us the opportunity to broaden
our scope of services still further, enabling us to now provide
a unique and differentiated proposition throughout the mobile
value chain. With the emergence of connectivity in more
industries, the UK market is continuing to grow and increase
in complexity. As a result we have identified a strong
opportunity pipeline.
honeyBee software
honeyBee, branded Pin Point in Dixons Carphone, has been
transformational within our stores, processing over 250m
customer journeys and achieving class-leading customer
satisfaction scores. Work is now progressing to expand its use
into new categories and across all brands. Excellent progress
has also been made in securing honeyBee software contracts
in the US, with deals signed with Sprint and a leading device
manufacturer, in addition to existing agreements in the UK,
Canada and Germany. The honeyBee proposition of
simplifying the delivery and management of complex digital
customer journeys has resonated well across several industries
and we now have an active pipeline in the Travel, General
Retail and Finance sectors, alongside significant opportunities
in our mobile heartland. To achieve global scale quickly and
access new industry verticals, we have agreed a channel
distribution deal with Accenture that utilises their in-market
client teams across the world to drive honeyBee sales in all
relevant industries.
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Strategy and business model
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Business model
Products
Our core retail business model, driven by customer insight,
comprises three pillars underpinned by a low-cost
operating model.
In order to ensure we understand what products and services
our customers want, how they use the products they buy from
us and what they think of the service they get from us, we use
extensive customer insights. This includes customer panels,
interviews, home visits and detailed surveys. We use this
information to build our ranges, improve our stores and
services and for other business decisions. This is supported
by mystery shoppers, exit surveys and customer feedback.
During the year our UK & Ireland and Nordics businesses
continued to improve customer satisfaction metrics and
reached record highs.
Taking each of the three pillars in turn, our model can be
described as follows:
Multi-channel
The shopping trip for customers is constantly evolving.
Our objective is to provide our customers with a seamless
and personalised experience where convenience, ease of
navigation and simplicity are key in attracting customers to
shop with us whether it is online, in-store or a combination
of both.
We constantly aim to develop and improve our customer
journey whether via our assisted sales tool Pin Point or by
improving stores, making them easier to shop in, with, for
example, improved navigation, better signage, and enabling
customers to interact with products before they buy. Within our
recently refitted stores, the TV and audio category is set up to
resemble a living room enabling customers to experience the
full sensation of a large wall-mounted 4K television with
surround speakers. These journeys are supported by product
specialists providing expert advice on the products’ features
and benefits.
Our websites are an integral part of the customer shopping
journey. In recognition of how customer trends are evolving we
have made it easier for our colleagues, in particular within our
CurrysPCWorld stores, to access products and extended
ranges in store.
Our training programmes, combined with our product learning
centres and customer journeys, provide our colleagues with
the right tools to understand customers’ needs and to provide
them with the complete solution to properly meet those needs.
We will continue to improve the training of our colleagues and
the ways in which we can make them experts in the products
we sell. For example they have recently undertaken a new
training programme focusing on selling multi-play.
Combining our customer insight with our market-leading
presence we can make sure we have the right range of
products and services in our stores to suit customers’ needs.
Our scale and relationships with suppliers mean that we can
work with them to showcase the latest technology,
connectivity and products in our stores with areas dedicated
to key suppliers.
In consumer electronics, own-brand products enable us to
offer customers greater choice and access to a range of
products at competitive prices. We have defined a clear ‘good,
better, best’ brand range including: Currys and PC World
Essentials; Logik; iWantit; Advent; Goji; and Sandstrøm brands.
We see particular opportunities in the area of accessories and
essentials with, for example, our own range of Sandstrøm
cables. In addition, we continue to focus on the roll-out of our
kitchen furniture brand, Epoq, in the Nordics.
After-sales services and support
Our customers need help with their products, whether it be
delivery and installation, help keeping their products up and
running or repair should things go wrong. Our business in the
UK & Ireland sets the benchmark for our services infrastructure
under our Geek Squad and Knowhow brands, the latter of
which is also available across the Nordics.
We operate the largest network of two-man deliveries in the
UK with an average of 50,000 deliveries per week enabling us
to provide customers with the convenience of next-day
delivery in a four-hour time slot or the option of a free delivery
at a later date. We repair more than 1m handsets per year and
provide over 11m insurance or service agreements, carry out
approximately 500,000 computing set-ups per year and take
125,000 technical support calls each week.
Our Geek Squad and Knowhow teams in stores, in our call
centres as well as field technicians, can provide set-up and
upgrade services and online fix and backup services. Our
market-leading range of help and support services ensure a
customer has the backing of expertise and support that keeps
their technology up and running. Our state-of-the-art repair
facility in Newark is able to repair and return a laptop in seven
days. Our network of field technicians offer white goods
repair in a market we estimate to be worth around £700 million
a year.
Through ownership of the service infrastructure we can ensure
the quality of service delivered to customers. This, we believe,
provides us with a significant competitive advantage in
meeting the needs of our customers, as well as a revenue
stream not readily available to single channel online and mass
market competitors.
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Our resources
• Customers
• People
• Suppliers
Our core values support this:
• We put the customer first, always
• We stand together as one
• Distribution and logistics
• We act bravely, challenge convention and do the right thing
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• Store portfolio
• Intellectual property
• Energy
• Cash and capital
Customers
We are driven to provide unparalleled expertise and services to
help customers and businesses navigate the new digital era
and one of our key values is: We put the customer first, always.
To deliver on this value and to ensure we continue to respond
to customers’ needs, we must listen and respond effectively
to them. We have comprehensive customer research
programmes spanning a variety of tools including exit surveys,
mystery shoppers and focus groups as well as effective data
gathering through, for example, our ‘Happy or Not’ tools
launched in our Elkjøp business and now introduced to
CurrysPCWorld. Within our Carphone Warehouse stores, Net
Promoter Scores (NPS) are integral to our internal reward
system. We are pleased that customer satisfaction scores
across the business are at record levels.
Through this research, managed internally and reviewed daily,
weekly and monthly, we have developed a clear and detailed
understanding of what we are doing well and more importantly
of where we can target further improvements. Customers tell
us that they need us to deliver a strong combination of ‘Value,
Choice and Service’ across all our shopping channels and it is
increasingly clear from their feedback that they recognise that
we are doing this. We will continue to deliver easier, more
exciting places to shop for customers whether in store, online
or a multi-channel combination of both.
Listening to customers extends to how we approach the sales
process in store. Our unique training programmes combined
with our customer journeys are designed to ensure customers
leave our stores with a complete solution that is right for them.
Doing this is a key part of our ongoing strategy and delivery of
a sustainable business model, as well as enabling us to
differentiate our offer from competitors.
By maintaining our absolute focus on the customer and
delivering what they want in a retail environment that is
constantly evolving, we will continue to attract new
customers and retain existing ones.
People
Dixons Carphone is an organisation spanning Europe, with
over 42,000 colleagues in more than 2,200 stores, offices, call
centres and distribution centres and one of our key priorities
has been to build one culture, one vision and one future.
• We know everyone can make a difference
• We believe anything is possible
These values support a ‘culture of discovery’ and face head-on
the changing environment in which we operate. Our values
support us in cultivating a high performance environment
where each employee performs to the best of their ability,
working together to achieve to their fullest potential. Our
people are key to our success and it is essential that
colleagues are innovative and creative, customer-focused
and great at building relationships.
We are focused on improving every possible aspect of the
shopping journey. We want our colleagues to become famous
for service and we want to retain customers for life by having
exciting new stores, with the best range at great prices and
providing excellent after-sales support and service. We are
making excellent progress; however, we can continue to
make improvements to delight customers and to outpace
the competition.
For further details on employee related matters please see
our Corporate Responsibility Report on pages 30 to 33.
Suppliers
As market leader with an excellent reputation in the consumer
electronics markets we have exceptional relationships with
suppliers.
In a complex multi-channel environment, suppliers trust us
with their new product releases and stock allocations, as they
appreciate the superior service and advice offered by our
stores and indeed our websites, as well as the exciting
environments offered by our transformed stores in which
customers can experience their brands and products.
We work closely with suppliers of all sizes to help them deliver
the right product for customers, through the forecasting and
planning stages to ensure we deliver the right levels of stock
for customers at the right time. Both the mobile and electrical
retail markets are characterised by a number of large global
manufacturers, who account for a large proportion of our sales.
However, we also source products from a large number of
smaller suppliers. We seek to maintain strong relationships
with all of these suppliers, not just to source the right product
for customers, but also to ensure the Group can purchase
the appropriate level of stock on favourable terms. While we
utilise the Group’s scale and buying power through an
international buying team, we also maintain strong
relationships at a local level.
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Intellectual property
Within our Connected World Services division we have
developed our pioneering multi-channel assisted sales tool
Pin Point powered by honeyBee. We are also utilising our
intellectual property to assist third parties, such as Samsung
and now Sprint, in connected retailing.
In the UK & Ireland we operate through Carphone Warehouse,
Currys and PC World brands, in the Nordics through our
various Elkjøp group brands, in Greece through Kotsovolos,
and in Spain through Phone House. These brands are
extremely well established and respected in their markets. The
Group also has two strong service businesses, Knowhow and
Geek Squad, aiming to delight customers from end to end
while generating significant new business opportunities.
As well as our retail and service brands outlined above, we also
sell a range of own brand products such as Sandstrøm, Goji,
Logik, Essentials, Advent and Epoq. Each of these brands
have specific target markets defined in conjunction with our
customer research findings.
Energy
Saving energy is good for the business, good for customers
and of course good for the environment. See our Corporate
Responsibility Report on pages 33 to 35 for details of the
Group’s environmental matters.
Cash and capital
It remains the Group’s policy to maintain a strong capital base
so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and
to sustain the future development of the business. Through
careful cash management and with a focus on cost reduction
as well as efficient use of capital, management is focused
on ensuring we deliver a sustainable business with strong
cash generation.
As a Group we need to make the right choices as to how each
division utilises or preserves cash, whether it is in determining
ranges and stock held in store, growing mobile share with
accompanying working capital utilisation or managing returns
and related processes.
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Our resources
We continue to refine our own-brand ranges to suit all budgets
and tastes. Our most notable successes have been the launch
of our own Sandstrøm cables brand alongside our Essentials
ranges as key entry level products in our ‘good, better, best’
line-up. These products are sourced by the Group’s teams
based in the UK, Nordics and Hong Kong in collaboration with
manufacturers in, for example, Asia.
Distribution and logistics
The Group sees distribution as one of the keys to success
in maintaining highly competitive margins and delivering
outstanding, market-beating service to customers. We operate
a centralised system of distribution centres for each of the
regions in which we operate. This delivers significant
competitive advantages, including reduced operating costs,
reduced supplier delivery costs, reduced stock volumes in
store, increased flexibility as to where to deliver and when,
and a more efficient home delivery network for both us and
our customers. During the year we consolidated our
distribution and repair centres with the integration of the former
mobile phone facility at Wednesbury into our Newark site.
While continuing to reduce costs, we are also constantly
raising the bar, both in terms of successful delivery and
installation rates, but also the range and quality of services
we offer customers nationwide. In our Nordic operations
(Jönköping, Sweden) and the UK (Newark), we operate two
of the largest distribution centres of their kind in Europe. The
Jönköping site is also expanding to incorporate an up-to-date
automated ‘small box’ operation. In the UK alone we now
make 50,000 deliveries per week, including some 500,000
installations per year.
Store portfolio
We operate a wide variety of stores to suit the local customer
demographics. We operate many high street locations, small,
very popular outlets in airport locations, and ‘megastores’ up
to 60,000 sq ft, in out-of-town locations.
We constantly review our store portfolio to ensure we have
the right store for customers in the most competitive locations.
As part of this ongoing review and following the roll-out of
Carphone Warehouse SWAS, in the UK & Ireland we are
implementing our 3-in-1 stores across the ‘big box’ property
portfolio and when complete we will have over 300
CurrysPCWorld Carphone Warehouse 3-in-1 stores.
These stores allow us to offer the best of both worlds to
customers, attracting new footfall and often at a lower cost.
In the Nordic region as well as Greece and Spain we also
operate a number of franchise stores. This arrangement allows
our brands to be present in a wider range of catchments, while
increasing the volume of purchases and therefore buying
power of the Group and reducing our capital requirements.
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Key Performance Indicators
Financial and operational
What we measure* Why we measure
The ability to grow revenue is an important measure of a brand’s appeal to
customers and its competitive position. It is a key measure of the Group’s
progress against our strategic priority to continue to enhance and drive
successful and sustainable retail business models in a multi-channel world.
Like-for-like revenue enables the performance of the Group to be
measured on a consistent year-on-year basis.
2015/16
5%
2014/15
6%
Our performance
2015/16
£9,738m
2014/15
£9,750m
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Headline
revenue**
Like-for-
like revenue
growth
Market
position
In line with the Group’s strategy to be the leading specialist electrical and
mobile retailer in Europe, this is an important measure of how well
customers are being engaged by the Group’s brands in each market.
Retailing operations should be, or be capable of becoming, the number
one specialist electrical or mobile retailer in their market.
Headline
EBIT**
Continued growth of Headline EBIT enables the Group to invest in its
future and provide a return for shareholders. It is a key measure of
progress against our strategic priority to continue to enhance and drive
successful and sustainable retail business models in a multi-channel world.
Headline
profit before
tax**
Continued growth of Headline profit before tax represents a measure of
Group performance to external investors and stakeholders against our
strategic priorities.
Free cash
flow**
Return on
Capital
Employed
(ROCE)
The management of cash usage, in particular working capital employed in
the business, optimises resources available for the Group to invest in its
future growth and to generate shareholder value.
ROCE is a key measure of the efficiency of the capital invested by the
Group and the long-term value created for our stakeholders.
Shareholder
What we measure* Why we measure
Headline basic
earnings per
share** (EPS)
The level of growth in EPS provides a suitable measure of the financial
health of the Group and its ability to deliver returns to shareholders
each year.
Market-leading
positions in:
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Greece
2015/16
£468m
2014/15
£413m
2015/16
£447m
2015/16
£202m
2015/16
21%
2014/15
£381m
2014/15
£89m
2014/15
20%
Our performance
2015/16
29.3p
2014/15
25.5p
* Definitions of measurement for Key Performance Indicators are given in the glossary and definitions on pages 154 to 156.
** Headline performance measures are as defined in the Performance Review. These have been reported on a pro forma basis as if the Merger
had occurred at the start of the comparative period.
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Principal risks to achieving the Group’s objectives
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The Group recognises that taking risks is an inherent part of doing business and that competitive advantage can be gained
through effectively managing risk. The Group continues to develop robust risk management processes, integrating risk
management into business decision-making. The Group’s approach to risk management is set out in the Corporate Governance
Report on pages 44 to 46. The principal risks and uncertainties, together with their potential impacts, are set out in the tables
below along with an illustration of what is being done to mitigate them.
Specific risks and potential impacts
Principal risk
Specific risks
1. Dependence on
networks and key
suppliers
• The Group is dependent on relationships with key suppliers
to source products on which availability may be limited
• Changes in MNO strategies in relation to the Group, or more
generally, and / or their performance, could materially affect the
revenues and profits of the business
• Mergers between the MNOs could lead to a change in their
strategies and relationships with the Group
Potential impacts
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Reduced market share
2. Consumer environment
• Failure to respond with a business model that enables the
• Reduced revenue and profitability
and sustainable
business model
business to compete against a broad range of competitors on
service, price and / or range in a changing economy
• Failure to respond effectively to changes in the industry,
economic and / or competitor landscape
• Failure to accommodate changes in consumer preferences
and behaviours
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Reduced market share
3. Greek exit from
the Euro
• Possible exit of Greece from the Euro (‘Grexit’) could lead to a
deterioration in consumer confidence and disposable income
resulting in a significant impact on our Greek business, Kotsovolos
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
4. IT systems and
infrastructure
• Failure to invest adequately and appropriately in IT systems and
infrastructure, or an inability to effectively integrate IT assets
across the Group constrains the Group’s ability to grow and / or
adapt quickly
A key system becomes unavailable for a period of time
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Loss of competitive advantage
• Restricted growth and adaptability
• Reputational damage
5. Information security
• Major loss of customer, colleague, or business
sensitive data
Vulnerability to attack, malware, and associated cyber risks
owing to under-investment in people, systems, and
safeguarding processes
• Reputational damage
• Financial penalties
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Loss of competitive advantage
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Example mitigating actions and related strategic priorities
Example mitigating actions
Change in risk in 2015/16
• Multi-year commercial agreements are in place with all the major MNOs, which closely align interests
and drive value for both parties
• Continuing to leverage the scale of operations to strengthen relationships with key suppliers and
maintain a good supply of scarce products
This risk has remained stable
over 2015/16
• Strategic and business planning takes into account varying economic scenarios, with ongoing
monitoring by finance and senior executives
• Close scrutiny of product performance, trading results, competitor activity and market share
• Use of customer insight / advocacy to monitor success of initiatives and actions
• Continued focus on driving cost improvements through cost-efficiency initiatives
• Ongoing evolution of our multi-channel proposition
• Differentiation from competitors through strategic partner relationships, innovative propositions, and
high quality customer service
• Working to leverage expertise and scale to build partnerships with other retailers and businesses
through Connected World Services
• Development of consumer services
• A number of exit scenarios have been modelled in order to understand and mitigate the potential
impact on the Group’s business
• Review of local funding arrangements including factoring of debtor receivables
• Reduction in credit risk exposure by tightening control over customer credit arrangements
This risk is unchanged as the nature
and challenges in our business
environment are consistent with
the prior year
The threat of imminent Grexit has
been averted. Political instability and
economic uncertainty remain in
Greece but the situation is perceived
to be stabilising and our local
business continues to perform well.
This risk has decreased in likelihood
but will remain on our risk register
under a watching brief
• Significant investment being made in IT systems and infrastructure across the Group, supported by
rigorous testing processes
• Post-merger IT transformation to align IT infrastructure to future needs of the business
• Individual system recovery plans in place in the event of failure which are tested regularly, with full
This risk has remained stable
over 2015/16
recovery infrastructure available for critical systems
• Long-term partnerships with ‘tier 1’ application and infrastructure providers established
• Implementation of a UK&I Information Security Improvement Plan
• Investment in information security safeguards, IT security controls, monitoring, in-house expertise
and resources
• Committee comprising senior management in UK&I, set up with responsibility for oversight,
co-ordination and monitoring of information security policy and risk
• Recruitment of a Chief Information Security Officer
• Ongoing training and awareness programmes for employees
• Ongoing programme of penetration testing
Our overall information security
position has been hardened in
response to increases in external
threats. We continue to undertake
significant management effort and
investment to reduce this risk
exposure
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Principal risks to achieving the Group’s objectives
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Specific risks and potential impacts
Principal risk
Specific risks
Potential impacts
6. Financial Conduct
Authority (‘FCA’)
regulation
• Failure to manage the business of the Group in compliance with
• Reputational damage
FCA regulation to which the Group is subject in a number of areas
including the mobile insurance operations of The Carphone
Warehouse Limited and the consumer credit activities of DSG
Retail Limited
• Financial penalties
• Reduced revenues and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Customer compensation
7. Colleague retention
and capability
• The organisational structure and related accountabilities
• Reputational damage
restrict the ability to run the business effectively and adapt
to market change
• Failure to attract, develop and retain quality and depth of
necessary leadership and management talent
• Maturing of long term incentive schemes may increase risk
of higher turnover in senior management population
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Loss of competitive advantage
8. Business continuity
plans are not effective
and major incident
response is inadequate
• A major incident impacts the Group’s ability to trade and business
• Reduced revenue and profitability
continuity plans are not effective resulting in an inadequate
incident response
• Deteriorating cash flow
• Reputational damage
• Loss of competitive advantage
9. Fraud
• Payment card fraud
• Manipulation or misuse of Electronic Point of Sale system and / or
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Reputational damage
other payment systems
• Customer false identity and other ‘no intention to pay’ frauds
in taking out network contracts
10. Health and safety
• Failure to effectively protect customers and / or colleagues from
• Employee / customer injury or loss of life
injury or loss of life
• Reputational damage
• Financial penalties
11. Impact of Brexit
• Economic uncertainty and impact on consumer confidence caused
by the decision of the UK to leave the European Union (‘Brexit’)
• Further adverse exchange rate volatility
• Longer term changes in tax, regulation and other frameworks that
may impact our ability to operate across our European businesses
• Reduced revenue and profitability
• Deteriorating cash flow
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Example mitigating actions and related strategic priorities
Example mitigating actions
Change in risk in 2015/16
• Board oversight and risk management structures actively monitor compliance
• Senior management perform oversight, co-ordination and monitoring of governance, ensuring
regulatory compliance and adherence to policy and monitoring of mitigating actions
• Internal committees, including a dedicated FCA compliance committee, and control structures to
ensure appropriate compliance (e.g. undertaking quality assurance procedures for samples of mobile
phone sales) and to react swiftly should issues arise
• Ongoing investment in the compliance team
• Continuous review of the operation and effectiveness of compliance standards and controls with the
development of control improvement plans where required
• New training programmes for colleagues implemented across the retail estate
• Ongoing review to ensure appropriate and effective roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities
• Defined and standardised performance management frameworks in place, with talent and succession
plans maintained and reward aligned to attract and retain the best talent
• Store structures which provide a clear career path for colleagues, retaining and developing the best
retail talent
• Bonus plans which include components relating to both business and personal performance
• Continued improvements in the quality of training courses and development programmes with
specialist focus on core business areas
• Development of appropriate succession planning, as set out in the Nominations Committee Report
on pages 55 to 56
• Business continuity and crisis management plans in place and tested for key business locations
• Disaster recovery plans in place and tested for key IT systems and data centres
• Crisis team appointed to manage response to significant events
• Major risks insured
• Fraud prevention and detection controls
• Real-time transaction monitoring
• 24/7 fraud and loss prevention teams
• Customer identity verification and credit checks for network contracts
• Liaison with banks, card providers and MNOs to identify and mitigate opportunities for fraud
• Reporting and oversight by the Audit Committee
• Whistle-blowing arrangements
• Single Group health and safety policy
• Health and safety manager and team located across business units and markets
• Comprehensive set of policies and standards supporting continued improvement
• Risk assessment programme covering retail, support centres, distribution and home services
• Health and safety training and development framework
• Health and safety inspection programme
• Audit programme including factory audits for own brand products and third-party supply chains
• Long-term credit facilities in place
• Foreign exchange hedging to mitigate impact of currency fluctuation
• Long-term contingency planning to address wider regulatory and legislative changes
This risk has increased over
2015/16 due to the expansion
of the FCA’s regulatory regime
into consumer credit and a general
increase in regulatory focus across
our operations
This risk has remained stable
over 2015/16
This risk has remained stable
over 2015/16
This risk has remained stable
over 2015/16
A comprehensive internal review
of health and safety processes
after the Merger has resulted in a
reassessment of the risk. We continue
to develop and implement policies,
procedures and practices to mitigate
this risk
New risk
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Performance review
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Highlights: 12 months to 30 April 2016*
• Group like-for-like revenue(4) up 5% (UK & Ireland up 6% and Nordics up 4%)
• Strong profit performance:
– Headline PBT(1) of £447 million (2014/15: £381 million), up over 17%
– Headline basic EPS(1) (2) 29.3p (2014/15: 25.5p)
– Total statutory profit of £161 million (2014/15: £97 million) after Non-Headline(1) charges of £176 million
(2014/15:£188 million) which include a loss from discontinued operations of £18 million (2014/15: £114 million)
• Free cash flows(9) of £202 million (2014/15: £89 million) and net debt broadly flat year-on-year at £267 million
• Final dividend of 6.50p (2014/15: 6.00p) proposed, taking total dividends for the year to 9.75p (2014/15: 8.50p), up 15%
year-on-year
• Sprint joint venture in the US expected to contribute $40 million - $50 million of annual EBIT to the Group by 2019/20
• honeyBee platform: second major client signed
Headline results*(1)
Headline revenue(1)
Headline profit / (loss)(1)
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Group
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Note
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
2015/16
£million
6,404
2,632
550
152
2014/15
£million
6,314
2,709
606
121
9,738
9,750
Local
currency(3)
% change
Like-for-like(4)
% change
2%
6%
(5)%
26%
3%
6%
4%
4%
N/A
5%
2015/16
£million
365
2014/15
£million
305
79
17
7
468
(21)
447
(110)
337
86
15
7
413
(32)
381
(88)
293
*Basis of preparation – pro forma information
On 6 August 2014 an all-share Merger of Carphone Warehouse and Dixons Retail took place. The prior period information in the highlights and
performance review sections refers, unless otherwise stated, to pro forma Headline(1) information for continuing businesses, reflecting the results
of both Carphone Warehouse and Dixons Retail throughout the comparative periods as if the Merger had occurred at the start of the
comparative period.
Following the Merger, the Group changed its year end to be the Saturday closest to 30 April. The 2014/15 financial year as disclosed in the
2014/15 annual report and accounts therefore comprised the 13 months to 2 May 2015 for the Carphone Warehouse business. In this
Annual Report and Accounts, the pro forma prior period results of the Carphone Warehouse business have been restated to exclude the
results of the five weeks’ trading to 3 May 2014 to enable a better year-on-year comparison.
A reconciliation from statutory to pro forma financial information is provided on pages 151 to 152.
Notes
(1) Headline results exclude amortisation of acquisition intangibles, Merger integration and transaction costs, property rationalisation costs,
acquisition-related costs and other one-off, non-recurring items, net interest on defined benefit pension schemes and discontinued
operations (comprising Virgin Mobile France and Phone House operations in Germany, Netherlands and Portugal). Such excluded items are
described as ‘Non-Headline’. For further details see notes 4 and 25 to the financial statements.
(2) Pro forma EPS for the period ended 2 May 2015 has been calculated assuming the number of shares existing at 2 May 2015, adjusted for
the number of shares held by the Group ESOTs, were in existence for the entire financial period.
(3) Change in local currency revenue reflects total revenues on a constant currency and period basis.
(4) Like-for-like sales are defined in the glossary and definitions on pages 154 to 156.
(5) UK & Ireland comprises operations in the UK and Ireland and the Dixons Travel business.
(6) Nordics comprises operations in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland.
(7) Southern Europe comprises operations in Spain and Greece.
(8) Connected World Services comprises the Group’s B2B operation which leverages the specialist skills, operating processes and technology
of the Group to provide managed services to third parties looking to develop their own connected world solutions.
(9) Free Cash Flow comprises cash generated from / (utilised by) continuing operations before special pension contributions, less net finance
expense, less income tax paid and net capital expenditure.
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Pro forma Headline results
The performance review below refers, unless otherwise stated,
to pro forma Headline information for continuing businesses.
The basis for the preparation of this information is described
on page 24.
Group
Group Headline revenue was up 3% on a local currency basis
but broadly flat in Sterling terms at £9,738 million (2014/15:
£9,750 million). Like-for-like revenue growth was 5%, reflecting
strong growth in our UK & Ireland, Nordic and Greek
businesses. The difference between the total revenue growth
on a local currency basis and like-for-like is predominantly
due to a reduction in stores in the UK during the year and a
decision to reduce low-margin wholesale activity. The Group
has continued to grow market share, despite operating in a
highly competitive marketplace.
Headline EBIT was up 13% to £468 million (2014/15: £413
million) driven by the strong operating performance in the
UK & Ireland and the delivery of synergy benefits related
to the Merger. Headline profit before tax was £447 million
(2014/15: £381 million) reflecting 17% growth from the
improved EBIT and a lower interest charge year-on-year
following the redemption of the bonds previously held by
Dixons Retail in August 2014.
Integration of the two businesses is now largely complete with
a single head office in each of the countries where Carphone
and Dixons overlapped, one logistics and repair centre in the
UK and 276 Carphone Warehouse SWAS now open.
UK & Ireland
Revenue in the UK & Ireland increased by 1% to £6,404 million
(2014/15: £6,314 million). Like-for-like revenue for the year was
up 6% reflecting mobile phone market share gains along with
good growth in electricals. The difference between the total
revenue growth and like-for-like predominantly reflects a
reduction in stores. This revenue growth combined with cost
and synergy savings has resulted in Headline EBIT increasing
20% to £365 million. The business has continued to gain
market share helping to drive sales and EBIT. Our purchase
of Simplifydigital – the UK’s largest and fastest growing
multi-channel switching platform – leaves the business
well-positioned to benefit from growth in the multi-play market.
The electricals business has delivered a very solid result with
growth in the sale of white goods offsetting weaker demand in
computing. Television sales performed well, especially given
the World Cup last year.
The mobile business performed extremely well during the year.
Post-pay volumes and market share have grown year on year,
with the business benefiting from additional SWAS stores, the
performance of our iD mobile operations, and market share
gains following the closure of Phones 4u in the prior year.
In January 2016 we launched a programme to roll out our
3-in-1 store concept so as to create the store estate of the
future. This will involve merging the remaining PC World and
Currys stores and inserting a Carphone Warehouse in stores
that have not yet got one. This programme will reduce our
store estate by 134 but will significantly improve the store
experience for our customers and colleagues, and we expect
the impact on sales to be neutral or better. Given that the
programme will be implemented during 2016/17, we expect
that the benefit to 2016/17 earnings will be modest, but
thereafter this activity will contribute approximately £30 million
of incremental EBITDA.
At the start of the year the Group launched iD, a new mobile
network focused on providing users with increased contract
flexibility, greater access to free data roaming and
competitively priced 4G tariffs. The performance of iD in the
UK has been very positive and the business now has an active
customer base of over 335,000 subscribers.
Nordics
The Nordic business has performed well in a challenging
economic environment, delivering 6% growth on a local
currency basis. However, revenue in Sterling was down 3% to
£2,632 million (2014/15: £2,709 million) predominantly due to
the devaluation of the Norwegian Krone relative to Sterling.
Like-for-like revenue was up 4% despite the challenging
commercial environment and some aggressive competitive
pricing. The growth in like-for-like revenue was driven by white
goods, mobiles and laptops, offsetting weakness in PCs and
tablets. We have continued to focus on ensuring competitive
pricing against pure players, albeit with some margin impact.
In local currency, our Nordic business delivered record
earnings but, due to the adverse movement in foreign
exchange, both from translation of local currency results
into Sterling, as well as margin pressure due to increased
buying costs, Nordic Headline EBIT was £79 million
(2014/15: £86 million).
The Merger has continued to benefit the Nordics with the
launch of Elkjøp Phonehouse stores in Norway, and the
integration of Phone House Sweden into ElGiganten. The
extension of the Jönköping warehouse to create Europe’s
most advanced small products distribution centre is also
progressing well.
In November 2015 InfoCare, a services and repair business,
was acquired in order to further the Group’s services strategy.
This business has now been successfully integrated into the
wider Nordics business. The Epoq kitchen business also
continues to deliver very encouraging results with strong
revenue growth driving market share and appliance sales.
Southern Europe
Southern Europe had strong underlying results with like-for-like
revenue up 4%, largely driven by the business in Greece which
continues to perform extremely well in the face of a challenging
environment. The Greek business benefited from strong
growth in white goods and tablets, which more than offset
some weakness in TV and laptops following the end of a
government laptop promotion in the prior year. Whilst post-pay
volumes were down in Spain we continue to pivot the model in
line with the market to offer multi-play, sim-only and handset
only, whilst successfully retaining our market share.
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Revenue on a local currency basis was down 5%, though
up in Greece despite the Greek business reducing volumes
in the low margin wholesale business. The Spanish business
continued to shift its store mix to franchise and away from
owned stores, with owned stores down 52 to 249 but with an
increase in franchise stores from 198 to 249. Southern Europe
has reported a year-on-year 9% decline in Headline revenue
to £550 million (2014/15: £606 million) reflecting the factors
above and a weaker Euro for much of the financial year.
value of UK-related deferred tax assets due to the forthcoming
reductions in the UK statutory tax rates.
Cash and movement on net funds
The prior period information provided below is on a pro forma
basis and aggregates the net funds / (debt) and cash flows of
the Group and Dixons Retail, as though Dixons Retail had been
100% owned by the Group throughout the prior period, to
enable a complete understanding of cash flows.
Free Cash Flow – pro forma basis
Headline EBIT
Depreciation and amortisation
Working capital
Capital expenditure
Taxation
Interest
Other items
Free cash flow before restructuring
items – continuing operations
Restructuring costs
Free Cash Flow
2015/16
£million
2014/15
£million
468
137
(76)
(221)
(56)
(31)
24
245
(43)
202
413
137
(159)
(182)
(62)
(46)
4
105
(16)
89
Free Cash Flow before restructuring was an inflow of
£245 million (2014/15: £105 million), an increase of 133%.
The Group experienced a working capital outflow of £76 million
(2014/15: £159 million), being an improvement on the previous
year which included a non-recurring unwind of certain supplier
funding arrangements.
Capital expenditure in the period was £221 million
(2014/15: £182 million), lower than anticipated, reflecting tight
management of capex spend. The year-on-year increase
reflected spend on Carphone Warehouse SWAS, investment in
IT platforms and continued development in both our retail and
Connected World Services businesses. We continue to keep
tight management of our capex spend as well as other
integration activities.
The reduction in interest reflects the prior year including
interest paid on the bonds previously held by Dixons Retail
until August 2014 and the Group’s new revolving credit facility
incurring a lower interest rate.
Restructuring costs in both the current year and prior year
relate to Merger integration costs and primarily reflect
employee severance and incentive costs, property costs
associated with the integration process and professional fees.
Southern Europe Headline EBIT was £17 million
(2014/15: £15 million), up 13%.
Connected World Services
Connected World Services (‘CWS’) has continued to grow,
delivering revenue of £152 million, up from £121 million in the
prior year. We are announcing new developments in three of
the distinct business areas within CWS – connected retailing,
technology platform and support & services.
In connected retailing, following the success of the trial stores
we have agreed to roll out up to 500 stores with Sprint in the
US, including c.150 in the year ahead. Separately we continue
to expand on our consultancy agreement with Sprint and
deliver significant benefits to both parties, including operating
27 of Sprint’s own stores in Miami and Dallas. The joint venture
continues to go from strength to strength and we expect it to
contribute $40 million - $50 million to the Group’s annual EBIT
by 2019/20.
Within our technology platform business, we have reached
agreement with Sprint to roll out honeyBee across the entire
Sprint estate in the US.
In support and services, we aim to be the UK’s largest
third-party provider of mobile phone insurance. We have
agreed a new third-party mobile insurance contract in the UK
with EE, we have extended an existing contract with RBS and
we have entered into a significant new distribution agreement
with TalkTalk to support the sales and distribution of mobile,
TV and broadband connectivity.
We remain very excited about CWS’s prospects and continue
to invest in building the team and infrastructure to support the
growth potential of this business. CWS’s result for the year of
£7 million (2014/15: £7 million) is after a £4 million share of
losses from the joint venture arising on the Sprint venture and
is a result that we consider satisfactory and in line with
expectations.
Net finance costs
Headline net finance costs were £21 million (2014/15: £32
million). The reduction in financing costs was primarily due to
the redemption of the bonds previously held by Dixons Retail
on 21 August 2014 and the Group’s new revolving credit
facility incurring a lower rate of interest.
Tax
The Headline effective tax rate for the full year is 25%
(2014/15: 23%). The rate is higher than the UK statutory rate of
20% due mainly to higher statutory rates in the Nordics, certain
non-deductible items mainly in the UK and a reduction in the
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Funding – pro forma basis
Income statement – continuing operations
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£million
2014/15
£million
202
(106)
—
(82)
(35)
14
(7)
89
(52)
(90)
2
(28)
—
(79)
Revenue
EBIT
Net finance costs
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS
2015/16
£million
9,738
2014/15
£million
8,255
304
(41)
263
(84)
179
324
(37)
287
(76)
211
15.6p
15.1p
22.0p
21.2p
Free Cash Flow – pro forma basis
Dividends
Merger transaction costs
Acquisitions and disposals including
discontinued operations
Pension contributions
Other items
Movement in net funds / (debt) –
pro forma basis
Opening net funds / (debt) – pro forma
basis(1)
Closing net (debt)
(260)
(267)
(181)
(260)
(1) Opening net debt in the current period reflects the consolidated
net debt of the Group at 2 May 2015 including net funds
recognised within assets held for sale of £53 million. Opening net
debt in the comparative reflects net debt for Carphone Warehouse
at 29 March 2014 and for Dixons Retail at 30 April 2014.
At 30 April 2016 the Group had net debt of £267 million,
broadly flat year-on-year to net debt of £260 million in the
comparative period. Free cash flow was an inflow of
£202 million (2014/15: £89 million) for the reasons
described above.
Merger transaction costs in the previous year reflected
professional and banking fees, the cash cost of share option
exercises as a result of the Merger and the cost of redeeming
the bonds previously held by Dixons Retail. Net cash outflows
from acquisitions and disposals in the current year were
£82 million primarily comprising the final deferred payment for
the CPW Europe Acquisition, the acquisitions of Simplifydigital
and InfoCare, and discontinued operations.
The increase in pension contributions reflects the agreed
contribution profile following the 2013 triennial valuation.
On 8 October 2015 the Group signed a new multi-currency
revolving credit facility for £800 million, which matures in
October 2020 and replaced the multi-currency term and
revolving credit facility which was previously in place.
Statutory results
The explanation of the Group’s results presented above is on a
pro forma Headline basis for the comparative period. Group
results as reported in the financial information are prepared on
a statutory basis, with the comparative period consolidating
the results of Dixons Retail from 6 August 2014. These results
are summarised below:
Revenue increased 18% to £9,738 million reflecting the
inclusion of a full 12 months’ earnings from Dixons Retail in the
current year (prior period results from 6 August 2014 to 2 May
2015) offset by the additional month trading for the Carphone
Warehouse businesses in the prior period.
Profit before tax reduced from £287 million to £263 million in
the current period, largely due to non-Headline costs incurred
in the current year in relation to the Merger and property
rationalisation costs, which are explained later in this report.
Net finance costs have increased due to the inclusion of a full
12 months of Dixons Retail, resulting in higher finance lease
and pension-related interest.
The tax charge increased from £76 million to £84 million
reflecting certain non-deductible non-Headline items in the
current year.
Basic EPS has reduced from 22.0p to 15.6p for the period due
to the lower profit after tax and the increase in the number of
shares of the Group as part of the Merger.
Non-Headline items
Statutory profit before tax of £263 million (2014/15: £287
million) includes Non-Headline charges of £184 million
(2014/15: £89 million). These charges are analysed below and
are reported on a statutory basis with the Dixons Retail
business only consolidated from completion of the Merger on
6 August 2014.
Merger-related costs
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Property rationalisation costs
Acquisition-related costs
Net pension interest
2015/16
£million
2014/15
£million
(52)
(40)
(70)
(6)
(16)
(184)
(41)
(35)
—
—
(13)
(89)
Costs incurred in relation to the Merger relate to integration
costs primarily being professional fees, employee severance
and property costs associated with the integration process
(2014/15: £32 million). In addition, during 2014/15 transaction
costs of £9 million were incurred, predominantly reflecting
banking and professional fees. Merger-related costs also
includes the write-off of £4 million deferred facility fees which
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were incurred as a result of the Merger and the financing
required to facilitate the Merger at short notice.
The charge for the amortisation of acquisition intangibles was
£40 million (2014/15: £35 million) with the current period
including a full 12 months of amortisation of intangible assets
recognised as a result of the Merger (2014/15 period from
6 August 2014 to 2 May 2015). The prior period charge also
includes amortisation for 13 months for those intangibles
recognised as a result of the CPW Europe Acquisition whilst
the current period reflects a 12 month period.
have increased, with the higher capital expenditure during the
year exceeding amortisation and depreciation. Working capital
has stayed flat, whilst net debt has decreased with positive
cash flows during the year as described below. Other net
liabilities (tax, pension & other) have increased following the
disposal of assets held for sale (primarily in relation to Phone
House Germany).
Cash flow statement
2015/16
£million
2014/15
£million
As explained on page 25, the Group has initiated a
reorganisation of its property portfolio to put it into its
long-term state. The costs associated with this programme
relate to committed property exit costs, asset write-downs and
operational costs associated with the 3-in-1 store concept
roll out across the UK & Ireland.
EBIT
Depreciation and amortisation
Working capital
Other operating cash flows
Cash flows from operating activities
304
177
(14)
(73)
394
(59)
(221)
24
(256)
(106)
(11)
(117)
21
32
53
324
149
(377)
(53)
43
322
(166)
20
176
(52)
(290)
(342)
(123)
3
(120)
Acquisitions
Capital expenditure
Other investing cash flows
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends paid
Other financing cash flows
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash flows from continuing operations
Cash flows from discontinued
operations
The statutory EBIT for the Group has reduced for the reasons
explained above. Depreciation and amortisation have
increased with the prior period only including nine months
of Dixons Retail. Working capital has stayed relatively flat
year-on-year whilst the outflow in the prior period was due to
timing issues associated with the change of year end and the
day on which month end fell, as well as a permanent unwind
of certain extended supplier payment terms.
Acquisition cash inflows in the comparative period reflects
cash acquired through the Dixons Retail Merger whilst
cash outflows in the current year comprise the final CPW
Europe Acquisition deferred payment and the acquisitions
of Simplifydigital and InfoCare. The increase in capital
expenditure reflects both a full 12 months of Dixons Retail
and an increase in underlying spend.
The reduction in financing outflows is due to the prior period
including the pay down of loans and borrowings of Dixons
Retail soon after the Merger whilst borrowings have remained
relatively flat year-on-year in the current period. Cash inflows
from discontinued operations largely relates to consideration
on the disposal of Phone House Germany.
Acquisition-related costs in the period relate to professional
fees incurred in the current year as a result of the acquisition
of Simplifydigital in the UK and InfoCare in the Nordics and the
revaluation of deferred consideration payable to the former
shareholders of the Epoq kitchen business in the Nordics
following a reassessment of the likely final payment to be
made on the back of recent trading performance.
Net pension interest was £16 million reflecting the charge
incurred in relation to the Dixons Retail UK pension scheme.
The current period charge reflects a full 12 months whilst the
prior period charge related to that incurred from the date of
Merger to the 2 May 2015 period end.
Discontinued operations
As reported at 2 May 2015, Virgin Mobile France and the
Group’s retail operations in Germany, the Netherlands and
Portugal were treated as discontinued operations following the
decision to exit these businesses. The assets and liabilities
associated with Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal were
recognised as held for sale at 2 May 2015. The sale of
operations in Germany was completed on 5 May 2015, the
Netherlands on 30 June 2015 and Portugal on 31 August 2015.
Virgin Mobile France was sold on 4 December 2014 in the
previous financial year.
A loss of £18 million (2014/15: £114 million) has been
recognised during the year in relation to the disposal of these
operations.
Balance sheet
Goodwill
Other fixed assets
Working capital
Net debt
Tax, pension & other
2015/16
£million
3,054
2014/15
£million
2,989
906
(361)
(267)
(472)
852
(387)
(313)
(378)
2,860
2,763
The movement in goodwill is due to the acquisition of
Simplifydigital and InfoCare, and the retranslation of currency
denominated balances largely in the Nordics. Fixed assets
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Comprehensive income / changes in equity
Total equity of the Group has increased from £2,763 million to
£2,860 million primarily reflecting the total statutory profit of
£161 million, the gain on retranslation of overseas operations
of £66 million and the payment of dividends of £106 million.
Other matters
Pensions
The strategic plan considers the forecast revenue,
EBITDA, working capital, cash flows and funding requirements
on a business by business basis as well as the available
borrowing facilities to the Group over the assessment period
and the financial covenants with which those facilities must
comply. The strategic plan has been subject to robust stress
testing, modelling the impact of a combination of severe but
plausible adverse scenarios based on those principal risks
facing the Group.
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The IAS 19 accounting deficit of the defined benefit section
of the UK pension scheme of Dixons Retail amounted to
£472 million at 30 April 2016 compared to £486 million at
2 May 2015. Contributions during the period under the
terms of the deficit reduction plan amounted to £35 million
(2014/15: £28 million). The deficit has decreased largely as a
result of the contributions made to the scheme during the year.
Based on the results of this analysis, the directors have an
expectation that the Company will be able to continue in
operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the
three-year period of their assessment. In doing so, it is
recognised that such future assessments are subject to
a level of uncertainty and as such, future outcomes cannot
be guaranteed or predicted with certainty.
Humphrey Singer
Group Finance Director
28 June 2016
Dividends
The Board declared an interim dividend of 3.25p per share, up
from 2.50p per share last year. The interim dividend was paid
on 22 January 2016.
We are proposing a final dividend of 6.50p per share, taking
the total dividend for the year to 9.75p per share, a 15%
increase on the previous year (2014/15: 8.50p). The final
dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the Company’s
forthcoming Annual General Meeting. The ex-dividend date is
25 August 2016, with a record date of 26 August 2016 and an
intended final dividend payment date of 23 September 2016.
Going concern
A review of the Group’s business activities, together with the
factors likely to affect its future development, performance and
position, are set out within this Strategic Report, including the
risk management section. The financial position of the Group,
its cash flows, liquidity position and borrowing facilities are
shown in the balance sheet, cash flow statement and
accompanying notes to the Group financial statements.
The directors have reviewed the future cash and profit
forecasts of the Group, which they consider to be based on
prudent assumptions. Based on these forecasts, the directors
consider that it is appropriate to prepare the Group financial
statements on the going concern basis.
Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the UK Corporate
Governance Code 2014, the Directors have assessed the
viability of the Group over a period longer than the 12 months
covered by the going concern provision noted above.
The Board concluded that a period of three years was
appropriate for this assessment as it is consistent with the
period of focus of the annual strategic plan and reflects a
period of greater certainty over forecasting assumptions.
In assessing the viability of the Group, the Directors have
considered the Group’s current position and prospects, risk
appetite, and those principal risks and mitigating actions as
described on pages 20 to 23 of the Strategic Report.
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Corporate Responsibility
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Dixons Carphone is committed to high standards of corporate and social responsibility (‘CSR’) across the Group. The table below
provides an overview of our key corporate and social responsibility principles and their interaction with our business model.
At Dixons Carphone we
• Simplify the mobile, technology and electrical world
• Make the potential of connected technology accessible and affordable for everyone
• Provide unparalleled expertise and service to help navigate the new digital era
Business
model
Products
Work with suppliers to showcase
the latest technology, connectivity
and products
Multi-channel
Provide customers with seamless
engagement and support, whether
online, in person or a combination
of the two
Support
Set the benchmark for support, gaining
a significant competitive advantage in
meeting the needs
of our customers
CSR ambition
driven by
insights
Understand how technology can be used to tackle social issues, then leverage our skills, experience and position
to support communities, connected homes and the families within them, by helping to ensure occupants feel
properly equipped, safe and confident to explore the connected world
CSR model
Innovate
Deliver transformative change
through innovation
Collaborate
Collaborate with stakeholders
as partners
Invest
Invest in initiatives directly or indirectly
which benefit the communities in
which we operate
CSR impacts
People
Connected community
Environment
Supply chain
CSR
principles
Create a great place to
work, attracting the best
talent and ensuring
opportunities for
employees to grow their
careers, adopt healthier
lifestyles and engage
with good causes
Make a positive impact as
a valued member of the
community while building
brand loyalty and trust
Strive for a sustainable
environment, minimise
wastage and optimise
efficiency
Operate an ethical
business, valuing rights
and prosperity across our
value chain
Engaging our colleagues
We know an engaged workforce delivers a great customer
experience, which supports strong financial results. This is why
our key aim is to communicate openly and honestly with
colleagues to give them a voice while cultivating pride in
working for Dixons Carphone. In 2015/16 we launched a
combined colleague engagement survey across the Group,
administered by an external provider. Colleagues use this
balanced scorecard to tell us how they feel about working for
Dixons Carphone and their feedback is used to develop
targeted initiatives to help us monitor performance, make
the right decisions, recognise success and ensure our
company remains a great place to work. New communication
platforms have been launched in the UK & Ireland to ensure we
provide modern tools with an emphasis on collaboration and
peer-to-peer communication. Further roll-outs are planned for
2016/17. We will continue to produce Connected, a hard copy
magazine for our 42,000 employees. This communication
consistently receives positive feedback from colleagues and in
September 2015 it received an industry award for Best New
Publication from the Institute of Internal Communications.
We are committed to building a sustainable, responsible
and ethical business. We listen to customers, shareholders,
employees and wider communities to understand their
expectations and ensure they are reflected in our business
decisions. We believe good sustainability practices make
sound business sense, not only to benefit the environment,
stakeholders and the communities in which we operate,
but to achieve our strategic priorities.
Our approach to corporate responsibility means taking
business decisions guided by our values and code of ethics.
People
Our people are our enduring advantage and we invest in
ensuring we attract the best talent, that they remain engaged,
high-performing and are able to deliver a great customer
experience at all times. We remain focused on embedding our
combined values through existing ways of working and in
2015/16 we introduced the You're Electric recognition scheme
across the entire estate, using various channels to recognise
great performance and behaviours aligned to our values.
We continue to make good progress integrating our teams and
harmonising our tools and processes to create a consistent
experience for every colleague while creating exciting
opportunities that encourage them to grow their careers with
us through different roles, brands and functions.
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Investing in colleague expertise
To help our people grow their careers at Dixons Carphone and
develop the skills needed to perform well in their role and help
to grow our business, we provide formal training, on-the-job
experience and management coaching. We have a learning
strategy to support our business strategy and all new
colleagues have a 90-day plan to set them up for success in
their role. Colleagues have regular one-to-ones and a formal
review twice a year with their manager to discuss their current
performance and consider future development and career
plans. Across Dixons Carphone over 200,000 learning hours
were recorded last year with over 80% of this learning
completed digitally. All training is designed to support us in
becoming trusted experts for our customers. We also run
talent and leadership development programmes to develop
high achievers and to improve leadership skills across our
management population.
Employee benefits
Our employee benefits packages are regularly reviewed to
remain attractive and conducive to the recruitment and
retention of talented individuals. Colleagues are encouraged to
participate in our SAYE scheme to build a personal stake in the
business. We work to achieve high standards in employment
practices and have a comprehensive suite of employment
policies and procedures, which we regularly review. These
policies include guidance on being family-friendly through to
colleague dispute management, ethical conduct, diversity and
equal opportunities.
Health and wellbeing
Through the promotion of employee wellbeing, we aim to
create a truly happier, healthier and more productive
workforce, at the same time as reducing time off through
sickness and ensuring optimum levels of energy and resilience.
Healthy living is encouraged through a number of initiatives
and facilities. On-site gyms are available in many of our main
support centres along with restaurants offering a range of
foods, which are reviewed regularly to ensure they offer a
healthy, balanced menu. Our Employee Assistance
Programme, which is available 24/7 to all our employees, offers
a range of information about issues such as stress and
nutrition. A number of products and services are also available
to support employees, such as private medical insurance,
dental insurance and a Health Cash Plan. These products are
available at special corporate rates to employees and
subsidised rates for close family members.
In 2016/17 we are participating in Mercer’s Britain’s Fittest
Workplace survey and will use the resulting data to spot wider
health risks to our employees as well as identify actions to
reduce absence rates and increase employee engagement.
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Average to Awesome
This UK wellbeing initiative focused on transforming 12
employees’ overall attitude to health and fitness. With the
support of a specialised personal trainer, tailored nutrition
plans and the latest fitness technology, we recorded their
combined weight loss at 78.3kg over the 12-week period.
They were each given a Fitbit Surge to record training
performance and overall activity levels and Fitbit Aria scales
to monitor weight, body fat and BMI between official
weigh-ins. The participants developed a strong bond and
have continued positive changes to their lifestyle habits.
Many now run regularly as part of their new healthy regime
and are taking on new personal challenges and events as
a direct result of this initiative. We are repeating this
programme in 2016 with a new intake of colleagues.
Equal opportunities
We are committed to equality of opportunity across all of our
employment practices throughout the Group. We strive to
prevent unlawful discrimination in the workplace on the
grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or
religious belief, age, marriage and civil partnership, gender
reassignment, pregnancy and maternity. We promote an
honest and open environment and encourage colleagues with
concerns to report issues to us either directly through line
managers or via an independent, confidential integrity line.
Disability
We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities
who can do the job and candidates will be considered for each
role they apply for. Every effort is made to retain disabled
colleagues in our employment, including making any reasonable
readjustments to their jobs, workplace or environment.
Diversity
We value the benefits a diverse workplace brings, including,
but not restricted to, gender diversity and we recognise the
importance diversity plays in achieving the right mix of skills,
knowledge and experience our organisation needs to reach its
potential. Statistics for the UK, Ireland, Nordics, Greece and
Spain are as follows:
All employees
Senior managers
Directors
Number
%
Number
%
Number
Male
29,175
Female 12,902
69
31
74
26
74
26
10
3
%
77
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Connected community
Every decision we make is driven by insights and our ambition
to provide unparalleled expertise and services to help
customers and businesses navigate the digital era, while
building brand loyalty and trust.
We aim to be a responsible member of every community we
do business in: whether it’s by match-funding employee
fundraising, community initiatives or charity partnerships, we
will implement new ideas to make a positive impact locally.
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Charity partnership
We set out to further consolidate our Corporate Responsibility
programme, as well as our local and in-store charitable
activities through the support of a single charity partner.
In December 2015, the long-term charity partner of Carphone
Warehouse, Get Connected, merged with YouthNet to create
the UK’s largest support service for young people, The Mix
(registered charity number 1048995). Just as Dixons Carphone
matches customers with the best equipment and services for
their needs, The Mix supports the physical and mental
wellbeing of young people under 25 across the UK, whatever
their issue, through the technology of their choice.
Our continuing support of The Mix played a significant role in
their merger, propelling us into a new era of the partnership,
helping to drive the charity forward so they can recruit
hundreds of new volunteers and provide thousands more
hours of support to young people through new channels.
In 2015/16 we gave a total of £447,390 to this free, confidential
support service, which offers young people help 24/7, 365
days a year through phone, text, web, social media and
counselling. The Mix connects them with experts and peers
to talk about everything including homelessness, finding a job,
money management, mental wellbeing, relationship issues and
drug use.
Royal support
In April 2016 we were delighted to announce Princes William,
Harry and The Duchess of Cornwall chose to support our
charity partner The Mix as part of their ‘Heads Together’
campaign, which aims to raise awareness of, and change,
the negative perception of mental health conditions in the
UK. In 2016/17 we will work with the Royal Foundation to
promote this high profile campaign through in-store
activities and employee participation in events such
as the London Marathon.
As well as providing gifts-in-kind, office and helpline
accommodation for The Mix, our support has directly funded
investment in a new volunteering programme called Digital
Connectors, enabling the charity to recruit and train volunteers
remotely, substantially increasing the hours of support they are
able to give, opening up employee volunteering opportunities
as well as flexible opportunities for young people looking to
develop skills. In 2015/16, The Mix trained 99 Digital
Connectors volunteers, who have already supported over
3,000 young people across the UK. The Mix will continue to
build on this success, expand their volunteer programme and
help more young people in need.
Our support has also enabled the development and launch of
an online counselling service, which has to date provided over
1,000 hours of counselling to under 25s. Feedback about how
the counselling has helped has been overwhelmingly positive.
Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones
Our sponsorship of the UK’s biggest ultra-marathon received
a European Sponsorship Award for Employee Engagement
and won Best Endurance Event at The UK Running Awards.
On 11-12 July 2015 over 2,000 public participants ran,
trekked or walked 100km along the ancient Ridgeway. Over
230 employees signed up to get fit, raising over £69,000 for
Get Connected (now The Mix) and promoting the work of our
charity partner. Overall, this event has raised over £500,000
for a variety of good causes. We continue our investment in
Race to the Stones in 2016.
Techknowledge for Schools (T4S)
We continued our support for this registered charity, investing a
total of £207,000 to help fund the largest independent research
programme in the world into the use of one-to-one technology
to transform education. In February 2016, the decision was
made to close T4S after trustees became confident that major
issues around implementing technology into schools had been
defined, the real benefits had been identified and valuable
insights into successfully deploying technology to transform
learning outcomes were gained and made publically available.
During the two years the charity was in operation it worked with
over 45 UK secondary schools using one-to-one devices,
carried out comprehensive in-depth qualitative research and
analysis, recorded 440 online interviews with teachers, hosted
40 focus groups with students, parents and teachers, filmed 60
hours of ethnographic observation, and interviewed over 12,000
pupils online and 40 teacher leaders face to face. Our body of
research has been made available to relevant stakeholders
including the House of Lords Digital Skills Select Committee to
support the case for better technology provision for all schools
across the country.
Project BluPoint
We are proud to be at the forefront of tech innovation,
identifying technology for good and being a catalyst for
transformative change. In May 2016 we invested in a project
to progress findings from our work with Techknowledge for
Schools, which highlighted that schools need reliable, quick
and affordable access to trusted educational content.
BluPoint is the name given to a solar-powered device which
transmits digital content to areas without reliable or
affordable connectivity, on any handset using Wi-Fi, FM
Radio or Bluetooth. Between July and October 2016, ten
employees will visit Durban in South Africa, where we operate
a contact centre, to trial and evaluate BluPoint in resource-
starved schools thereby empowering local communities with
free internet access to educational tools and services. Project
BluPoint is being run in collaboration with its inventor,
Dr Mike Santer, Technology Adviser to the Bill Gates
Foundation, and his team.
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The Dixons Carphone Foundation
(‘Foundation’)
This fundraising account was established under the Charities
Aid Foundation (registered charity number 268369) for the
benefit of the charity or charities selected by Dixons Carphone
and approved by the Charities Aid Foundation. This account
was set up post-Merger to deliver our ambition of improving
lives through technology and facilitates employee
match-funding applications and one-off donations to
emergencies and disaster funds.
In July 2015, senior Dixons Carphone executives took to the
tennis courts for a charity tennis tournament at The National
Tennis Centre raising £62,781 for the Foundation. The
Foundation is also funded through our handset recycling ‘zero
value’ Take Back scheme. In 2015/16 we donated £161,725
through the Charities Aid Foundation to a variety of causes
including Techknowledge for Schools and Get Connected.
The DSG international Foundation is a charity in its own right,
registered with the Charities Commission. Within 2015/16,
£75,000 was transacted through this Foundation as part of
our fundraising commitment to Children in Need. For 2016/17
we will continue to operate charitable activities through our
fundraising account established under the Charities Aid
Foundation.
Other charitable support
We support other charities and local causes by match-funding
the amount of money an employee raises for their chosen
charity by up to £100 or £300 for a team fundraising for the
same event. In addition, many colleagues raised thousands of
pounds via a variety of fundraising events such as the London
Marathon, football tournaments and fun days. During 2015/16
Dixons Carphone employees also donated £42,542 through
Give As You Earn, benefiting a wide range of local and
national causes.
Outside the UK, Elkjøp continues to support the Red Cross
Water for Life (Vann for Livet) project and donated
NOK 287,000 (£23,528) to this charity during 2015/16.
Environment
We are fully committed to meeting our environmental
responsibilities and limiting the impact of our operations in a
way that is both practically and economically feasible. We are
working towards best practice sustainability with minimal
waste and optimal efficiency.
Energy management
In 2015/16 we combined the reporting platforms and energy
management processes of the legacy Dixons Retail and
Carphone Warehouse businesses. Our energy consumption
monitoring platform reports the half-hourly electricity data for
all our stores in the UK. This allows us to monitor our sites
accurately, minimise wastage and optimise our efficient use
of power. Supporting contracts have also merged to ensure
our meter operator (MOP/DA/DC) and bureau services are
aligned across both the Dixons Retail and Carphone
Warehouse estates.
As with previous years, our energy efficiency programme
continues to utilise internal funding for energy efficiency
projects. We continue to explore new technologies and
advanced strategies to assist in our programme of energy
reduction and through 2015/16 a further £1.3 million has
been invested in new energy efficiency initiatives.
LED lighting has featured heavily in our 2015/16 energy
efficiency programme and is delivering excellent results
through energy savings and improvements to our shopping
environment. 19 stores and offices in two distribution centres
were converted to LED lighting during 2015/16 along with
our Retail Support Centre in Acton and one of two buildings
at our Newark Distribution Centre. LED lighting is the standard
technology adopted in all new stores.
Energy efficiency projects have been completed in an additional
12 stores to further optimise our energy usage which include
fine adjustments to temperature set-points, tuned heating and
lighting strategies, and the installation of lighting controls.
The resulting reduction in our energy consumption from the
above initiatives will be approximately 4,300 mWh per annum,
reducing our carbon emissions by over 2,200 tonnes of CO2
in the next year.
In collaboration with our landlords, roof-mounted Solar
Photovoltaic (PV) installations have been successfully
completed at two large retail locations in Coventry and
Southampton and our water leak detection programme
continues through consumption analysis to highlight
irregularities and ensures optimum efficiency.
Energy efficiency initiative
Dixons Carphone is delighted to have been once again
selected to participate in the Department of Energy & Climate
Change – EDR (Energy Demand Reduction) pilot scheme,
phase 2. Similar to phase 1, this initiative is linked to the large
scale roll-out of energy-efficient LED lighting to our second
750,000 sq ft national distribution centre building in Newark
and represents our largest investment in a single energy
efficiency project to date. Completion is expected by
September 2016.
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Corporate Responsibility
Carbon management and legislation
During phase 2, year 2 of the Carbon Reduction Commitment
(‘CRC’) energy efficiency scheme, Dixons Carphone’s
combined reported emissions have reduced over 15% against
the 2014/15 CRC year which represents a reduction in excess
of 20,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Dixons Carphone merged its reporting against the CRC,
energy efficiency scheme for the 2015/16 CRC year under
Dixons Carphone plc, registration number CRC6030144.
The Dixons Retail plc CRC account, registration number
CRC8584817, was selected for and successfully passed
a compliance audit during 2015/16 prior to closure of
this account.
Carbon Disclosure Project (‘CDP’)
We plan to submit our response to the CDP Climate Change
Information Disclosure questionnaire for 2015/16 by the
30 June 2016 deadline.
EU Directive 2012/27/EU, Article 8 (Energy Efficiency)
This EU Directive was transposed into UK & Irish legislation as
the ‘Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme’ and the ‘Energy
Audit Scheme’ respectively. Dixons Carphone complied with
the requirements of this new legislation in advance of the
December 2015 deadline.
Mandatory Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’)
reporting
This section provides the emission data and supporting
information required by The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic
Report and Directors’ Report) Regulations 2013, Part 7:
Disclosures Concerning Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
This report covers the international operations of the Group,
including the UK & Ireland, the Nordics and Southern Europe.
Operational control has been used to determine organisational
boundary. All scope one and two emissions are included
except where noted.
Category / source of
emissions
Emissions from
combustion of
fuel(2)
Emissions from
operation
of any facility(3)
Emissions from
purchase
of electricity
2015/16
2014/15
2014/15
Tonnes of
CO2e
emitted(1a)
Increase /
(decrease)
%
Tonnes of
CO2e
emitted(1a)
Tonnes of
CO2e
emitted(1b)
20,614
4.3%
19,760 21,077
2,797
(23.6)%
3,661
3,680
109,534
(14.2)%
127,607 130,819
132,945
(12.0)% 151,028 155,576
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
2015/16
2014/15
2014/15
Tonnes
of CO2e
emitted per
1,000 sq ft
of floor
area(2)
Tonnes
of CO2e
emitted per
1,000 sq ft
of floor
area(1a,2,4)
Tonnes
of CO2e
emitted per
1,000 sq ft
of floor
area(1b,2,4)
Dixons Retail intensity
measure
Carphone Warehouse
intensity measure
Dixons Carphone intensity
measure
5.76
5.73
5.73
13.75
17.41
17.70
6.36
–
–
(1a) Exclusions comprise: franchises as they do not fall directly under
the Group’s operational control; emissions from Carphone
Warehouse’s divested retail operations in Germany and the
Netherlands. The divested operations have been excluded from
2015/16 GHG reporting numbers and a restated number (with the
same exclusions) has been provided for 2014/15 for comparison
on a like-for-like basis.
(1b) Tonnes of CO2e emitted as reported in last year’s (2014/15) report,
including Germany and the Netherlands.
(2) Overall floor area of the Dixons Carphone business is estimated to
be 20,889,357 sq ft. This is split between the Dixons Retail
business which is estimated to be 19,304,134 sq ft (20,659,929 sq
ft restated for 2014/15) and the overall floor area of the Carphone
Warehouse business is estimated to be 1,585,223 sq ft (2,106,753
sq ft estimated for 2014/15). The calculations use the
methodology set out in Defra’s updated greenhouse gas reporting
guidance, Environmental Reporting Guidelines (ref. PB 13944),
issued in June 2013.
(3) Refrigerant data from the Wednesbury Carphone Warehouse site
was not included as the data was not available (although this is
estimated to be less than 1% of total emissions for the Group).
(4) The overall floor area of the Dixons Retail and the Carphone
Warehouse businesses as reported in 2014/15 was found to be in
error owing to issues in data collection and data reliability. These
issues have been addressed and the intensity figures for 2014/15
have been restated using the corrected floor area.
Ethical sourcing
Many of our electrical products are sourced through major
international brands, which have their own strong ethical and
environmental policies in place. The Group operates its own
Ethical Sourcing Policy based on the Social Accountability
8000 and the FTSE4Good criteria and takes into account the
recent introduction of the Modern Slavery Act. We work
closely with organisations such as the Supplier Ethical Data
Exchange (‘Sedex’) and the British Retail Consortium to ensure
our policies and procedures remain relevant.
We have our own social and ethical auditing team and audit
suppliers of our own brand products, prior to selection, against
strict trading terms and operating procedures. Included within
these terms are minimum standards in respect of health and
safety, wages, working hours, equal opportunities, freedom of
association, collective bargaining and disciplinary procedures.
It is also against our terms of operation to employ any forced
or child labour. Once the audits are complete, suppliers are
rated on a traffic light basis. Green status on an audit indicates
that a supplier meets or exceeds all of our standards. Amber
status indicates that some of the standards required have not
been fully met. Red status means that some significant failures
were identified against our Ethical Sourcing Policy standards.
Suppliers are approved if they reach either green or amber
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Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (‘WEEE’)
We provide access for charities and re-use companies to our
16 customer service centre depots across the estate where
selected white goods units are picked for potential re-use.
This year 67,000 units were re-used in the third sector,
providing local communities across the UK with affordable
products. Alongside the social benefit, this initiative saved
around 7,000 tonnes of CO2. For the 1.1 million units that
cannot be re-used, which equates to around 55,000 tonnes,
these are recycled and sorted into the various grades of metal /
other materials to be manufactured into new products.
This Strategic Report was approved by the Board and signed
on its behalf by:
Sebastian James
Group Chief Executive
28 June 2016
Humphrey Singer
Group Finance Director
28 June 2016
status in our audits. Once suppliers have been approved they
remain subject to regular checks and audits and their status
may be adjusted accordingly. These supplier audits are carried
out with a view to assisting them in improving their working
practices and we work with factories where failures have been
identified. Wherever we can, we work with the supplier to make
improvements; where this is not possible or no improvements
are made, they will not be approved as a supplier, or will be
delisted as appropriate. During the year under review, 21
suppliers were classified as red, failed to make improvements
and therefore the Group did not approve them to supply our
branded products or they were delisted.
The results of ethical supply chain audits carried out during the
period under review are:
Red
Amber
Green
Total
audits
Delisted /
Not
approved
Audit status
26
97
–
123
21
Waste and recycling
We strive to deliver continuous improvements to our recycling
and sustainability programme. All recyclate from our stores is
now backhauled to our national recycling facility at Newark.
Across our estate, our 16 customer service centre depots have
standardised equipment to deliver consistent grades of
cardboard, plastic and expanded polystyrene to our recyclers
in order to ensure we utilise the transport to a maximum and
obtain the best value we can achieve for our material. Our
volumes increased by 126 tonnes since 2014/15. Working with
our recyclers we have been able to deliver to the hierarchy of
waste requirements to provide single stream materials for
recycling, thus providing high-quality raw materials into
manufacturing processes preventing the need for further virgin
materials to be purchased.
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35
Accounts 2015/16
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Board of Directors
Sir Charles Dunstone
N
Chairman
Humphrey Singer
Group Finance Director
Sir Charles Dunstone is the Chairman of Dixons Carphone and the
Nominations Committee. He is the founder of Carphone Warehouse
and was chairman of Carphone Warehouse from 28 January 2010. He
was chief executive officer of Carphone Warehouse from 1989 to 2010
where he led its growth to become one of Europe’s largest independent
telecommunications retailers. Sir Charles was also appointed chairman
of TalkTalk plc in 2010. He was previously non-executive director of
Daily Mail and General Trust plc and Independent Media Distribution plc
(now Independent Media Distribution Limited). Sir Charles was
chairman of The Prince’s Trust from 2009 to 2015, having been a
member of its Council since 2000. Sir Charles is a partner in Freston
Road Investments LLP and also chairman of Royal Museums
Greenwich and BAR Racing.
Humphrey Singer was appointed Group Finance Director of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. He was appointed group finance director of
Dixons in September 2011, having joined its board in July 2011. Since
joining Dixons in 2007, he has held a number of finance roles, namely
finance director of Currys, group financial controller, and finance
director of the UK & Ireland division. Prior to joining Dixons, he held a
number of finance roles at Cadbury Schweppes plc and Coca-Cola
Enterprises UK Limited, including finance director at the latter.
Humphrey is also a non-executive director of Taylor Wimpey plc.
Katie Bickerstaffe
Chief Executive, UK & Ireland
Sebastian James
Group Chief Executive
Sebastian James was appointed Group Chief Executive of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. He joined Dixons in April 2008 and held various
roles, including group operations director, prior to his appointment as
group chief executive in February 2012. Before joining Dixons,
Sebastian was chief executive officer of Synergy Insurance Services
Limited and was strategy director at Mothercare plc. He started his
career at The Boston Consulting Group. Sebastian is also a non-
executive director of Direct Line Insurance Group plc and trustee of the
charities Save the Children and Techknowledge for Schools.
Katie Bickerstaffe was appointed an Executive Director of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. She retained her responsibilities as Chief
Executive of UK & Ireland for the Dixons business on merger and from
1 May 2015 assumed responsibility for the whole UK & Ireland division.
Katie joined the Dixons board on 20 February 2012 and was the chief
executive of UK & Ireland for Dixons. She joined Dixons as director of
marketing, people and property in June 2008. In addition to her
executive position she is also non-executive director of Scottish and
Southern Energy plc. Previously, Katie was managing director of Kwik
Save Limited and group retail director and group HR director at
Somerfield plc. Her earlier career included roles at Dyson Limited,
PepsiCo Inc. and Unilever PLC.
Andrew Harrison
Deputy Chief Executive
Graham Stapleton
Chief Executive,
Connected World Services
Andrew Harrison was appointed Deputy Chief Executive of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. Before this, Andrew had been with Carphone
Warehouse since 1995 and became a plc board member in 2006, a role
he held until the formation of the joint venture with Best Buy in 2008.
Andrew played key roles in establishing the TalkTalk business and in
expanding the Best Buy Mobile operation in the US. Andrew also
retained responsibility for both the Carphone Warehouse and Phone
House operations and in 2010 he was appointed chief executive officer
of the Best Buy Europe joint venture. Following the conclusion of the
joint venture in 2013, Andrew became group chief executive of
Carphone Warehouse. Andrew is also a non-executive director of
Ocado Group PLC and a trustee of Techknowledge for Schools.
Graham Stapleton was appointed an Executive Director of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. Graham is Chief Executive of Connected World
Services and manages its relationship with Sprint Corporation. He was
previously chief executive officer of UK & Ireland for Carphone
Warehouse. He joined Carphone Warehouse in 2005 and has held a
variety of board positions in both the UK and Europe. Graham is also
a trustee at the children's charity Make-A-Wish. Previously Graham
worked for Kingfisher plc and Marks and Spencer plc.
Key
A
N
R
Audit Committee
Nominations Committee
Remuneration Committee
36
Dixons Carphone plc
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Lord Livingston of Parkhead
Deputy Chairman
N
R
Lord Livingston of Parkhead joined the Board as Deputy Chairman and
Non-Executive Director on 16 December 2015. He is Chairman of the
Remuneration Committee and a member of the Nominations
Committee. He previously held the position of chief executive officer at
BT Group plc from 2008 to 2013; prior to that he was chief executive
officer of BT Retail and group chief financial officer of BT. He is a
Chartered Accountant and previously held the position of chief financial
officer of Dixons between 1996 and 2002, having served in a number of
roles over more than a decade with the company. Prior to that he held
various roles within 3i Group, Bank of America and Arthur Andersen.
From 2013 to 2015, Lord Livingston was Minister of State for Trade
and Investment. He was also non-executive director of Hilton Group plc
and Freeserve plc. He is currently chairman of Man Group plc, a
non-executive director of Celtic plc and Belmond Ltd, and a trustee
of Jewish Care.
Tony DeNunzio CBE
Senior Independent Director
RN
Tony DeNunzio CBE joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director on
16 December 2015. Tony is Senior Independent Director and a member
of both the Nominations Committee and the Remuneration Committee.
He held the position of president and chief executive officer of
Asda/Walmart UK from 2002 to 2005, having previously served as chief
financial officer of Asda PLC. He started his career in the fast-moving
consumer goods sector with financial positions in Unilever plc, L’Oréal
and PepsiCo Inc. He was also previously non-executive director of
Alliance Boots GmbH, chairman of Maxeda Retail Group BV, and
deputy chairman and senior independent director of MFI Furniture
Group plc (now Howden Joinery Group plc). He has also been chairman
of the advisory board of Manchester Business School and was awarded
a CBE for services to retail in 2005. Tony is non-executive chairman of
Pets at Home Group Plc, non-executive director of PrimaPrix SL and
senior adviser at Kohlberg, Kravis, Roberts & Co L.P.
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Independent Non-Executive Director
RN
Andrea Gisle Joosen was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of
Dixons Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons
Retail with Carphone Warehouse. Andrea joined Dixons as a non-
executive director on 1 March 2013. She is currently chairman of
Teknikmagasinet AB and a non-executive director of ICA Gruppen AB,
James Hardie Industries plc, Mr Green & Co AB and BillerudKorsnäs
AB. Former roles include non-executive director of Lighthouse Group,
chief executive of Boxer TV Access AB in Sweden and managing
director (Nordic region) of Panasonic, Chantelle AB and Twentieth
Century Fox. Her early career involved several senior marketing roles
with Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson.
Tim How
Independent Non-Executive Director
R
Tim How was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse. Tim joined Dixons as a non-executive director on
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8 September 2009 and became senior independent director on 9 May
2012. He holds a variety of external board positions, including chairman
of Woburn Enterprises Limited, senior independent director of
Henderson Group plc and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals
NHS Foundation Trust, and chairman of Roys (Wroxham) Limited.
Former roles include chairman of Rayner and Keeler Limited and Enotria
Wine Group Limited, and non-executive director of Peabody Capital
plc. Tim served as chief executive of Majestic Wine plc, where he led
the management buy-out of the business and subsequent Alternative
Investment Market (AIM) flotation. Prior to this, he was managing
director of Bejam Group plc.
Jock Lennox
Independent Non-Executive Director
A
Jock Lennox was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of Dixons
Carphone on 6 August 2014 following the merger of Dixons Retail with
Carphone Warehouse and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. Jock
joined Dixons Retail as a non-executive director on 10 January 2012.
He is a Chartered Accountant and worked for over 30 years (20 years
as a partner) for EY (formerly Ernst & Young) in the UK and globally. He
retired from EY in 2009 and has subsequently acted as a non-executive
director of a number of companies. He was also a council member of
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. He is currently
senior independent director of Oxford Instruments plc and Hill & Smith
Holdings PLC, a non-executive director of A&J Mucklow Group plc and
EnQuest plc, and a trustee of the Tall Ships Youth Trust.
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Independent Non-Executive Director
A
Baroness Morgan of Huyton is a Non-Executive Director of Dixons
Carphone and joined Carphone Warehouse as a non-executive director
on 28 January 2010. She was a non-executive director of Carphone
Warehouse from 2005 to 2010, prior to the demerger with TalkTalk.
From 2001 to 2005, she was director of government relations at
10 Downing Street. Prior to this, Baroness Morgan was political
secretary to the Prime Minister from 1997 to 2001 and was appointed
Minister for Women and Equalities in 2001. In 2006, she was appointed
as a board member of the Olympic Delivery Authority. She was
previously chair of Ofsted and a member of the advisory committee of
Virgin Group Holdings Limited. She is currently an advisor to the board
of the children’s charity ARK and a non-executive director of
Countryside Properties PLC.
Gerry Murphy
Independent Non-Executive Director
A
Gerry Murphy is a Non-Executive Director of Dixons Carphone and
joined Carphone Warehouse as a non-executive director on 2 April
2014. He is a former Deloitte LLP partner and was leader of its
Professional Practices Group with direct industry experience in
consumer business, retail and technology, media and
telecommunications. He was a member of the Deloitte board and
chairman of its audit committee for a number of years and also
chairman of the Audit & Assurance Faculty of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants in England and Wales. Gerry was appointed as a non-
executive board member of the Department of Health on 1 August 2014
and a non-executive director of Capital & Counties Properties PLC on
1 March 2015.
Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Corporate Governance Report
Chairman’s introduction
I have great pleasure in presenting my introduction to the
Corporate Governance section of the Annual Report and
Accounts 2015/16. We are now well into the amalgamation
of our businesses and are fully aware of our responsibility in
ensuring our corporate governance practices and procedures
are ‘fit for purpose’ under the new structure. I set out below
how the Company has embraced good corporate governance
practice and how we will use this to form a stable foundation
for the building of shareholder value.
As part of the annual reviews, the non-executive directors were
asked to confirm that they continue to have enough time to
dedicate to Company business and all have formally done so.
As a unitary Board the directors acknowledge their joint
responsibility for the business’s success. We have clearly
differentiated the roles between executive management
running the business and our non-executives, who provide the
appropriate level of scrutiny and oversight. In this way, the
directors work together to challenge as well as support each
other, with the aim being effective decision-making, leadership
and accountability for all aspects of the business.
Corporate governance
Induction
Good corporate governance is at the heart of any well-run
business. We have reviewed and updated our Group policies
and procedures to comply with best practice. Our Board
policies, such as diversity, time commitment, the role
descriptions of the Chairman, Group Chief Executive and
Senior Independent Director, external appointments and
external advice are reviewed and refreshed annually. The
Board has reviewed and adopted our practices against the
2014 UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’), bringing
the business’s policies and practices into alignment.
Changes to the Board
On 16 December 2015 Lord Livingston of Parkhead joined the
Board as Deputy Chairman and Tony DeNunzio CBE as Senior
Independent Director. Roger Taylor and John Gildersleeve
stepped down at the same time, and the Board would like to
take this opportunity to thank them warmly for their advice and
service to the Board and the business as a whole. Lord
Livingston and Tony DeNunzio possess considerable
experience gained throughout their business careers and will
undoubtedly make valuable contributions.
Role and composition of the Board
The members of the Board are as set out on pages 36 to 37
of this Report.
The Nominations Committee reviews each year the
composition of the Board, including the independence and
commitment to the Company shown by the non-executive
directors during the year. That review also includes gender,
professional and international diversity. The Board has three
female directors, one of whom is not based in the UK and who
provides strong support on matters relating to the European
business environment.
The directors have continued to widen their knowledge of the
business as a whole through formal presentations, visits to
stores and facilities, and informal discussions. Lord Livingston
and Tony DeNunzio participated in tailored induction
programmes upon joining the Board, including meetings with
key company executives.
Board evaluation
In 2016 the triennial external Board evaluation was carried out
on behalf of the Company by NJMD Corporate Services
Limited, an independent consultancy, which has no connection
to Dixons Carphone. The evaluation involved an in-depth
review of the Board’s activities, the directors’ interaction and
their effectiveness in carrying out their roles. Further
information can be found on pages 43 and 56.
Committee structure
The main committees of the Board are the Audit, Nominations
and Remuneration committees. Each has a dedicated section
in this Report. Beneath Board level there are further
management level committees which report back to the
Board as necessary.
Conclusion
We possess a strong, balanced and diverse Board supported
by sound policies and procedures. This provides us with a
good platform to grasp the opportunities that the future will
bring. My fellow directors and I look forward to meeting you at
this year’s Annual General Meeting in September.
After this year’s review it was again concluded that the Board
possessed the necessary skills and experience to discharge its
duties fully and to challenge management effectively.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Chairman
28 June 2016
The Board and Committees Structure
Dixons Carphone Board
Audit Committee1
Nominations Committee2
Remuneration Committee3
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1 Audit Committee pages 50 to 54
2 Nominations Committee pages 55 to 56
3 Remuneration Committee pages 57 to 81
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Corporate Governance statement
The Board confirms that throughout the year ended 30 April
2016 and as at the date of this Annual Report and Accounts,
the Company has, except to the extent stated below, been in
compliance with the Code.
The Company did not have a Senior Independent Director
(‘SID’) after the resignation of John Allan on 17 February 2015.
The Board undertook a thorough selection and search process
for the most appropriate candidate and the Company was fully
compliant following Tony DeNunzio’s appointment as the SID
from 16 December 2015.
This Report, together with the Directors’ Report and the
reports from the Audit, Nominations and Remuneration
committees together provide details of how the Company has
applied the principles and complied with the provisions of the
Code during the year. The Code can be obtained from the
Financial Reporting Council’s website, www.frc.org.uk.
Board responsibilities
The overriding responsibility of the Board is to provide clear,
entrepreneurial and responsible leadership to the Group within
a framework of efficient and effective controls so as to allow
the key issues and risks facing the business to be assessed
and managed.
Composition of the Board
As at 30 April 2016 and as at the date of approval of this
Annual Report and Accounts, the Board comprises 13
members: the Chairman, five executive directors and seven
non-executive directors, each of whom is determined by the
Board to be independent in character and judgement and who
provide effective challenge to the Board and the business.
These directors are Tony DeNunzio, Andrea Gisle Joosen,
Tim How, Jock Lennox, Lord Livingston of Parkhead,
Baroness Morgan of Huyton and Gerry Murphy. More than
half the directors, excluding the Chairman, are therefore
considered to be independent in accordance with the Code.
The Board recognises that since 2005 Baroness Morgan has
been a non-executive director of Carphone Warehouse.
Accordingly her independent status was subjected to further
and specific scrutiny. The Board does not believe her length of
tenure affects her independence, having evidenced her
commitment and independent stance throughout her dealings
with the business and her fellow directors.
At last year’s annual general meeting Gerry Murphy was
re-elected as director with less than 90% of the votes cast,
due, principally, to a perceived lack of independence. The
Board, whilst taking into account shareholders’ concerns,
considers that no ‘material business relationship’ existed
between Gerry Murphy and the Company from the date of his
ceasing to be an audit partner to Carphone Warehouse in 2011
and accordingly, the Board continues to consider him to be
independent.
In accordance with the Code, each director will stand for
election or re-election at the Company’s Annual General
Meeting. Biographical information is shown on pages 36 to 37.
The division of responsibility between the Chairman and the
Group Chief Executive is formally defined, set out in writing
and is reviewed by the Board on an annual basis, as it was in
March 2016. The Chairman is responsible for the overall
operation, leadership and governance of the Board. The Group
Chief Executive is responsible for the executive management
of the Group’s business and for implementing the Group’s
strategic and commercial objectives.
The role of the SID is to support the Chairman and be available
to any shareholders who feel they are unable to raise issues
with the Chairman directly. With the addition of Tony DeNunzio
as SID, the Board has a strong complement of independent
non-executive directors available for shareholders to contact
with any questions they may have. Under the clearly-defined
role of the SID, set out in writing and reviewed annually by the
Board, the SID also discusses, with the Chairman, the results
of the latter’s performance review.
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
39
Corporate Governance Report
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Board topics considered throughout the financial year 2015/16
2015
May
• Three-year plan
• Budgetary approval
• Property rationalisation
• Banking facilities
• Appointment of Company Secretary
• Internal Board effectiveness review
• Corporate governance update
June
• Q4 trading statement
• Risk management review
• Sprint partnership
• Competition law update
• Nordic strategy session
July
• Final dividend approval
• Preliminary announcement and
Annual Report and Accounts
approval
• Group strategic initiatives
• Banking facilities
• Group policies approval
• Corporate governance update
September
• Annual General Meeting
• Q1 trading statement
• Data Protection and Information
Security policies review
• Anti-bribery, Gifts and Hospitality,
and Health and Safety policies
approval
• Financial Conduct Authority (‘FCA’)
regulatory updates
• Brokers’ update
October
• Banking and treasury matters
• Board Schedule 2016
• UK & Ireland strategy session
December
• Interim dividend approval
• Interim announcement approval
• Appointments of Deputy Chairman
and Senior Independent Director
and resignations of Non-Executive
Directors
• Audit and Nominations committees
terms of reference
• Cyber security and IT roadmap
• FCA regulatory updates
• Treasury transactions
2016
January
• Christmas trading update
• Three-year plan
• Investor relations activities
• Talent review and succession
planning update
• FCA regulatory updates
March
• Shareholder communications
• Risk management and risk appetite
review
• Insurance review
• Financial Crime Policy approval
• Schedule of Matters reserved
for the Board
• Remuneration Committee Terms
of Reference
• Treasury transactions
Reserved matters
There are documented schedules of matters reserved for the
Board and matters delegated to committees of the Board. The
formal Schedule of Matters reserved for the Board was last
reviewed in March 2016 and includes:
• approval of published financial statements and
dividend policy;
• declaration of interim and recommendation of
final dividends;
Chairman’s responsibilities
• manage the Board;
• represent the interests of the shareholders;
• approve Group strategy, its implementation and the
performance and profitability of the Group;
• seek new business development opportunities;
• effectively chair Board, Nominations Committee
and shareholder meetings;
• approval of budget and Group strategy and objectives;
• ensure Board effectiveness in his role;
• appointment and remuneration of directors, Company
Secretary and other senior executives;
• approval of major acquisitions and disposals;
• approval of authority levels for expenditure;
• approval of Group policies;
• approval of treasury / internal control and risk
management policies; and
• approval of shareholder communications.
• ensure clear and effective running of the committees;
• promote, with the Company Secretary, the highest
standards of corporate governance;
• facilitate effective contributions of the non-executive
directors;
• ensure constructive relations between the executive
and non-executive directors; and
• oversee the process of induction, development and
performance evaluation and succession planning of
the Board.
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Group Chief Executive’s responsibilities
Board attendance
• formulate the Group strategy and direction (with the
Chairman) and develop Group objectives;
• deliver Group profitability;
• provide leadership to the Group and senior management
The Board attended eight scheduled meetings as well as
two strategy sessions and two unscheduled meetings
during the period under review. The Board has met once
since the year end.
and ensure effective performance and succession;
Member
Appointed
Resigned
Attendance
• ensure Group policies and procedures conform to a high
standard;
• review the effectiveness of the Group’s organisational
structure;
• identify acquisition and disposal opportunities and other
opportunities outside core activities;
• oversee management succession;
• manage Group risk profile and ensure internal controls
and risk mitigation measures are in place;
• represent the Company in the City, with government
departments, key stakeholders and any other relevant
institutions;
• oversee the establishment of operational and support
functions including finance, human resources, risk
management and control functions; and
• set standards of performance throughout the Group.
Senior Independent Director’s (‘SID’) responsibilities
• be available to communicate with shareholders;
Sir Charles Dunstone
Sebastian James
Katie Bickerstaffe
Tony DeNunzio CBE(1)
16 Dec 2015
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Andrew Harrison
Tim How
Jock Lennox
Lord Livingston of
16 Dec 2015
Parkhead(1)
Baroness Morgan
of Huyton
Gerry Murphy
Humphrey Singer
Graham Stapleton(2)
Former Directors
John Gildersleeve(3)
Roger Taylor(3)
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8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
2 of 2
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
2 of 2
8 of 8
8 of 8
8 of 8
7 of 8
16 Dec 2015
16 Dec 2015
6 of 6
6 of 6
• appraise the performance of the Chairman annually
(1) Tony DeNunzio and Lord Livingston attended both Board
with the Board;
• oversee an orderly succession for the position of
Chairman;
• support the Chairman in the performance of his duties;
and
• work with the Chairman, other directors and
shareholders to resolve significant issues and to maintain
Board and Company stability in periods of stress.
meetings following their appointments.
(2) Graham Stapleton was unable to attend one meeting due
to prior business commitments in the US.
(3) John Gildersleeve and Roger Taylor attended all Board
meetings prior to their resignations.
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
41
Corporate Governance Report
Committee members
There are three main Board committees: Audit, Nominations and Remuneration. The committees are provided with sufficient
resources via the Company Secretary and, where necessary, have direct access to independent professional advisors to
undertake their duties.
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Sir Charles Dunstone
Lord Livingston of Parkhead(1)
Tony DeNunzio CBE
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Tim How
Jock Lennox
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Gerry Murphy
Former Directors
John Gildersleeve(2)
Roger Taylor
C – Chairman
M – Member
Audit
(pages 50 to 54)
Nominations
(pages 55 to 56)
Remuneration
(pages 57 to 81)
C
M
M
M
M
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M
M
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M
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M
M
(1) Lord Livingston was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee upon his appointment to the Board on 16 December 2015.
(2) John Gildersleeve was Chairman of the Remuneration Committee until his resignation on 16 December 2015.
New directors appointed to the Board receive a personal
induction programme, together with guidance and training
appropriate to their level of previous experience. Each director
is given the opportunity to meet with senior management and
store colleagues and to visit the Group’s sites both in the UK
and overseas. This enables familiarisation with the businesses,
operations, systems and markets in which the Group operates.
New directors are also encouraged to meet with the Group’s
auditor and advisors. As newly appointed Non-Executive
Directors, both Lord Livingston and Tony DeNunzio were given
individual induction programmes tailored to their specific roles,
as Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director
respectively, and also as members of the Nominations and
Remuneration committees.
The Board receives updates on corporate governance best
practice as appropriate throughout the year.
Board governance matters
The Chairman is responsible for ensuring that all directors are
properly briefed on issues arising at Board meetings and that
they have full and timely access to relevant information. The
Company uses an electronic board paper system which
enables the safe and secure dissemination of quality
information to the Board. All Board papers are sent out on a
timely basis with sufficient information for the directors to be
able to discharge their duties. The format, content and timely
production of Board papers is a continually evolving process to
ensure relevance and clarity of communication. Formal
minutes of the Board and committee meetings are prepared by
the Company Secretary and approved by the Board and
committees at their next meeting.
The Chairman meets regularly with all the non-executive
directors, usually on an evening prior to a Board meeting when
board dinners are held. This provides the opportunity to
discuss, amongst other matters, corporate strategy and
business performance.
The Board holds meetings at a variety of the Group’s locations,
including overseas, to assist all Board members in gaining a
deeper understanding of the business. This also provides
senior management across the Group with the opportunity to
meet the Board. This year, Board meetings were held in
Newark in Nottinghamshire as well as in Norway and Greece.
Visiting our various operational locations also enables the
Board to meet other members of the team, and to visit stores
throughout the business’s portfolio.
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Following the results of the evaluation, the Board confirms that
all directors continue to be effective and demonstrate a
commitment to the role, including having time to attend all
necessary meetings and to carry out other appropriate duties.
The conclusion of the report was that no major areas for action
were identified. The main points were, that whilst there was:
• evidence of a high degree of director satisfaction with the
effectiveness of the Board and with the Chairman; and
• a suitable mix of skills, including FTSE 100 directorial
experience, along with financial, retail, operational
management and marketing skills,
the Board could modify some of its practices to increase their
effectiveness.
Recommendations included actively refreshing the Board’s
governance, compliance and company knowledge through
more frequent training sessions from external advisors and
in-house briefings from senior management. The Board has set
aside time on the current Board agenda as appropriate for
these training and briefing sessions to occur. It was further
recommended that the Board more regularly reviews the
longer-term optimal balance of the Board, including placing
even more emphasis on diversity, especially regarding age
and ethnicity.
Capital and constitutional disclosures
Information on the Company’s share capital and constitution
required to be included in this Corporate Governance
statement is contained in the Directors’ Report on page 48.
Such information is incorporated into this Corporate
Governance statement by reference and is
deemed to be part of it.
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Succession planning
Last year succession planning was identified as an area where
greater focus was required. This was addressed by the
refreshing of the Board and appointment of two new members,
and planning continues for the future. In seeking an optimal
balance of skills, experience, independence and knowledge
required at Board level, the directors endeavour to satisfy
themselves that adequate plans are in place to ensure an
orderly succession of appointments to the Board and senior
management. The Board reviewed in detail succession plans
for senior management at the meeting in January 2016.
Performance evaluation
The Code recommends that the performance of the Board be
reviewed externally every three years. Last year the Company
Secretary facilitated an internal evaluation of Board
performance and that of the Audit, Nominations and
Remuneration committees. NJMD Corporate Services Limited
(‘NJMD’) was engaged to carry out the external review exercise
which commenced in October 2015. NJMD has no other
connection with the Company.
The review examined the level of skills, knowledge and
experience of the Board which involved all directors
responding to self-evaluation questionnaires. NJMD prepared
a discussion guide which formed the basis for open,
confidential and unattributable conversations with each of the
directors. The results of both the self-evaluation questionnaires
and discussions were collated into a comprehensive report.
NJMD submitted the draft report to the Chairman and the
Company Secretary which was then presented to the Board
for consideration at its May 2016 meeting.
The report addressed all matters relating to the performance of
the Board which included, but were not limited to, the roles of
the executive and non-executive directors, the Board, Board
committees, the Chairman, preparation for and performance at
meetings, the effectiveness of each director, leadership, culture
and corporate governance.
Tony DeNunzio led the Non-Executive Directors, in the
absence of the Chairman, in their annual appraisal of the
Chairman’s performance. He then discussed the results of that
review with the Chairman. The Board is again of the opinion
that the Chairman had no other significant commitments
during the year that adversely affected his performance in his
role, his effectiveness in leading the Board was not impaired
and that he cultivated an atmosphere for positive, challenging
and constructive debate.
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Corporate Governance Report
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Risk and internal controls
Risk management
Committed to effective risk management
The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s system of
internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness.
Effective risk management requires collective responsibility
and engagement across the entire business. Dixons
Carphone’s senior management team, operating through the
Group Risk & Compliance Committee, are accountable for:
• identifying, mitigating and managing risk in their areas of
responsibility; and
• implementing and monitoring controls which are designed
to mitigate the risks to which their area of the business is
exposed. The controls by their nature are designed to
manage rather than eliminate risk and can only provide
reasonable but not absolute assurance against material
misstatement or loss.
System of risk management and internal control
The system is built on the pillars of effective governance, risk
management, internal control and assurance. These are more
fully described below.
Governance
• A risk management policy and framework outlines the
principles and approach to risk management within the
business.
• The Group Director of Risk facilitates and manages the risk
management policy and framework throughout the Group.
• A formal risk identification process takes place to evaluate
and manage the significant risks faced by the Group in
accordance with the requirements of the Code and Financial
Reporting Council Guidance on Risk Management and
Internal Control. Risk is broadly identified against strategic,
operational, technological, financial, people, regulatory and
hazard / external categories. Details of the principal risks
and examples of mitigating actions can be found on pages
20 to 23 of the Strategic Report.
• A Group risk register, which identifies the risks faced by
each of the businesses, including regulated business, their
potential impact and likelihood of occurrence (assessed on a
gross and net basis), together with an evaluation of the key
controls and management processes established to mitigate
these risks. Each of the Group’s business units also
maintains a risk register. Action plans are determined to
enhance risk mitigation if required.
• The Board and its various committees have defined financial
• The Group Risk & Compliance Committee reports to the
authorities and operational responsibilities, which are
designed to enable effective decision-making and
organisational control.
• The Board has agreed a risk appetite that provides the
reference point against which to benchmark risk
management reviews and risk mitigation activity within the
organisation. The risk appetite defines the boundaries within
which risk-based decision-making can occur and outlines
the expectations for the operation of the control
environment.
• An organisation and management structure operates across
the business to enable the delivery of products and services
to our customers and operational control of business
activities in accordance with the risk appetite.
• Annual strategic planning and budgeting processes.
• Defined delegation of authorities that cascades throughout
the Group.
Audit Committee and meets quarterly to review the
management of risk arising out of the Group’s activities and
to monitor the status of key risks and actions at Group and
business unit level.
• Each of the Group’s business units has a risk committee
which identifies risk in accordance with the Group Risk
Management Framework. These committees meet to
consider risk and internal control matters for their respective
areas of responsibility.
Internal control
• A minimum control environment which defines detailed
financial, supplier funding, purchasing, payroll, capital
expenditure, treasury, B2B, information systems, stock
management, merchandise revenue and service revenue
controls to be applied by all business operations.
• Each business unit operates a control environment to satisfy
legal, regulatory, Group and customer requirements.
• A Group policy framework contains the core compliance
policies which all employees are required to observe.
• Compliance policy owners are responsible for managing and
improving standards in their respective areas of
accountability across all our operations.
• Processes exists that govern the way in which we
operate our retail, wholesale, logistics, distribution and
service operations. The operation of these processes
provides assurance on the standard of our customer and
service delivery.
• A system of quarterly business reviews covering financial
and operational reporting by each business unit which
involves comparison of actual results with the original
budget and the updating of a full year forecast.
• Annual objective setting and performance reviews.
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Assurance
Statement on risk management and internal control
• Annual minimum control questionnaires, which require
attestation that controls are being operated, are completed
by all Dixons Carphone operations.
• An ongoing programme of control improvement is underway
in each business unit to enhance control operation as the
unit evolves.
• An internal audit function provides the Audit Committee with
an independent assessment of the Group’s system of
internal control, through reviewing how effectively key risks
are being managed, and assists management in the effective
discharge of its responsibilities by carrying out independent
appraisals and making recommendations for improvement.
• Certain aspects of the Group’s activities are also subject to
regulatory control by external bodies such as the FCA.
• The operation of a 24/7 whistleblowing hotline to enable
reporting of breaches of ethical or policy requirements.
• External audit conducts statutory audits across our
operations.
The system of risk management and internal control described
in this Report was in place and effective throughout the period
under review and up to the date of approval of the Annual
Report and Accounts 2015/16.
The effectiveness of these systems is regularly monitored and
reviewed by the Audit Committee and the systems refined as
necessary to meet changes in the Group’s business and
associated risks.
The Audit Committee is supported by the internal audit
function which provides an independent opinion on the
operation of controls through the delivery of its audit
programme. The system of risk management and internal
control can only provide reasonable and not absolute
assurance against material errors, losses, fraud or breaches of
laws and regulations.
The Board has carried out a robust assessment of the principal
risks facing the Company, including those that would threaten
its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. A
description of these risks, together with details of how they are
managed or mitigated, is set out on pages 20 to 23. The Board
also monitored the Company’s system of risk management
and internal control and has, at least once a year, conducted a
review of their effectiveness. The review covered all material
controls during the year and up to the date of the approval of
the Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16 which was approved
by the Audit Committee and the Board.
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A
Board
• Responsible for risk management and internal control
• Defines Dixons Carphone risk appetite
• Reviews and approves the business risk profile
Audit Committee
• Reviews the effectiveness
of risk management and
internal control
Group Risk & Compliance
Committee
• Reviews Group and business
unit risk profiles
• Approves the annual internal
and external audit plans
• Monitors the management
of key risks
• Considers the internal audit
reviews across the Group
• Considers new and
emerging risks
Executive Committee
• Accountable for the
implementation of the risk
management process and the
operation of the internal control
environment
Supported by
Group Director
of Risk
Internal audit
Business unit risk committees
and champions
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Accounts 2015/16
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Corporate Governance Report
Risk appetite
Communication with investors
Dixons Carphone faces a broad range of risks reflecting the
business environment in which it operates and the risks arising
from the Dixons Carphone business environment and
operating model can be significant. Successful financial
performance for the business is achieved by managing these
risks through intelligent decision-making and an effective
control environment that details the processes and controls
required to mitigate risk.
Dixons Carphone’s general risk appetite is a balanced one
that allows taking measured risk as it pursues its strategic
objectives whilst aiming to manage and minimise risk in its
operations. Dixons Carphone recognises that it is not possible
or necessarily desirable to eliminate all of the risks inherent in
its activities. Acceptance of some risk is often necessary to
foster innovation and growth within its business practices.
Internal audit
The Group has an internal audit department which conducts
reviews of selected business processes each year. The internal
audit programme for 2015/16 consisted of reviews across a
range of areas documented and prioritised in the Group’s
internal audit plan, which was prepared taking into account the
principal risks across the Group and approved with input from
management and the Audit Committee. The plan is designed
each year to test the robustness of mitigating controls and
ensure procedures are designed and operating effectively. Part
of the approval process of this plan involves the Audit
Committee’s consideration of alignment of the plan with the
principal risks faced by the Group.
The Audit Committee Chairman receives and reviews all
reports from the internal audit department detailing its material
findings from testing performed and any recommendations for
improvement. The Audit Committee receives a summary of
these reports at each meeting, with the full reports available to
all members on request. The internal audit team track and
report on the progress and implementation of action plans
agreed with management, and follow-up procedures are
performed once these actions and additional controls have
been put in place to ensure that the new controls and / or
procedures have been implemented effectively.
The Audit Committee considered the effectiveness of the
internal audit department through holding discussions with
management, considering the quality of reports submitted, the
timeliness of the clearance of action points and the perceived
impartiality of the audit team itself. The Committee concluded
that the internal audit department has in all respects been
effective during the period under review.
Authorisation of conflicts of interest
The Company has procedures in place to identify, authorise
and manage conflicts of interest, and these procedures have
operated effectively. Potential conflicts are approved by the
Board, or by two independent directors if authorisation is
needed quickly, and then reported to the main Board at its
next meeting. A register of directors’ conflicts is maintained.
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
The Board supports the initiatives set out in the Code and the
Stewardship Code and actively encourages engagement with
major institutional investors and other stakeholders. It believes
that it is important to explain business developments and
financial results to the Company’s shareholders and to
understand shareholder concerns. The principal communication
media used to impart information to shareholders are news
releases (including results announcements), investor
presentations and company publications.
The Group Chief Executive has principal responsibility for
investor relations. He is supported by a dedicated investor
relations department that, amongst other matters, organises
presentations for analysts and institutional investors. There
is a full programme of regular dialogue with major institutional
shareholders and potential shareholders as well as sell-side
analysts. In March 2016, a capital markets day was held and
attended by analysts and institutional investors that focused on
future plans for our consumer services offerings to be trialled in
summer 2016. In all such dialogue, care is taken to ensure that
no price-sensitive information is released.
The Chairman ensures that the Board receives updates on
investor relations matters at each Board meeting. The Board
also receives periodic reports on investors’ views of the
performance of the Company. The Chairman and non-
executive directors are available to meet with major
shareholders if such meetings are required, and the Chairman
of the Remuneration Committee communicates with major
shareholders on matters of remuneration and has conducted
various remuneration consultations. More information on the
remuneration consultations can be found in the Remuneration
Report on pages 57 to 81.
The Company is committed to fostering effective
communication with all of its members, be they institutional
investors, private or employee shareholders. The Company
communicates formally to its members when its full year and
half year results are published. These results are posted on the
investor relations part of the corporate website, as are other
external announcements and press releases.
The annual general meeting is an important medium by which
the Company communicates with shareholders, at which an
account of the progress of the business over the last year,
along with a review of current issues facing the business is
given. Shareholders are encouraged to ask questions and
the directors, including the Chairmen of the Board committees,
are in attendance to answer them. In accordance with the
Code, formal notification of the Company’s annual general
meeting is sent to shareholders at least 20 working days in
advance of the meeting.
Further financial and business information is available on the
Group’s corporate website, www.dixonscarphone.com.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Chairman
28 June 2016
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Directors’ Report
Corporate Governance statement
Directors
As required by Rule 7.2.1 of the UK Listing Authority’s
Disclosure and Transparency Rules (‘DTR’s) the Corporate
Governance statement is set out on page 39 of this Annual
Report and Accounts. All information detailed in the
Corporate Governance statement is incorporated by
reference into this Directors’ Report and is deemed to form
part of this Directors’ Report.
Disclosure and Transparency Rules
For the purposes of DTR 4.1.5R(2) and DTR 4.1.8, this
Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 35
comprise the management report.
Employee involvement
The Group places significant emphasis on its employees’
involvement at all levels of the organisation. Employees are
kept informed of issues affecting the Group through formal
and informal meetings and through the Group’s internal
publications. The management team regularly communicates
matters of current interest and concern with employees.
Further information on employee engagement is included
in the Corporate Responsibility report on pages 30 to 35.
Details of the employees’ involvement in the Group’s share
plans are contained in the Remuneration Report.
Employment of disabled people
The business is committed to providing equal opportunities in
recruitment, training and development, and promotion. We
encourage applications from individuals with disabilities who
can do the job effectively and candidates will be considered
for each role they apply for. All efforts are made to retain
disabled colleagues in our employment including making any
reasonable readjustments to their roles. Every endeavour is
made to find suitable alternative employment and to retrain
any employee who becomes disabled while serving the Group.
Information on greenhouse
gas emissions
The information on greenhouse gas emissions that the
Company is required to disclose is set out in the Corporate
Responsibility report on page 34. This information is
incorporated into this Directors’ Report by reference and
is deemed to form part of this report.
Donations
No political donations were made during the period by
the Group.
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Lord Livingston of Parkhead and Tony DeNunzio CBE were
appointed directors on 16 December 2015. On the same
date, John Gildersleeve and Roger Taylor both resigned
as directors.
The names, biographies and dates of appointment of the
current Board of directors are provided on pages 36 to 37.
With regard to the appointment and replacement of directors,
the Company is governed by its Articles of Association
(‘Articles’), the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’),
the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) and related legislation.
The Articles themselves may be amended by special
resolution of the shareholders. The Board has the power to
appoint new directors to fill a vacancy as long as the total
number of directors shall not exceed the maximum of 15 as
set out in the Articles. Any director appointed by the Board
will be appointed until the next annual general meeting where
they shall stand for election by shareholders.
In line with best practice and the Code, the Company has
determined that all directors will retire and offer themselves
for election or re-election at the 2016 Annual General
Meeting. The Remuneration Report provides details of
applicable service agreements for executive directors and
terms of appointment for non-executive directors. All the
directors proposed by the Board for either election or
re-election are being unanimously recommended for their
skills, experience and contribution they can bring to the
Board. This recommendation follows an independent
performance evaluation of the Board as a whole and the
contribution of individual directors.
During the year, no director had any material interest in any
contract of significance to the Group’s business. Their
interests, including those of any connected persons, in the
shares of the Company are outlined in the Remuneration
Report.
Subject to the Company’s Articles, the Act and any directions
given by the Company by special resolution, the business of
the Company will be managed by the Board which may
exercise all the powers of the Company, whether relating to
the management of the business of the Company or not.
The matters reserved for the Board are detailed in a specific
schedule, which is reviewed annually and details are provided
in the Corporate Governance Report.
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Directors’ Report
Directors’ indemnities and insurance
The Company has made qualifying third party indemnity
provisions (as defined in the Act) for the benefit of its directors
during the year; these provisions remain in force at the date of
this report.
In accordance with the Articles, and to the extent permitted
by law, the Company may indemnify its directors out of its
own funds to cover liabilities incurred as a result of their
office. The Group holds Directors’ and Officers’ Liability
Insurance cover for any claim brought against directors or
officers for wrongful acts in connection with their positions.
The insurance provided does not extend to claims arising
from fraud or dishonesty.
Information required by Listing
Rule 9.8.4R
Details of long-term incentive schemes as required by Listing
Rule 9.4.3R are located in the Directors’ Remuneration
Report on pages 57 to 81. Details of dividends waived by
shareholders are given on page 49 of this Directors’ Report.
There is no further information required to be disclosed under
Listing Rule 9.8.4R.
Directors’ responsibilities
The directors’ responsibilities for the financial statements
contained within this Annual Report and Accounts and the
directors’ confirmations required under DTR 4.1.12 are set
out on page 82.
Capital structure
The Company’s only class of share is ordinary shares. Details
of the movements in issued share capital during the year are
provided in note 22 to the Group financial statements. The
voting rights of Dixons Carphone shares are identical, with
each share carrying the right to one vote. Dixons Carphone
holds no shares in treasury.
Details of employee share schemes are provided in note 5 to
the Group financial statements. On 30 April 2016 the
Carphone Warehouse Employee Share Ownership Trust
(‘ESOT’) held 625,623 shares (2015: 791,100 shares) and the
Dixons Retail plc ESOT held 123,451 shares (2015: 151,829
shares). The Carphone Warehouse ESOT did not make any
market purchases of the Company’s shares, and the Dixons
Retail plc ESOT made market purchases of 1,914,308 shares
during the year under review.
Restrictions on transfer of securities
of the Company
There are no specific restrictions on the size of a holding nor
on the transfer of shares, which are both governed by the
general provisions of the Articles and prevailing legislation.
The directors are not aware of any agreements between
holders of the Company’s shares that may result in
restrictions on the transfer of securities or on voting rights.
No person has any special rights of control over the
Company’s share capital and all issued shares are fully paid.
Change of control – significant
agreements
All of the Company’s share incentive scheme rules contain
provisions which may cause options and awards granted
under these schemes to vest and become exercisable in the
event of a change of control.
The Group’s main committed borrowing facility has a change
of control clause whereby the participating banks can require
the Company to repay all outstanding amounts under the
facility agreement in the event of a change of control. The
Company is not aware of any other significant agreements,
such as commercial contracts and property lease
arrangements etc, to which it is party, that take effect, alter or
terminate upon a change of control in the Company.
Furthermore, the directors are not aware of any agreements
between the Company and its directors or employees that
provide for compensation for loss of office or employment
that occurs in the event of a takeover bid.
Significant shareholdings
At 30 April 2016, pursuant to Chapter 5 of the Disclosure and
Transparency Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority, the
shareholders with 3% or more in the voting rights of the
Company are:
Name
Standard Life
BlackRock
Lansdowne Partners
D P J Ross
AXA Group
Capital Group
Legal & General
Investment
Management
Number of shares
Percentage of
share capital
67,016,585
64,226,251
57,675,527
55,738,699
42,555,710
41,116,000
37,370,496
5.82%
5.58%
5.01%
4.84%
3.70%
3.57%
3.25%
At 28 June 2016, no change in these shareholdings had
been notified.
Directors’ interests in the Company’s shares and the
movements thereof are detailed in the Annual Remuneration
Report on pages 69 to 81.
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Dividend
Use of financial instruments
The Board has proposed a final dividend for the year ended
30 April 2016. Details of this and other dividends paid for the
year are as follows:
Information about the use of financial instruments is given in
note 26 to the Group financial statements.
Interim dividend
Final dividend
Total dividends
Year ended
30 April 2016
Year ended
2 May 2015
3.25p
6.50p
9.75p
2.50p
6.00p
8.50p
The right to receive any dividend has been waived by the
trustees of the Company’s ESOTs over a combined holding of
749,074 shares.
Issue of shares
In accordance with section 551 of the Act, shareholders can
authorise the directors to allot shares in the Company up to
one third of the issued share capital of the Company.
Accordingly, at the 2015 annual general meeting shareholders
approved a resolution to give the directors authority to allot
shares up to an aggregate nominal value of £383,820. The
directors have no present intention to issue ordinary shares,
other than pursuant to obligations under employee share
schemes. This resolution remains valid until the conclusion of
this year’s Annual General Meeting.
Authority was given by the shareholders at the 2015 annual
general meeting to purchase a maximum of 38,382,000
shares, such authority remaining valid for 15 months or until
the conclusion of the Company’s Annual General Meeting in
2016. The authority was not exercised during the period or
prior to the date of this Report. The Company will seek the
usual renewal of this authority at the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting but has no current intention to make
such purchases.
Auditor
Each director at the date of approval of this Annual Report
and Accounts confirms that:
•
•
so far as the director is aware, there is no relevant audit
information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware;
and
the director has taken all the steps that he / she ought to
have taken as a director in order to make himself / herself
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish
that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.
This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in
accordance with the provisions of section 418 of the Act.
Deloitte LLP have expressed their willingness to continue in
office as auditor and a resolution to re-appoint them will be
proposed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Certain information required to be included in this Directors’
Report may be found within the Strategic Report.
By Order of the Board
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Nigel Paterson
Company Secretary
28 June 2016
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Accounts 2015/16
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Audit Committee Report
Chairman’s statement
Introduction
I am pleased to present the report of the Audit Committee for
the year ended 30 April 2016. In this covering letter I set out
our key areas of activity in delivering on our objective of
ensuring that Dixons Carphone’s financial reporting and risk
management systems of internal control are effective and
appropriate.
Building on the activity and reporting of the Merger in
2014/15, this year the Committee has focused on overseeing
the bedding-down of reporting in the complex regulatory
and governance environment in which the Group operates.
This has entailed ensuring that the assurance activities
encompass, in proportionate measure, non-regulated and
regulated operations, the international footprint and the
risk profile of the Group. We have also considered the
terms of reference and workings of the Group Risk &
Compliance Committee.
New reporting requirements
The Committee considered the Group’s response to and
conformance with the new requirements of the 2014 UK
Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) and the Financial
Reporting Council (‘FRC’) Guidance on Risk Management,
Internal Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.
In particular this includes adopting the longer-term viability
statement for the first time. Management recommended a
three-year viability period to align with the Group’s strategic
planning and forecasting process together with sensitivities
and assumptions based around the principal risks and related
mitigating actions. The Committee concluded that the
approach was appropriate and recommended adoption of the
viability statement by the Board.
Key activities
The Committee’s work, carried out during the year, included:
• fully considering the requirements of the Code and its
application to the Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16,
including complying with new provisions relating to the
robust assessment of risks and the viability statement;
• considering significant accounting and reporting
judgements, including the appropriateness of the Group’s
going concern position;
• considering and recommending that the Annual Report and
Accounts 2015/16, when taken as a whole, are fair,
balanced and understandable;
• reviewing the effectiveness of the risk management system
and internal controls, operated by management;
• considering and approving the viability statement, more
information on which can be found on page 29, and the
assessment and challenging of the analysis performed by
management to reach the conditions underpinning it;
• receiving presentations and subsequent updates from
management on such matters as succession planning and
talent management, businesses regulated by the Financial
Conduct Authority (‘FCA’) and IT strategy; and
• considering the robustness of the online services
information security environment, which was the subject of
a cyber-attack in August 2015 and the appropriateness of
the immediate actions taken to secure the impacted
systems and additional security measures put in place to
help prevent further attacks.
Looking ahead
As the Group continues to develop new business areas in
line with its strategy and business plans, we expect the
Committee to remain busy.
The work programme will be responsive to the changing
risk profile, the developing business model, the regulatory
environment, and the changing shape of the systems
(including IT) architecture. The risk assessment has been
diligently prepared by the Group’s management at all levels.
We are mindful of the need to remain vigilant as we know
that not all risks can be eliminated in the challenging
environment in which we operate.
I will be in attendance at the forthcoming Annual General
Meeting and will be available to talk to you then. In the
meantime if you have any questions please do get in touch.
Jock Lennox
Chairman of the Audit Committee
28 June 2016
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Members
In compliance with the Code, the Committee continues to
consist exclusively of independent non-executive directors,
who, along with their attendance at scheduled meetings,
are set out in the table below. Biographical details on each
member can be found on pages 36 to 37.
Meetings
The Committee met four scheduled times during the period
under review. Since the year end there has been two further
meetings. All eligible members attended each of the
meetings during which they were a member of the
Committee. The Group Chief Executive, Group Finance
Director, Group Director of Internal Audit, other senior
management and representatives of the Company’s
external auditor (Deloitte LLP) attended the relevant
Committee meetings by invitation.
Current members
Jock Lennox (Chairman)
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Gerry Murphy
Scheduled
Meetings
4 of 4
4 of 4
4 of 4
The Board continues to be satisfied that the Chairman of the
Committee, a member of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Scotland, meets the requirement for recent
and relevant financial experience. The Company Secretary
acts as Secretary to the Committee and attends all meetings.
The Committee’s deliberations are reported by its Chairman to
the following Board meeting and the minutes of each meeting
are circulated to all members of the Board following approval.
In order to allow discussion of private matters, which the
auditor may wish to raise, at each meeting, discussion may
be held between the Committee members and the external
auditor without the presence of management. If appropriate, a
discussion may be held between Committee members, the
external auditor and the Group Director of Internal Audit.
In undertaking its duties the Committee has access to the
services of the Group Director of Internal Audit, the Group
Finance Director, the Company Secretary, and their respective
teams, as well as external professional advice as necessary. In
addition the Chairman meets with the external auditor outside
of formal meetings and without management present.
External advice
The Board makes funds available to the Committee to enable
it to take independent legal, accounting or other advice when
the Committee believes it necessary to do so.
Responsibilities
The Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight
responsibilities by acting independently from the executive
directors. There is an annual schedule of items which are
shared out amongst the meetings during the year to ensure
the Committee covers fully those items within its Terms of
Reference. These items are supplemented throughout the
year as key matters arise.
The Committee has the following principal duties:
• monitoring the integrity of the interim statement and annual
report and accounts and any formal announcements
relating to the Group’s financial performance;
• considering recommendation of the external auditor’s
appointment to the shareholders in general meeting and
approve their remuneration;
• reviewing the results and conclusions of work performed by
the external auditor;
• reviewing significant financial reporting judgements;
• reviewing the Group’s financial controls and internal control
and risk management systems;
• monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of the
Company’s internal audit function;
• reviewing and monitoring the relationship with the external
auditor, including their independence, objectivity,
effectiveness and terms of engagement;
• considering whistleblowing arrangements by which
employees may raise concerns about possible
improprieties in matters of financial reporting or other
matters;
• considering the major findings of internal investigations;
• advising the Board on whether, as a whole, the annual
report and accounts are fair, balanced and understandable;
• considering the going concern statement;
• considering and reviewing the statement of the Company’s
viability over a specified period;
• any specific topics as defined by the Board; and
• referring matters to the Board which, in its opinion, should
be addressed at a meeting of the Board.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee were last reviewed
and adopted by the Board in June 2016 and are available on
the Group’s corporate website, www.dixonscarphone.com.
Key matters considered during
the year
Accounting and financial reporting matters
The Committee is responsible for monitoring the integrity of
the Interim Statement and Annual Report and Accounts in
conjunction with both senior management and the external
auditor. During the year ended 30 April 2016, consideration
was given to the following matters:
• the suitability and application of the Group’s accounting
policies and practices;
• areas where significant levels of judgement have been
applied or significant items have been discussed with the
external auditor;
• updated accounting and corporate governance regulations;
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• Group risk register management and risk appetite;
• whether the Annual Report and Accounts, taken as a
• internal control effectiveness and control maturity;
• the viability statement and its alignment with the
business strategy and long-term plan;
• financial integration and succession planning;
• FCA and regulatory compliance;
• data protection and information security; and
whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide
sufficient information necessary for shareholders and other
users of the accounts to assess the Group’s position and
performance, business model and strategy.
To assist with discharging these responsibilities, the
Committee considers documents prepared by management
and internal audit and reports received from the external
auditor on the outcomes of their annual audit and interim
review procedures.
The Committee received reports and recommendations from management and the external auditor setting out the significant
accounting issues and judgements applicable to the following key areas. These were discussed and challenged, where
appropriate, by the Committee. Following debate, the Committee concurred with management’s conclusions:
Matters of significance and
areas of judgement
Revenue recognition
Provisions
Supplier funding
How the issue was addressed by the Committee
Revenue recognition is considered to be a critical accounting policy and the judgements are set out in
note 1s) of the Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16. Key components of judgement are largely in
relation to the recognition of network commission receivable.
The Committee reviewed management’s assessment of these policies with reference to contractual
terms, the Group’s historical experience of customer behaviour and information received from MNOs.
Particular attention was paid to the consistency of application of the underlying assumptions used and
the sensitivity to the carrying value of ongoing network receivables recognised to changes in key
assumptions as presented in note 26 in the Group financial statements. The carrying value of ongoing
network commission receivables at the balance sheet date was £904 million.
The Committee has considered the underlying judgements and estimates taken by management in the
recognition and valuation of property rationalisation provisions as disclosed in note 20 in the Group
financial statements.
In addition the Committee has continued to review the judgements taken in relation to discontinued
operations of the Group, being the Phone House operations in Germany, France, the Netherlands and
Portugal. The Committee assessed the likelihood of remaining risks materialising and considered the
appropriateness of associated provisions.
A number of arrangements exist relating to supplier funding across the Group, including promotional
support and volume rebates. The Committee has continued to challenge and debate with management its
approach to supplier funding, and its recognition and accounting treatment. In addition the Committee
continues to monitor the effectiveness of the controls in place to mitigate the risk of material misstatement
of supplier funding recognition; no major issues were noted. Further information in relation to supplier
funding can be found in note 1s) in the Group financial statements.
Inventory provisioning
Inventory is a significant balance for the Group, as set out in note 1s) in the Group financial statements
and contains managerial judgement for such items as obsolescence and shrinkage. As part of the
general Committee procedures managerial judgement was assessed and no major issues noted.
Impairment testing of goodwill and
intangible assets
Taxation
The Group has significant goodwill of £3,054 million and acquisition intangibles of £348 million, following
the Merger and the CPW Europe Acquisition. The Committee considered the judgements made and the
methodology used in assessing the supportability of the year end balances and assessment for any
potential impairment. A sensitivity analysis was then reviewed regarding the impact of a reasonably
possible change in the key assumptions. These assumptions are set out in note 9 in the Group
financial statements.
The Group operates across multiple tax jurisdictions. The complex nature of tax legislation in certain
jurisdictions can necessitate the use of judgement. In addition, management also uses assumptions and
judgements to assess the likelihood of utilisation of available tax losses.
The Committee reviewed the judgements and assumptions concerning any significant provisions,
including progress made on matters being discussed with tax authorities and where applicable advice
provided by external advisors. The total provisions recognised at the balance sheet date amounted to
£54 million.
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Matters of significance and
areas of judgement
Fair, balanced and understandable
Going concern
Viability statement
How the issue was addressed by the Committee
In ensuring that the Group’s reporting is fair, balanced and understandable the Committee reviewed the
classification of items between Headline and Non-Headline, including consideration of the £184 million
pre-tax Non-Headline charges disclosed in note 4 in the Group financial statements. This assessment
considered whether items fell within the Group’s definition of Non-Headline as well as the consistency of
treatment of such items year on year.
In addition the Committee gave due consideration to the integrity and sufficiency of information disclosed
in the Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16 along with other relevant matters to ensure that it explains
the Group’s position, performance, business model and strategy. This included an assessment of
narrative reporting to ensure consistency with the financial reporting section and appropriate balance and
prominence of statutory and non-statutory performance measures. The Committee concurred that the
measures used and disclosures provided were appropriate to provide users of the Annual Report and
Accounts 2015/16 with a meaningful assessment of the performance of the underlying operations of the
Group, and the Board was advised of this conclusion.
The Committee was presented by management with an assessment of the Group’s future cash forecasts
and profit projections, available facilities, facility headroom, banking covenants and the results of a
sensitivity analysis. The Committee discussed the assessment with management and was satisfied that
the going concern basis of preparation continues to be appropriate for the Group and advised the Board
accordingly. The going concern statement is set out on page 29.
In addition to those factors assessed by the Committee in consideration of the going concern
assessment discussed above, the Committee also noted the new requirement to produce a viability
statement in this year’s Annual Report and Accounts. Management presented a report that considered
the appropriateness of the three-year time period under assessment noting the consistency between this
period and the period of focus of the annual strategic planning process. The report included stress
testing of the strategic three-year plan with reference to those principal risks and mitigating actions as
described on pages 20 to 23 to the Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16. The Committee concurred
with management’s conclusions that the viability statement disclosed on page 29 of the Annual Report
and Accounts 2015/16 is appropriate. The Board was advised accordingly.
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Risk management and internal control
The Committee is responsible for reviewing the Group’s
internal control and risk management systems. In order to
discharge its responsibilities in this area the Committee
reviewed the following key items:
In addition, as part of the three-year rolling assurance
programme, audits were performed over the following financial
processes to provide assurance to the Committee that controls
were operating within these areas:
• network revenue and commissions;
• the assessment of the Group’s response to information
• supplier funding;
security and data protection risks;
• the Group’s responsibilities relating to those aspects of the
Group that are regulated;
• the Group-developed financial and IT controls framework
and its subsequent assessment by internal audit;
• common control themes identified throughout the business,
and where themes were identified, ensuring subsequent
action has been taken to minimise the risk;
• the annual Audit Committee agenda; and
• the new governance and risk management framework,
including a definition of risk appetite by risk category and
principal risk, put in place throughout the Group.
Internal audit
During the period the following significant risk areas of the
business were included within internal audit reviews:
• information security and data protection;
• regulatory compliance;
• IT resilience, integrity and disaster recovery;
• business continuity management; and
• relationships with networks.
• treasury; and
• capital expenditure.
Whilst considering any significant issues arising from the
results of the audits shown above, the Committee also formally
reviewed the effectiveness of internal audit and the adequacy
of its resources.
External audit
The external auditor is appointed by shareholders to provide
an opinion on the Annual Report and Accounts and certain
disclosures prepared by Group management. Deloitte LLP
acted as the external auditor to the Group throughout the year.
The Committee is responsible for oversight of the external
auditor, including approving the annual audit plan and all
associated audit fees.
The key matters in relation to external audit that were
considered by the Committee were:
• The annual audit plan including the appropriateness of the
key risks identified and materiality levels applied.
• The annual audit fee and fees for non-audit services which
are set out in note 3 to the Annual Report and Accounts
2015/16, with due regard to the balance between audit and
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Accounts 2015/16
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Audit Committee Report
non-audit fees and the policy for approval of non-audit fees
paid to the Group’s auditor.
• The effectiveness of the external auditor: Feedback on the
effectiveness of the audit process in addressing areas of
key audit risk was obtained from members of the Committee
and regular attendees, members of the finance team and
senior management within the businesses via a specifically
designed questionnaire. The responses were then
considered by the Committee in conjunction with the
outputs received and responsiveness of the auditor during
the audit process. The results showed a positive view of the
audit process and of Deloitte LLP as the external auditor,
specifically in relation to the high quality and integrity of the
team, the constructive relationship and the effectiveness
of the communication. Following due consideration the
Committee continues to be satisfied with the quality and
effectiveness of the audit.
• Significant issues and areas of judgement arising from
reports from the external auditor: These areas were set
out in the reports from the external auditor and discussed
with the Committee. The Committee concluded that the
judgements taken and assumptions made by management
were all fair and reasonable.
Provision of non-audit services
provided by the external auditor
The Committee’s adoption of a revised policy on auditor
independence last year had further restricted non-audit
services, and limited services provided by the external auditor
to audit and certain specific audit-related services (primarily
those related to the role of reporting accountant and audit
reports on financial information provided by the Group). All
non-audit fee proposals are subject to pre-approval and must
be submitted to the Group Financial Controller. Where
assignments are expected to generate fees of over £100,000,
prior approval must be obtained from the Committee.
During the period under review, the non-audit services
performed by the external auditor primarily arose from the
finalisation of tax services relating to discontinued operations,
interim financial review procedures and the requirement in
Greek law for the external auditor of the company to provide
non-audit services. The Committee has reviewed the services
performed by the external auditor during the year and is
satisfied that these services did not prejudice the external
auditor’s independence and that it was appropriate for them
to perform these services.
The level of non-audit fees paid to the external auditor, which
was approved by the Committee is set out in note 3 of the
Group’s financial statements and amounted to £0.4 million
compared with £1.5 million of audit fees. The non-audit fees
as a percentage of audit fees was 28%. This is considerably
lower than in 2014/15 as a result of one-off, Merger-related
fees last year and the new, more restricted policy governing
the use of Deloitte LLP for non-audit services.
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
Consideration of auditor appointment
and independence
The Committee continues to consider the appropriateness of
the re-appointment of the external auditor, including rotation
of the audit partner. Deloitte LLP has been the Company’s
external auditor since August 2002, prior to Carphone
Warehouse’s demerger from TalkTalk. Deloitte LLP was also
the external auditor of Dixons Retail. The lead audit partner,
John Adam, has now completed his five-year term and must
be succeeded by a different partner, in accordance with best
practice and the Auditing Practices Board Ethical Standards.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank John for his
valuable input and guidance and welcome Stephen Griggs as
his successor.
The Company’s policy is to comply with the UK Corporate
Governance Code, introduced by the FRC, to put the external
audit out to tender at least once every ten years. In accordance
with the Competition and Markets Authority (‘CMA’) Statutory
Audit Services Order, which is designed to align with
provisions of the EU Regulations on external audit tender and
rotation, and current guidance the Company is required to
conduct a competitive audit tender by June 2023. This will be
the latest period that Deloitte LLP may remain as auditor. The
Committee will continue to evaluate annually the performance
of the auditor, in particular at each five-year rotation of the lead
audit partner, and will recommend a tender for this service if
the circumstances so warrant.
In accordance with International Standards on Auditing
(UK and Ireland) 260 and Ethical Standard 1 issued by the
Accounting Practices Board, and as a matter of best practice,
at year end Deloitte LLP formally confirmed to the Board its
independence as auditor of the Company.
In determining whether to recommend the auditor for
re-appointment this year, the Committee considered the
firm’s internal control procedures, the most recent audit
effectiveness review, the tenure of the lead audit partner and
the rigorous assessment of the replacement lead audit partner,
and thereby affirmed that the audit processes are effective and
that the appropriate independence continues to be met.
Accordingly, the Company confirms that it complied with the
provisions of the CMA Statutory Audit Services Order for the
financial year under review and the Committee concluded that
it was in the best interests of the Company’s shareholders to
reappoint Deloitte LLP as the independent auditor of the
Company. The Committee’s recommendation, that a resolution
to re-appoint Deloitte LLP be proposed at this year’s Annual
General Meeting, was accepted and endorsed by the Board.
Jock Lennox
Chairman of the Audit Committee
28 June 2016
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
Nominations Committee Report
Chairman’s overview
Meetings
The Nominations Committee has an important role in the
Dixons Carphone governance structure, evaluating the skills
required to lead the business effectively and ensuring the right
talent and experience is available. In order to ensure continuity
of purpose and effective leadership, it is important to ensure
succession planning obligations are met.
The Committee regularly reviews its obligations under
governance guidelines; the last review was in March 2016,
which included an appraisal of Board experience and
composition, diversity, time commitments of each director,
director independence and a review of the Committee’s Terms
of Reference.
On 16 December 2015 the leadership of the business was
significantly strengthened by the appointment of Lord
Livingston of Parkhead as Deputy Chairman and Tony
DeNunzio CBE as Senior Independent Director. Lord
Livingston and Tony DeNunzio are both members of the
Nominations and Remuneration committees. Lord Livingston
also assumed the position of Chairman of the Remuneration
Committee; on the same date John Gildersleeve and Roger
Taylor resigned as directors of the Company.
More information about the Nominations Committee and its
position in the Company’s governance framework is shown on
the right.
Sir Charles Dunstone
Chairman of the Nominations Committee
28 June 2016
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• The Nominations Committee meets as and when required
and at least twice a year.
• The Nominations Committee met three times during the
period under review.
Committee membership and attendance
The members of the Nominations Committee are shown in
the table below along with their attendance at scheduled
meetings for the period under review. Biographical details
on each member can be found on pages 36 to 37.
Current members
Sir Charles Dunstone (Chairman)
Lord Livingston of Parkhead(1)
Tony DeNunzio CBE(1)
Andrea Gisle Joosen(2)
Former member
John Gildersleeve(3)
Scheduled
Meetings
3 of 3
1 of 1
1 of 1
2 of 3
2 of 2
(1) Lord Livingston and Tony DeNunzio attended the one meeting
held following their appointment on 16 December 2015.
(2) Andrea Gisle Joosen did not attend one meeting due to a
scheduling conflict.
(3) John Gildersleeve attended both meetings prior to his
resignation on 16 December 2015.
The majority of the members are independent NEDs as
required by the UK Corporate Governance Code (the
‘Code’). Other members of the Board or senior
management may be invited to attend meetings at the
request of the Chairman.
The Company Secretary acts as Secretary to the Committee.
The Committee’s deliberations are reported by its Chairman at
the following Board meeting and the minutes of each meeting
are circulated to all members of the Board following approval.
Responsibilities
The principal duties of the Nominations Committee are to:
• review the structure, size and composition of the Board, and
recommend changes as necessary;
• identify, evaluate and nominate candidates to fill vacancies
on the Board;
• review the leadership requirements with a view to ensuring
the continued ability of the organisation to compete
effectively and be responsible for succession planning;
• carry out a formal selection process of candidates;
• evaluate the skills, knowledge and experience of the Board
including reviewing the results of any Board performance
evaluation;
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Nominations Committee Report
• consider other commitments of directors relative to the time
required for them to fulfil their duties; and
Succession planning
The business requires a talented Board with appropriate
experience and expertise. This year, the Board has placed
further emphasis on succession planning with two new
appointments in December 2015. The Board considers no
additional appointment is necessary at this time but is mindful
of Baroness Morgan’s tenure. Board succession and
composition will remain a priority, as the Board is conscious
that it must look further and wider for the leaders of the future.
In securing the long-term prosperity of the business, the Board
must look deeper into the pool of talent that currently exists
within the organisation, identifying new talent and casting the
net wider, with a longer horizon, for potential directors with the
appropriate skill-sets to meet the demands of an ever more
complex business environment.
Diversity
The Board recognises the importance of diversity in achieving
the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience to help the
organisation reach its full potential. The Board acknowledges
the October 2015 Women on Boards Davies Review (‘Review’)
which recommends a voluntary target of 33% to be achieved
by 2020. Currently 23% of the Board, and 17% of the Group
Executive team, are female.
Whilst noting the recommendations of the Review, the Board
does not establish targets on gender balance as it believes that
candidates should be appointed on merit. Our Board supports
the benefits of greater diversity, which is not just gender-
specific but also encompasses age, ethnicity, background and
diversity of thought. The Board is conscious of the need to give
weight to these factors in future appointments. More
information on employee diversity can be found on page 31.
In performing its annual review the Board also looked at other
aspects of diversity relevant to the Group. With a large
proportion of the business in the Nordics, we have a Swedish
Non-Executive Director on the Board to provide knowledge of
these international markets.
Re-election
All directors will present themselves for election or re-election
at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Each of the
directors is being unanimously recommended by the other
members of the Board due to their experience, knowledge and
wider management and industry experience, continued
effectiveness and commitment to their role.
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• make recommendations to the Board regarding the
continuation in office of a director upon the expiry of any
specified terms of appointment.
The Committee’s Terms of Reference are reviewed annually.
The last review was in March 2016 and the Terms of Reference
were subsequently approved by the Board. The Committee’s
Terms of Reference are available on the Group’s corporate
website, www.dixonscarphone.com.
Key matters considered
In addition to the principal duties noted above, the Committee
also considered the appointments of Lord Livingston and Tony
DeNunzio, and the resignations of John Gildersleeve and
Roger Taylor.
The Committee also considers these matters periodically:
• an evaluation of the size, composition and structure of the
Board and its committees;
• the Company’s diversity policy;
• time commitments of the directors;
• the external appointments policy;
• the Committee’s performance and Terms of Reference; and
• a review of the role descriptions of the Chairman, Senior
Independent Director and the Group Chief Executive.
Board evaluation
During 2015/16 the triennial Board evaluation was undertaken
by an independent company, NJMD Corporate Services
Limited. The review included the Board and the Audit,
Nominations and Remuneration committees and examined all
aspects of the Board’s procedures and activities. Further
details of the evaluation process can be found on page 43.
Appointments to the Board
The Committee has a formal, rigorous and transparent
procedure for the appointment of new directors. Appointments
are made to the Board based on objective criteria and with due
regard to the benefits of diversity and the leadership needs of
the Company. External search consultancies are retained when
recruiting non-executive directors.
An independent global search firm, JCA Associates, was
appointed. Candidate profiles were developed indicating the
skills, knowledge and experience required for each role, taking
into account the Board’s existing composition and skill sets.
The Committee, led by the Chairman, undertook a thorough
search and selection process for the most appropriate
candidates. A wide range of high calibre candidates was
considered for the roles of Deputy Chairman and Senior
Independent Director. The Committee and Board confirmed
both Lord Livingston’s and Tony DeNunzio’s independence
upon appointment and were unanimous in their decisions to
appoint them.
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Remuneration Report
Chairman’s statement
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the 2015/16
Directors’ Remuneration Report which sets out our philosophy
and proposed future policy for directors’ remuneration, together
with the activities of the Committee for this financial year ended
30 April 2016.
Policy review
The integration has gone well and the strong performance of this
year validates the bringing together of the two businesses. Our
focus now on developing our Connected World Services and
Knowhow businesses, complementing our core retail and
services offering, brings with it exciting opportunities, supporting
long-term earnings growth. Against this background, over the last
few months, the Committee has been reviewing the Group’s
approach to executive remuneration and following consultation
with our major shareholders is proposing a new long term incentive
plan and will be seeking approval for this new plan from
shareholders at the AGM in September this year.
The current long term plan (the ‘Share Plan’) has been a key
element of the policy to date seeking to incentivise management
to deliver superior shareholder returns through the Merger and
integration of our two businesses. The performance of the Share
Plan will be measured in July 2017 when, subject to performance,
60% of the shares will vest, with the remaining 40% vesting
12 months later.
The Committee had previously indicated that it would not seek to
either make new awards under the Share Plan, or introduce a new
plan, until awards under the current plan had fully vested in 2018.
However, on taking over the role as Chairman of the Committee,
we reviewed issues around the recruitment and development of
management in our business and came to the clear view that
having no long term scheme in place that would follow on from the
existing scheme would be detrimental to the business and our
shareholders. We also felt that the Company had now reached the
stage that it was appropriate to move to a more standard
annualised award of performance shares. These will be based on
EPS growth and relative TSR and is a material change in the way
the Committee is seeking to operate directors’ (and other senior
executives’) remuneration in the Company.
We have consulted with our major shareholders and reflected their
feedback into the design of the proposed Remuneration Policy.
The details of the new long term incentive plan are in the Policy
section of this Report, but in summary are:
• an annual award of performance shares, with a normal
maximum grant of 275% of base salary, with the ability to make
awards of up to 375% of base salary in exceptional
circumstances, e.g. recruitment;
• three-year vesting period, with a subsequent two-year holding
period of any net of tax vested shares for executive directors;
• for 2016/17, performance measured equally against relative
TSR, using the FTSE 51-150 peer group and adjusted EPS
over the three year period; and
• robust withholding and recovery provisions, as with the
Share Plan.
Proposed award levels for executive directors are set out on
page 71 and will, subject to shareholder approval, be granted
shortly after the AGM in September 2016.
The Committee recognises that proposing a common salary
multiple for the long term incentive plan award to all executive
directors is relatively unusual, but this is reflective of the close
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working relationship and contributions of the executive director
team, which have been key to the success of the Group.
Whilst relative TSR and adjusted EPS have been chosen as the
performance measures for the awards to be made in 2016/17, the
Committee will retain the discretion to introduce a third measure in
future years, if appropriate, to enhance focus on a particular aspect
of business performance. In the event that the Committee decided
to do this, major shareholders would be consulted and also the
TSR component would not be weighted less than 40%, to ensure
ongoing focus on shareholder value creation.
We have also been very mindful of the current environment in
executive remuneration, base pay increases for 2016 being in line
with those for the wider workforce and no other changes are
proposed to the Remuneration Policy other than:
• the removal of the ability to pay a retention bonus to executive
directors under the loss of office provisions; and
• capping of any long term incentive plan award on recruitment
to 375% of base salary, in line with exceptional awards under
the new long term plan.
In conclusion, the Committee believes that the introduction of the
new long term incentive plan and its design are right for the Group
as it moves into a post-Merger operating environment. It is aligned
to our overall aim to have a remuneration policy which promotes
the long-term success of the business through the attraction and
retention of executives who have the ability, experience and
dedication to deliver outstanding returns for our shareholders. The
Committee is also very aware that much of the Group’s success is
down to the dedication and hard work of all our employees and we
are delighted with the ongoing success of the Dixons Carphone
Sharesave plan, in which we now have 25% of our UK & Ireland
workforce participating.
The proposed new Remuneration Policy as set out in this
Annual Report and Accounts will be put to shareholders for
a binding vote at the AGM on 8 September 2016, where
shareholders will be asked to approve the policy for a period
of three years.
Pay and performance for 2015/16
As set out in the Strategic Report this has been a year of strong
financial and operational performance. Headline pro forma EBIT
increased by 13%, average net debt was ahead of target and there
were improvements in ROCE, customer net promoter and
employee engagement scores. This must be considered a very
strong performance in a difficult and competitive market. The
Committee approved annual bonus payments of 68.4% of base
salary (73.7% of maximum opportunity) for the executive directors,
which reflected the strong performance, but also the stretching
nature of the targets set by the Committee.
Full details of the performance targets and actual performance
assessed are provided in the Annual Remuneration Report
on page 76.
Ian Livingston
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
28 June 2016
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Remuneration Report – Remuneration Policy
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Introduction
Remuneration strategy
The purpose of this Report is to inform shareholders of the
Company’s directors’ remuneration for the period ended
30 April 2016 and the Remuneration Policy for subsequent
years. This Report is divided into two sections:
• the Remuneration Policy; and
• the Annual Remuneration Report.
The current remuneration policy was approved by shareholders
at the annual general meeting on 10 September 2015.
Following several proposed changes to the Policy, a new
authority will be sought from shareholders in a binding vote
at the Annual General Meeting on 8 September 2016 and the
new Policy will be effective from that date. The Annual
Remuneration Report will also be put to an advisory vote
at the Annual General Meeting.
The role of the Remuneration Committee (the ‘Committee’)
is to determine on behalf of the Board a remuneration policy
for executive directors and senior management which
promotes the long-term success of the business through the
attraction and retention of executives who have the ability,
experience and dedication to deliver outstanding returns for
our shareholders.
The Committee has adopted the principles of good governance
relating to directors’ remuneration as enshrined in section D of
the Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’) and has complied
with those principles in the year under review.
These reports have been prepared by the Committee on behalf
of the Board in accordance with the Companies Act 2006,
Schedule 8 to the Large and Medium-sized Companies and
Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 (as
amended) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority. The Remuneration Policy (which is not subject to
audit) details the role of the Committee, the principles of
remuneration and other matters. The Annual Remuneration
Report (elements of which are audited) details the directors’
and former directors’ fixed and variable pay, share awards,
share options and pension arrangements.
Remuneration Policy –
unaudited information
Remuneration Committee objectives
The Board has delegated to the Committee responsibility for
determining policy in relation to the remuneration packages
for executive directors and other senior management. This
delegation includes their terms and conditions of employment
in addition to the operation of the Group’s share-based
employee incentive schemes. The Committee has clearly
defined Terms of Reference which are available on the
Company’s corporate website.
Put simply, our aim is to generate superior returns for our
shareholders and the key to achieving this is our people.
Our remuneration strategy is therefore designed to motivate
high-performing people to deliver our business strategy.
The objectives of our remuneration strategy are to:
• attract, motivate and retain high quality talent;
• be transparent and align the interests of senior management
and executive directors with those of shareholders, by
encouraging management to have a significant personal
stake in the long-term success of the business;
• weight remuneration to variable pay that incentivises
outperformance particularly over the long term whilst
discouraging inappropriate risk-taking;
• ensure that superior rewards are only paid for exceptional
performance against challenging targets;
• apply policies consistently across the Group to promote
alignment and teamwork;
• recognise the importance of delivering across a balanced set
of metrics to ensure the right behaviours are adopted and
the long-term health of the business is protected; and
• avoid rewarding failure.
In developing its policy the Committee has regard to:
• the performance, roles and responsibilities of each executive
director or member of senior management;
• arrangements which apply below senior management levels,
including average base salary increases across the
workforce;
• information and surveys from internal and independent
sources;
• the economic environment and financial performance of the
Company; and
• good corporate governance practice.
Guidelines on responsible investment disclosure
In line with the Investment Association Guidelines on
responsible investment disclosure, the Committee is satisfied
that the incentive structure and targets for executive directors
do not raise any environmental, social or governance risks by
inadvertently motivating irresponsible or reckless behaviour.
The Committee considers that no element of the remuneration
package will encourage inappropriate risk-taking by any
member of senior management.
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Remuneration Policy table
The individual elements of the remuneration packages offered to executive directors are summarised in the following table:
Base salary (fixed pay)
• Purpose and link to strategy
To aid the recruitment, retention and motivation of high-performing people.
To reflect their skills, experience and importance to the business.
• Operation
Normally reviewed annually.
The review reflects a range of factors including merit levels, internal relativity, external
market data and cost. Our overall policy, having due regard to the factors noted, is
normally to target salaries up to the mid-market level.
Salaries for new appointments as executive directors will be set in accordance with the
Recruitment Policy set out on pages 65 to 66 of this Remuneration Policy.
The Committee takes into consideration the impact of base salary increases on the
package as a whole, as other elements of pay (such as pension contributions) are
generally based on a percentage of salary.
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Ordinarily, increases for executive directors will be in line with increases across the
Group. Increases beyond those granted across the Group may be awarded in certain
circumstances such as changes in responsibilities, progression in the role and significant
increases in the size, complexity or value of the Group.
Salary levels for current directors are shown in the Annual Remuneration Report.
• Maximum opportunity
• Performance assessment / targets Salaries are normally reviewed annually by the Committee at the appropriate meeting
having due regard to the individual’s experience, performance and added value to
the business.
Benefits (fixed pay)
• Purpose and link to strategy
In line with the Company’s strategy to keep remuneration weighted to variable pay that
incentivises outperformance, a modest range of benefits is provided.
Benefits may vary based on the personal choices of the director.
Provision of relocation or other related assistance may be provided to support the
appointment or relocation of a director.
• Operation
Executive directors are entitled to a combination of benefits which include, but are not
limited to:
• car allowance;
• private medical cover;
• long-term incapacity cover;
• life assurance;
• holiday and sick pay; and
• a range of voluntary benefits including the purchase of additional holidays.
Executive directors will be eligible for other benefits which are introduced for the wider
workforce on broadly similar terms.
Any reasonable business-related expenses (including the tax thereon) can be
reimbursed if determined to be a taxable benefit.
Should an executive director be recruited from or be based in a non-UK location,
benefits may be determined by those typically provided in the normal country of
residence and / or reflect local market legislation.
Relocation or other related assistance could include, but is not limited to, removal and
other relocation costs, tax equalisation, tax advice and accommodation costs.
• Maximum opportunity
The cost to the Group of providing such benefits will vary from year to year in
accordance with the cost of providing such benefits, which is kept under regular review.
• Performance assessment / targets Not applicable.
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Remuneration Policy
Pension (fixed pay)
• Purpose and link to strategy
• Operation
A pension is provided which is consistent with that provided to managers across the
Group and in line with our strategy to keep remuneration weighted to variable pay that
incentivises outperformance.
Defined contribution plans are offered to all employees. A defined benefit pension plan
continues in operation for Dixons’ longer-serving employees, which is now closed to
new participants and future accrual.
Executive directors may choose to receive a cash allowance in lieu of pension
contributions.
• Maximum opportunity
Normal company pension contribution of up to 10% of base salary, which can be taken
in whole or in part as a cash allowance in lieu of pension. However a greater contribution
of up to 20% may be made where necessary to recruit or retain an executive director.
• Performance assessment / targets Not applicable.
Annual performance bonus (variable pay)
• Purpose and link to strategy
Annual performance bonuses are in place to incentivise the delivery of stretching,
near-term business targets based on our business strategy.
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These bonuses provide a strong link between reward and performance and drive the
creation of further shareholder value.
The principles and approach are consistently applied across the Group ensuring
alignment to a common vision and strategy.
They are based on a balanced approach ensuring appropriate behaviours are adopted
and encouraging a longer-term focus.
• Operation
Bonus payments are determined after the year end and subject to a minimum profit
threshold being achieved before payment is due.
For threshold level of performance a bonus of up to 25% of base salary is payable. A
sliding scale determines payment between the minimum and maximum bonus payable.
The annual bonus is typically paid in July / August in cash and is non-pensionable,
based on the audited performance over the previous financial year.
The annual bonus can instead be settled in shares or a mixture of cash and shares
which could be deferred, at the discretion of the Remuneration Committee.
Performance is reviewed by the Committee using its judgement where necessary to
assess the achievement of targets. The Committee retains the discretion to adjust
downwards bonus payments where achievement of targets would result in a payment
of a bonus at a level which would not be consistent with the interests of the Company
and its shareholders.
Recovery and withholding provisions apply for material misstatement, misconduct and
reputational damage enabling performance adjustments and / or recovery of sums
already paid. These provisions will apply for up to three years after payment.
• Maximum opportunity
Maximum annual bonus potential for all executive directors is 125% of base salary.
No bonus is payable if the minimum profit threshold is not achieved.
• Performance assessment / targets All measures and targets are reviewed and set by the Committee at the beginning of
the financial year with a view to supporting the achievement of the Group strategy.
The bonus scheme has targets based on a balanced scorecard. The balanced
scorecard may include both financial and non-financial measures, such as employee,
customer and strategic measures. The weighting of measures will be determined by the
Committee each year. Financial measures (such as profit and cash) will represent the
majority of the bonus opportunity, with other measures representing the balance.
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Long term incentive scheme (variable pay): Long Term Incentive Plan (‘LTIP’)
• Purpose and link to strategy
Long term incentive schemes are transparent and demonstrably aligned with the
interests of shareholders over the long term.
The LTIP is designed to reward and retain executives over the longer term whilst aligning
an individual’s interests with those of shareholders and in turn delivering significant
shareholder value.
• Operation
Discretionary awards of nil-priced options or conditional share awards are granted over
Dixons Carphone plc shares.
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Awards will be granted annually and will usually vest after three years subject to
continued service and the achievement of performance conditions.
The level of vesting is dependent on achievement of performance targets, usually over
a three year period.
The post-tax number of share awards vesting will be subject to a further two year
holding period, during which they cannot be sold, unless in exceptional circumstances
and with the Committee’s permission.
Dividend equivalents may be accrued on the shares earned from any award.
Awards will be subject to recovery and withholding provisions for material misstatement,
misconduct and reputational damage enabling performance adjustments and / or
recovery of sums already paid. These provisions will apply for up to three years
after vesting.
If employment ceases during the vesting period, awards will ordinarily lapse in full,
unless the Committee exercises its discretion.
The Committee has the discretion in certain circumstances to grant and / or settle
an award in cash. For the executive directors this would only be used in exceptional
circumstances.
In the event of a change of control, any unvested awards will vest immediately, subject
to satisfaction of performance conditions and reduction on a time-apportioned basis.
• Maximum opportunity
Grants under the LTIP are subject to overall dilution limits.
Subject to approval at the forthcoming AGM, the normal maximum grant per participant
in any financial year will be a market value of 275% of base salary, with up to 375%
in exceptional circumstances, e.g. recruitment.
More details on the proposed award levels for executive directors in 2016 are set out
in the Annual Remuneration Report on page 71.
• Performance assessment / targets Performance targets are reviewed by the Committee prior to each grant and are set
to reflect the key priorities of the business at that time.
The Committee determines the metrics from a range of measures, including but not
limited to, market-based performance measures such as TSR and the internal financial
metrics such as EPS. The Committee retains the flexibility to introduce new measures in
the future if considered appropriate given the business context, although TSR will not be
weighted any less than 40% of the total award. Material changes will be subject to
consultation with major shareholders.
The proposed metrics for awards will be set out in the Annual Remuneration Report.
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61
Remuneration Policy
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All employee share plans
• Purpose and link to strategy
• Operation
• Maximum opportunity
Encourages employees to make a long-term investment in the Company’s shares and
therefore be aligned to the long-term success of the Company.
Executive directors are eligible to participate in any all employee share plans operated
by the Company which have been approved by shareholders on the same terms as
other eligible employees.
Currently share options are granted under the Dixons Carphone HMRC approved SAYE
scheme, subject to three- or five-year vesting periods.
Participants can save up to £500 per month for either three or five years, and in return
receive a share option granted at up to 20% discount to the market price at the time of
the invitation.
The Committee reserves the right to increase this savings limit for future schemes in
accordance with the statutory limits in place from time to time.
• Performance assessment / targets The SAYE scheme is not subject to any performance conditions.
Share ownership guidelines
• Purpose and link to strategy
• Operation
Provides close alignment between the longer-term interests of executive directors
and shareholders in terms of the Company’s long-term success.
The Company requires executive directors to retain a certain percentage of base
salary in the Company’s shares. Executive directors have a five-year period to reach
these limits.
The shares which count towards this requirement are beneficially-owned shares (both
directly and indirectly).
• Maximum opportunity
Not applicable.
• Performance assessment / targets The Company requires all executive directors to retain 200% of base salary in the
Company’s shares.
Details of the directors’ shareholdings are shown in the table on page 80.
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Non-executive directors and Chairman / Deputy Chairman fees
• Purpose and link to strategy
To provide a competitive fee for the performance of non-executive director duties,
sufficient to attract high calibre individuals to the role.
• Operation
The fees are set to align with the duties undertaken, taking into account market rates,
and are normally reviewed on an annual basis. Factors taken into consideration include
the expected time commitment and specific experience.
Additional fees are payable for acting as the Senior Independent Director or for acting
as Chair of any Board committee, and for membership of a Board Committee.
Non-executive directors do not participate in the annual performance bonus or the long
term incentive plans or pension arrangements.
Any reasonable business-related expenses (including the tax thereon) can be
reimbursed if determined to be a taxable benefit.
For material, unexpected increases in time commitments, the Board may pay extra fees
on a pro-rated basis to reflect additional workload.
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• Maximum opportunity
Aggregate annual limit of £2,000,000 imposed by the Articles of Association for
directors’ fees (not including fees in relation to any executive office or Chairman, Deputy
Chairman, Senior Independent Director or Committee Chair fees).
• Performance assessment / targets Not applicable.
Notes:
(1) The following material changes have been made to the Remuneration Policy in order to align the pay of executive directors following a
review of long term incentives:
• no further awards to be made under the Share Plan, described in more detail on page 78;
• introduce a new Long Term Incentive Plan with maximum award levels of 275% of salary in normal circumstances and 375% in exceptional
circumstances, an additional two-year holding period and the inclusion of dividend equivalents on vested long term incentive awards;
• removal of the ability to pay a retention bonus to executive directors under the loss of office provisions; and
• capping of any long term incentive plan award on recruitment to 375% of base salary, in line with exceptional awards under the new Long
Term Incentive Plan.
(2) The Committee intends to honour all commitments previously provided to executive directors and current employees, including the terms
and conditions of outstanding long term incentives such as those previously approved by shareholders under the Dixons Carphone Share
Plan or Share Option Plan. Details of these awards for executive directors are set out on page 78.
(3) Market-priced options will not be granted to executive directors.
Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Remuneration Policy
Illustration of Remuneration Policy
The Remuneration Policy scenario chart below illustrates the level and mix of potential total remuneration the current executive
directors could receive under the Remuneration Policy at three levels of performance: minimum, target and maximum.
Remuneration Policy scenario chart
0
1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
£‘000
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Sebastian
James
Andrew
Harrison
Humphrey
Singer
Katie
Bickerstaffe
Graham
Stapleton
Below target
Target
Maximum
Below target
Target
Maximum
Below target
Target
Maximum
Below target
Target
Maximum
Below target
Target
Maximum
100%
33%
22%
19%
22%
24%
45%
54%
100%
32%
21%
100%
33%
22%
100%
33%
22%
100%
32%
21%
23%
45%
25%
54%
22%
45%
24%
54%
22%
45%
24%
54%
23%
45%
25%
54%
Total
915
2,770
4,195
589
1,833
2,789
536
1,611
2,436
561
1,692
2,561
495
1,536
2,335
Fixed pay Annual variable Long term incentive
Notes:
(1) Fixed pay is based on the basic salary payable as at the start of the current year, taxable benefits and pension contributions.
(2) Annual variable pay represents the annual bonus entitlement. No bonus is assumed at the minimum performance level. Target performance
assumes a payment of 75% of salary (i.e. 60% of maximum) and maximum performance a payment of 125% of base salary.
(3) Long term incentives relate to the Long Term Incentive Plan, in which it is proposed the executive directors participate. These are illustrative
amounts and the actual outcomes may differ depending on share price growth. No awards vest at the minimum performance level. Target
performance assumes a vesting of 151% of salary (i.e. 55% of maximum award) and maximum performance vesting of 275% of salary.
.
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Remuneration Committee discretions
The Committee operates the annual bonus plan, long term
incentive and all employee plans in accordance with their
respective rules, the Listing Rules and HMRC rules (or
overseas equivalent) where relevant. The Committee retains
discretion, consistent with market practice, over a number of
areas relating to the operation and administration of these
plans. These include but are not limited to:
• entitlement to participate in the plan;
• when awards or payments are to be made;
• size of award and / or payment (within the rules of the plans
and the approved policy);
• determination of a good leaver for incentive plan purposes
and the appropriate treatment based on the rules of each
plan;
• discretion as to the measurement of performance conditions
and pro-rating in the event of a change of control;
• any adjustment to awards or performance conditions for
significant events or exceptional circumstances; and
• the application of recovery and withholding provisions.
Shareholder and employee consultation
The Committee has a policy to consult with its major
shareholders when making any significant changes to the
Remuneration Policy of the Company. Any feedback received
is taken into consideration when determining future policy. For
example, in contemplation of a new long term incentive policy
a consultation took place with major shareholders to explain
the Committee’s proposed approach. Following constructive
feedback, the Committee determined to put a cap on the level
of award under the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan in
exceptional circumstances, such as recruitment.
The Committee also takes into consideration remuneration
guidance issued by large investor bodies in addition to the
principles of good governance relating to directors’
remuneration as set out in the Code.
Whilst employees are not formally consulted on executive
remuneration, a number of them are shareholders and as such
are able to exercise their influence. We also monitor our
employee discussion boards and employee forums to ensure
employee feedback in general is considered in all our strategy
execution. The Company also conducts regular employee
surveys throughout the business. The Committee is kept
informed of general employment conditions across the Group,
including the annual pay review outcomes.
Remuneration policy for the wider workforce
Dixons Carphone employs a large number of people across
different countries. Our reward framework is structured around
a set of common principles with adjustments made to suit the
needs of the different businesses and employee groups.
Reward packages differ for a variety of reasons including the
impact on the business, local practice, custom and legislation.
In determining salary increases to apply across the wider
workforce, the Company takes into consideration Company
performance and other market metrics as necessary. When
setting the policy for executive directors the Committee takes
into consideration salary increases throughout the Company,
as a whole.
Discretionary share plans are extended to both senior
management and other key members of the workforce,
as the Company feels that it is important to incentivise and
retain these employees over the longer-term in order for the
Company to continue to grow.
The Company encourages wide employee share ownership,
and as such the Group’s UK & Irish employees who meet the
eligibility criteria are also invited to join the Company’s UK &
Ireland approved SAYE.
Recruitment or promotion policy
On appointment or promotion, base salary levels will be set
taking into account a range of factors including market levels,
experience, internal relativities and cost. If an individual is
appointed on a base salary below the desired market
positioning, the Committee retains the discretion to re-align
base salary over one to three years, contingent on individual
performance, which may result in a higher rate of annualised
increase above ordinary levels. If the Committee intends to
rely on this discretion, it will be noted in the first remuneration
report following an individual’s appointment. Other elements
of annual remuneration will be in line with the policy set out in
the Remuneration Policy table. As such, variable remuneration
will be capped as set out in the Policy table.
The following exceptions will apply:
• in the event that an internal appointment is made or an
executive director joins as a result of a transfer of an
undertaking, merger, reconstruction or similar
reorganisation, the Committee retains the discretion to
continue with existing remuneration provisions, including
pension contributions and the provision of benefits;
• as deemed necessary and appropriate to secure an
appointment, the Committee retains the discretion to
make additional payments linked to relocation (including
any tax thereon);
• for an overseas appointment, the Committee will have
discretion to offer cost-effective benefits and pension
provisions which reflect local market practice and
relevant legislation;
• the Committee may set alternative performance conditions
for the remainder of the initial annual bonus performance
period, taking into account the circumstances and timing
of the appointment; and
• the Committee retains the discretion to provide an
immediate interest in Company performance by making
a long term incentive award on recruitment (or shortly
thereafter if in a prohibited period) in accordance with the
Policy Table under its existing long term incentive schemes
or such future schemes as may be introduced by the
Company with the approval of its shareholders. The
Committee will determine the level of the award, the
performance conditions and time horizon that would apply
to such awards at the time of award, taking into account the
strategy and business circumstances of the Company.
Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Remuneration Policy
Service contracts will be entered into on terms similar to those
for the existing executive directors, summarised in the
Recruitment table below. However, the Committee may
authorise the payment of a relocation and / or repatriation
allowance, as well as other associated international mobility
terms and benefits, such as tax equalisation and tax advice.
In addition to the annual remuneration elements noted above,
the Committee may consider buying out, on a like-for-like
basis, bonuses and / or incentive awards that an individual
forfeits from a previous employer in accepting the
appointment. The Committee will have the authority to rely on
Listing Rule 9.4.2(2) or exceptional limits of awards of up to
375% of base salary within the Long Term Incentive Plan. If
made, the Committee will be informed by the structure, time
horizons, value and performance targets associated with any
forfeited awards while retaining the discretion to make any
payment or award deemed necessary and appropriate. The
Committee may also require the appointee to purchase shares
in the Company in accordance with its shareholding policy.
With respect to the appointment of a new Chairman or
non-executive director, terms of appointment will be consistent
with those currently adopted. Variable pay will not be
considered and as such no maximum applies. With respect to
non-executive directors, fees will be consistent with the policy
at the time of appointment. If necessary, to secure the
appointment of a new Chairman not based in the UK, payments
relating to relocation and / or housing may be considered.
Elements of remuneration on appointment are set out in
the Recruitment table below.
A timely announcement with respect to any director’s
appointment and remuneration will be made to the
regulatory news services and posted on the Company’s
corporate website.
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Recruitment table
Area
Feature
Policy
Service contract and
incentive plan
provisions
Notice period
• Up to 12 months from either side.
Entitlements on termination • As summarised in the Policy on loss of office.
Restrictive covenants
• Provisions for mitigation and payment in lieu of notice.
• Gardening leave provisions.
• Non-compete, non-solicitation, non-dealing and confidentiality
provisions.
Variable elements
• The Committee has the discretion to determine whether an individual
shall participate in any incentive in the year of appointment.
• The Committee shall have the discretion to determine appropriate bonus
performance targets if participating in the year of appointment.
Annual remuneration Salary
• To be determined on appointment, taking into account factors including
Salary progression
Benefits and allowances
market levels, experience, internal relativities and cost.
• If appointed at below market levels, salary may be re-aligned over the
subsequent one to three years subject to performance in role. In this
situation, the Committee reserves the discretion to make increases
above ordinary levels.
• This initial market positioning and intention to increase pay above the
standard rate of increase in the Policy table (subject to performance) will
be disclosed in the first remuneration report following appointment.
• The Committee retains the discretion to provide additional benefits as
reasonably required. These may include, but are not restricted to,
relocation payments, housing allowances and cost of living allowances
(including any tax thereon).
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The Committee shall be entitled to exercise its judgement with
regard to settlement of potential claims, including but not
limited to wrongful dismissal, unfair dismissal, breach of
contract and discrimination, where it is appropriate to do so in
the interests of the Company and its shareholders.
In the event that any payment is made in relation to termination
for an executive director, this will be fully disclosed in the
following Annual Remuneration Report.
A timely announcement with respect to the termination of any
director’s appointment will be made to the regulatory news
service and posted on the Company’s corporate website.
Service agreements
Service agreements for executive directors
Each of the executive directors’ service agreements
provides for:
• the reimbursement of expenses incurred by the executive
director in performance of their duties;
• 25 days’ paid holiday each year for Sebastian James,
Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe (full time
equivalent); 27 days for Andrew Harrison and Graham
Stapleton;
• sick pay; and
• notice periods whereby Sebastian James, Humphrey Singer
and Katie Bickerstaffe each have a notice period of 12
months from the Company and six months from the director.
Andrew Harrison has a notice period of 12 months and
Graham Stapleton six months from either party.
In situations where an executive director is dismissed, the
Committee reserves the right to make additional exit payments
where such payments are made in good faith, such as:
• in discharge of a legal obligation; and
• by way of settlement or compromise of any claim arising in
connection with the termination of the director’s office and
employment.
Policy on loss of office
Service contracts contain neither a liquidated damages nor
a change of control clause.
The Company shall have a right to make a payment in lieu of
notice in respect of basic salary, benefits, including car
allowance and pension contributions only for the director’s
contractual period of notice or, if termination is part way
through the notice period, the amount relating to any unexpired
notice to the date of termination. There is an obligation on
directors to mitigate any loss which they may suffer if the
Company terminates their service contract. The Committee will
take such mitigation obligation into account when determining
the amount and timing of any compensation payable to any
departing director.
A director shall also be entitled to a payment in respect of
accrued but untaken holiday and any statutory entitlements
on termination. No compensation is paid for dismissal, save
for statutory entitlements.
A director shall be entitled to receive a redundancy payment
in circumstances where in the judgement of the Committee
they satisfy the statutory tests governing redundancy
payments. Any redundancy payment shall be calculated by
reference to the redundancy payment policy in force for all
employees in the relevant country at the time of the
redundancy and may include modest outplacement costs.
If a director’s employment terminates prior to the relevant
annual bonus payment date, ordinarily no bonus is payable
for that financial year. The Committee shall retain discretion
to make a pro-rated bonus payment in circumstances where
it would be appropriate to do so having regard to the
contribution of the director during the financial year, the
circumstances of the departure and the best interests
of the Company.
Any entitlements under long term incentive schemes operated
by the Company shall be determined based on the rules of the
relevant scheme. The default position under the Dixons
Carphone Share Plan is that awards will lapse on the
termination of employment unless the Committee exercises the
discretion set out in the scheme rules. The Committee retains
the discretion to prevent awards from lapsing depending on
the circumstances of the departure and the best interests of
the Company. The default position of the Long Term Incentive
Plan is that awards will lapse on termination of employment,
except where certain good leaver circumstances exist (e.g.
death, ill-health, injury, disability, redundancy, transfer of an
undertaking outside of the Group or retirement or any other
circumstances at the Committee's discretion) whereby the
awards may vest on cessation, or the normal vesting date,
in both cases subject to performance and time pro-rating,
although the Committee can decide not to pro-rate an award
(or pro-rate to a lesser extent) if it regards it as appropriate
to do so in the particular circumstances.
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Dilution Limits
All the Company’s equity-based incentive plans incorporate
the current Investment Association Share Capital Management
Guidelines (‘Guidelines’) on headroom which provide that
overall dilution under all plans should not exceed 10% over a
ten-year period in relation to the Company’s issued share
capital (or reissue of treasury shares). In addition, if approved
by shareholders, the Long Term Incentive Plan will operate
with a 5% in ten-year dilution limit (excluding historic
discretionary awards). The Company regularly monitors the
position and prior to making any award the Company ensures
that it will remain within these limits. Any awards which will be
satisfied by market purchase shares are excluded from such
calculations. As at 30 April 2016, the Company’s headroom
position, which remains within the current Guidelines,
was 4.9%.
Remuneration Policy
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Letters of appointment
Each of the non-executive directors has a letter of
appointment. The Company has no age limit for directors.
Non-executive directors derive no other benefit from their
office, except that the Committee retains the discretion to
continue with existing remuneration provisions, including
pension contributions and the provision of benefits, where
an executive director becomes a non-executive director. It is
Company policy not to grant share options or share awards
to non-executive directors. The Chairman, Deputy Chairman
and the other non-executive directors have a notice period
of three months from either party.
Appointments are reviewed annually by the Nominations
Committee and recommendations made to the Board
accordingly.
External appointments
The Board supports executive directors taking non-executive
directorships as a part of their continuing development, and
has agreed that the executive directors may retain their fees
from one such appointment. Further details on current external
directorships and fees can be found in the Annual
Remuneration Report on page 70.
Availability for inspection
The service agreements for the executive directors and letters
of appointments for the non-executive directors are available
for inspection at the registered office of the Company, and at
the offices of the Company’s solicitors, Freshfields Bruckhaus
Deringer LLP, 65 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1HT, during usual
business hours on weekdays (excluding public holidays in
England and Wales) until the date of the AGM. They will also
be available for inspection at the AGM from 10:45am on the
day of the meeting until the conclusion of the meeting.
Legacy arrangements
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving the Remuneration
Policy, authority is given to the Company to honour any
commitments previously entered into with the current
or former directors.
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Remuneration Report – Annual Remuneration Report
Introduction
This part of the report has been prepared in accordance with
Part 3 of Schedule 8 to the Large and Medium-Sized
Companies and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations
2008 (as amended), and contain those elements required by
section 9.8.6R and stipulated in 9.8.8 of the Listing Rules. This
Annual Remuneration Report will be put to an advisory vote at
the Company’s 2016 AGM.
The following sections set out how the Remuneration Policy
was implemented during 2015/16 and how it will be
implemented for the following year.
Service agreements
Service contracts
The following table summarises key terms of the service
contracts in place with the executive directors:
Sebastian James
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer
Katie Bickerstaffe
Graham Stapleton
29 Mar 12
29 Oct 13
2 Sep 11
29 Mar 12
5 Oct 11
With the exception of Andrew Harrison, all the above executive
directors were appointed to the Board on 6 August 2014.
More details are set out in the single figure of directors’
remuneration tables on pages 74 to 75.
Letter of appointment
Non-executive directors are normally appointed for three year
terms, although appointments may vary depending on length
of service and succession planning considerations.
Appointments are reviewed annually by the Nominations
Committee and recommendations made to the Board
accordingly. The date of the letters of appointment and expiry
of current terms are shown below:
Letters of
appointment
Expiry of
current term
Sir Charles Dunstone
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
Tony DeNunzio
16 Dec 15
16 Dec 18
Andrea Gisle Joosen
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
Tim How
Jock Lennox
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
Remuneration Committee membership and attendance
Members
Membership of the Committee comprises four
non-executive directors, their names and attendance
record are set out in the table below and their biographies
and qualifications are set out on pages 36 to 37. The
Committee’s Terms of Reference are available on the
Company’s corporate website.
Meetings
The Remuneration Committee met four scheduled times
during the period under review with one further
unscheduled meeting. Since the year end there have been a
further two meetings.
Date of contract
Members during the year
Lord Livingston of Parkhead (Chairman)(1)
Tony DeNunzio(1)
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Tim How
Former members
John Gildersleeve(2)
Roger Taylor(2)
Scheduled
meetings
1 of 1
1 of 1
5 of 5
5 of 5
4 of 4
4 of 4
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(1) Appointed to the Committee 16 December 2015.
(2) Resigned 16 December 2015.
Only members of the Committee are entitled to attend
Committee meetings but the Group Chief Executive and
Group Finance Director (or other senior management) may
attend meetings by invitation and in an advisory capacity
only. Meetings are also regularly attended by the Company
Secretary (who acts as Committee secretary), Deputy
Company Secretary, Group Human Resources Director and
Group Reward Director.
No director participates in discussions about their own
remuneration.
Responsibilities
Responsibility for the establishment of an overall remuneration
policy for the Group lies with the Board. The Remuneration
Committee has the following principal duties:
Lord Livingston of Parkhead
16 Dec 15
16 Dec 18
• making recommendations to the Board on the Company’s
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
framework of executive remuneration;
Gerry Murphy
17 Jun 14
16 Jun 17
• determining the fees of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman;
Tony DeNunzio and Lord Livingston were appointed to the
Board on 16 December 2015 and on the same date both John
Gildersleeve and Roger Taylor stepped down from the Board.
More details are set out in the single figure of directors’
remuneration tables on pages 74 to 75.
• considering and making recommendations to the Board on
the remuneration of the executive directors and senior
management relative to performance and market data;
• approving contracts of employment which exceed defined
thresholds of total remuneration or have unusual terms or
termination periods;
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Annual Remuneration Report
• considering and agreeing changes to the Remuneration
Policy or major changes to employee benefit structures; and
• approving and operating employee share-based
incentive schemes and associated performance
conditions and targets.
Activities during the year
The principal activities of the Committee during 2015/16
included:
• reviewed and approved the Directors' Remuneration Report;
• approved share awards to senior management
appointments under the long term incentive plans;
• approved the Sharesave grant;
• assessed the performance of executive directors against
pre-determined targets set for the 2014/15 annual bonus
and approved the payments;
• agreed design of 2015/16 annual bonus including
performance measures and targets;
• reviewed the current Share Plan and considered a new plan
design for 2016/17;
• monitored the developments in the corporate governance
environment and investor expectations, including post AGM
investor feedback; and
• noted remuneration practices across the Group.
Advice
The Committee appointed Aon Hewitt in April 2016 as
independent advisors, having used Towers Watson prior to
this in 2015/16. Aon Hewitt (and previously Towers Watson)
is engaged to provide advice to the Committee and to work
with the directors on matters relating to the Group’s executive
remuneration and its long term incentives. Aon Hewitt and
Towers Watson are members of the Remuneration Consultants
Group and operate under its code of conduct in relation to the
provision of executive remuneration advice in the UK. Aon
Hewitt and Towers Watson have confirmed that they adhered
to the Code during the relevant periods of 2015/16 for all
remuneration services provided to the Group. Towers Watson
received fees of £26,000 (2014/15: £82,000) in relation to the
provision of those services. Towers Watson also provided
actuarial services on behalf of the defined benefit pension
scheme; however, the Committee has satisfied itself that
Towers Watson’s advice was objective and independent.
The Committee may also take external legal advice, where
required, to assist it in carrying out its duties.
External directorships
The policy relating to external directorships is outlined in the
Remuneration Policy for 2015/16; the following external
directorships were undertaken and the fees retained by the
executive directors:
• Andrew Harrison was appointed a non-executive director
of Ocado Group plc on 1 March 2016 and was paid a fee
of £8,000 from appointment to 30 April 2016.
• Sebastian James has been a non-executive director of
Direct Line Insurance Group plc during 2015/16 and was
paid a fee of £85,000 for the period to 30 April 2016.
• Katie Bickerstaffe has been a non-executive director of
Scottish and Southern Energy plc during 2015/16 and was
paid a fee of £70,000 for the period to 30 April 2016.
• Humphrey Singer was appointed a non-executive director
of Taylor Wimpey plc from 9 December 2015 and was paid
a fee of £22,000 from appointment to 30 April 2016.
How the Remuneration Policy will be applied in 2016/17
Executive directors
i) Base Salary
Executive directors’ salaries were last reviewed at the time
of Merger. The following increases will be applied during the
2016/17 financial year:
Current directors
Sebastian James
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer
Katie Bickerstaffe
Graham Stapleton
Salary at
30 April
2016
£’000
Increase in
Salary In
2016/17
£’000
Salary at
1 August
2016
£’000
820
550
475
500
460
16
11
10
10
9
836
561
485
510
469
ii) Pension Contributions
Company pension contributions or allowance in lieu will
continue in 2016/17 at their current levels of 10% for Sebastian
James, Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe and 5% for
Andrew Harrison and Graham Stapleton.
iii) Annual performance bonus
The maximum annual bonus for 2016/17 will be 125% of base
salary and will operate on a similar basis as in the previous
year. The measures have been selected to reflect our key
objectives and are aligned to our Group balanced scorecard,
with a minimum profit gate that must be achieved before any
bonus is paid out. The proposed target levels for the year have
been set to be challenging relative to the business plan. The
Committee feels that specific targets relating to the 2016/17
bonus scheme are currently commercially sensitive and as
such will not be disclosed. Retrospective disclosure of the
targets and performance against them will be provided in next
year’s Remuneration Report.
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The performance metrics and their weightings for 2016/17 are
shown in the table below:
The relative TSR condition will be assessed over a three year
period, with vesting determined as follows:
EBIT
Net Debt
ROCE
Customer net promoter score
Employee engagement
Weighting (as a percentage of
maximum bonus
opportunity)
60%
10%
10%
10%
10%
Recovery and withholding provisions apply for material
misstatement, misconduct and reputational damage enabling
performance adjustments and / or recovery of sums already
paid. These provisions will apply for up to three years
after payment.
iv) LTIP
Subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 8 September
2016, the Committee intends to make an award of 275% of
salary to each of the executive directors in 2016/17, which
will vest after three years based on continued service and the
achievement of the performance measures noted below.
These awards will be subject to a further two-year post vesting
holding period, during which the executive director is not
permitted to sell any shares vesting, other than those required
to settle any tax obligations.
When setting the proposed award levels, the Committee took
account of a number of reference points, including the
potential total remuneration against a number of scenarios of
performance. The Committee believes that the greater
weighting of variable pay towards long term incentives is better
aligned with the interests of shareholders and focuses on
sustainable long-term performance. The common level of long
term incentive plan award to all executive directors is reflective
of the collegiate approach of the executive director team,
which was established through the Merger and has been
a key part of the success of the Group.
For 2016/17 these awards will be subject to two equally
weighted performance conditions. Half of the awards will be
subject to the achievement of a relative TSR performance
condition, measured against the companies ranked FTSE
51-150 at the start of the performance period. The remaining
half of the awards will be subject to the achievement of
adjusted EPS growth targets.
Rank of Company TSR against Comparator
Group TSR
% of TSR element vesting
Below Median
Median
Between Median and Upper
Quartile
0%
25%
Pro rata between 25%
and 100% on a straight
line basis
Upper Quartile or above
100%
EPS growth will be assessed over a three year period. Due to
current uncertainties in the market, the Committee is
deliberating further over the appropriate EPS targets for the
awards to be made in September 2016, subject to
shareholders approving the new LTIP. The EPS targets will be
published on the Company’s website in sufficient time before
the AGM for shareholders to review them ahead of voting on
the new LTIP.
When setting the EPS growth target range the Committee will
take into consideration a number of reference points including:
the internal business plan, external market consensus, the
strong growth in 2015/16, a broad view of the macroeconomic
environment and, to a lesser extent, growth targets in other
similarly sized retailers. The Committee will set a range of
targets straddling consensus, with consensus at or slightly
below the middle of the range. The target range proposed will
provide the correct balance between incentivisation and further
performance motivation, without creating any undue risk.
Calculations of the achievement against the targets will be
independently performed and approved by the Committee.
The Committee will retain discretion to adjust for material
events which occur during the performance period and will
make full and clear disclosure of any such adjustments in the
Directors’ Remuneration Report, together with details of the
achieved levels of performance, as determined by the above
definitions at the end of the performance period.
Awards will be subject to recovery and withholding provisions
for material misstatement, misconduct and reputational
damage enabling performance adjustments and / or recovery
of sums already paid. These provisions will apply for up to
three years after vesting.
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71
Annual Remuneration Report
Remuneration details for 2015/16
Performance graph
The graph below shows the Group’s performance measured
through TSR on a holding of £100 in the Company’s shares,
compared with the FTSE 350 Index, since 29 March 2010.
The FTSE 350 has been used as it is a broad market which
includes the Company and a number of its competitors.
Group Chief Executive pay
The following table shows, over the same six year period as
the performance graph, the Group Chief Executive’s single
total figure of remuneration, the amount of bonus earned as a
percentage of the maximum remuneration possible, and the
vesting of long term awards as a percentage of the maximum
number of shares that could have vested where applicable.
Long term
incentive
vesting
rates
against
maximum
opportunity
%
Annual
bonus
payout
against
maximum
%
CEO single
figure of
remuneration(1)
£’000
Year
2015/16 Sebastian James
1,616
68%
n/a
Sebastian James
1,687
100%
Andrew Harrison
420
100%
2014/15 Total
2,107
29 March
2010
31 March
2011
31 March
2012
31 March
2013
29 March
2014
2 May
2015
30 April
2016
2013/14 Total
Dixons Carphone plc
FTSE 350 Index
2012/13 Roger Taylor
2011/12 Roger Taylor
Andrew Harrison
Roger Taylor
679
159
838
958
474
54%
n/a
55%
0%(2)
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
Start date of the graph reflects date of admittance to the London
Stock Exchange of Dixons Carphone plc, previously called
Carphone Warehouse plc.
2010/11 Roger Taylor
1,193
82%
(1) Excludes remuneration received from long term incentive schemes
established by Old Carphone Warehouse prior to the demerger
from TalkTalk because that company is not part of the current
Group. Details of remuneration associated with Old Carphone
Warehouse incentive schemes were provided in that company’s
annual report for the year ended 31 March 2012. Future reports
will include long term incentives operated by the current Group
when they have vested.
(2) Roger Taylor waived a bonus of 25% maximum potential and
instead chose for it to be paid directly to charity.
Total shareholder return
Source: Datastream
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Value
(£)
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
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Percentage change in remuneration
The table below provides the percentage change in remuneration for the Group Chief Executive and the percentage change for
all UK head office based employees as this group provides the best like-for-like comparison. Changes in salary relating to
changes in roles and / or responsibilities have been excluded from the increase presented for the wider group.
Salary and fees
Taxable benefits(1)
Annual bonuses
Group Chief
Executive
UK head
office
employees
2%
0%
2%
0%
(32)%
(26)%
(1) The percentage change in taxable benefits is considered to be 0% since there have been no material changes in Group benefits.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out both the total cost of remuneration for the Group compared with pro forma Headline EBIT and
profits distributed for 2015/16 and the prior year.
Dividends paid(1)
Headline EBIT
Total staff costs – continuing operations(2)
Average employee numbers – continuing operations(2), (3)
2015/16
£million
2014/15
£million
106
468
1,061
52
413
900
Change %
104%
13%
18%
Number
Number
Change %
41,847
32,834
27%
(1) Extracted from note 23 to the Group financial statements.
(2) Extracted from note 5 to the Group financial statements.
(3) The average number of employees for 2014/15 is made up of legacy Carphone Warehouse employees for the full 13 month period and
legacy Dixons Retail employees for the period post Merger.
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Annual Remuneration Report
Audited information
Single figure of directors’ remuneration for the year ended 30 April 2016
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Executive
Current directors
Sebastian James
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer
Katie Bickerstaffe(2)
Graham Stapleton(5)
Non-executive
Current directors
Sir Charles Dunstone
Tony DeNunzio(1)
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Tim How
Jock Lennox
Lord Livingston of Parkhead(1)
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Gerry Murphy
Former directors
John Gildersleeve(1)
Roger Taylor(1) (7)
Basic
salary and
fees
£’000
Pension
contributions(3)
£’000
Annual
bonus
£’000
Taxable
benefits(4)
’000
Total
emoluments
£’000
LTIP
payments(6)
£’000
Total
remuneration
£’000
2015/16
820
550
475
490
460
82
28
48
50
23
701
470
406
428
393
2,795
231
2,398
13
11
13
11
892
940
1,616
1,059
942
979
1,768
6,364
280
34
70
65
75
54
65
65
53
97
858
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
1
280
34
70
65
75
54
65
65
53
98
859
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,616
1,059
942
979
1,768
6,364
280
34
70
65
75
54
65
65
53
98
859
3,653
231
2,398
941
7,223
—
7,223
(1) Remuneration is shown for the period served on the Board. Tony DeNunzio and Lord Livingston were appointed to the Board on
16 December 2015 and the fees shown were from appointment to 30 April 2016. John Gildersleeve and Roger Taylor resigned from the
Board on 16 December 2015 and fees are from 3 May 2015 to date of leaving.
(2) Katie Bickerstaffe purchased annual leave under the Group’s holiday purchase scheme, reducing her salary by £10,000 in 2015/16.
(3) Pension contributions comprise the Company’s contribution or allowance in lieu together with the salary supplement which is based on the
difference between basic salary and the scheme earnings cap set by the Company. The contribution amount was 10% of salary for
Sebastian James, Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe and 5% for Andrew Harrison and Graham Stapleton.
(4) Taxable benefits include private medical insurance and car allowances.
(5) The taxable benefits of Graham Stapleton includes the waiver of a loan, together with accrued interest, of £880,268 relating to a long term
incentive scheme of Carphone Warehouse that he took part in prior to him becoming a director of the Company. The scheme vested
following the sale of the Best Buy Europe business and awards became exercisable during 2013, but all shares awarded were subject to a
sales restriction until 2015. At the time of exercise Graham Stapleton, along with the other participants, was provided with a company loan
to be used to settle the outstanding tax liabilities that were created at the point of exercise. During 2015, the sales restrictions elapsed and
at that time the Company confirmed the writing off of the outstanding loan. This decision reflected the treatment afforded to other
participants of this plan and the past practice used by Carphone Warehouse. This is a legacy, pre-Merger obligation made before Graham
Stapleton was appointed to the Board.
(6) LTIP payments would comprise amounts under the Share Plan, however, the performance period ends in July 2017.
(7) Roger Taylor continued to receive private medical insurance benefits until 16 December 2015 when he stepped down from the Board.
(8) No payments were made to former directors and no payment for loss of office was made during the year.
(9) Lord Livingston has a deferred pension in the Dixons Retirement and Employee Security Scheme.
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Single figure of directors’ remuneration for the period ended 2 May 2015
Basic salary
and fees
£’000
Pension
contributions(2)
£’000
Annual
bonus(3)
£’000
Taxable
benefits(4)
£’000
Total
emoluments
£’000
LTIP
payments(5)
£’000
Total
remuneration
£’000
2014/15
Executive
Current directors
Sebastian James(1)
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer(1)
Katie Bickerstaffe(1)
Graham Stapleton(1)
Former directors
Nigel Langstaff(1)
Non-executive
Current directors
Sir Charles Dunstone
Roger Taylor
Andrea Gisle Joosen(1)
John Gildersleeve
Tim How(1)
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Jock Lennox(1)
Gerry Murphy
Former directors
John Allan(1)
John Allwood(1)
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590
570
342
360
343
59
28
34
36
17
1,025
745
594
625
623
117(6)
2,322
6
—
180
3,612
290
179
50
87
47
70
54
67
75
28
947
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
13
14
13
12
10
4
66
—
1(7)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
1,687
1,357
983
1,033
993
127
6,180
290
180
50
87
47
70
54
67
75
28
948
3,269
180
3,612
67
7,128
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1,687
1,357
983
1,033
993
127
6,180
290
180
50
87
47
70
54
67
75
28
948
7,128
(1) Remuneration is shown for the period served on the Board. The following directors were appointed on 6 August 2014: Sebastian James,
Humphrey Singer, Katie Bickerstaffe, Graham Stapleton, Andrea Gisle Joosen, Tim How and Jock Lennox. Remuneration / fees for
these directors is shown from appointment to 2 May 2015. John Allan was appointed to the Board on 6 August 2014 and resigned on
17 February 2015 and the fees shown are for this period. Nigel Langstaff and John Allwood resigned from the Board on 6 August 2014
and remuneration / fees are from 1 April 2014 to date of leaving.
(2) Pension contributions comprise the Company’s contribution or allowance in lieu together with the salary supplement which is based on the
difference between basic salary and the scheme earnings cap set by the Company. This additional amount was 10% for Sebastian James,
Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe and 5% for Andrew Harrison, Nigel Langstaff and Graham Stapleton.
(3) Annual bonus for Graham Stapleton and base salary and annual bonus for Andrew Harrison represents the amount earned over 13 months
following the alignment of the financial year end. Annual bonuses for Sebastian James, Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe represent
the amount earned over the 12 months to 2 May 2015, which includes the period prior to the Merger. All bonuses are calculated based on
the directors’ annual salary as at 2 May 2015.
(4) Taxable benefits include private medical insurance, car allowance and Sharesave gains of £4,000 for Sebastian James, Humphrey Singer
and Katie Bickerstaffe in respect of options granted on 26 February 2015 as set out in the table on page 79.
(5) LTIP payments would comprise amounts under the Share Plan, however, the performance period ends in July 2017.
(6)
In addition to the above remuneration and subsequent to resigning from the Board on 6 August 2014, Nigel Langstaff received a
redundancy payment of £247,000 upon leaving the business in December 2014. Nigel also received £350,000 as a payment in lieu of notice
in respect of basic salary, £19,700 in respect of benefits (including car allowance, permanent health insurance and life cover) and £17,500 in
respect of pension contributions. There was no payment for accrued holiday untaken. These amounts were in line with contractual
entitlements and the Group’s redundancy payments policy and no discretion was applied in their determination. The Committee determined
to apply discretion to pay a bonus of £437,500 in respect of the period of service in the 2014/15 financial year and in respect of ongoing
support up to the announcement of the preliminary results for 2014/15.
(7) Roger Taylor continued to receive private medical insurance benefits.
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Long term incentive plans (LTIP)
The Share Plan awards made during 2014/15 vest in July 2017 (60%) and July 2018 (40%).
Details of the awards made and the loans granted to the directors to enable them to subscribe for shares under the Share Plan
are detailed later in this report.
No LTIPs have vested during the year for the directors whilst serving on the Board.
Annual bonus for 2015/16
The maximum bonus opportunity for all executive directors is 125% of base salary based on performance in the 12-month
period to the end of the financial year.
The Committee determined at the beginning of the year that the disclosure of performance targets were commercially sensitive
and therefore these were not disclosed. This was because targets were set within the context of a longer term business plan and
this disclosure could give information to competitors to the detriment of business performance. The Committee has however
disclosed in the table below the targets on a retrospective basis and the actual performance against these.
The maximum annual bonus of 125% of base salary is payable at the maximum level of performance, 25% of base salary on
achievement of threshold performance and 75% of base salary on achievement of target performance.
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Measure
Pro forma Headline EBIT
Pro forma average net
As a percentage of
maximum bonus
opportunity
Threshold
Target
Maximum
Actual
60% £450 million £475 million £500 million £468 million
(debt) / funds – variance vs budget
10% £(50) million
Budget
£50 million
£54 million
Return on Capital Employed
Customer net promoter score
Employee engagement score
10%
10%
10%
20.1%
Worse
Worse
20.6%
Target
Target
21.1%
Better
Better
21.0%
Better
Better
Payout
29%
10%
9%
10%
10%
It should be noted that customer net promoter and employee engagement score targets were set in the context of a high base
point. The improvement in actual performance was therefore considered an excellent result. The actual scores for these
measures are still considered to be commercially sensitive and therefore cannot be disclosed in full.
Overall bonus payments will be at target levels and will be paid in cash at 68.4% of base salary. The Committee is comfortable
that the result is an appropriate reflection of overall performance during the year under review. The bonus amounts to be paid to
the executive directors in respect of 2015/16 are set out in the single figure of directors’ remuneration table on page 74.
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Non-executive directors’ and Chairman’s fees
The fees for the independent non-executive directors, including the Deputy Chairman, are determined by the Board (excluding
non-executive directors) after considering external market research and are reviewed on an annual basis. Factors taken into
consideration include the required time commitment, specific experience and / or qualifications. A base fee is payable and
additional fees are paid for chairing and membership of committees. The Chairman is not involved in the setting of his own salary
which is dealt with by the Remuneration Committee annually. Non-executive directors receive no variable pay and receive no
additional benefits, except in situations where an executive director becomes a non-executive director and benefit and pension
arrangements continue.
The Chairman, Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director receive all inclusive fees reflecting their duties. Other
independent non-executive directors received a basic fee of £60,000 (2014/15: £60,000) and additional fees as set out in the
table below for chairing or membership of committees. Fees will remain unchanged for 2016/17.
Chairman(1)
Deputy Chairman(2)
Senior Independent Director(4)
Chair of Audit Committee
Member of Audit Committee
Member of Nominations Committee
Member of Remuneration Committee
2015/16
£’000
2014/15
£’000
280
140
90
15
5
5
5
280
140(3)
N/A(5)
15
5
5
5
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(1) The Chairman’s fee includes Chairmanship of the Nominations Committee.
(2) The Deputy Chairman’s fee includes Chairmanship of the Remuneration Committee and membership of the Nominations Committee.
(3) Fees for previous Deputy Chairman.
(4) The Senior Independent Director’s fee includes membership of the Nominations and Remuneration committees.
(5) The Senior Independent Director during 2014/15 was also Deputy Chairman, and received no additional fee for this.
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Directors’ interests in the Share Plan
The executive directors previously participated in the Dixons Carphone (formerly Carphone Warehouse Group plc) Share Plan
approved by Carphone Warehouse shareholders. Participants acquired at market value participation shares in a subsidiary
company that holds the Company’s interests in the Group’s main operating businesses. The Group granted loans to participants
at a commercial rate of interest to acquire the shares. Loans are ordinarily repayable in full if performance conditions are met.
The performance of the plan will ordinarily be measured at the end of the performance period (in or around July 2017 for the
current participants), when 60% of the shares vest, with 40% deferred for a further year. When the awards vest, the value of the
shares held by participants will be based on the incremental value (if any) of Dixons Carphone plc in excess of the opening
valuation together with the minimum return on invested capital. These shares will then be purchased by the Company for cash
and / or the Company’s ordinary shares.
The total pool for distribution to participants is subject to a cap of 4% of the total issued share capital of the Company on the
measurement date. Under the Share Plan there are now two pools, one for the original grant in December 2013 and one for the
second grant in October 2014, each being subject to a cap of 2% of the total issued share capital of the Company.
The Share Plan is designed to share 10% of the incremental value created in Dixons Carphone in excess of an opening valuation
(assessed over an appropriate period) and beyond an annual rate of return of 7% on invested capital. The plan is also
underpinned by a minimum annual compound TSR growth of 5% and outperformance of the median TSR of the FTSE 250.
The table below shows the allocation to the executive directors of participation shares in the subsidiary, New CPW Limited, in
relation to the Share Plan, together with details of the loans issued to enable the directors to subscribe for the participation shares.
A Ordinary
shares in
subsidiary
allocated
as at
2 May
2015(1)
B Ordinary
shares in
subsidiary
allocated
as at
2 May
2015(2)
A Ordinary
shares in
subsidiary
allocated
as at
30 April
2016(1)
B Ordinary
shares in
subsidiary
allocated
as at
30 April
2016(2)
Number
Number
Number
Number
Allocation
of A pool
as at
2 May
2015(1)
%
Allocation
of B pool
as at
2 May
2015(2)
%
Allocation
of A pool
as at
30 April
2016(1)
%
Allocation
of B pool
as at
30 April
2016(2)
%
Loan
outstanding
as at
2 May
2015
£’000
Loan
outstanding
as at
30 April
2016
£’000
Current directors
Sebastian James
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer
Katie Bickerstaffe
—
700
—
—
Graham Stapleton
600
1,100
200
700
700
100
—
700
—
—
600
1,100
200
700
700
100
—
7%
—
—
6%
11%
2%
7%
7%
1%
—
7%
—
—
6%
11%
2,239
2,306
2%
7%
7%
1%
810
1,425
1,425
549
834
1,467
1,467
565
(1) Allocation relates to the pre-Merger pool in respect of A ordinary shares. Face value is not included as due to the structure of the Share Plan
it is not considered a representative figure.
(2) Allocation relates to the post-Merger pool in respect of B ordinary shares. Face value is not included as due to the structure of the Share
Plan it is not considered a representative figure.
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Directors’ share options
As part of the Merger, participants of the Dixons Retail Sharesave Plan were offered the opportunity to roll over their Sharesave
awards into options over Dixons Carphone plc. Those awards rolled over by the directors, in addition to other options owned by
the directors over the Company, are shown in the table below:
Date of grant
Exercise
price (p)
At
3 May
2015
Awarded
in the
period(3)
Lapsed or
forfeited
in the
period
Exercised(2)
in period
At
30 April
2016
Date from which
first exercisable
Expiry of the
exercise period
Sebastian James
Sharesave
23 Jul 2013(1) 209.35
601
26 Feb 2015 344.00
4,866
5,467
Andrew Harrison
Sharesave
10 Jan 2014 224.00
4,017
Humphrey Singer
Sharesave
23 Jul 2012(1)
91.48
1,377
4,017
23 Jul 2013(1) 209.35
601
26 Feb 2015 344.00
4,500
25 Feb 2016 377.00
—
6,478
Katie Bickerstaffe
Sharesave
23 Jul 2012(1)
91.48
1,377
23 Jul 2013(1) 209.35
26 Feb 2015 344.00
25 Feb 2016 377.00
601
4,500
—
6,478
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
334
334
—
—
—
334
334
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
601
1 Oct 2016 31 Mar 2017
4,866
1 Apr 2018 30 Sep 2018
5,467
4,017
1 Mar 2017 31 Aug 2017
4,017
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r
e
v
o
G
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t
a
r
o
p
r
o
C
(1,377)
—
1 Oct 2015 31 Mar 2016
—
—
—
601
1 Oct 2016 31 Mar 2017
4,500
1 Apr 2018 30 Sep 2018
334
1 Apr 2019 30 Sep 2019
(1,377)
5,435
(1,377)
—
—
—
(1,377)
—
601
4,500
334
5,435
1 Oct 2015 31 Mar 2016
1 Oct 2016 31 Mar 2017
1 Apr 2018 30 Sep 2018
1 Apr 2019 30 Sep 2019
(1) Share options that were granted under the Dixons Retail Sharesave Plan and rolled over into options over Dixons Carphone plc shares.
The exercise price shown is the roll over price over Dixons Carphone plc shares.
(2) The options exercised by Katie Bickerstaffe and Humphrey Singer on 1 October 2015 had a market price of £4.25 on the date of exercise.
(3) The face value of awards granted on 25 February 2016 for the executive directors was £1,460 for Humphrey Singer and Katie Bickerstaffe.
The exercise price was set at a 20% discount to the mid-market closing share price at 27 January 2016 of £4.71.
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
79
Annual Remuneration Report
Directors’ shareholding
Details of directors’ interests in shares of the Company are shown in the following table:
Beneficially owned
Restricted interests in share plans
30 April
2016(7)
2 May 2015(1)
Share Plan(2)
as at
30 April
2016
Share Plan(3)
as at
30 April
2016
Sharesave
as at
30 April
2016
Total
beneficial
interests
under share
ownership
guidelines
30 April
2016
Total
beneficial
share
interests
as a
% of salary(4)
30 April
2016
Exercised
during
2015/16
908,234
908,234
5,000,000
5,000,000
619,147
408,967
490,034
617,770
657,590
880,034
—
700
—
—
600
1,100
5,467
908,234
467%
200
700
700
100
4,017 5,000,000 3,835%
5,435
619,147
5,435
408,967
—
490,034
550%
345%
449%
—
—
1,377
1,377
—
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Executive directors
Current directors
Sebastian James
Andrew Harrison
Humphrey Singer
Katie Bickerstaffe(5)
Graham Stapleton(6)
Non-executive directors
Current directors
Sir Charles Dunstone
134,758,481 134,758,481
Tony DeNunzio
Andrea Gisle Joosen
Tim How
Jock Lennox
Lord Livingston of Parkhead
Baroness Morgan of Huyton
Gerry Murphy
Former directors
John Gildersleeve
Roger Taylor
50,000
6,076
12,400
11,625
—
991
—
6,076
12,400
11,625
—
991
20,000
20,000
122,568
122,568
9,808,554
9,808,554
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1) Date of appointment, if later.
(2) The shares listed here are in A ordinary shares of New CPW Limited as part of the shares purchased in relation to the Share Plan. These
have been subscribed for by the Directors. A ordinary shares have a different opening valuation to B ordinary shares, as described in note
(3), reflecting the value of the Company at appropriate times prior to the grants.
(3) The shares listed here are in B ordinary shares of New CPW Limited as part of the shares purchased in relation to the Share Plan. These
have been subscribed for by the Directors. B ordinary shares have a different opening valuation to A ordinary shares, as described in note
(2), reflecting the value of the Company at appropriate times prior to the grants.
(4) The percentage excludes the Share Plan participation shares and Sharesave options, and is based on basic salary as at 30 April 2016 and
an average share price over the month to 30 April 2016 of £4.218.
(5) On 18 August 2015, Katie Bickerstaffe sold 105,796 shares at £4.419, on 21 August 2015, she sold 109,034 shares at £4.338 and on
24 August 2015, she sold a further 35,170 shares at £4.084.
(6) On 18 August 2015, Graham Stapleton sold 165,060 shares at £4.419, on 21 August 2015, he sold 170,110 shares at £4.338 and on
24 August 2015, he sold a further 54,830 shares at £4.084.
(7) Date of resignation, if earlier.
There were no changes in the directors’ restricted or unrestricted share interests between 30 April 2016 and the date of this report.
80
Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Statement of voting at shareholder meetings (not audited)
The Company is committed to ongoing shareholder dialogue in respect of directors’ remuneration, and takes an active interest
in voting outcomes and in particular we have consulted with our shareholders on the Remuneration Policy being put to the vote
at the AGM. Where there are substantial votes against resolutions, explanatory reasons will be sought, and any actions in
response will be communicated to shareholders.
The following tables set out the voting results in relation to the resolutions put to the 2015 annual general meeting:
Resolution
Votes for
%
Votes against
Approval of Remuneration Policy
771,709,963
Approval of Annual Remuneration Report
621,991,756
94.09
72.95
48,431,387
%
5.91
Withheld
88,989,962
230,588,119
27.05
56,551,437
As the annual remuneration report received significant shareholder votes against it at the annual general meeting in 2015 (see
table above for voting outcomes at the previous annual general meeting), during the recent consultation process, the Company
encouraged feedback from its key shareholders to understand the reasons behind the dissent. We are aware of shareholders’
concerns regarding the transparency and communication of the Company’s Remuneration Report and have focused on
providing clearer reporting on past remuneration.
Compliance
As required by the Regulations, a resolution to approve this Remuneration Report will be proposed at the AGM to be held on
8 September 2016.
Ian Livingston
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee
28 June 2016
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
81
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
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The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law
and regulations.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors are
required to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union and
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation and have elected to prepare the Company financial statements in accordance with Financial
Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework. Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts
unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit
or loss of the Company and the Group for that period.
In preparing the Company financial statements, the directors are required to:
• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
• make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• state whether Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework has been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will
continue in business.
In preparing the consolidated financial statements, IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ requires that directors:
• properly select and apply accounting policies;
• present information, including accounting policies, in a manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and
understandable information;
• provide additional disclosures when compliance with the specific requirements in IFRS are insufficient to enable users to
understand the impact of particular transactions, other events and conditions on the Group’s financial position and financial
performance; and
• make an assessment of the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and the Group and enable
them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding
the assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the
Group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Responsibility statement
We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:
• the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the relevant financial reporting framework, give a true and fair view of
the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit or loss of the Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation
taken as a whole;
• the Strategic Report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the
Company and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal
risks and uncertainties that they face; and
• the annual report and financial statements, taken as a whole, are fair, balanced and understandable and provide the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group and the Company’s performance, business model and strategy.
By Order of the Board
Sebastian James
Group Chief Executive
28 June 2016
Humphrey Singer
Group Finance Director
28 June 2016
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Independent Auditor’s report
Opinion on the financial statements of Dixons Carphone plc
In our opinion,
• the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 30 April
2016 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended;
• the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union;
• the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice, including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’; and
• the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards
the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
The financial statements comprise the Consolidated income statement, the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income,
the Consolidated balance sheet, the Consolidated statement of changes in equity, the Consolidated cash flow statement, the
Company balance sheet, the Company statement of changes in equity, and the related notes 1 to 31 and C1 to C10. The
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable law and
IFRSs as adopted by the European Union. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the
parent company financial statements is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally
Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 101 ‘Reduced Disclosure Framework’.
Separate opinion in relation to IFRSs as issued by the IASB
As explained in note 1a) to the Group financial statements, in addition to complying with its legal obligation to apply IFRSs
as adopted by the European Union, the Group has also applied IFRSs as issued by the International Accounting Standards
Board (IASB).
In our opinion the Group financial statements comply with IFRSs as issued by the IASB.
Going concern
As required by the Listing Rules we have reviewed the directors’ statement regarding the appropriateness of the going concern
basis of accounting contained within note 1a) to the financial statements and the directors’ statement on the longer-term viability
of the group contained within the strategic report.
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to in relation to:
• the directors' confirmation on page 45 that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal risks facing the Group,
including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity;
• the disclosures on pages 20 to 23 that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated;
• the directors’ statement in note 1a) to the financial statements about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going
concern basis of accounting in preparing them and their identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to
continue to do so over a period of at least 12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements;
• the directors’ explanation on page 29 as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over what period they have
done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they have a reasonable
expectation that the group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the period of their
assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.
We agreed with the directors’ adoption of the going concern basis of accounting and we did not identify any such material
uncertainties. 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.
Independence
We are required to comply with the Financial Reporting Council’s Ethical Standards for Auditors and we confirm that we are
independent of the Group and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with those standards. We also
confirm we have not provided any of the prohibited non-audit services referred to in those standards.
00_DC 2016 Annual Report.pdf 83
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Independent Auditor’s report
Our assessment of risks and material misstatement
The assessed risks of material misstatement described below are those that had the greatest effect on our audit strategy,
the allocation of resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the engagement team. The key risks we identified are:
• Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
• Revenue recognition – UK network commissions
• UK supplier funding
• Inventory provisioning (Dixons)
• Property rationalisation provisioning
Risk
How the scope of our audit responded to the risk
Impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets
The Group has significant acquisition related
intangible assets, including goodwill, (£3,402 million
at 30 April 2016 including £3,054 million of goodwill
and £348 million of acquisition intangibles) primarily
related to the CPW Europe and Dixons Retail plc
acquisitions in previous years. The Group’s
assessment of impairment of acquisition related
intangible assets is a judgemental process which
requires estimates concerning the future cash flows
and associated discount rates and growth rates
based on management’s projections of future
business performance and prospects. The key
judgements and estimates involved are described
in more detail in notes 1j), 1k) and 1s) to the Group
financial statements.
Revenue recognition – UK network commissions
The monetary value of commission receivable on
sales, being commission for which there is a
contractual entitlement based on mobile phone
connections already made, and for which there are
no ongoing performance obligations, is dependent
on customer behaviour beyond the point of sale.
Management is therefore required to exercise
judgement in respect of the level of customer default
within the contract period, expected levels of
customer spend and customer behaviour beyond
the initial contract period. The key judgements
and estimates involved are described in more
detail in notes 1d), 1s) and 26h) to the Group
financial statements.
UK supplier funding
The Group holds a number of significant funding
arrangements with suppliers. Agreements in relation
to supplier funding are based predominantly on
volume related targets, for both purchases and sales,
and are most commonly agreed as a fixed
percentage of targets up front. These targets are
generally a mix of quarterly and annual targets. The
timing of recognition of this income is sometimes
judgemental, in particular where the target period for
measuring achievements spans the year end and it is
necessary to ensure there is sufficient evidence
justifying recognition. The key judgements and
estimates involved are described in more detail in
note 1s) to the Group financial statements.
84
We assessed the assumptions used by management in the
impairment models for goodwill and acquisition related intangible
assets, including specifically the cash flow projections, discount rates
(utilising the assistance of our valuation specialists), and long-term
growth rates used against historical performance, our understanding
of the future prospects of the business and comparison against
market rates and the prevailing Group cost of capital at the year end.
We have audited the mechanics of the impairment models prepared
by management.
We evaluated the design and implementation of both the relevant
manual and automated controls over the revenue recognition process
in respect of commissions receivable, utilising IT specialists to assist
with testing of automated controls. In addition we tested that these
controls were operating effectively throughout the period.
We have tested the valuation of revenue recognised through review
of the Group’s contractual arrangements, substantive testing of
management assumptions including tenure, line rental, and churn
to data received from networks and testing of cash receipts.
We have also assessed any changes in estimate in comparison to the
prior year and reviewed year on year movement in key assumptions.
We updated our understanding of the key supplier funding
arrangements across the Group. As part of this, we met with the key
commercial and finance process owners, we tested the design and
implementation of the Group’s key controls in operation, principally
focused on those that determine the appropriate timing of recognition
for supplier funding balances, and we performed an analytical
assessment of movements in supplier funding throughout the current
year to historical trends.
To ensure there is sufficient evidence to support the recognition of
supplier funding, we substantively tested and recalculated a sample of
amounts with reference to signed supplier contracts. We also obtained
confirmations following circularisation of a sample of suppliers.
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Risk
How the scope of our audit responded to the risk
Inventory provisioning (Dixons)
Inventory is a significant balance for the Group
(£958 million at 30 April 2016) and there are a number
of judgemental areas including obsolescence and
shrinkage provisioning. This risk has a significant
effect on our audit strategy, the allocation of
resources in the audit and directing the efforts of the
engagement team in the legacy Dixons side of the
business only, given the nature and relative
significance of the inventory balances within each
part of the Group. Further information in relation to
this area is discussed in notes 1o) and 1s) to the
Group financial statements.
Property rationalisation provisioning
The Group has recorded a charge of £70 million in
relation to restructuring of the property portfolio in the
UK business. The magnitude of the associated
restructuring provision involves the use of estimates
and judgement, particularly with regard to property
exit and onerous lease costs. Further information is
included in notes 1r), 1s) and 4iii) to the Group
financial statements.
We have performed testing of the operating effectiveness of controls
around the inventory business cycle and attended a sample of
inventory counts at 34 stores and the distribution centres across the
Dixons UK and Nordics businesses, including visiting the Group’s
main distribution centre in Newark on four separate occasions, which
enables us to assess management’s processes for monitoring
inventory. We performed audit tests to assess whether inventory is
valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. We reviewed,
recalculated and assessed the inventory provisioning for
reasonableness, including challenging the appropriateness of
provisioning with reference to inventory ageing, both historical and
post year end performance and a review of the provision as a
percentage of gross stock year on year. We have also considered the
impact of range changes and other specific known areas of overstock
on the required provision calculation.
We have obtained an understanding of the process undertaken by
management to quantify the expected costs arising from the
rationalisation of the property portfolio and have evaluated the design
and implementation of the associated controls. We have assessed the
appropriateness of the provisions to ensure they meet the relevant
criteria for recognition in accordance with the accounting standard.
We have reviewed a sample of contractual lease agreements and
assessed management’s judgements in relation to sublet income,
rent free periods and dilapidations against past evidence available
for similar properties. We have substantively tested a sample of the
costs incurred during the period to supporting documentation.
Last year our report included three other risks which are not included in our report this year: acquisition accounting (there have
been no significant acquisitions during the year following the acquisition of Dixons Retail plc last year), assets held for sale,
discontinued operations and disposal accounting (as the accounting for the disposals was largely completed last year), and
taxation (there have been no significant changes noted in the current year and it is no longer an area which has a significant
effect on our audit strategy and the efforts of the engagement team). In the current period, we have included an additional risk
in relation to property rationalisation provisioning, reflecting the announcement of the restructuring of the property portfolio
made by the Group during the year.
The description of risks above should be read in conjunction with the significant issues considered by the Audit Committee
discussed on pages 52 to 53.
These matters 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.
Our application of materiality
We define materiality as the magnitude of misstatement in the financial statements that makes it probable that the economic
decisions of a reasonably knowledgeable person would be changed or influenced. We use materiality both in planning the scope
of our audit work and in evaluating the results of our work.
We determined materiality for the group to be £17.5 million (2014/15: £14.0 million), which is below 5% (2014/15: 5%) of
adjusted Headline profit before tax, and below 1% (2014/15: 1%) of equity. In using adjusted Headline profit before tax, we have
followed the Group’s definition of Headline results in note 1a) and adjusted this to include the impact of the amortisation of
acquisition intangibles and pension finance costs due to their recurring nature. This is the same basis on which we calculated
materiality in the prior year and the increase in materiality in the current year is due to the increase in the Group’s Headline profit
before tax. We have assessed the use of a Headline measure to be appropriate as this continues to be a key driver of business
value, is a critical component of the financial statements and the main measure which management uses to monitor the
performance of the business and communicate this to shareholders.
We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to the Committee all audit differences in excess of £600,000
(2014/15: £500,000), as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.
We also report to the Audit Committee on disclosure matters that we identified when assessing the overall presentation of the
financial statements.
00_DC 2016 Annual Report.pdf 85
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Independent Auditor’s report
An overview of the scope of our audit
We have reassessed our Group audit scope following the completion of the disposal of certain European operations during the
year and accordingly have not performed a full scope audit in Spain or an audit of specified account balances in Greece, both
of which we did in the prior year, although these components are both still subject to local statutory audits and are subject to
analytical procedures as part of work performed at the parent entity level.
Our Group audit was scoped by obtaining an understanding of the Group and its environment, including Group-wide controls,
and assessing the risks of material misstatement at the Group level. Based on that assessment, we focused our Group audit
scope primarily on the audit work of the retail operations in the UK and the Nordics. Each of these components requires a local
statutory audit.
These locations represent the principal business units and account for approximately 94% of the Group’s revenue from
continuing operations (2014/15: 93%) and 84% of the Group’s Headline profit before tax. Each location was selected to provide
an appropriate basis for undertaking audit work to address the risks of material misstatement identified above. Our audit work at
these locations was executed at levels of materiality applicable to each individual entity which were lower than Group materiality
and ranged from £3 million to £10 million (2014/15: £3 million to £8 million).
At the Dixons Carphone plc parent entity level we also tested the consolidation process and carried out analytical procedures
to confirm our conclusion that there were no significant risks of material misstatement of the aggregated financial information
of the remaining components not subject to audit or audit of specified account balances.
The Group audit team is closely involved in the audit of the UK components, being the largest part of the Group, throughout the year
including attendance at key audit planning and closing meetings. In addition, the Group audit team continued to follow a programme
of planned visits to overseas components that has been designed so that a senior member of the Group audit team visits the most
significant locations where the Group audit scope was focused at least once each year. For the year ended 30 April 2016, senior
members of the Group audit team visited Norway, where the Nordics head office is located, on two occasions.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion:
• the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies
Act 2006; and
• the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements
are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
Adequacy of explanations received and accounting records
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
• we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
• adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been
received from branches not visited by us; or
• the parent company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns.
We have nothing to report in respect of these matters.
Directors’ remuneration
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are also required to report if in our opinion certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration
have not been made or the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited is not in agreement with the accounting
records and returns. We have nothing to report arising from these matters.
Corporate Governance statement
Under the Listing Rules we are also required to review part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Company’s
compliance with certain provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code. We have nothing to report arising from our review.
Our duty to read other information in the Annual Report and Accounts
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland), we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, information in the
Annual Report and Accounts is:
• materially inconsistent with the information in the audited financial statements; or
• apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of
performing our audit; or
• otherwise misleading.
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In particular, we are required to consider whether we have identified any inconsistencies between our knowledge acquired
during the audit and the directors’ statement that they consider the annual report is fair, balanced and understandable
and whether the annual report appropriately discloses those matters that we communicated to the Audit Committee
which we consider should have been disclosed. We confirm that we have not identified any such inconsistencies or
misleading statements.
Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit and express an
opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland).
We also comply with International Standard on Quality Control 1 (UK and Ireland). Our audit methodology and tools aim to
ensure that our quality control procedures are effective, understood and applied. Our quality controls and systems include our
dedicated professional standards review team and independent partner reviews.
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to
state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or
for the opinions we have formed.
Scope of the audit of the financial statements
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give reasonable
assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error. This includes an
assessment of: whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s and the parent company’s circumstances and
have been consistently applied and adequately disclosed; the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the
directors; and the overall presentation of the financial statements. In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial
information in the annual report to identify material inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to identify any
information that is apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge acquired by us in the
course of performing the audit. If we become aware of any apparent material misstatements or inconsistencies we consider the
implications for our report.
John Adam (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Deloitte LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London, United Kingdom
28 June 2016
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Consolidated income statement
Continuing operations
Revenue
Profit / (loss) from operations before share of
results of joint ventures
Share of results of joint ventures
Profit / (loss) before interest and tax
Finance income
Finance costs
Net finance costs
Profit / (loss) before tax
Income tax (expense) / credit
Profit / (loss) after tax – continuing operations
Year ended 30 April 2016
13 months ended 2 May 2015
Note
Headline*
£million
Non-
Headline*
£million
Total
£million
Headline*
£million
Non-
Headline*
£million
Total
£million
2
9,738
—
9,738
8,255
—
8,255
2
12
2,3
6
7
472
(4)
468
17
(38)
(21)
(164)
—
(164)
—
(20)
(20)
308
(4)
304
17
(58)
(41)
400
—
400
15
(39)
(24)
(76)
—
(76)
—
(13)
(13)
324
—
324
15
(52)
(37)
447
(184)
263
376
(89)
287
(110)
337
26
(158)
(84)
179
(91)
285
15
(74)
(76)
211
Loss after tax – discontinued operations
25
—
(18)
(18)
—
(114)
(114)
Profit / (loss) after tax for the period
337
(176)
161
285
(188)
97
Earnings per share (pence)
Basic – continuing operations
Diluted – continuing operations
Basic – total
Diluted – total
8
29.3p
28.4p
29.7p
28.7p
15.6p
15.1p
14.0p
13.6p
22.0p
21.2p
10.1p
9.8p
* Headline results exclude amortisation of acquisition intangibles, Merger integration and transaction costs, property rationalisation costs,
acquisition related costs, net interest on defined benefit pension schemes and discontinued operations (comprising Virgin Mobile France
and Phone House operations in Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal). Such excluded items are described as ‘Non-Headline’. For further
details see notes 4 and 25 to the financial statements.
88
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Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Profit after tax for the period
Items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years:
Cash flow hedges
Fair value remeasurement losses
Gains transferred to carrying amount of inventories
Exchange differences arising on translation of foreign operations
Other foreign exchange differences
Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years:
Actuarial (losses) / gains on defined benefit pension schemes – UK
– Overseas
Taxation on defined benefit pension schemes
Foreign exchange movements
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
161
97
(12)
—
66
2
56
(5)
2
(9)
—
(12)
(14)
4
(107)
3
(114)
(72)
(1)
15
(1)
(59)
Other comprehensive income / (expense) for the period (taken to equity)
44
(173)
Total comprehensive income / (expense) for the period
205
(76)
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Consolidated balance sheet
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Intangible assets
Property, plant & equipment
Interests in joint ventures
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax assets
Current assets
Inventory
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred and contingent consideration
Income tax payable
Loans and other borrowings
Finance lease obligations
Provisions
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale
Non-current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Deferred and contingent consideration
Loans and other borrowings
Finance lease obligations
Retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions
Total liabilities
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium reserve
Accumulated profits
Translation reserve
Demerger reserve
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent company
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
Note
9
10
11
12
14
7
13
14
15
25
16
17
18
19
20
25
16
17
18
19
21
7
20
22
3,054
540
366
5
408
234
4,607
958
1,131
233
2,322
—
6,929
(2,310)
(12)
(89)
—
(2)
(78)
(2,491)
—
(2,491)
(423)
(21)
(409)
(89)
(474)
(115)
(47)
(1,578)
(4,069)
2,860
1
2,256
1,398
(45)
(750)
2,860
2,989
525
327
—
318
263
4,422
920
907
163
1,990
137
6,549
(1,961)
(25)
(89)
(55)
(2)
(54)
(2,186)
(68)
(2,254)
(496)
(6)
(330)
(89)
(489)
(101)
(21)
(1,532)
(3,786)
2,763
1
2,256
1,369
(113)
(750)
2,763
The financial statements were approved by the directors on 28 June 2016 and signed on their behalf by:
Sebastian James,
Group Chief Executive
Humphrey Singer,
Group Finance Director
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Consolidated statement of changes in equity
At 29 March 2014
Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income and expense
recognised directly in equity
Total comprehensive income and expense
for the period
Ordinary shares issued
Equity dividends
Net movement in relation to share schemes
Tax on items recognised directly in reserves
At 2 May 2015
Profit for the period
Other comprehensive income and expense
recognised directly in equity
Total comprehensive income and expense
for the period
Net purchase of own shares
Equity dividends
Net movement in relation to share schemes
Tax on items recognised directly in reserves
At 30 April 2016
Share
capital
£million
Share
premium
reserve
£million
Note
Accumulated
profits
£million
Translation
reserve
£million
Demerger
reserve
£million
Total
equity
£million
1
283
1,355
(9)
(750)
880
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
1,973
—
—
—
97
—
(69)
(104)
28
(104)
—
(52)
21
17
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
97
(173)
(76)
1,973
(52)
21
17
2,256
1,369
(113)
(750)
2,763
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
161
—
(24)
137
(5)
(106)
10
(7)
68
68
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
161
44
205
(5)
(106)
10
(7)
2,256
1,398
(45)
(750)
2,860
23
5
23
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Consolidated cash flow statement
Operating activities – continuing operations
Cash generated from operations
Special contributions to defined benefit pension scheme
Income tax paid
Net cash flows from operating activities
Investing activities – continuing operations
Interest received
Cash acquired on the Merger
Net cash outflow arising from acquisition of subsidiaries
Proceeds from disposal of property, plant & equipment
Proceeds on sale of business and short term investments
Acquisition of property, plant & equipment and other intangibles
Investment in joint ventures
Net cash flows from investing activities
Financing activities – continuing operations
Interest paid
Repayment of obligations under finance leases
Net purchase of own shares
Equity dividends paid
Increase / (decrease) in borrowings
Bond redemption premium
Facility arrangement fees paid
Net cash flows from financing activities
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period
Currency translation differences
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
485
(35)
(56)
394
—
—
(50)
24
—
(221)
(9)
(256)
(20)
(6)
(5)
(106)
25
—
(5)
(117)
21
32
53
163
17
233
110
(28)
(39)
43
1
347
(25)
11
8
(166)
—
176
(30)
(7)
—
(52)
(211)
(38)
(4)
(342)
(123)
3
(120)
283
—
163
Note
27
25
27
92
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Notes to the Group financial statements
Headline performance measures and Non-Headline
performance measures may not be directly comparable with
other similarly titled measures or ‘adjusted’ revenue or profit
measures used by other companies.
Gains on disposal of non-core businesses in Southern Europe
in the prior period have been included in Headline results net of
restructuring costs. The net impact of these activities totalled
£5 million.
Going concern
The Group’s funding arrangements and processes for
managing its exposure to liquidity risk are set out in notes
18 and 26.
In their consideration of going concern, the directors have
reviewed the Group’s future cash forecasts and profit
projections, which are based on market data and past
experience. The directors are of the opinion that the Group’s
forecasts and projections, which take into account reasonably
possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group
is able to operate within its current facilities and comply with its
banking covenants for the foreseeable future. In arriving at their
conclusion that the Group has adequate financial resources,
the directors were mindful of the level of borrowings and
facilities as set out in note 18 to the Group financial statements
and that the Group has a robust policy towards liquidity and
cash flow management.
Accordingly the directors have a reasonable expectation that
the Company and the Group have adequate resources to
continue in operation for the foreseeable future and
consequently the directors continue to apply the going
concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements.
The principal accounting policies are set out below:
b) Accounting convention and basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of the Company and entities controlled by the
Company (its subsidiaries). Control is achieved where the
Company has the power over the investee; is exposed, or has
rights, to variable return from its involvement with the investee;
and has the ability to use its power to affect its returns.
The results of subsidiaries and joint ventures acquired or sold
during the year are included in the consolidated income
statement from the effective date of acquisition or up to the
effective date of disposal as appropriate, which is the date
from which the power to control passes. Where necessary,
adjustments are made to the financial statements of
subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with
those used by the Group. All intercompany transactions and
balances are eliminated on consolidation.
1 Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on
a going concern basis in accordance with IFRS as adopted
by the EU, IFRS issued by the International Accounting
Standards Board, those parts of the Companies Act 2006
applicable to those companies reporting under IFRS and
Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
The financial statements have been presented in UK Sterling,
the functional currency of the Company, and on the historical
cost basis except for the revaluation of certain financial
instruments, as explained below. All amounts have been
rounded to the nearest £1 million, unless otherwise stated.
The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
On 6 August 2014, the Group completed the merger of Dixons
and Carphone (the ‘Merger’), which was implemented by way
of a scheme of arrangement of Dixons.
Historically, the Group prepared its financial statements to the
Saturday closest to its accounting reference date of 31 March.
Following the Merger, the Group changed its accounting
reference date to 30 April which was the accounting reference
date of Dixons, but continues to draw up accounts to the
nearest Saturday. Accordingly the comparative financial period
is for the 13 months ended 2 May 2015.
The Group’s income statement and segmental analysis identify
separately Headline performance and Non-Headline items.
Headline performance measures reflect adjustments to total
performance measures. The directors consider ‘Headline’
performance measures to be a more accurate reflection of the
ongoing trading performance of the Group and believe that
these measures provide additional useful information for
shareholders on the Group’s performance and are consistent
with how business performance is measured internally.
Headline results are stated before the results of discontinued
operations or exited / to be exited businesses, amortisation of
acquisition intangibles, acquisition related costs, any
exceptional items considered so one-off and material that they
distort underlying performance (such as reorganisation costs,
impairment charges, property rationalisation costs and other
non-recurring charges) and net pension interest costs.
Businesses exited or to be exited are those which the Group
has exited or committed to or commenced to exit through
disposal or closure but do not meet the definition of
discontinued operations as stipulated by IFRS and are material
to the results and operations of the Group.
Non-Headline items in the current and prior period comprise
amortisation of acquisition intangibles, Merger integration and
transaction costs, property rationalisation costs, acquisition
related costs, net interest on defined benefit pension schemes
and discontinued operations (comprising Virgin Mobile France
and Phone House operations in Germany, the Netherlands and
Portugal). A reconciliation of Headline profit and losses to total
profits and losses is shown in note 2. Items excluded from
Headline results can evolve from one financial year to the next
depending on the nature of exceptional items or one-off type
activities described above.
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Notes to the Group financial statements
c) Foreign currency translation and transactions
d) Revenue
Material transactions in foreign currencies are hedged using
forward purchases or sales of the relevant currencies and are
recognised in the financial statements at the exchange rates
thus obtained. Unhedged transactions are recorded at the
exchange rate on the date of the transaction. Material
monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are hedged, mainly using forward foreign exchange
contracts to create matching liabilities and assets, and are
retranslated at each balance sheet date. Hedge accounting
as defined by IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition
and Measurement’ has been applied by marking to market
the relevant financial instruments at the balance sheet date
and recognising the gain or loss in reserves in respect of
cash flow hedges, and through profit or loss in respect of fair
value hedges.
The results of overseas operations are translated at the
average foreign exchange rates for the year, and their balance
sheets are translated at the rates prevailing at the balance
sheet date. Goodwill and acquisition intangible assets are held
in the currency of the operation to which they relate. Exchange
differences arising on the translation of net assets, goodwill
and results of overseas operations are recognised in the
translation reserve. All other exchange differences are included
in profit or loss in the year in which they arise except where the
Group designates financial instruments held for the purpose of
hedging the foreign currency exposures that result from
material transactions undertaken in foreign currencies as cash
flow hedges, hedge accounting as defined by IAS 39 ‘Financial
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ is applied. The
effective portion of changes in the fair value of financial
instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges is
recognised in other comprehensive income. The gain or loss
relating to the ineffective portion is recognised in profit or loss.
Amounts previously recognised in equity are reclassified to
profit or loss in the periods when the hedged item is
recognised in profit or loss.
Where a foreign operation is disposed of, the gain or loss on
disposal recognised in profit or loss is determined after taking
into account the cumulative currency translation differences
that are attributable to the operation. The principal exchange
rates against UK Sterling used in these financial statements are
as follows:
Euro
Norwegian Krone
Swedish Krona
2016
1.36
12.51
12.65
Average
2015
1.28
10.86
11.85
2016
1.28
11.77
11.74
Closing
2015
1.35
11.51
12.72
Revenue comprises sales of goods and services excluding
sales taxes. The following accounting policies are applied to
the principal revenue generating activities in which the Group
is engaged:
• revenue from the sale of goods is recognised at the point
of sale or, where later, upon delivery to the customer and
is stated net of returns;
• revenue earned from the sale of customer support
agreements is recognised over the term of the contracts
when the Group obtains the right to consideration as a result
of performance of its contractual obligations. Revenue in any
one year is recognised by reference to the stage of
completion of the contractual terms at the balance sheet
date. The stage of completion is estimated with reference to
the proportion of the expected costs of fulfilling the Group’s
total obligations under the agreements, determined by
reference to extensive historical claims data. Reliance on
historical data assumes that current and future experience
will follow past trends. The directors consider that the
quantity and quality of data available provides an appropriate
proxy for current trends;
• revenue arising on services (including delivery and
installation, product repairs and product support), is
recognised when the relevant services are provided;
• commission receivable on sales, being commission which is
contractually committed, and for which there are no ongoing
performance obligations, is recognised when the sales to
which the commission relates are made, net of any provision
for promotional offers and network operator performance
penalties. Commission includes a share of consumer airtime
spend, to the extent that it can be reliably measured and
there are no ongoing service obligations. Where the time
value of money has a material impact, an appropriate
discount is applied such that revenue is recognised at an
amount equal to the present value of the future
consideration to be received;
• other ongoing revenue is recognised as it is earned over the
lives of the relevant customers;
• volume bonuses receivable from network operators are
recognised when the conditions on which they are earned
have been met;
• insurance revenue relates to the sale of third party insurance
products. Sales commission received from third parties is
recognised when the insurance policies to which it relates
are sold, to the extent that it can be reliably measured and
there are no ongoing service obligations. Revenue from the
provision of insurance administration services is recognised
over the life of the relevant policies;
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• For MVNO operations where the Group is the principal,
g) Retirement benefit obligations
revenue is recognised in the period in which the
telecommunication service, such as airtime or data, is
provided;
• revenue from the sale of prepaid credits is deferred until the
customer uses the airtime or the credit expires; and
• revenue generated from the provision of fixed and mobile
network services is recognised as it is earned over the lives
of the relevant customers.
e) Discontinued operations and assets and liabilities
held for sale
A discontinued operation is a component of the Group which
represents a significant separate line of business, either
through its activity or geographical area of operation, which
has been sold, is held for sale or has been closed.
Where the sale of a component of the Group is considered
highly probable and the business is available for immediate
sale in its present condition, it is classified as held for sale.
Such classification assumes the expectation that the sale will
complete within one year from the date of classification. Assets
and liabilities held for sale are measured at the lower of
carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. Once
classified as held for sale, intangible assets and property, plant
& equipment are no longer amortised or depreciated.
Company contributions to defined contribution pension
schemes and contributions made to state pension schemes for
certain overseas employees are charged to the income
statement on an accruals basis when employees have
rendered service entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit pension schemes, the difference between
the market value of the assets and the present value of the
accrued pension liabilities is shown as an asset or liability in the
consolidated balance sheet. The calculation of the present
value is determined using the projected unit credit method.
Actuarial gains and losses arising from changes in actuarial
assumptions together with experience adjustments and actual
return on assets are recognised in the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income and expense as they arise. Such
amounts are not reclassified to the income statement in
subsequent years.
Defined benefit costs recognised in the income statement
comprise mainly net interest expense or income with such
interest being recognised within finance costs. Net interest is
calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined
benefit liability or asset taking into account any changes in the
net defined benefit obligation during the year as a result of
contribution or benefit payments.
f) Share-based payments
h) Leases
Equity settled share-based payments are measured at fair
value at the date of grant, and expensed on a straight line
basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the
number of shares that will eventually vest.
Where share-based payments are subject only to service
conditions or internal performance criteria (such as EPS
targets), fair value is measured using either a Binomial model
or a Black Scholes model. Where share-based payments have
external performance criteria (such as TSR targets) a Monte
Carlo model is used to measure fair value.
For all schemes, the number of options expected to vest is
recalculated at each balance sheet date, based on
expectations of leavers prior to vesting. For schemes with
internal performance criteria, the number of options expected
to vest is also adjusted based on expectations of performance
against target. No adjustment is made for expected
performance against external performance criteria. The
movement in cumulative expense since the previous balance
sheet date is recognised in the income statement, with a
corresponding entry in reserves.
Charges also arise on loans that are provided to employees
to fund the purchase of shares as part of long term incentive
plans. To the extent to which the loans are not, in certain
circumstances, repayable, the cost of the relevant part of
such loans is expensed over the course of the relevant
incentive plans.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of
the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership to the lessee. The determination of the classification
of property leases is made by reference to the land and
buildings elements separately. All leases not classified as
finance leases are classified as operating leases.
The Group as a lessor
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a
straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial
direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating
lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and
recognised on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Group as a lessee
Finance leases
Assets held under finance leases are capitalised at their fair
value on acquisition or, if lower, at the present value of the
minimum lease payments, each determined at the inception of
the lease and depreciated over their estimated useful lives or
the lease term if shorter. The corresponding obligation to the
lessor is included in the balance sheet as a liability. Lease
payments are apportioned between finance charges and
reduction of the lease obligation. Finance charges are charged
to the income statement over the term of the lease in
proportion to the capital element outstanding.
Operating leases
Rental payments under operating leases are charged to the
income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of
the lease. Contingent rentals arising under operating leases
are recognised as an expense in the period in which they
are incurred.
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Notes to the Group financial statements
Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to enter into
operating leases are amortised through the income statement
over the period of the lease.
i) Taxation
Current tax
Current tax, is provided at amounts expected to be paid
or recovered using the prevailing tax rates and laws that
have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance
sheet date and adjusted for any tax payable in respect of
previous years.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary
differences between the carrying amount of an asset or liability
in the balance sheet and the tax base value and represent tax
payable in future periods. Deferred tax assets are recognised
to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be
available against which deductible temporary differences
can be utilised.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary
differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, 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. No
provision is made for tax which would have been payable on
the distribution of retained profits of overseas subsidiaries or
associated undertakings where it has been determined that
these profits will not be distributed in the foreseeable future.
A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is
probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilised. Current and deferred tax is
recognised in the income statement except where it relates to
an item recognised directly in reserves, in which case it is
recognised directly in reserves.
Deferred tax is measured at the average tax rates that are
expected to apply in the years in which the timing differences
are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws that
have been enacted, or substantially enacted by the balance
sheet date.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other
when they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax
jurisdiction and when the Group intends to settle its current
tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. Deferred tax balances
are not discounted.
j) Goodwill
On acquisition of a subsidiary or associate, the fair value of the
consideration is allocated between the identifiable net tangible
and intangible assets and liabilities on a fair value basis, with
any excess consideration representing goodwill. At the
acquisition date, goodwill is allocated to each Cash Generating
Unit (CGU) expected to benefit from the combination and held
in the currency of the operations to which the goodwill relates.
Goodwill is not amortised, but is reviewed annually for
impairment, or more frequently where there is an indication
that goodwill may be impaired. Impairment is assessed by
measuring the future cash flows of the CGUs to which the
goodwill relates. Where the future discounted cash flows are
less than the carrying value of goodwill, an impairment charge
is recognised in the income statement.
On disposal of subsidiary undertakings and businesses, the
relevant goodwill is included in the calculation of the profit or
loss on disposal.
k) Intangible assets
Acquisition intangibles
Acquisition intangibles comprise brand names and customer
relationships purchased as part of acquisitions of businesses
and are capitalised and amortised over their useful economic
lives on a straight line basis. These intangible assets are stated
at cost less accumulated amortisation and, where appropriate,
provision for impairment in value or estimated loss on disposal.
Amortisation is provided to write off the cost of assets on a
straight line basis on the following bases:
Brands
7% to 20% per annum
Customer relationships
13% to 50% per annum
Software and licences
Software and licences include costs incurred to acquire the
assets as well as internal infrastructure and design costs
incurred in the development of software in order to bring the
assets into use.
Internally generated software is recognised as an intangible
asset only if it can be separately identified, it is probable that
the asset will generate future economic benefits which exceed
one year, and the development cost can be measured reliably.
Where these conditions are not met, development expenditure
is recognised as an expense in the year in which it is incurred.
Costs associated with developing or maintaining computer
software are recognised as an expense as incurred unless they
increase the future economic benefits of the asset, in which
case they are capitalised.
The expenditure capitalised includes the cost of materials,
direct labour and an appropriate proportion of overheads.
Subsequent expenditure is capitalised only when it increases
the future economic benefits embodied in the specific asset
to which it relates.
Software is stated at cost less accumulated amortisation and,
where appropriate, provision for impairment in value or
estimated loss on disposal. Amortisation is provided to write
off the cost of assets on a straight line basis between three
and eight years.
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l) Property, plant & equipment
o) Inventories
Property, plant & equipment are stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment
losses.
With the exception of land, depreciation is provided to write off
the cost of the assets over their expected useful lives from the
date the asset was brought into use or capable of being used.
Rates applied to different classes of property, plant &
equipment are as follows:
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable
value. Cost comprises direct purchase cost and those
overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories
to their present location and condition less any attributable
discounts and bonuses received from suppliers in respect of
that inventory. Net realisable value is based on estimated
selling price, less further costs expected to be incurred to
disposal. Provision is made for obsolete, slow moving or
defective items where appropriate.
Land and buildings
1⅔% – 4% per annum
p) Cash and cash equivalents
Fixtures, fittings and equipment
10 – 33⅓% per annum
Assets capitalised as finance leases are depreciated over the
term of the lease.
Property, plant & equipment are assessed on an ongoing
basis to determine whether circumstances exist that could lead
to the conclusion that the net book value is not supportable.
Where assets are to be taken out of use, an impairment
charge is levied. Where the property, plant & equipment form
part of a separate CGU, such as a store or group of stores, and
business indicators exist which could lead to the conclusions
that the net book value is not supportable, the recoverable
amount of the CGU is determined by calculating its value in
use. The value in use is calculated by applying discounted
cash flow modelling to management’s projection of future
profitability and any impairment is determined by comparing
the net book value with the value in use.
m) Financial assets and investments
The Group’s financial assets comprise cash and cash
equivalents, and those receivables which involve a contractual
right to receive cash from external parties. Financial assets
comprise all items shown in notes 14 and 15 with the
exception of prepayments. Under the classifications stipulated
by IAS 39, cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial
instruments, which are further described in notes 1p) and 26,
are classified as ‘loans and receivables’ and ‘held for trading
unless designated in a hedge relationship’, respectively. Trade
and other receivables (excluding derivative financial assets) are
classified as ‘loans and receivables’.
n) Interests in joint ventures
Joint ventures are joint arrangements whereby the parties that
have joint control of the arrangement have rights to the net
assets of the arrangement. These consolidated financial
statements include the Group’s share of the total recognised
gains and losses of joint ventures using the equity method less
any impairment losses. When the Group’s interest in a joint
venture has been reduced to nil because the Group’s share of
losses exceeds its interest in the joint venture, the Group only
provides for additional losses to the extent that it has incurred
legal or constructive obligations to fund such losses, or where
the Group has made payments on behalf of the joint venture.
Any associated goodwill is included within the carrying value
of the investment and is assessed for impairment as part of
that investment.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in
hand, bank overdrafts and short term highly liquid deposits
which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Bank overdrafts, which form part of cash and cash equivalents
for the purpose of the cash flow statement, are shown under
current liabilities.
q) Borrowings and other financial liabilities
The Group’s financial liabilities are those which involve a
contractual obligation to deliver cash to external parties at a
future date. Financial liabilities comprise all items shown in
notes 16 to 19 with the exception of deferred income and other
non-financial creditors.
Borrowings
Borrowings in the Group's balance sheet represent committed
and uncommitted bank loans. Borrowings are initially recorded
at the consideration received less directly attributable
transaction costs. Transaction fees such as bank fees and
legal costs associated with the securing of financing are
capitalised and amortised through the income statement over
the term of the relevant facility. All other borrowing costs are
recognised in the income statement in the period in which they
are incurred.
Under the classifications stipulated by IAS 39, borrowings,
finance lease obligations and trade and other payables
(excluding derivative financial liabilities) are classified as
‘financial liabilities measured at amortised cost’. Derivative
financial instruments, which are described further in note 26,
are classified as ‘held for trading unless designated in a
hedge relationship’.
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables (excluding derivative financial
liabilities) are recorded at cost. Derivative financial instruments,
are initially recorded at fair value and then subsequently
remeasured to fair value at each balance sheet date and
are held within assets or liabilities as appropriate. Gains and
losses arising from revaluation at the balance sheet date are
recognised in the income statement unless the derivatives
are designated as hedges and such hedges are proved to
be effective.
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Notes to the Group financial statements
r) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when a legal or constructive
obligation exists as a result of past events and it is probable
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the
obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount
of the obligation. Provisions are discounted where the time
value of money is considered to be material.
All provisions are assessed by reference to the best available
information at the balance sheet date.
s) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of
estimation uncertainty
Critical accounting judgements and estimates used in the
preparation of the financial statements are continually reviewed
and revised as necessary.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that such judgements and
estimates are reasonable, by their nature they are uncertain,
and as such changes may have a material impact. The
principal items subject to such judgements and estimates are
as follows:
Revenue recognition
For certain transactions with MNOs, commission receivable on
mobile phone sales depends on customer behaviour after the
point of sale. The method of measuring the fair value of the
revenue and associated receivables at the date of sale is to
estimate all future cash flows that will be received from the
network and then discount these based on their timing of
receipt. The associated receivables are subsequently
measured at amortised cost with remeasurements due to
changes in customer behaviour recognised in the income
statement. Assumptions are therefore required, particularly in
relation to levels of customer default within the contract period,
expected levels of customer spend, and customer behaviour
beyond the initial contract period. Further details of estimates
used to value commission receivable, carrying amounts at the
balance sheet date, effects on the current year income
statement of changes in estimates and sensitivity analysis of
the carrying value can be found in note 26.
Volume Rebates: This income is linked to purchases made from
suppliers and is recognised as a reduction to cost of goods sold
as inventory is sold. Unearned rebates that relate to inventory
not sold are recognised within the value of inventory at the
period end. Where an agreement spans period ends, judgement
is required regarding amounts to be recognised. Forecasts are
used as well as historical data in the estimation of the level of
income recognised. Amounts are only recognised where the
Group has a clear entitlement to the receipt of the rebate and a
reliable estimate can be made.
Discounts: This income is received from suppliers on a price per
unit basis. The level of estimation is minimal as amounts are
recognised as a reduction to cost of goods sold based on the
agreement terms and only once the item is sold.
Marketing income: This income is received in relation to
marketing activities that are performed on behalf of suppliers.
Judgement is required to ensure that income is only recognised
when all performance obligations within the contract have been
fulfilled and the income is expected to be collected.
Supplier funding amounts that have been recognised and
not invoiced are shown within accrued income on the
balance sheet.
Inventory valuation
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value. Cost comprises direct purchase cost and those
overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories
to their present location and condition. Net realisable value
represents the estimated selling price less all estimated and
directly attributable costs of completion and costs to be
incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Net realisable
value includes, where necessary, provisions for slow moving
and damaged inventory. The provision represents the
difference between the cost of stock and its estimated net
realisable value, based on ageing and other factors.
Calculation of these provisions requires judgements to be
made which include forecast consumer demand, the
promotional, competitive and economic environment and
inventory loss trends.
Income received from suppliers such as volume rebates
Recoverable amount of non-current assets
The Group has provided enhanced disclosure on supplier
funding following guidance issued by the Financial Reporting
Council in December 2014. This disclosure is aimed at assisting
the users of the financial statements in understanding the
judgements and estimates made in the recognition of supplier
funding in the Group’s financial statements.
The Group’s agreements with suppliers contain a price for units
purchased as well as other rebates and discounts which are
summarised below:
All non-current assets, including goodwill and other intangible
assets, are reviewed for potential impairment using estimates
of the future economic benefits attributable to them. Any
estimates of future economic benefits made in relation to non-
current assets may differ from the benefits that ultimately arise
and materially affect the recoverable value of the asset. The
methodology and key assumptions used in assessing the
carrying value of goodwill is set out in note 9 and in respect of
intangible assets and property, plant & equipment in note 1k)
and 1l).
Trade and other receivables
Provisions for irrecoverable receivables are based on extensive
historical evidence and the best available information in
relation to specific issues, but are unavoidably dependent
on future events.
98
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Taxation
Defined benefit pension schemes
The surplus or deficit in the UK defined benefit pension
scheme that is recognised through the consolidated statement
of comprehensive income and expense is subject to a number
of assumptions and uncertainties. The calculated liabilities of
the scheme are based on assumptions regarding salary
increases, inflation rates, discount rates and member longevity.
Such assumptions are based on actuarial advice and are
benchmarked against similar pension schemes. Refer to note
21 for further information.
Acquisition accounting
Accounting for the Merger involved the use of assumptions in
relation to the future cash flows associated with acquisition
intangibles, and the use of valuation techniques in order to
arrive at the fair value of the other non-current assets and
liabilities acquired. The assumptions applied were based on
the best information available to management and valuation
techniques were supported by third party valuation experts.
Nevertheless, the actual performance of these assets and
liabilities may differ from the valuations derived through this
exercise. Judgement was required in identifying the acquirer
in accordance with the criteria detailed in IFRS 3 'Business
Combinations'. The factors considered when identifying the
acquirer included: i) the entity which issued equity to effect the
transaction and the terms on which equity interests were
exchanged ii) the relative voting rights of the entities iii) the
composition of the board and senior management post
transaction iv) the existence of any significant minority
interests; and v) the relative size of the entities. On the basis of
this analysis we concluded that Carphone Warehouse Group
plc was the acquirer.
Tax laws that apply to the Group’s businesses may be
amended by the relevant authorities, for example as a result of
changes in fiscal circumstances or priorities. Such potential
amendments and their application to the Group are monitored
regularly and the requirement for recognition of any liabilities
assessed where necessary. The Group is subject to income
taxes in a number of different jurisdictions and judgement is
required in determining the appropriate provision for
transactions where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain.
In such circumstances, the Group recognises liabilities for
anticipated taxes due based on best information available and
where the anticipated liability is probable and estimable. Where
the final outcome of such matters differs from the amounts
initially recorded, any differences will impact the income tax
and deferred tax provisions in the year to which such
determination is made. Where the potential liabilities are not
considered probable, the amount at risk is disclosed unless an
adverse outcome is considered remote. The Group has
recognised provisions in relation to uncertain tax positions of
£54 million at 30 April 2016 (2015: £41 million).
Deferred tax is recognised on taxable losses based on the
expected ability to utilise such losses. This ability takes
account of the business plans for the relevant companies,
potential uncertainties around the longer term aspects of these
business plans, any expiry of taxable benefits and potential
future volatility in the local tax regimes.
Provisions
The Group’s provisions are based on the best information
available to management at the balance sheet date.
Judgement is required to assess the likelihood of success of
any claim made against the Group and if any liability will arise.
The most significant provision currently is in relation to the
store reorganisation programme described in note 4. The costs
and timing of cash flows are dependent on exiting the property
lease contracts or subletting the property. Significant
assumptions are used in estimating the ultimate cost to the
Group including the nature, timing and cost of exiting a lease
and the level of sublease income. The future costs assumed
are inevitably only estimates, which may differ from those
ultimately incurred. Refer to note 20 for further information.
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Notes to the Group financial statements
2 Segmental analysis
The Group’s operating segments reflect the segments routinely
reviewed by the Board and which are used to manage
performance and allocate resources. This information is
predominantly based on geographical areas which are either
managed separately or have similar trading characteristics
such that they can be aggregated together into one segment.
As explained in note 25, Virgin Mobile France, the Phone
House operations in Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal
have been treated as discontinued operations and are
therefore excluded from this segmental analysis.
The Group’s reportable segments have been identified
as follows:
• UK & Ireland comprises operations in the UK and Ireland
as well as operations in airports in the UK and Ireland.
• Nordics operates in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark
and Iceland.
• Southern Europe comprises operations in Spain and Greece.
• Connected World Services is the Group’s B2B operation
which leverages the specialist skills, operating processes
and technology of the Group to provide managed services
to third parties looking to develop their own connected
world solutions.
UK & Ireland, Nordics and Southern Europe are involved in the
sale of consumer electronics and mobile technology products
and services, primarily through stores or online channels.
Transactions between segments are on an arm’s length basis.
t) Recent accounting developments
There were no new IFRSs or IFRIC interpretations that had to
be implemented during the year that significantly affect these
financial statements.
The following new standards, which are applicable to the
Group, have been published but are not yet effective and have
not yet been adopted by the EU:
• IFRS 9 'Financial Instruments'. This standard is the first step
in the process to replace IAS 39 'Financial Instruments:
Recognition and Measurement'. IFRS 9 introduces new
requirements for classifying and measuring financial assets
and affects the accounting for financial assets – IFRS 9 is
applicable for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018.
• IFRS 15 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' provides
guidance on the recognition, timing and measurement of
revenue. IFRS 15 is applicable for periods beginning on or
after 1 January 2018.
• IFRS 16 'Leases' establishes principles for the recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases –
IFRS 16 is applicable for periods beginning on or after
1 January 2019.
It is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the
effect of the adoption of the above standards until a detailed
review has been complete, however, IFRS 16 will require the
Group to recognise a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for
most of those leases previously treated as operating leases.
This will affect both non-current and current liabilities, fixed
assets and the measurement and disclosure of expense
associated with the leases which under the new standard will
be treated as depreciation and financing expense which were
previously recognised as operating expeses over the term of
the lease.
Certain other new accounting standards, amendments to
existing accounting standards and interpretations which are in
issue but not yet effective, either do not apply to the Group or
are not expected to have any material impact on the Group's
net results or net assets.
100
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2 Segmental analysis continued
(a) Segmental results
Headline external revenue
Inter-segmental revenue
Total Headline revenue
Headline EBIT before share of results of
joint ventures
Share of Headline results of joint ventures
Headline EBIT
Reconciliation of Headline profit to total profit before tax
Year ended 30 April 2016
UK &
Ireland
£million
Nordics
£million
Southern
Europe
£million
Connected
World
Services
£million
Eliminations
£million
6,404
2,632
60
—
6,464
2,632
365
—
365
79
—
79
550
—
550
17
—
17
152
—
152
11
(4)
7
—
(60)
(60)
—
—
—
Total
£million
9,738
—
9,738
472
(4)
468
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
EBIT before share of results of joint ventures
Share of results of joint ventures
EBIT
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit / (loss) before tax
Year ended 30 April 2016
Headline
profit /
(loss)
£million
365
79
17
11
472
(4)
468
17
(38)
447
Amortisation
of
acquisition
intangibles
£million
Dixons
Retail
Merger
£million
Property
rationalisation
costs
£million
Acquisition
related
£million
Pension
scheme
interest
£million
(24)
(13)
(2)
(1)
(40)
—
(40)
—
—
(40)
(37)
(5)
—
(6)
(48)
—
(48)
—
(4)
(52)
(70)
—
—
—
(70)
—
(70)
—
—
(70)
(1)
(5)
—
—
(6)
—
(6)
—
—
(6)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(16)
(16)
Total
profit /
(loss)
£million
233
56
15
4
308
(4)
304
17
(58)
263
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101
Notes to the Group financial statements
2 Segmental analysis continued
(a) Segmental results continued
Headline external revenue
Inter-segmental revenue
Total Headline revenue
Headline EBIT before share of results of
joint ventures
Share of Headline results of joint ventures
Headline EBIT
Reconciliation of Headline profit to total profit before tax
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Unallocated
EBIT before share of results of joint ventures
Share of results of joint ventures
EBIT
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit / (loss) before tax
13 months ended 2 May 2015
UK &
Ireland
£million
5,506
64
Nordics
£million
2,055
—
5,570
2,055
313
—
313
60
—
60
Southern
Europe
£million
Connected
World
Services
£million
Eliminations
£million
564
—
564
20
—
20
130
—
130
7
—
7
—
(64)
(64)
—
—
—
Total
£million
8,255
—
8,255
400
—
400
13 months ended 2 May 2015
Headline
profit /
(loss)
£million
Amortisation
of acquisition
intangibles
£million
Dixons
Retail
Merger
£million
Pension
scheme
interest
£million
313
60
20
7
—
400
—
400
15
(39)
376
(22)
(10)
(2)
(1)
—
(35)
—
(35)
—
—
(35)
(13)
(4)
—
—
(24)
(41)
—
(41)
—
—
(41)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(13)
(13)
Total
profit /
(loss)
£million
278
46
18
6
(24)
324
—
324
15
(52)
287
Unallocated Merger related costs comprise those that are not directly attributable to a specific segment.
102
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2 Segmental analysis continued
b) Geographical information
Revenues are allocated to countries according to the entity’s country of domicile. Revenue by destination is not materially
different to that shown by domicile.
c) Other information
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Non-current assets*
Capital expenditure Depreciation/Amortisation
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
3,086
1,203
62
17
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
2,916
1,152
86
5
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
152
57
5
7
127
30
4
5
129
40
6
2
106
32
9
2
4,368
4,159
221
166
177
149
*Non-current assets above exclude deferred tax assets and assets related to discontinued operations.
3 Revenue and profit / (loss) before interest, taxation and share of results of joint ventures
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Profit / (loss) before interest, taxation and share
of results of joint ventures
Revenue can be further analysed as follows:
Sale of goods
Revenue from services
Year ended 30 April 2016
13 months 2 May 2015
Headline
£million
9,738
(7,553)
2,185
(1,713)
Non-
Headline
£million
—
—
—
Total
£million
Headline
£million
9,738
8,255
(7,553)
(6,118)
2,185
2,137
Non-
Headline
£million
—
—
—
Total
£million
8,255
(6,118)
2,137
(164)
(1,877)
(1,737)
(76)
(1,813)
472
(164)
308
400
(76)
324
Year ended 30 April 2016
13 months ended 2 May 2015
Headline
£million
7,018
2,720
9,738
Non-
Headline
£million
Total
£million
Headline
£million
—
—
—
7,018
2,720
9,738
5,641
2,614
8,255
Non-
Headline
£million
—
—
—
Total
£million
5,641
2,614
8,255
Revenue from services predominantly comprises those relating to commissions from MNOs, insurance, customer support
agreements, delivery and installation, product repairs and product support.
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103
Notes to the Group financial statements
3 Revenue and profit / (loss) before interest, taxation and share of results of joint ventures continued
Profit / (loss) before interest and taxation for continuing operations is stated after charging / (crediting) the following:
Depreciation of property, plant & equipment
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Amortisation of other intangibles
Impairment of trade receivables
Impairment of inventory
Loss on disposal of property, plant & equipment
Cost of inventory recognised as an expense
Rentals paid under operating leases:
Non-contingent rent
Contingent rent
Rentals received under operating leases – subleases
Investment property rental income
Net foreign exchange losses
Share-based payments expense
Other employee costs (see note 5)
Auditor’s remuneration comprises the following:
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s annual accounts
Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and its associates for their audit of the
Company’s subsidiaries
Total audit fees
Tax advisory services
Tax compliance services
Other assurance services
Other services
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
98
40
39
11
55
1
83
35
31
8
68
5
7,343
6,069
340
17
(6)
(1)
2
10
1,051
304
22
(5)
(1)
1
10
890
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
0.1
1.4
1.5
—
0.2
0.2
—
1.9
0.1
1.9
2.0
0.2
0.2
1.3
0.2
3.9
In addition to the above fees, £0.1m (2014/15: £0.1m) of non-audit fees were paid to the auditor in respect of tax compliance and
tax advisory services to discontinued operations. Other assurance services in the prior period related primarily to the Merger in
respect of which the external auditor acted as reporting accountant.
104
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4 Non-Headline items
Included in profit / (loss) before interest and tax:
Amortisation of acquisition intangibles
Exceptional items – Dixons Retail Merger
– Property rationalisation costs
– Acquisition related
Included in net finance costs:
Net non-cash finance costs on defined benefit pension schemes
Exceptional items – Dixons Retail Merger
Total impact on profit / (loss) before tax
Tax on Non-Headline items
Total impact on profit / (loss) after tax
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
Note
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(ii)
(40)
(48)
(70)
(6)
(164)
(16)
(4)
(184)
26
(158)
(35)
(41)
—
—
(76)
(13)
—
(89)
15
(74)
Non-Headline items also include discontinued operations, which comprise the results of Virgin Mobile France and the Phone
House operations in Germany, the Netherlands, and Portugal. The post-tax results of these businesses have been reported
separately and are further described in note 25.
(i) Amortisation of acquisition intangibles:
A charge of £40 million arose during the year in relation to acquisition intangibles arising on the CPW Europe Acquisition and
the Dixons Retail Merger (2014/15: £35 million).
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105
Notes to the Group financial statements
4 Non-Headline items continued
(ii) Exceptional items – Dixons Retail Merger:
Merger transaction costs
Merger integration costs
Revolving Credit Facility fee write off
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
—
(48)
(4)
(52)
(9)
(32)
—
(41)
The Dixons Retail Merger is described further in notes 1 and 24. The Merger has given rise to the following costs which have
been treated as exceptional items:
• Merger transaction costs comprise banking and professional fees in relation to the transaction.
• Merger integration costs relate to the reorganisation of the Group following the Merger and comprise the rationalisation
of certain operational and support functions. These costs mainly comprise professional fees, employee severance and
property costs associated with the integration process.
• Revolving Credit Facility fee write off relates to the deferred facility fees written off following the recent refinancing.
The fees incurred were a result of the Merger and the financing required to facilitate the Merger at short notice
(iii) Property rationalisation costs:
Following the Merger it was announced that the Group would launch a major roll out of its fully refurbished 3-in1 store
concept in the UK & Ireland. This involves merging the remaining PC World and Currys stores and inserting a Carphone
Warehouse, reducing the overall store portfolio by 134. The costs associated with this initiative, being early lease termination
premiums, onerous lease provisions, dilapidations and fixed asset impairments, have been treated as exceptional items. In
addition a further 50 stores have been exited in the year in the normal course of business and their exit costs have not been
included in the above item.
(iv) Acquisition related:
Acquisition related comprises an increase in the deferred consideration payable on a business acquired by Dixons in the
Nordics in 2011/12 following better than expected actual and forecast trading (£5 million), and current year costs incurred
in the acquisition of Simplifydigital and Infocare (£1 million) (note 24).
(v) Net non-cash financing costs on defined benefit pension schemes:
Under IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’, the net interest charge on defined benefit pension schemes is calculated by applying the
corporate bond yield rates applicable on the last day of the previous financial year to the net defined benefit obligation.
Corporate bond yield rates vary over time which in turn creates volatility in the income statement and balance sheet and
results in a non-cash remeasurement cost which can be volatile due to corporate bond yield rates prevailing on a particular
day and is also unrepresentative of the actual investment gains or losses made or the liabilities paid and payable. Consistent
with a number of other companies, the accounting effects of these non-cash revaluations of net defined benefit pension
liabilities have been excluded from Headline earnings.
106
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5 Employee costs and share-based payments
a) Employee costs
The aggregate remuneration recognised in the income statement for continuing operations is as follows:
Salaries and performance bonuses
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Share-based payments
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
921
107
23
1,051
10
1,061
781
89
20
890
10
900
Aggregate remuneration for discontinued operations are salaries and performance bonuses of £6 million (2014/15: £46 million),
social security costs of £1 million (2014/15: £8 million) and other pension costs of £nil (2014/15: £1 million).
The average number of employees for continuing operations is:
UK & Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Year ended
30 April
2016
Number
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
Number
27,608
23,582
10,283
3,764
192
6,492
2,675
85
41,847
32,834
The average number of employees for discontinued operations is 341 (2014/15: 2,127).
Compensation earned by key management, comprising the Board of directors and senior executives, is as follows:
Short-term employee benefits
Termination benefits
Share-based payments
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
12
—
2
14
15
1
1
17
During the 13 months ended 2 May 2015 and year ended 29 March 2014 loans were advanced to members of key management
in relation to the Carphone Warehouse Share Plan. At 30 April 2016, loans to key management in relation to these schemes
totalled £10 million (2015: £16 million). Interest is charged on loans at market rates and interest of £0.3 million has been
recognised during the period (2014/15: £0.4 million).
Further information about individual directors’ remuneration, share interests, share options, pensions and other entitlements,
which form part of these financial statements, is provided in the Remuneration Report.
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107
Notes to the Group financial statements
5 Employee costs and share-based payments continued
b) Share-based payments
i) Share Plan
During the year ended 29 March 2014, the Group introduced the Share Plan which allows participants to share 10% of the
incremental value created in the Group in excess of an opening value (assessed on the value of CPW over a three-month period
prior to approval of the plan by shareholders in June 2013 and, for new entrants during the 13 months ended 2 May 2015,
assessed on the aggregated value of CPW and Dixons Retail over a one-month period prior to the announcement of preliminary
merger discussions in February 2014) and beyond an annual rate of return of 7% on invested capital. The plan is underpinned
by a minimum annual compound TSR growth of 5% and outperformance of the median TSR of the FTSE 250.
Participants acquired, at market value, participation shares in a subsidiary company that holds the Group’s interests in CPW
Europe and, since the Merger, Dixons Retail. The Group granted loans to participants at a commercial rate of interest to acquire
the shares. Loans are ordinarily repayable in full if performance conditions are met.
The performance of the scheme will ordinarily be measured on or around June 2017, when 60% of the shares vest, with 40%
deferred for a further year. When the awards vest, the value of the shares held by participants will be based on the incremental
value (if any) of Dixons Carphone in excess of the opening valuation together with the minimum return on invested capital. These
shares will then be purchased by the Company for cash and / or the Company’s ordinary shares.
A ‘bad leaver’ will be required to transfer the participation shares to such party as the Company designates for an amount equal
to the total amount outstanding under the loan. If the market value of the shares is less than the amount of the outstanding loan
(and any accrued interest) then the participant may be required to repay up to 20% of the shortfall out of their own resources.
A participant shall be a ‘good leaver’ at the sole discretion of the Remuneration Committee and may be permitted to retain an
award notwithstanding the termination of their employment.
The mechanics of the plan may be varied by the Remuneration Committee if necessary to ensure that participants are neither
advantaged nor disadvantaged by a variation of the share capital of the Company, bona fide merger, reconstruction or similar
reorganisation.
ii) Share option schemes
During the year ended 29 March 2014, the Group introduced a share option scheme which allows nil-priced options to be
offered to senior employees who are not participants in the Share Plan.
Options were first granted under the scheme in January 2014. The options are subject to continuing employment and are subject
to performance conditions based on a combination of absolute TSR performance and relative TSR performance against the
FTSE 250 or FTSE 350.
Following the Merger with Dixons Retail plc on 6 August 2014, the Company assumed the obligation to satisfy outstanding
Dixons share options awarded under the Dixons Retail Employee Share Option Scheme and Executive Share Option Plan, with
employees eligible to acquire 0.155 Dixons Carphone shares for each Dixons option held. All outstanding Dixons awards had
vested before the Merger, and were exercisable within six months post-Merger.
108
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5 Employee costs and share-based payments continued
b) Share-based payments continued
ii) Share option schemes continued
The following table summarises the number and weighted average exercise price of share options for these schemes:
Outstanding at the beginning of the period
Dixons options assumed on Merger
Granted during the period
Lapsed during the period
Exercised during the period
Outstanding at the end of the period
Exercisable at the end of the period
Weighted average market price of options exercised in the period
Weighted average remaining contractual life of awards outstanding
Exercise price for options outstanding
iii) SAYE scheme
Year ended
30 April 2016
13 months ended
2 May 2015
Number
million
WAEP
£
Number
million
WAEP
£
17
—
1
(4)
—
14
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
9
1
11
(3)
(1)
17
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Year ended
30 April
2016
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
—
£4.18
8.3 yrs
9.1 yrs
£nil
£nil
The Group has SAYE schemes which allow participants to save up to £500 per month for either three or five years. At the end
of the savings period, participants can purchase shares in the Company based on a discounted share price determined at the
commencement of the scheme. Participants in the Dixons Retail plc SAYE scheme had the opportunity to roll over their awards
into options over shares in the merged entity, Dixons Carphone, on completion of the Merger. Employees who chose to roll over
received 0.155 options in Dixons Carphone in exchange for each Dixons option held. The savings period and exercise date of
these options remain unchanged. If employees chose not to roll over their options, they could exercise the value saved within
six months of the Merger in return for 0.155 Dixons Carphone shares for each Dixons option held.
The following table summarises the number and WAEP of share options for these schemes:
Outstanding at the beginning of the period
Dixons options assumed on Merger
Granted during the period
Exercised during the period
Lapsed during period
Outstanding at the end of the period
Exercisable at the end of the period
Weighted average market price of options exercised in the period
Weighted average remaining contractual life of awards outstanding
Range of exercise prices for options outstanding
Year ended
30 April 2016
13 months ended
2 May 2015
Number
million
13
—
4
(2)
(2)
13
—
WAEP
£
2.71
—
3.77
1.03
3.13
3.22
—
Number
million
3
6
7
(2)
(1)
13
—
WAEP
£
2.24
1.20
3.44
2.24
1.76
2.71
—
Year ended
30 April
2016
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£4.38
£3.82
2.6 yrs
2.8 yrs
£2.09 –
£3.77
£0.92 –
£3.44
109
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Notes to the Group financial statements
5 Employee costs and share-based payments continued
b) Share-based payments continued
iv) Fair value model
The fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo model. The model combines the market price
of a share at the date of grant with the probability of meeting performance criteria, based on the historical performance of
Carphone Warehouse and, for options issued subsequent to the Merger on 6 August 2014, the historical performance of Dixons.
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the period was £0.74 (2014/15: £1.34). The following table lists the
inputs to the model:
Exercise price
Dividend yield
Historical and expected volatility
Expected option life
Weighted average share price
Year ended
30 April
2016
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£nil –
£3.77
2.3%
27% –
28%
4 –
10 yrs
£4.35
£nil –
£3.44
2.2%
31% –
35%
4 –
10 yrs
£4.14
v) Charge to the income statement and entries in reserves
During the year ended 30 April 2016, the Group recognised a non-cash accounting charge to profit and loss of £10 million
(13 months ended 2 May 2015: £10 million) in respect of equity settled share-based payments, with a corresponding credit
through reserves.
c) Employee Share Ownership Trust (ESOT)
Investment in own shares
Maximum number of shares held during the period
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
Market
value
£million
Nominal
value
£million
3
10
—
—
Number
million
0.7
2.2
Market
value
£million
Nominal
value
£million
4
18
—
—
Number
million
0.9
5.2
The Group has two ESOTs for the purposes of satisfying potential awards to employees under the Group’s share plans. The
number of shares held by the trusts, which are shown in the table above, remain held for potential awards under outstanding
plans. The costs of funding and administering the ESOTs are charged to the income statement in the year to which they relate.
Shareholders’ funds are reduced by the net book value of shares held in the ESOTs.
During the year, 1.9 million shares were purchased by the Dixons Retail plc ESOT for net cash consideration (after the receipt
of the exercise price from employees) of £5 million.
The ESOTs have waived their rights to receive dividends and the shares have not been allocated to specific schemes.
110
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6 Net finance costs
Unwind of discounts on trade receivables
Finance income
Interest on bank overdrafts and loans
Finance lease interest payable
Net interest on defined benefit pension obligations(i)
Unwind of discounts on liabilities
Amortisation of facility fees
Revolving credit facility fee write off (i)
Other interest expense
Finance costs
Total net finance costs
Headline total net finance costs
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
17
17
(16)
(6)
(16)
(10)
(2)
(4)
(4)
(58)
15
15
(17)
(4)
(13)
(11)
(3)
—
(4)
(52)
(41)
(37)
(21)
(24)
(i) Headline finance costs exclude net interest on defined benefit pension obligations and the write off of revolving credit facility fees (see note 4).
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111
Notes to the Group financial statements
7 Tax
a) Tax expense
The corporation tax charge comprises:
Current tax
UK corporation tax at 20% (2014/15 20.92%(i)) – Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
– Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
– Non-Headline
– Headline
Overseas tax
Adjustments made in respect of prior years:
UK Corporation tax
Overseas tax
Total current tax
Deferred tax
UK tax
Overseas tax
Adjustments in respect of prior years:
UK Corporation tax
Overseas tax
Total deferred tax
Total tax charge
Headline tax charge(ii)
*
*
*
*
*
*
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
71
(15)
23
(2)
77
(1)
(6)
(5)
(12)
61
(12)
25
(3)
71
6
—
(2)
4
65
75
19
—
2
(3)
18
2
—
(1)
1
19
84
110
10
2
(2)
(3)
7
(8)
1
1
(6)
1
76
91
(i) The UK corporation tax rate for the 12 months ended 30 April 2016 was 20% (13 months ended 2 May 2015 was 21% for the 12 months to
31 March 2015 and 20% thereafter).
(ii) The Headline tax charge excludes those items marked *.
Tax related to discontinued operations is included in the figures set out in note 25.
112
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7 Tax continued
b) Reconciliation of notional to actual (effective) tax rate
The principal differences between the total tax charge shown above and the amount calculated by applying the standard rate
of UK corporation tax to profit / (loss) before taxation are as follows:
Profit / (loss) before taxation
Tax at UK statutory rate of 20% (2014/15: 21%)
Differences in effective overseas tax rates
Adjustments in respect of prior years
Items attracting no tax relief or liability
Movement in unprovided deferred tax
Effect of change in statutory tax rate
Other differences
Total tax charge / (credit)
Year ended 30 April 2016
13 months ended 2 May 2015
Headline
£million
Non-
Headline
£million
Statutory
£million
Headline
£million
Non-
Headline
£million
Statutory
£million
447
(184)
263
376
(89)
287
89
5
(5)
15
2
3
1
(37)
—
(6)
16
1
—
—
110
(26)
52
5
(11)
31
3
3
1
84
79
7
(2)
11
(5)
—
1
91
(19)
(1)
—
5
—
—
—
(15)
60
6
(2)
16
(5)
—
1
76
The effective tax rate on Headline earnings of 25% (2014/15: 24%) has increased compared to the prior year due to the change
in statutory tax rate and certain non-deductible items mainly in the UK.
Although a further reduction in the UK corporation tax rate to 17% from 1 April 2020 has been announced by the UK
Government, this has not been substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and so has not been used in the recognition
of deferred tax balances.
Items attracting no tax relief or liability relate primarily to non-deductible lease exit costs and capital expenditure upon which no
tax deductions are available in respect of capital allowances (2014/15: related primarily to non-deductible lease exit costs).
c) Deferred tax
At 29 March 2014
Dixons Retail Merger
Credited / (charged) directly to income statement
Credited to equity
At 2 May 2015
Charged directly to income statement
Charged to equity
Reclassification
At 30 April 2016
Deferred tax comprises the following balances:
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
Accelerated
capital
allowances
£million
Retirement
benefit
obligations
£million
Losses
carried
forward
£million
Other
temporary
differences
£million
Total
£million
21
(41)
3
—
(17)
(7)
—
—
(24)
—
83
—
15
98
—
(13)
(1)
84
3
—
1
—
4
(1)
—
—
3
12
58
(5)
12
77
(11)
(11)
1
56
36
100
(1)
27
162
(19)
(24)
—
119
30 April
2016
£million
234
(115)
119
2 May
2015
£million
263
(101)
162
113
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Notes to the Group financial statements
7 Tax continued
Analysis of deferred tax relating to items (charged) / credited to equity in the period
Defined benefit pension schemes
Share-based payments
Other temporary differences
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
2 May
2015
£million
(13)
(7)
(4)
(24)
15
12
—
27
The Group has total unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to tax losses of £1,414 million (2014/15: £1,444 million). No
deferred tax asset has been recognised in respect of the losses due to the lack of certainty regarding the availability of future
taxable profits. The unrecognised tax losses may be carried forward indefinitely.
There were no temporary differences associated with undistributable earnings of subsidiaries for which deferred tax liabilities
had not been recognised at the end of either year.
114
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8 Earnings per share
Headline earnings
Continuing operations
Total earnings / (loss)
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Total
Weighted average number of shares
Average shares in issue
Less average holding by Group ESOT
For basic earnings per share
Dilutive effect of share options and other incentive schemes
For diluted earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Total (continuing and discontinued operations)
Adjustment in respect of discontinued operations
Continuing operations
Adjustments for Non-Headline – continuing operations (net of taxation)
Headline basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Total (continuing and discontinued operations)
Adjustment in respect of discontinued operations
Continuing operations
Adjustments for Non-Headline – continuing operations (net of taxation)
Headline diluted earnings per share
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
337
285
179
(18)
161
211
(114)
97
Million
Million
1,151
(1)
1,150
38
1,188
964
(3)
961
32
993
Pence
Pence
14.0
1.6
15.6
13.7
29.3
13.6
1.5
15.1
13.3
28.4
10.1
11.9
22.0
7.7
29.7
9.8
11.4
21.2
7.5
28.7
Basic and diluted earnings per share are based on the profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders. Headline earnings
per share is presented in order to show the underlying performance of the Group. Adjustments used to determine Headline
earnings are described further in note 4.
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115
Notes to the Group financial statements
9 Goodwill
At beginning of period
Additions (note 24)
Dixons Retail Merger
Impairment
Foreign exchange
At end of period
Cost
Accumulated impairment
a) Carrying value of goodwill
The components of goodwill comprise the following businesses:
UK & Ireland – Dixons
UK – Carphone Warehouse
Ireland – Carphone Warehouse
Nordics
Spain
Simplifydigital
30 April
2016
£million
2,989
26
—
—
39
3,054
3,054
—
2 May
2015
£million
481
—
2,629
(35)
(86)
2,989
2,989
—
3,054
2,989
30 April
2016
£million
1,634
2 May
2015
£million
1,633
405
7
959
30
19
405
7
916
28
—
3,054
2,989
116
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9 Goodwill continued
b) Goodwill impairment testing
As required by IAS 36, goodwill is subject to annual impairment reviews. These reviews are carried out using the
following criteria:
• business acquisitions generate an attributed amount of goodwill;
• the manner in which these businesses are run and managed is used to determine the CGU grouping as defined in IAS 36
‘Impairment of Assets’;
• the recoverable amount of each CGU group is determined based on calculating its value in use (VIU);
• the VIU is calculated by applying discounted cash flow modelling to management’s own projections covering a five-year
period;
• cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using a long-term growth rate equivalent to long-term forecasts
of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rates for the relevant market; and
• the VIU is then compared to the carrying amount in order to determine whether impairment has occurred.
The key assumptions used in calculating value in use are:
• management’s projections;
• the growth rate beyond five years; and
• the pre-tax discount rate.
The long term projections, which have been approved by management, have been prepared using three-year strategic plans as
a base extrapolated to five years and which have regard to the relative performance of competitors and knowledge of the current
market together with management’s views on the future achievable growth in market share and impact of the committed
initiatives. The cash flows which derive from these five-year projections include ongoing capital expenditure required to develop
and upgrade the store network in order to maintain and operate the businesses and to compete in their markets. In forming the
five-year projections, management draws on past experience as a measure to forecast future performance.
Key assumptions used in determining the five year projections comprise the growth in sales and costs over this period. The
compound annual growth rate in sales and costs can rise as well as fall year-on-year depending not only on the year five targets,
but also on the current financial year base. These targets, when combined, accordingly drive the resulting profit margins and the
profit in year five of the projections which is in turn used to calculate the terminal value in the VIU calculation. Historical amounts
for the businesses under impairment review as well as from other parts of the Group are used to generate the values attributed
to these assumptions.
The value attributed to these assumptions for the most significant components of goodwill are as follows:
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
Compound
annual
growth
in sales
Compound
annual
growth
in costs
Growth rate
beyond
five years
Pre-tax
discount
rate
Compound
annual
growth
in sales
Compound
annual
growth
in costs
Growth rate
beyond
five years
Pre-tax
discount rate
UK – Carphone Warehouse
UK & Ireland – Dixons
Nordics
2.8%
2.3%
4.4%
2.6%
2.1%
4.3%
2.1%
2.1%
2.0%
8.8%
8.8%
8.1%
3.2%
2.3%
4.9%
2.5%
2.0%
4.8%
2.9%
2.9%
2.2%
9.5%
9.5%
8.5%
Growth rates used were determined based on third party long-term growth rate forecasts and are based on the GDP growth rate
for the territories in which the businesses operate. The pre-tax discount rates applied to the forecast cash flows reflect current
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs.
c) Goodwill impairment sensitivity analysis
A sensitivity analysis has been performed on each of the base case assumptions used for assessing the goodwill with other
variables held constant. Consideration of sensitivities to key assumptions can evolve from one financial year to the next.
The directors have concluded that there are no reasonably possible changes in key assumptions which would cause the carrying
amount of goodwill to exceed its value in use.
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117
Notes to the Group financial statements
10 Intangible assets
Balance at 3 May 2015
Acquired on acquisition of subsidiary (note 24)
Additions
Amortisation
Foreign exchange
Balance at 30 April 2016
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 30 April 2016
Balance at 30 March 2014
Dixons Retail Merger
Additions
Amortisation
Impairment
Disposal of business
Reclassification to held for sale
Foreign exchange
Balance at 2 May 2015
Cost
Accumulated amortisation and impairment losses
Balance at 2 May 2015
Brands
£million
336
—
—
(26)
7
317
364
(47)
317
Acquisition intangibles
Customer
relationships
£million
Sub-total
£million
Software
and
licences
£million
26
20
—
(14)
(1)
31
73
(42)
31
362
20
—
(40)
6
348
437
(89)
348
163
3
63
(39)
2
192
277
(85)
192
Acquisition intangibles
Brands
£million
Customer
relationships
£million
8
365
—
(21)
(1)
—
—
(15)
336
357
(21)
336
42
8
2
(17)
(6)
(1)
—
(2)
26
54
(28)
26
Software
and
licences
£million
86
30
86
(32)
(3)
—
(2)
(2)
Sub-total
£million
50
373
2
(38)
(7)
(1)
—
(17)
362
163
411
(49)
362
209
(46)
163
Total
£million
525
23
63
(79)
8
540
714
(174)
540
Total
£million
136
403
88
(70)
(10)
(1)
(2)
(19)
525
620
(95)
525
Software and licences include assets with a cost of £17 million (2015: £35 million) on which amortisation has not been charged
as the assets have not yet been brought into use.
Individually material intangible assets
Customer relationships and brands include intangible assets which are considered individually material to the financial
statements. The primary intangible assets, their net book values and remaining amortisation periods are as follows:
Net book
value
£million
151
66
49
31
20
Remaining
amortisation
period
Years
14
14
14
14
5
CurrysPCWorld
Elgiganten
Elkjøp
Gigantti
Simplifydigital
118
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11 Property, plant & equipment
Balance at 3 May 2015
Acquisition of subsidiary (note 24)
Additions
Depreciation
Disposals
Impairment (note 4)
Foreign exchange
Balance as at 30 April 2016
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 30 April 2016
Included in net book value as at 30 April 2016
Land not depreciated
Assets in the course of construction
Assets held under finance leases
Balance at 30 March 2014
Dixons Retail Merger
Additions
Depreciation
Disposals
Transferred to assets held for sale
Impairment
Foreign exchange
Balance as at 2 May 2015
Cost
Accumulated depreciation
Balance as at 2 May 2015
Included in net book value as at 2 May 2015
Land not depreciated
Assets in the course of construction
Assets held under finance leases
Fixtures,
fittings and
other
equipment
£million
Land and
buildings
£million
93
—
33
(6)
(20)
—
—
234
1
124
(92)
(3)
(4)
6
Total
£million
327
1
157
(98)
(23)
(4)
6
100
266
366
117
(17)
100
451
(185)
266
568
(202)
366
8
—
57
—
40
—
8
40
57
Fixtures,
fittings and
other
equipment
£million
Land and
buildings
£million
40
70
4
(8)
(9)
(2)
(1)
(1)
50
196
81
(75)
(5)
(2)
(2)
(9)
93
234
104
(11)
93
319
(85)
234
8
—
65
—
16
2
Total
£million
90
266
85
(83)
(14)
(4)
(3)
(10)
327
423
(96)
327
8
16
67
Freehold land and buildings include the Group’s investment property. The fair value of investment property was determined by
an external, independent property valuation expert as £14 million (2015: £14 million). The valuation expert has appropriate
recognised professional qualifications as well as recent experience in the location and category of the properties being valued.
The valuation of properties was performed by reference to appropriate yield rates and market evidence of recent transactions.
Future minimum lease income in respect of the Group’s investment properties is set out in note 30.
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119
Notes to the Group financial statements
12 Interests in joint ventures
The principal interests in joint ventures are as follows:
Name
Sprint Connect LLC
Country of incorporation or registration
Nature of business
30 April
2016
Interest
United States of America
Distribution
50.0%
2 May
2015
Interest
n/a
The Group’s interests in joint ventures are analysed as follows:
Opening balance
Additions
Share of results
Closing balance
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
—
9
(4)
5
—
—
—
—
The share of results recognised all relate to continuing operations. There were no items of other comprehensive income in the
period and therefore the share of results represents the Group’s share of total comprehensive income. The Group has entered
into a joint venture with Sprint Corporation to manage Sprint branded stores in the US. The Group has committed to investing up
to $32 million to fund the roll-out and operation of up to 500 stores.
13 Inventory
Finished goods and goods for resale
14 Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Less provision for bad and doubtful debts
Prepayments
Other receivables
Accrued income
Derivative financial assets
Non-current
Current
30 April
2016
£million
958
2 May
2015
£million
920
30 April
2016
£million
1,304
(20)
1,284
100
115
22
18
2 May
2015
£million
1,010
(20)
990
124
74
22
15
1,539
1,225
408
1,131
1,539
318
907
1,225
The majority of trade and other receivables are non-interest bearing. Non-current receivables mainly comprise commission
receivable on sales. Where the effect is material, trade and other receivables are discounted using discount rates which reflect
the relevant costs of financing. The carrying amount of trade and other receivables approximates fair value.
120
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14 Trade and other receivables continued
Ageing of gross trade receivables and provisions:
Not yet due
Past due:
Under two months
Two to four months
Over four months
30 April 2016
Gross trade
receivables
£million
Provision
£million
Net trade
receivables
£million
Gross trade
receivables
£million
Provision
£million
2 May 2015
Net trade
receivables
£million
1,186
(7)
1,179
848
(6)
842
57
14
47
118
(1)
(1)
(11)
(13)
56
13
36
52
17
93
105
162
(5)
—
(9)
(14)
47
17
84
148
1,304
(20)
1,284
1,010
(20)
990
Movements in the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:
Opening balance
Dixons Retail Merger
Charged to the income statement
Receivables written off as irrecoverable
Disposals
Transferred to assets held for sale
Foreign exchange
Closing balance
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
(20)
—
(11)
11
—
—
—
(20)
(20)
(19)
(8)
16
2
8
1
(20)
The Group’s trade receivables included the following amounts which were past due, but for which the Group has made no
provision based on historical rates of recoverability.
Under two months
Two to four months
Over four months
15 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and on deposit
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
56
13
36
47
17
84
105
148
30 April
2016
£million
233
2 May
2015
£million
163
Cash at bank and on deposit includes short term bank deposits which are available on demand. Within cash and cash
equivalents, £67 million (2015: £92 million) is restricted and predominantly comprises funds held under trust to fund potential
customer support agreement liabilities as well as by the Group’s insurance businesses to cover regulatory reserve requirements.
These funds are not available to offset the Group’s borrowings.
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121
Notes to the Group financial statements
16 Trade and other payables
Trade payables
Other taxes and social security
Derivative financial instruments
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
Current
£million
1,373
271
42
108
360
156
2,310
Non-
current
£million
—
—
—
206
60
157
423
Current
£million
1,097
205
26
103
384
146
1,961
Non-
current
£million
—
—
—
277
72
147
496
Non-current other creditors relate principally to property leases that are deemed to be over-rented. These liabilities are unwound
over the period of the relevant lease, of up to 21 years. The carrying amount of trade and other payables approximates their
fair value.
17 Deferred and contingent consideration
Deferred consideration
Opening balance
Dixons Retail Merger
Recognised on acquisition of subsidiary (note 24)
Settlements
Change in valuation (note 4)
Closing balance
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
Current
£million
Non-
current
£million
12
21
Current
£million
25
Non-
current
£million
6
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
31
—
23
(26)
5
33
50
6
—
(25)
—
31
Earn-out consideration of up to £23 million is payable in cash and is contingent on the performance of Simplifydigital and
the Epoq kitchen business against earnings growth targets over a period of up to five years. The fair value of contingent
consideration arrangements has been estimated by applying the income approach. A reduction in growth assumptions
used in the fair value methodology would result in a reduction in the amount of contingent consideration payable.
122
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18 Loans and other borrowings
Current liabilities
Bank overdrafts
Non-current liabilities
Loans and other borrowings
Committed facilities
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
—
—
409
409
55
55
330
330
On 8 October 2015 the Group signed a new multi-currency revolving credit facility for £800 million, which matures in October
2020 and replaced the multi-currency term and revolving credit facility which was previously in place. The rate of interest payable
on borrowings is a margin of 1.35% per annum over the applicable reference rate.
The facilities require guarantees to be provided by certain Group entities under the facilities.
Bank overdraft and other uncommitted facilities
The Group has overdraft and uncommitted money market facilities totalling approximately £128 million (2015: £157 million).
19 Finance lease obligations
Amounts due:
Within one year
In more than one year and not more than five years
In more than five years
Less future finance charges
Present value of lease obligations
Less amounts due within one year
Amounts due after more than one year
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
Present
value of
minimum
lease
payments
£million
Minimum
lease
payments
£million
Present
value of
minimum
lease
payments
£million
Minimum
lease
payments
£million
9
35
111
155
(64)
91
(2)
89
8
29
54
91
—
91
(2)
89
8
33
114
155
(64)
91
(2)
89
8
26
57
91
—
91
(2)
89
The majority of finance leases relate to properties in the UK where obligations are denominated in Sterling and remaining lease
terms vary between 9 and 20 years. The effective borrowing rate on individual leases ranged between 5.51% and 8.67% (2015:
5.51% and 8.15%). Interest rates are fixed at the contract date. All leases are on a fixed repayment basis and no arrangements
have been entered into for contingent rental payments.
The fair value of the Group’s lease obligations approximates their carrying amount.
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123
Notes to the Group financial statements
20 Provisions
At beginning of
period
Dixons Retail Merger
Additions
Released in the
period
Utilised in the period
Reclassification to
held for sale
Disposal of business
Foreign exchange
At end of period
Analysed as:
Current
Non-current
Reorg-
anisation
£million
Sales
£million
Property
£million
Other
£million
Total
£million
Reorg-
anisation
£million
Sales
£million
Property
£million
Other
£million
Total
£million
30 April 2016
2 May 2015
23
—
15
—
(26)
—
—
—
12
12
—
12
6
—
42
—
(40)
—
—
—
8
7
1
8
25
—
71
—
(6)
—
—
—
90
44
46
90
21
—
4
(1)
(9)
—
—
—
15
15
—
15
75
—
132
(1)
(81)
—
—
—
125
78
47
125
22
31
39
(4)
(63)
(1)
—
(1)
23
20
3
23
10
—
2
—
(5)
—
—
(1)
6
6
—
6
—
27
1
—
(3)
—
—
—
25
7
18
25
18
—
6
—
(1)
(1)
(1)
—
21
21
—
21
50
58
48
(4)
(72)
(2)
(1)
(2)
75
54
21
75
Reorganisation provisions relate principally to Merger related costs and redundancy costs and other onerous contracts arising
as a result of reorganisation, and are only recognised where plans are demonstrably committed and where appropriate
communication to those affected has been undertaken at the balance sheet date.
Sales provisions relate to ‘cash-back’ and similar promotions, product warranties, product returns, and network operator
performance penalties. The anticipated costs of these items are assessed by reference to historical trends and any other
information that is considered to be relevant.
Property provisions relate mainly to costs associated with operating lease early exist premiums, onerous leases and provisions
for dilapidations. Additions during the year ended 30 April 2016 relate principally to property rationalisation costs as described
in note 4.
Other provisions relate to warranties provided in relation to business disposals and provisions in respect of the expected costs
of insurance claims, contingent liabilities recognised through business combinations, and other onerous contracts.
Non-current provisions are expected to be utilised over a period up to ten years.
124
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21 Retirement and other post-employment benefit obligations
Retirement benefit obligations – UK
– Nordics
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
472
2
474
486
3
489
The Group operates a defined benefit and a number of defined contribution schemes. The principal scheme which operates in
the UK includes a funded defined benefit section whose assets are held in a separate trustee administered fund. The scheme is
valued by a qualified actuary at least every three years and contributions are assessed in accordance with the actuary’s advice.
Since 1 September 2002, the defined benefit section of the scheme has been closed to new entrants and on 30 April 2010 was
closed to future accrual with automatic entry into the defined contribution section being offered to those active members of the
defined benefit section at that time. Membership of the defined contribution section is offered to eligible employees.
In the Nordics division, the Group operates small funded secured defined benefit pension schemes, which are also closed
to new entrants, with assets held by a life insurance company as well as an unsecured pension arrangement. In addition,
contributions are made to state pension schemes with defined benefit characteristics.
The defined benefit pension schemes expose the Group to actuarial risks such as longer than expected longevity of members,
lower than expected return on investments and higher than expected inflation, which may increase the liabilities or reduce the
value of assets of the plans.
a) Defined contribution pension schemes
The pension charge in respect of defined contribution schemes was £23 million (2014/15: £20 million).
b) UK Defined benefit pension scheme – actuarial valuation and assumptions
A full actuarial valuation of the scheme was last carried out as at 31 March 2013 and showed a shortfall of assets compared
with liabilities of £373 million. A ‘recovery plan’ based on this valuation was agreed with the Trustee post the Dixons Retail
Merger such that contributions in respect of the scheme year end of 31 March of £35 million were made in 2015/16, rising to
£36 million for 2016/17. Contributions rise to £47 million by 2024/25. The next triennial valuation has commenced and will be
as at 31 March 2016.
The principal actuarial assumptions as at 31 March 2013 were:
Discount rate for accrued benefits†
– Growth portfolio
– Matching portfolio
Rate of increase to pensions
Inflation
Rate per annum
5.9%
3.8%
0% – 3.8%
3.4%
† The discount rate is based on a linear de-risking methodology which assumes the Scheme’s investment strategy switches investments from
growth assets (such as equities) to matching assets (such as bonds) over a period of 30 years from 2013 to 2043 so that in 30 years’ time
the asset portfolio is projected to be 80% invested in matching assets.
At 31 March 2013, the market value of the scheme’s investments was £812 million and, based on the above assumptions,
the value of the assets was sufficient to cover 69% of the benefits accrued to members with the liabilities amounting to
£1,185 million.
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125
Notes to the Group financial statements
21 Retirement and other post-employment benefit obligations continued
c) UK Defined benefit pension scheme – IAS 19
The following summarises the components of net defined benefit expense recognised in the consolidated income statement,
the funded status and amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet and other amounts recognised in the statement
of comprehensive income. The methodologies set out in IAS 19 are different from those used by the scheme actuaries in
determining funding arrangements.
(i) Principal assumptions adopted
The assumptions used in calculating the expenses and obligations are set by the directors after consultation with the
independent actuaries.
Rates per annum
Discount rate
Rate of increase in pensions in payment /
deferred pensions (pre / post April 2006 accrual)
Inflation
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
3.5%
3.5%
2.9% /
2.1%
2.95%
2.9% /
1.9%
3.1%
The Group uses demographic assumptions underlying the last formal actuarial valuation of the scheme as at 31 March 2013.
In particular, post retirement mortality has been assumed to follow the standard mortality tables ‘S1’ All Pensioners tables
published by the CMI, based on the experience of Self-Administered Pension Schemes (SAPS) with multipliers of 105% for
males and 110% for females. In addition, an allowance has been made for future improvements in longevity from 2003 by using
the new CMI 2013 Core projections with a long term rate of improvement of 1.5% per annum for men and 1.25% per annum for
women. Applying such tables results in an average expected longevity of between 87.2 years and 88.9 years for men and
between 88.9 years and 90.3 years for women for those reaching 65 over the next 15 years.
(ii) Amounts recognised in consolidated income statement
Net interest expense on defined benefit obligation
(iii) Amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income:
Remeasurement of defined benefit obligation – actuarial gains / (losses) arising from:
Changes in financial assumptions
Experience adjustments
Change in demographic assumptions
Remeasurement of scheme assets:
Actual return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest expense)
Cumulative actuarial loss
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
16
13
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
25
27
—
(57)
(5)
(168)
19
(9)
86
(72)
126
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21 Retirement and other post-employment benefit obligations continued
(iv) Amounts recognised in the consolidated balance sheet
Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of plan assets
Net obligation
Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation:
Opening obligation at 3 May 2015
Dixons Retail Merger
Interest cost
Remeasurements in other comprehensive income – actuarial losses / (gains) arising from changes in:
Financial assumptions
Experience
Demographic assumptions
Benefits paid
Closing obligation
The weighted average maturity profile of the defined benefit obligation at the end of the year is 21 years.
Changes in the fair value of the scheme assets:
Opening fair value at 3 May 2015
Dixons Retail Merger
Interest income
Employer special contributions
Remeasurements in other comprehensive income:
Actual return on plan assets (excluding interest income)
Benefits paid
Closing fair value
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
(1,395)
(1,431)
923
(472)
945
(486)
30 April
2016
£million
1,431
—
49
(25)
(27)
—
(33)
2 May
2015
£million
—
1,259
38
168
(19)
9
(24)
1,395
1,431
30 April
2016
£million
945
—
33
35
(57)
(33)
923
2 May
2015
£million
—
830
25
28
86
(24)
945
127
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Notes to the Group financial statements
21 Retirement and other post-employment benefit obligations continued
Analysis of scheme assets:
Overseas and global equities
Diversified growth
Multi-asset credit funds
– Listed
– Listed
– Unlisted
– Listed
– Unlisted
Emerging market multi asset funds
– Listed
Private equity
Property
Index-linked gilts
Corporate bonds
Liability driven investments (LDI)
Cash and cash instruments
Other
– Unlisted
– Unlisted
– Unlisted
– Listed
– Listed
– Listed
– Unlisted
– Unlisted
30 April
2016
£million
277
170
2 May
2015
£million
286
182
11
28
24
45
3
37
13
102
80
112
20
1
923
10
29
23
49
3
47
15
101
79
69
51
1
945
The investment strategy of the scheme is determined by the independent Trustee through advice provided by an independent
investment consultant. The scheme invests in a diverse range of asset classes as set out above with matching assets primarily
comprising holdings in inflation linked gilts and corporate bonds.
Actual return on the scheme assets was a loss of £24 million (2014/15: gain of £111 million).
(v) Sensitivities
The value of the UK defined benefit pension scheme assets are sensitive to market conditions, particularly equity values which
comprise approximately 64% of the scheme’s assets. Changes in assumptions used for determining retirement benefit costs
and liabilities may have a material impact on the 2015/16 income statement and the balance sheet. The main assumptions are
the discount rate, the rate of inflation and the assumed mortality rate. The following table provides an estimate of the potential
impacts of each of these variables if applied to the current year consolidated income statement and balance sheet.
Positive / (negative) effect
Discount rate: 0.25% increase
Inflation rate: 0.25% increase†
Mortality rate: 1 year increase
Net finance costs
Net deficit
Year
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
2 May
2015
£million
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
2
(2)
(2)
2
(2)
(2)
75
(52)
(41)
73
(57)
(42)
† The increase in scheme benefits provided to members on retirement is subject to an inflation cap.
The sensitivity analysis presented above may not be representative of the actual change in the defined benefit obligation as it is
unlikely that the changes in assumptions would occur in isolation of one another as some of the assumptions may be correlated.
d) Other post-employment benefits – IAS 19
The Group offers other post-employment benefits to employees in overseas territories, in particular in Greece. These benefits are
unfunded. At 30 April 2016 the net obligation in relation to these benefits was £3 million (2015: £3 million).
128
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22 Share capital, retained earnings and reserves
a) Share capital
Authorised, allotted, called-up and fully paid ordinary shares of 0.1p each
Ordinary shares of 0.1p each in issue at the beginning of the period
Issued as consideration to Dixons shareholders
(i)
30 April
2016
million
1,151
30 April
2016
million
1,151
—
Ordinary shares of 0.1p each in issue at the end of the period
1,151
1,151
2 May
2015
million
1,151
30 April
2016
£million
1
2 May
2015
£million
1
2 May
2015
million
576
575
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
1
—
1
1
—
1
(i) As part of the Dixons Retail Merger, 574.7 million shares with a mid-market price of £3.432 were issued as part of the all-share merger with
Dixons as described in note 24.
b) Retained earnings and reserves
Movement in retained earnings and reserves during the reported periods are presented in the consolidated statement of changes
in equity.
Retained earnings at 30 April 2016 includes £18 million (2015: £6 million) of losses associated with derivatives which were
designated and effective as cash flow hedges and interest rate hedges. Own shares held by the Group’s ESOTs are recognised
in retained earnings – refer to note 5 for further information. The demerger reserve arose as part of the demerger of the Group
from TalkTalk in 2010.
23 Equity dividends
Amounts recognised as distributions to equity shareholders in the period
– on ordinary shares of 0.1p each
Final dividend for the year ended 29 March 2014 of 4.00p per ordinary share
Interim dividend for the 13 months ended 2 May 2015 of 2.50p per ordinary share
Final dividend for the 13 months ended 2 May 2015 of 6.00p per ordinary share
Interim dividend for the year ended 30 April 2016 of 3.25p per ordinary share
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
—
—
69
37
106
23
29
—
—
52
The following distribution is proposed but had not been effected at 30 April 2016 and is subject to shareholders’ approval at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting:
Final dividend for the year ended 30 April 2016 of 6.50p per ordinary share
£million
75
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129
Notes to the Group financial statements
24 Acquisitions and Merger
2015/16: Acquisition of Infocare Workshop and Simplify Digital Limited
On 30 November 2015 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Infocare Workshop. Infocare Workshop is a
service and repair company in the Nordics region and was acquired to strengthen the Group’s strategy of owning the complete
end-to-end customer service journey in that region.
On 31 March 2016 the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Simplify Digital Limited. Simplify Digital Limited is the
UK’s largest and fastest growing multi-channel switching platform, offering consumers an Ofcom accredited price comparison
and switching service for broadband, digital TV and fixed line telephone contracts. The company was acquired to further the
Group’s position as the best place for customers to receive independent advice across all their technology, connectivity, media
content and service needs.
a) Fair value of assets and liabilities
The combined fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities of Infocare Workshop and Simplify Digital Limited as at the
acquisition date were as follows:
Assets
Intangible assets
Property, plant & equipment
Trade and other receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Total liabilities
Total fair value of identifiable net assets acquired
Provisional goodwill
Total consideration
Note
£million
23
1
10
11
45
(13)
(13)
32
26
58
(i)
(ii), (iii)
(iv)
(i) The fair value of trade and other receivables represents trade receivables, accrued income and prepayments whose gross contractual value
and fair value are deemed to be £10 million.
(ii) The finalisation of the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities of Simplify Digital Limited will be completed within 12 months of the
acquisition and therefore remains provisional until 31 March 2017 owing to the proximity of acquisition to the balance sheet date. It is
therefore possible that adjustments to goodwill could arise up until 31 March 2017.
(iii) The goodwill arising on the acquisitions is not deductible for income tax purposes and consists largely of the synergies and economies
of scale expected from combining the operations.
(iv) Total consideration includes the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements of £13 million which is payable subject to the
achievement of certain earnings growth targets. The total maximum payable under these arrangements is £13 million. The fair value of
contingent consideration arrangements has been estimated by applying the income approach (note 16). Total consideration also includes
deferred consideration of £10 million payable within one year.
130
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24 Acquisitions and Merger continued
b) Other information
Acquisition related costs (included within non-headline expenses) amount to £1 million (note 4). The contribution to revenue and
operating profit of acquisitions completed in the year was not material.
2014/15: All-share merger of Dixons and Carphone
On 6 August 2014, the Group completed an all-share merger of Dixons and Carphone after which the shareholders of Dixons
and Carphone each held 50% of Dixons Carphone on a fully diluted basis taking into account existing share options and award
schemes for both companies.
Under the terms of the Merger, Dixons shareholders received 0.155 of a new Dixons Carphone Share in exchange for each
Dixons share. In accordance with the criteria in IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ it has been determined that Carphone
acquired Dixons.
The provisional fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities of Dixons as at the acquisition date were reported in the annual
report for the period ended 2 May 2015. In finalising the fair value of identifiable assets and liabilities, no changes have been
made to the provisional fair values.
25 Discontinued operations and assets held for sale
As reported at 2 May 2015, Virgin Mobile France and the Group’s retail operations in Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal
were treated as discontinued operations following the decision to exit these businesses. The assets and liabilities associated
with Germany, the Netherlands and Portugal were recognised as held for sale at 2 May 2015. The sale of operations in Germany
was completed on 5 May 2015, the Netherlands on 30 June 2015 and Portugal on 31 August 2015, whilst Virgin Mobile France
was sold on 4 December 2014.
a) Loss after tax – discontinued operations
The results of discontinued operations are comprised as follows:
Revenue
Expenses
Loss before tax
Income tax
(Loss) / profit on disposal
Year ended 30 April 2016
Phone
House
Germany
£million
Phone
House
Netherlands
£million
Phone
House
Portugal
£million
Total
£million
—
—
—
—
—
(10)
(10)
19
(20)
(1)
—
(1)
(6)
(7)
13
(16)
(3)
—
(3)
2
(1)
32
(36)
(4)
—
(4)
(14)
(18)
The net loss on disposal recognised in the current year primarily relates to working capital adjustments agreed with acquirers,
adjustments to net assets disposed, the recycling of foreign currency translation reserves of discontinued operations and other
costs associated with the exits.
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131
Notes to the Group financial statements
25 Discontinued operations and assets held for sale continued
Revenue
Expenses
Loss before tax
Income tax
Profit on disposal
Impairment losses recognised on classification as
held for sale
13 months ended 2 May 2015
Virgin
Mobile
France
£million
Phone
House
Germany
£million
Phone
House
Netherlands
£million
Phone
House
Portugal
£million
—
—
—
—
—
87
—
87
323
(364)
(41)
—
(41)
—
(16)
(57)
159
(239)
(80)
—
(80)
—
(43)
(123)
47
(55)
(8)
—
(8)
—
(13)
(21)
Total
£million
529
(658)
(129)
—
(129)
87
(72)
(114)
b) Assets held for sale
The Group’s assets held for sale and associated liabilities are analysed as follows:
Inventory
Receivables
Cash and cash equivalents
Assets held for sale
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale – current liabilities
Net assets held for sale
c) Cash flows from discontinued operations
Operating activities
Investing activities
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
—
—
—
—
—
—
16
66
55
137
(68)
69
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
2
30
32
(78)
81
3
132
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26 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments
Financial instruments that are measured at fair value in the financial statements require disclosure of fair value measurements
by level based on the following fair value measurement hierarchy:
• Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
• Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly
(that is, as prices) or indirectly (that is, derived from prices); and
• Level 3 – inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (that is, unobservable inputs).
Network commission receivables are classified as loans and receivables as defined in IAS 39 and are therefore accounted for at
amortised cost. As the measurement of certain network commission receivables is a key source of estimation uncertainty, an
explanation of the valuation methodology and an analysis of the sensitivity of the carrying value of receivables to the methods,
assumptions and estimates of this methodology has been provided below in note 26(h). The carrying value of such ongoing
network commission receivables is £904 million (2015: £629 million) which is approximately equal to their fair value. If measured
at fair value these receivables would be categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as the valuation requires the use of
significant unobservable inputs.
An explanation of the valuation methodologies and the inputs to the models are provided below for network commission.
Contingent consideration is categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as the valuation requires the use of significant
unobservable inputs. An explanation of the valuation methodologies and the inputs to the valuation model is provided in note 17.
The significant inputs required to fair value the Group’s other financial instruments that are measured at fair value on the balance
sheet, primarily comprising currency contracts and interest rate swaps, are observable and are classified as level 2 in the fair
value hierarchy. There have also been no transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy.
Fair values have been arrived at by discounting future cash flows (where the impact of discounting is material), assuming no early
redemption, or by revaluing forward currency contracts and interest rate swaps to period end market rates as appropriate to the
instrument.
The directors consider that the book value of financial assets and liabilities recorded at amortised cost and their fair value are
approximately equal.
The book value and fair value of the Group’s financial assets, liabilities and derivative financial instruments are as follows:
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables excluding derivative financial assets
Net derivative financial liabilities
Trade and other payables
Finance leases
Deferred and contingent consideration
Loans and other borrowings
a) Financial risk management policies
30 April
2016
£million
233
2 May
2015
£million
163
1,421
1,086
(24)
(11)
(2,378)
(1,933)
(91)
(33)
(91)
(31)
(409)
(385)
The Group’s activities expose it to certain financial risks including market risk (such as foreign exchange risk and interest rate
risk), credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s treasury function, which operates under treasury policies approved by the Board,
uses certain financial instruments to mitigate potentially adverse effects on the Group’s financial performance from these risks.
These financial instruments consist of bank loans and deposits, spot and forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange
swaps and interest rate swaps.
Throughout the period under review, in accordance with Group policy, no speculative use of derivatives, foreign exchange or
other instruments was permitted. No contracts with embedded derivatives have been identified and, accordingly, no such
derivatives have been accounted for separately.
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133
Notes to the Group financial statements
26 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued
b) Foreign exchange risk
The Group undertakes certain transactions that are denominated in foreign currencies and as a consequence has exposure to
exchange rate fluctuations. These exposures primarily arise from inventory purchases, with most of the Group’s exposure being
to Euro, Norwegian Krone and US Dollar fluctuations. The Group uses spot and forward currency contracts to mitigate these
exposures, with such contracts designed to cover exposures ranging from one month to one year.
The translation risk on converting overseas currency profits or losses is not hedged and such profits or losses are converted into
Sterling at average exchange rates throughout the year. The Group’s principal translation currency exposures are the Euro and
Norwegian Krone.
At 30 April 2016, the total notional principal amount of outstanding currency contracts was £2,856 million (2015: £1,540 million)
and had a fair value of £23 million (2014/15: £11 million). Monetary assets and liabilities and foreign exchange contracts are
sensitive to movements in foreign exchange rates. This sensitivity can be analysed in comparison to year-end rates (assuming all
other variables remain constant) as follows:
10% movement in the US dollar exchange rate
10% movement in the Euro exchange rate
10% movement in the Swedish Krona exchange rate
10% movement in the Danish Krone exchange rate
10% movement in the Norwegian Krone exchange rate
c) Interest rate risk
Year ended
30 April 2016
13 months ended
2 May 2015
Effect on
Headline
profit
before tax
£million
Effect on
total equity
£million
Effect on
Headline
profit
before tax
£million
Effect on
total equity
£million
—
—
—
—
—
5
58
2
2
6
—
—
—
—
—
5
57
4
3
3
The Group’s interest rate risk arises primarily on cash, cash equivalents and loans and other borrowings, all of which are at
floating rates of interest and which therefore expose the Group to cash flow interest rate risk. These floating rates are linked to
LIBOR and other interest rate bases as appropriate to the instrument and currency. Future cash flows arising from these financial
instruments depend on interest rates and periods agreed at the time of rollover. Group policy permits the use of long term
interest rate derivatives in managing the risks associated with movements in interest rates.
The effect on the income statement and equity of 1% movements in the interest rate for the currencies in which most Group
cash, cash equivalents, loans and other borrowings are denominated and on which the valuation of most derivative financial
instruments is based is as follows, assuming that the year-end positions prevail throughout the year:
1% increase in the Sterling interest rate
Year ended
30 April 2016
13 months ended
2 May 2015
Effect on
Headline
profit
before tax
increase /
(decrease)
£million
Effect on
total equity
increase /
(decrease)
£million
Effect on
Headline
profit
before tax
increase /
(decrease)
£million
Effect on
total equity
increase /
(decrease)
£million
—
1
—
4
134
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26 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued
d) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting the obligations associated with its financial liabilities
that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Group manages its exposure to liquidity risk by reviewing
regularly the long term and short term cash flow projections for the business against the resources available to it.
In order to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing and future developments, the Group has committed bank
facilities, excluding overdrafts repayable on demand, totalling £800 million (2015: £875 million). Further details of committed
borrowing facilities are shown in note 18.
The table below analyses the Group’s financial liabilities and derivative assets and liabilities into relevant maturity groupings.
The amounts disclosed in the table are the contractual undiscounted cash flows, including both principal and interest flows,
assuming that interest rates remain constant and that borrowings are paid in full in the year of maturity.
30 April 2016
Finance leases
Derivative financial instruments – payable:
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments – receivable:
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Loans and other borrowings
Deferred consideration
Trade and other payables
2 May 2015
Finance leases
Derivative financial instruments – payable:
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Interest rate swaps
Derivative financial instruments – receivable:
Forward foreign exchange contracts
Loans and other borrowings
Deferred consideration
Trade and other payables
In more
than one
year but
not more
than five
years
£million
Within
one year
£million
In more
than five
years
£million
Total
£million
(9)
(35)
(111)
(155)
(2,856)
(1)
2,832
(7)
(12)
(2,112)
Within
one year
£million
—
(1)
—
(441)
(19)
(266)
In more
than one
year but
not more
than five
years
£million
—
—
—
—
(2)
—
(2,856)
(2)
2,832
(448)
(33)
(2,378)
In more
than five
years
£million
Total
£million
(8)
(33)
(114)
(155)
(1,540)
(2)
1,530
(64)
(25)
—
(2)
—
(337)
(6)
(1,584)
(349)
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,540)
(4)
1,530
(401)
(31)
(1,933)
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135
Notes to the Group financial statements
26 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued
e) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Group if a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations, and arises principally
from the Group’s receivables from consumers. The Group’s exposure to credit risk is regularly monitored and the Group’s policy
is updated as appropriate.
The majority of the Group’s trade receivables are balances due from MNOs, which are generally major multi-national enterprises
with whom the Group has well-established relationships and are consequently not considered to add significantly to the Group’s
credit risk exposure. In addition credit risk is also inherently associated with the MNO end consumers. Details of the sensitivity
analysis of a change in credit risk associated with the MNO consumer is detailed below (consumer default rates). Exposure to
credit risk associated with the MNO consumer is managed through extensive consumer credit checking process prior to
connection with the network. The large volume of MNO consumers reduces the Group’s exposure to concentration of credit risk.
The Group's trade receivables also include balances due from equipment manufacturers, dealers and Connected World Services
consumers, business to business consumers and consumer credit receivables. Where it is considered appropriate, the Group
obtains credit insurance on accounts receivable. Provision is made for any receivables that are considered to be irrecoverable.
Details of trade receivables which are past due but not impaired are provided in note 14.
The credit risks on cash and cash equivalents and derivative financial instruments are closely monitored and credit ratings are
used in determining maximum counterparty credit risk.
The Group’s funding is reliant on its £800 million bank facilities, which are provided by nine banks; these institutions are
considered to be adequately capitalised to continue to meet their obligations under the facility.
The carrying amount of financial assets recorded in the financial statements, which is net of impairment losses, represents the
Group's maximum exposure to credit risk.
f) Capital risk
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities within the Group will be able to continue as going concerns, whilst
maximising the return to shareholders through a suitable mix of debt and equity. The capital structure of the Group consists of
cash and cash equivalents, loans and other borrowings and equity attributable to equity holders of the Company, comprising
issued capital, reserves and accumulated profits. Except in relation to minimum capital requirements in its insurance business,
the Group is not subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. The Group monitors its capital structure on an ongoing
basis, including assessing the risks associated with each class of capital.
g) Derivatives
Derivative financial instruments comprise forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign exchange swaps and interest rate swaps.
The Group has designated financial instruments under IAS 39 as follows:
Cash flow hedges
At 30 April 2016 the Group had forward and swap foreign exchange contracts in place with a notional value of £1,909 million
(2015: £1,487 million) and a fair value of £17 million (2014/15: £6 million) that were designated and effective as cash flow hedges.
These contracts are expected to cover exposures ranging from one month to one year. The fair value of derivative foreign
exchange contracts and foreign exchange swaps not designated as cash flow hedges was £6 million (2014/15: £nil).
Interest rate swaps
The Group held interest rate swaps with a notional value of £255 million (2015: £280 million) and a fair value of £1 million
(2014/15: £nil) whereby the Group receives a floating rate of interest based on LIBOR and pays a fixed interest rate. This contract
matures in April 2017.
136
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26 Financial risk management and derivative financial instruments continued
h) Network commission receivables consumer behaviour risk
Under certain arrangements with MNOs, the commission revenue on mobile phone sales depends on consumer behaviour after
the point of sale. A discounted cash flow methodology is used to measure the fair value of the revenue and associated
receivables at the point of sale, by estimating all future cash flows that will be received from the MNO and discounting these
based on their timing of receipt. Subsequently network commission receivables are measured at the present value of the
estimated future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate determined at the date of sale.
The key inputs to the model are:
• revenue share percentage – the percentage of the consumer’s spend (to the MNO) to which the Group is entitled;
• minimum contract period – the length of contract entered into by the consumer;
• out-of-bundle spend – additional spend by the consumer measured as a percentage of total spend;
• consumer default rate – rate at which consumers disconnect from the MNO;
• spend beyond the initial contract period – period of time the consumer remains connected to the MNO after the initial
contract term; and
• upgrade propensity – the percentage of consumers initially connected by the Group estimated to be subsequently upgraded
by an MNO.
The last four inputs are based on extensive historical evidence obtained from the networks, and provision is made for the risk of
potential changes in consumer behaviour. Reliance on historical data assumes that current and future experience will follow past
trends, there is therefore a risk that changes in consumer behaviour reduce the total cash flows ultimately realised over the
forecast period, however, the directors consider that the quantity and quality of data available provides an appropriate proxy for
current trends.
The table below provides the sensitivity of the carrying value of the network commission receivables to a reasonably possible
change in input to the discounted cash flow model:
Relationship of unobservable inputs to
remeasurement of carrying value
Favourable
£million
Unfavourable
£million
Range(2)
Sensitivity(1)
Unobservable inputs
Out-of-bundle spend
Consumer default rate
The higher the spend, the higher
the carrying value
The higher the default rate, the
lower the carrying value
Spend after the initial contract term
The higher the spend, the higher
Upgrade propensity
the carrying value
The higher the propensity, the
higher the carrying value
47
13
30
10
(47)
7.5% – 25.9%
(13)
1.2% – 18.2%
(30) 1.0 months – 5.5
months
(10)
16.9% – 24.9%
(1) The sensitivity represents the favourable and unfavourable effect on the income statement of remeasuring the carrying value for a reasonably possible
change in the value of the input used. Whilst the nature of inputs is consistent across all MNOs the value applied differs on a MNO by MNO basis. The
sensitivity analysis performed has applied a reasonably possible change on an input by input and MNO by MNO basis. The amounts shown above are
the cumulative sensitivities for each input across all MNOs.
(2) The reasonably possible range disclosed represent the high and low range of each unobservable input, across all MNOs, over the previous three years.
The sensitivities, which fall within this range, have been applied to the unobservable inputs on a MNO by MNO basis.
The significant unobservable inputs in determining the amortised cost carrying values used in the table above are the same
significant unobservable inputs that would be required if the network commission receivable was measured at fair value on
the balance sheet. In addition, the fair value would be impacted by changes in interest rates and counterparty credit risk.
In addition to those sensitivities disclosed above, changes to revenue may be made, where for example, more recent information
is available, and any such changes are required to be recognised in the income statement. Changes in relation to network
commission receivable for sales originating in previous years totalled £26 million (2014/15: £33 million).
00_DC 2016 Annual Report.pdf 137
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137
Notes to the Group financial statements
27 Notes to the cash flow statement
a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities
Profit before interest and tax – continuing operations
Depreciation and amortisation
Share-based payment charge
Share of results of joint ventures
Impairments and other non-cash items
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) / decrease in inventory
(Increase) in receivables
Increase / (decrease) in payables
Increase / (decrease) in provisions
Cash generated from operations – continuing operations
b) Analysis of net debt
Cash and cash equivalents
Borrowings due within one year
Borrowings due after more than one year
Obligations under finance leases
Year ended
30 April
2016
£million
13 months
ended
2 May
2015
£million
304
177
10
4
4
499
(18)
(247)
168
83
324
149
10
—
4
487
6
(89)
(289)
(5)
(14)
(377)
485
110
2 May
2015
£million
163
163
(55)
(330)
(91)
(476)
Other
non-cash
movements
£million
Currency
translation
£million
Cash flow
£million
53
53
55
(80)
6
(19)
—
—
—
—
(6)
(6)
17
17
—
1
—
1
30 April
2016
£million
233
233
—
(409)
(91)
(500)
Net (debt) / funds
(313)
34
(6)
18
(267)
29 March
2014
£million
Cash flow
£million
Acquisitions
£million
Other
non-cash
movements
£million
Currency
translation
£million
Cash and cash equivalents
283
(120)
—
—
Borrowings due within one year
Borrowings due after more than one year
Obligations under finance leases
—
(290)
(1)
(291)
(55)
249
7
201
—
(289)
(93)
(382)
—
—
(4)
(4)
—
—
—
—
—
2 May
2015
£million
163
(55)
(330)
(91)
(476)
Net funds / (debt)
(8)
81
(382)
(4)
—
(313)
138
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28 Related party transactions
Transactions between the Group’s subsidiary undertakings, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and
accordingly are not disclosed. See note 5a for details of related party transactions with key management personnel.
The Group had the following transactions and balances with its associates:
Revenue for services provided
Amounts owed to the Group
All transactions entered into with related parties were completed on an arm’s length basis.
29 Capital commitments
Contracted for but not provided for in the accounts
30 Operating lease arrangements
a) The Group as a lessee
Total undiscounted future committed payments due for continuing operations are as follows:
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
24
2
8
—
30 April
2016
£million
39
2 May
2015
£million
55
Total undiscounted future committed payments due:
Within one year
Between two and five years
After five years
30 April
2016
Other
assets
£million
7
10
—
17
Land and
buildings
£million
361
1,227
1,001
2,589
2 May
2015
Other
assets
£million
7
14
1
22
Land and
buildings
£million
350
1,126
785
2,261
Operating lease commitments represent rentals payable for retail, distribution and office properties, as well as vehicles,
equipment and office equipment. Contingent rentals are payable on certain retail store leases based on store revenues and
figures shown include only the minimum rental component.
The above figures include committed payments under onerous lease contracts for which provisions or accruals exist on the
balance sheet, including those for businesses exited.
The future minimum sub-lease payments expected to be received under non-cancellable sub-leases is £21 million
(2015: £42 million).
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139
Notes to the Group financial statements
30 Operating lease arrangements continued
b) The Group as a lessor
The Group has investment properties which are let to third parties on long term leases for which the minimum future income
is as follows:
Total undiscounted future minimum lease income receivable:
Within one year
Between two to five years
After five years
31 Contingent liabilities
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
1
5
5
11
1
5
6
12
30 April
2016
£million
—
2 May
2015
£million
3
In addition to the figures shown in the table above, contingent liabilities also exist in respect of lease covenants relating to
premises assigned to third parties.
In recent years the Group has entered into agreements to dispose of certain operations. As part of these disposal agreements,
the Group has provided the acquirer with general and tax related warranties. At the date of signing these financial statements,
some of these warranties remain open and it is possible that claims could arise under these warranties.
140
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Company balance sheet
Fixed assets
Investments in subsidiaries
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Debtors: due within one year
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Provisions
Loans payable
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Share capital
Share premium reserve
Profit and loss account
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
Notes
C4
2,678
2,678
C5
32
1,941
1,973
C6
(1,198)
775
666
223
889
(160)
729
C7
C8
C9
C9
3,453
3,407
(1)
(409)
(2)
(330)
3,043
3,075
1
1
2,256
2,256
786
818
3,043
3,075
The financial statements of the Company (registered number 07105905) were approved by the Board on 28 June 2016 and
signed on its behalf by:
Sebastian James,
Group Chief Executive
Humphrey Singer,
Group Finance Director
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141
Company statement of changes in equity
At 29 March 2014
Net profit for the period
Other comprehensive income and expense recognised directly
in equity
Total comprehensive income and expense for the period
Issue of shares
Equity dividends
Net movement in relation to share schemes
At 2 May 2015
Profit for the year
Other comprehensive income and expense recognised directly
in equity
Total comprehensive income and expense for the year
Equity dividends
At 30 April 2016
Share capital
£million
Share
premium
reserve
£million
Profit and
loss
account
£million
Total
equity
£million
1
283
795
1,079
—
—
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
—
1
—
—
—
64
(3)
61
64
(3)
61
1,973
—
1,973
—
—
(52)
14
(52)
14
2,256
818
3,075
—
—
—
75
(1)
74
75
(1)
74
—
(106)
(106)
2,256
786
3,043
142
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Notes to the Company financial statements
C1 Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The Company is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis
(see note 1 to the Group financial statements).
The separate financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006. The Company meets
the definition of a qualifying entity under FRS 100 (Financial Reporting Standard 100) issued by the Financial Reporting Council.
Accordingly, in the period ended 30 April 2016 the Company has decided to adopt FRS 101 and has undergone transition from
reporting under applicable United Kingdom accounting standards to FRS 101 as issued by the Financial Reporting Council.
Accordingly, the financial statements have therefore been prepared in accordance with FRS 101 (Financial Reporting Standard
101) Reduced Disclosure Framework’ as issued by the Financial Reporting Council, incorporating the Amendments to FRS 101
issued by the Financial Reporting Council in July 2015 other than those relating to legal changes and has not applied the
amendments to Company law made by The Companies, Partnerships and Groups (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2015
that are effective for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.
This transition is not considered to have had a material effect on the financial statements.
As permitted by FRS 101, the Company has taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions available under that standard in
relation to share-based payments, financial instruments, capital management, presentation of comparative information in respect
of certain assets, presentation of a cash flow statement and certain related party transactions.
Where required, equivalent disclosures are given in the consolidated financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis except for the re measurement of certain financial
instruments to fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those set out in note 1 to the Group financial
statements except as noted below.
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost less, where appropriate, provisions for impairment.
Prior to the Dixons Retail Merger, the Company prepared its financial statements to the Saturday closest to its accounting
reference date of 31 March. Following the Merger, which is described further in note 24 to the Group financial statements,
the Company changed its accounting reference date to 30 April which was the accounting reference date of Dixons Retail plc,
but continues to draw up accounts to the nearest Saturday and accordingly the comparative financial period is for the
13 months ended 2 May 2015.
C2 Profit and loss account
In accordance with the exemption permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the profit and loss account
of the Company is not presented separately. The profit recognised for the year ended 30 April 2016 was £75 million
(2014/15: £64 million). Information regarding the audit fees for the Group is provided in note 3 to the Group
financial statements.
C3 Equity dividends
Details of amounts recognised as distributions to shareholders in the period and those proposed are detailed in note 23
of the Group financial statements.
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143
Notes to the Company financial statements
C4 Fixed asset investments
Opening balance
Additions
Disposals
Closing balance
Cost
Accumulated impairments
Net carrying amount
30 April
2016
£million
2,678
—
—
2 May
2015
£million
753
3,965
(2,040)
2,678
2,678
2,776
2,776
(98)
(98)
2,678
2,678
Fixed asset investments comprise investments in subsidiary undertakings and other minority investments. Details of the
Company’s investments in subsidiary undertakings are provided in note C10.
2014/15:
On 6 August 2014, the Group completed an all-share merger of Dixons and Carphone after which the shareholders of Dixons
and Carphone each held 50% of Dixons Carphone on a fully diluted basis taking into account existing share options and award
schemes for both companies.
Under the terms of the Merger, Dixons shareholders received 0.155 of a new Dixons Carphone Share in exchange for each
Dixons share. In accordance with the criteria in IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ it has been determined that Carphone acquired
Dixons and accounts for the majority of the additions listed. Immediately following the Merger, the shareholding in Dixons was
transferred to the Company’s immediate subsidiary, New CPW Limited, and this transaction accounts for the majority of the
disposals.
C5 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Derivative assets
Deferred tax asset
Prepayments
Other debtors
Amounts owed by Group undertakings are repayable within 12 months of the balance sheet date.
30 April
2016
£million
1,908
18
2
5
8
2 May
2015
£million
194
17
3
5
4
1,941
223
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C6 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other creditors
Derivative liabilities
Overdrafts
Corporation tax
Accruals and deferred income
C7 Provisions
Opening balance
Utilised
Closing balance
30 April
2016
£million
1,061
2 May
2015
£million
119
1
41
84
5
6
5
26
—
—
10
1,198
160
30 April
2016
£million
2 May
2015
£million
2
(1)
1
2
—
2
C8 Loans payable
Details of loans payable are provided in note 18 to the Group financial statements.
C9 Share capital and share premium
Details of movements in share capital and share premium are disclosed in note 22 to the Group financial statements.
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145
Notes to the Company financial statements
C10 Subsidiary undertakings
a) Principal subsidiaries as at 30 April 2016
The Company has investments in the following principal subsidiary undertakings. All holdings are in equity share capital and give
the Group an effective holding of 100% on consolidation.
Name
Country of
incorporation or registration
Share Class(es) Held
% Held
Business Activity
Carphone Warehouse Europe Limited
England & Wales
A & B Ordinary
100 Holding Company
Dixons Retail plc1
England & Wales
Ordinary and Deferred
100 Holding Company
Dixons South East Europe A.E.V.E.
Greece
DSG International Holdings Limited
England & Wales
DSG Retail Ireland Limited
Ireland
DSG Retail Limited
England & Wales
Elgiganten Aktiebolag
ElGiganten A/S
Elkjøp Nordic AS
GEAB The Phone House Aktiebolag
Gigantti Oy
Sweden
Denmark
Norway
Sweden
Finland
ISE-NET Solutions Limited
England & Wales
New CPW Limited
England & Wales
New Technology Insurance
Ireland
The Carphone Warehouse Limited
England & Wales
The Carphone Warehouse Limited
The Phone House Spain S.L.U.
Ireland
Spain
Ordinary
Ordinary
100
Retail
100 Holding Company
Ordinary
Irredeemable Cumulative
Preference Shares
and Ordinary Shares
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Deferred
A Ordinary
B Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
A & B Shares
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1002
1002
37.13
3.53
100
100
100
100
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Retail
Distribution
Retail
IT
Holding company
Insurance
Distribution
Distribution
Distribution
1 Dixons Retail plc became a private limited company called Dixons Retail Group Limited after year end.
2
3 This is the only interest of Dixons Carphone plc, directly or indirectly, in this class of shares.
Interest held directly by Dixons Carphone plc.
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C10 Subsidiary undertakings continued
b) Other subsidiary undertakings
The following are the other subsidiary undertakings of the Group, all of which are wholly owned unless otherwise indicated. All
these companies are either holding companies or provide general support to the principal subsidiaries listed on the previous page.
Country of
incorporation or registration
Share Class(es) Held
% Held
Name
Adiumentum Oy
Carphone Warehouse Ireland Mobile Limited
Charterhouse Management Limited
Codic GmbH (in liquidation)
Finland
Ireland
Isle of Man
Germany
Connected World Services Distributions Limited
England & Wales
Connected World Services Europe S.L.
Connected World Services LLC
Connected World Services Netherlands BV
Connected World Services SAS
CPW Acton Five Limited
CPW Acton One Limited
CPW Brands 2 Limited
CPW Consultancy Limited
CPW CP Limited
CPW Distribution Limited
CPW GC Holdings BV
CPW Irlam Limited
CPW Tulketh Mill Limited
Currys Group Limited
CWIAB Limited
DISL 2 Limited
DISL Limited
DISL UK Limited
Dixons Group Limited
Dixons Retail SSC s.r.o.
Dixons Sourcing Limited
Dixons Stores Group Retail Norway AS
Dixons Travel srl
DSG Boxmoor Limited
DSG Card Handling Services Limited
DSG Corporate Services Limited
DSG European Investments Limited
DSG Fleet Management Limited
DSG Hong Kong Sourcing Limited
DSG International Belgium BVBA
Spain
USA
Netherlands
France
England & Wales
Isle of Man
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
Netherlands
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
Isle of Man
Isle of Man
England & Wales
England & Wales
Czech Republic
Hong Kong
Norway
Italy
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
Hong Kong
Belgium
DSG International Retail Properties Limited
England & Wales
DSG International Treasury Management Limited
England & Wales
DSG Ireland Limited
England & Wales
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
A, B, C & D Preference
and Ordinary B
Ordinary
Ordinary
Business Shares
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Cumulative C & D
Preference and Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1002
100
2
100
2
100
100
100
2
100
2
100
2
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
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Notes to the Company financial statements
C10 Subsidiary undertakings continued
b) Other subsidiary undertakings
Name
DSG KHI Limited
DSG Overseas Investments Limited
DSG Retail Ireland Pension Trust Limited
El-Giganten Logistik AB
Elkjøp Kleiverenga AS
Elkjøp Norge AS
Epoq Holding AB
Epoq Logistic DC k.s.
ID Mobile Limited
InfoCare CS AB
InfoCare Workshop AS
InfoCare Workshop Holding AS
InfoCare Workshop Oy
Kereru Limited
Lefdal Elektromarked AS
Leverstock Investments Limited
Markan talo Oy
Mastercare Service and Distribution Limited
Mohua Limited
MSG The Phone House AB
MTIS Limited
NSS Financials A/S
OSAA – Sociedade Gestora De Participações
Sociais, Lda
Osfone Comercio de Aparelhos de
Telecomunicações, Lda
Osfone Negócios – Comercio de Aparelhos
de Telecomunicações, Lda
PC City (France) SNC
PC City Norge AS
PC City Spain SA
Pelham Limited
Petrus Insurance Company Limited
Phone House International AB
Simplify Digital Limited
Simplify Digital Systems Limited
TalkM Limited
The Carphone Warehouse (Digital) Limited
The Carphone Warehouse Resources Limited
The Carphone Warehouse UK Limited
The Phone House Holdings (UK) Limited
Country of
incorporation or registration
England & Wales
England & Wales
Share Class(es) Held
Ordinary
Preference, B Preference
and Ordinary
% Held
100
100
Ireland
Sweden
Norway
Norway
Sweden
Czech Republic
England & Wales
Sweden
Norway
Norway
Finland
England & Wales
Norway
England & Wales
Finland
England & Wales
England & Wales
Sweden
Ireland
Denmark
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal
France
Norway
Spain
Isle of Man
Gibraltar
Sweden
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
Isle of Man
England & Wales
England & Wales
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Partnership
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
A Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
Ordinary
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
1002
100
2
100
100
1 Dixons Retail plc became a private limited company called Dixons Retail Group Limited after year end.
2
3 This is the only interest of Dixons Carphone plc, directly or indirectly, in this class of shares.
Interest held directly by Dixons Carphone plc.
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C10 Subsidiary undertakings continued
c) Subsidiary undertakings exempt from audit
The following subsidiaries, all of which are incorporated in England & Wales and are all included in section b) on pages
147 to 148, are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit of individual accounts by
virtue of section 479A of that Act:
Name
CPW Acton Five Limited
CPW Brands 2 Limited
CPW Consultancy Limited
CPW CP Limited
CPW Irlam Limited
CPW Tulketh Mill Limited
CWIAB Limited
DSG Boxmoor Limited
DSG Card Handling Services Limited
DSG International Retail Properties Limited
DSG Ireland Limited
The Carphone Warehouse (Digital) Limited
The Carphone Warehouse UK Limited
The Phone House Holdings (UK) Limited
Company registration number
05738735
07135355
07881879
06585457
05825842
06585719
02441554
05430014
04185110
00476440
00240621
03966947
03827277
03663563
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149
Five year record (unaudited)
Headline results – continuing operations(1)
Statutory
Revenue
Profit after tax – wholly owned operations
Share of results of joint ventures and associates (after tax)
Net profit after tax
Earnings per share
– Basic
– Diluted
Pro forma Headline results(2)
Revenue
EBIT
Interest
Profit before taxation
2015/16
£million
2014/15
£million
2013/14
£million
2012/13
£million
2011/12
£million
9,738
8,255
1,943
11
341
(4)
337
285
—
285
100
3
103
4
48
52
6
3
46
49
29.3p
28.4p
29.7p
28.7p
18.6p
10.9p
10.7p
18.3p
10.8p
10.2p
9,738
9,750
9,752
9,517
8,820
468
(21)
447
413
(32)
381
359
(43)
316
310
(33)
277
277
(39)
238
(1) Headline results – continuing operations reflect the statutory results of the Group excluding items classified as non-Headline.
(2) Pro forma results are presented as though the Dixons Retail Merger and the CPW Europe Acquisition had occurred at the beginning of the
five-year period. This financial information has been prepared by aggregating the five year records presented by Carphone Warehouse in its
2013/14 annual report and accounts on page 97 and by Dixons Retail in its 2013/14 annual report and accounts on page 127, and adjusting
for discontinued operations.
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Pro forma information (unaudited)
Basis of preparation
The basis of preparation of Headline pro forma information is described in the Performance Review on page 24. Following the
Merger, the Group changed its year end to be the Saturday closest to 30 April. The 2014/15 financial year as disclosed in the
2014/15 annual report and accounts therefore comprised the 13 months to 2 May 2015 for the Carphone Warehouse business.
So as to enable a better year-on-year comparison, the pro forma prior period results of the Carphone Warehouse business have
been restated to exclude the results of the additional five weeks trading.
2014/15 Pro forma income statement reconciliation
UK and Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Revenue
UK and Ireland
Nordics
Southern Europe
Connected World Services
Unallocated
EBIT
Interest
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Discontinued operations
Profit after tax
Statutory
basis – Total(1)
£million
Non-headline
items(2)
£million
Dixons Retail
Merger (3)
£million
Pro forma –
Headline (4)
£million
Carphone
Warehouse
April 2014(5)
£million
Restated
Pro forma
basis –
Headline(6)
£million
5,506
2,055
564
130
8,255
278
46
18
6
(24)
324
(37)
287
(76)
211
(114)
97
—
—
—
—
—
35
14
2
1
24
76
13
89
(15)
74
114
188
945
663
73
—
6,451
2,718
637
130
(137)
(9)
(31)
(9)
6,314
2,709
606
121
1,681
9,936
(186)
9,750
(7)
26
(6)
1
—
14
(9)
5
3
8
—
8
306
86
14
8
—
414
(33)
381
(88)
293
—
293
(1)
—
1
(1)
—
(1)
1
—
—
—
—
—
305
86
15
7
—
413
(32)
381
(88)
293
—
293
Basic earnings per share (pence) (7)
10.1
19.6
(4.2)
25.5
—
25.5
(1) Total statutory results as reported on pages 88 and 102 in the Group’s 2015/16 financial statements.
(2) Non-Headline items as described in notes 4 and 25 to the Group’s financial statements are excluded from pro forma Headline results.
(3) Consolidated results of Dixons Retail plc for the period prior to 6 August 2014 have been extracted without material adjustment from the
consolidation schedules which support the Group’s 2014/15 financial statements and are included in pro forma Headline results.
(4) Pro forma Headline income statement as reported on page 24 in the 2014/15 annual report and accounts.
(5) Results for the 5 weeks to 3 May 2014 for the Carphone Warehouse business have been extracted without material adjustment from the
consolidation schedules which support the Group’s 2014/15 financial statements and are excluded from the restated pro forma Headline
results.
(6) Pro forma Headline income statement as reported on page 24.
(7) Pro forma earnings per share has been calculated assuming the number of shares on issue at 2 May 2015, adjusted for the number of
shares held by the Group’s ESOTs, apply from the start of the current and comparative periods. The effect of this adjustment to average
number of shares has been included as part of the ‘Dixons Retail Merger’ adjustments.
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151
Pro forma information (unaudited)
2014/15 Pro forma cash flow statement reconciliation
Statutory
basis(1)
£million
Net funds
(debt)
basis(2)
£million
Non-
headline
items(3)
£million
Dixons
Retail
Merger(4)
£million
Pro Forma
Carphone
Warehouse
basis(5)
£million
April 2014(6)
£million
Restated
Pro Forma
basis(7)
£million
EBIT
Depreciation and amortisation
Working capital
Capital expenditure
Taxation
Interest
Other items – Free cash flows
Free cash flow before restructuring items –
continuing operations
Restructuring costs
Free Cash Flow
Dividends
Merger transaction costs
Acquisitions, disposals, discontinued operations
Pension contributions
(Decrease) / increase in borrowings
Other items
Movement in net funds / (debt)
Opening net funds
Closing net (debt) / funds
324
149
(377)
(166)
(39)
(36)
25
(120)
—
(120)
(52)
(42)
333
(28)
(211)
—
(120)
283
163
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
211
—
211
(291)
(80)
76
(35)
(16)
—
—
—
—
25
(16)
9
—
(9)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
14
27
27
(20)
(26)
(11)
(12)
(1)
—
(1)
—
(39)
(374)
—
—
—
(414)
71
(343)
414
141
(366)
(186)
(65)
(47)
13
(96)
(16)
(112)
(52)
(90)
(41)
(28)
—
—
(323)
63
(260)
(1)
(4)
207
4
3
1
(9)
201
—
201
—
—
43
—
—
—
244
(244)
—
413
137
(159)
(182)
(62)
(46)
4
105
(16)
89
(52)
(90)
2
(28)
—
—
(79)
(181)
(260)
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(1) Total statutory cash flows as reported on pages 92 and 138, using the presentation provided in the performance review on pages 26 to 27.
Cash flows from the statutory cash flow statement have been aggregated as described below:
• Interest comprises interest received, interest paid and repayment of obligations under finance leases.
• Other items – Free cash flows comprise share based payment charge, non-cash movements on joint ventures, impairment and other
non-cash items and proceeds from disposal of property, plant & equipment.
• Acquisitions, disposals, discontinued operations comprise net cash outflow arising from CPW Europe Acquisition, cash acquired on the
Merger, proceeds on sale of business and short term investments and discontinued operations.
• Merger transaction costs comprise bond redemption premium and facility arrangement fees paid.
• Opening, closing and movement in net funds (debt) relate to the opening, closing and movement in cash and cash equivalents.
(2) Adjustment to present the cash flows on the basis of net funds (debt) rather than cash and cash equivalents, consistent with the
performance review on page 25 of the 2014/15 annual report and accounts.
(3) Non-Headline cash flows as described in notes 4 and 24 to the Group’s 2014/15 financial statements are excluded from pro forma free
cash flows.
(4) Consolidated cash flows of Dixons Retail plc for the period prior to 6 August 2014 have been extracted without material adjustment from the
consolidation schedules which support the Group’s 2014/15 financial statements and are included in pro forma cash flows.
(5) Pro forma cash flow statement as reported on page 25 of the 2014/15 annual report and accounts.
(6) Cash flows for the five weeks to 3 May 2014 for the Carphone Warehouse business have been extracted without material adjustment
from the consolidation schedules which support the Group’s 2014/15 financial statements and are excluded from the restated pro forma
cash flows.
(7) Pro forma cash flow statement as reported in the Performance Review on pages 26 to 27.
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Shareholder and corporate information
Registered office / Head office
1 Portal Way
London
W3 6RS
United Kingdom
+44 (0)208 617 6002
www.dixonscarphone.com
Company registration number
07105905
Company Secretary
Enquiries should be directed to:
Nigel Paterson
General Counsel and Company Secretary
cosec@dixonscarphone.com
Investor relations
Enquiries should be directed to:
Kate Ferry, IR, PR and Corporate Affairs Director
Mark Reynolds, Head of Investor Relations
ir@dixonscarphone.com
Advisors
Auditor
Deloitte LLP
2 New Street Square
London
EC4A 3BZ
www.deloitte.com
Joint Stockbrokers
Deutsche Bank AG
1 Great Winchester Street
London
EC2N 2DB
www.db.com
Citigroup Global Markets Limited
33 Canada Square
Canary Wharf
E14 5LB
www.citigroup.com
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Dixons Carphone plc is listed on the main market of the
London Stock Exchange (stock symbol: DC) and is a
constituent of the FTSE 100.
Registrars
Equiniti
Aspect House
Spencer Road
Lancing
West Sussex
BN99 6DA
United Kingdom
0371 384 2089 (UK only)
+44 (0)121 415 7047 (from outside the UK)
Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday
(UK time), excluding public holidays in England & Wales.
You can manage your shareholdings via an electronic
communications service called Shareview,
www.shareview.co.uk. To register, you will need your
shareholder reference number, which can be found on
your share certificate, dividend tax voucher or proxy card.
Registration and use of the service is free.
Financial calendar
Ex-dividend date (final dividend 2015/16) 25 Aug 2016
26 Aug 2016
Record date (final dividend 2015/16)
8 Sep 2016
Annual General Meeting
Intended dividend payment date (final
23 Sep 2016
dividend 2015/16)
American Depositary Receipts (‘ADR’s)
Dixons Carphone plc has established a sponsored Level 1
ADR program and has appointed Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas (‘Deutsche Bank’) as the depositary
bank. The ADRs trade on the US over-the-counter (OTC)
market under the symbol DXCPY (they are not listed on a
US stock exchange). Each ADR represents two ordinary
shares in Dixons Carphone plc.
Contact details for ADR investors and brokers
Deutsche Bank ADR broker services desks
New York: +1 212 250 9100
London: +44 (0)207 547 6500
Contact details for registered ADR holders
Deutsche Bank Shareholder Services
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
Operations Center
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
United States
Email: DB@amstock.com
Toll free number (from within the US): (866) 249 2593
Direct Dial (from outside the US): +1 718 921 8124
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153
Glossary and definitions
The following definitions apply throughout this Annual Report and Accounts unless the context otherwise requires:
Acquisition intangibles
Acquired intangible assets such as customer bases, brands and other intangible assets
acquired through a business combination capitalised separately from goodwill
ARPU
B2B
Best Buy
Average revenue per user
Business to business
Best Buy Co., Inc. (incorporated in the United States) and its subsidiaries and interests
in joint ventures and associates
Best Buy Europe
Best Buy Europe Distributions Limited and its subsidiaries and interests in joint ventures
and associates (incorporated in England & Wales)
Board
The Board of directors of the Company
Carphone, Carphone Warehouse
or Carphone Group
The Company or Group prior to the Merger on 6 August 2014
CGU
Cash Generating Unit
Company or the Company
Dixons Carphone plc (incorporated in England & Wales under the Act, with registered
number 07105905), whose registered office is at 1 Portal Way, London W3 6RS
CPW
CPW Europe
The continuing business of the Carphone Group
Best Buy Europe’s core continuing operations
CPW Europe Acquisition
The Company’s acquisition of Best Buy’s interest in CPW Europe, which completed
on 26 June 2013
CWS
The Connected World Services division of the Company
Dixons or Dixons Retail
Dixons Retail plc and its subsidiary companies
Dixons Carphone or Group
The Company, its subsidiaries, interests in joint ventures and other investments
Dixons Retail Merger or Merger
The all share merger of Dixons Retail plc and Carphone Warehouse plc which occurred
on 6 August 2014
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Earnings
EBIT
EBITDA
EPS
ESOT
Free Cash Flow
Profit or loss after taxation, unless the context otherwise requires
Earnings before interest and taxation
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation
Earnings per share (basic unless otherwise indicated)
Employee share ownership trust
Free Cash Flow comprises cash generated from / (utilised by) continuing operations
before special pension contributions, less net finance expense, less income tax paid
and net capital expenditure. The directors consider that ‘Free Cash Flow’ provides
additional useful information to shareholders in respect of cash generation and is
consistent with how business performance is measured internally
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Headline results
Results before Non-Headline results. The phrases ‘Headline earnings’, ‘Headline EBIT’,
‘Headline EBITDA’ and ‘Headline EPS’ should be interpreted in the same way
HMRC
IFRS
Like-for-like revenue
Market position
MNO
MVNO
New CPW
Non‑Headline results
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union
Like-for-like revenue is calculated based on Headline store and internet revenue using
constant exchange rates. New stores are included where they have been open for a full
financial year both at the beginning and end of the financial period. Revenue from
franchise stores are excluded and closed stores are excluded for any period of closure
during either period. Customer support agreement, insurance and wholesale revenues
along with revenue from Connected World Services and other non-retail businesses are
excluded from like-for-like calculations. Revenue from Carphone Warehouse SWAS are
included in like-for-like. Like-for-like revenue reflects the 12 months to 30 April 2016
compared to the 12 months to 2 May 2015.
Ranking against competitors in the electrical and mobile retail market, measured by
market share. Market share is measured for each of the Group’s markets by comparing
data for revenue or volume of units sold relative to similar metrics for competitors in the
same market
Mobile network operator
Mobile virtual network operator
New CPW Limited (incorporated in England & Wales)
Non-Headline results comprise the results of discontinued operations or exited / to be
exited businesses, amortisation of acquisition intangibles, any exceptional items
considered so one-off and material that they distort underlying performance (such as
reorganisation costs, impairment charges and other non-recurring charges) and net
pension interest costs. Businesses exited or to be exited are those which the Group
has exited or committed to or commenced to exit through disposal or closure but do
not meet the definition of discontinued operations as stipulated by IFRS and are
material to the results and operations of the Group
NPS
Net promoter score, a rating used by the Group to measure customers’ likelihood to
recommend its operations
Old Carphone Warehouse
TalkTalk Telecom Holdings Limited (formerly ‘The Carphone Warehouse Group PLC’)
(incorporated in England & Wales)
PAT
PBT
Pro forma
Profit after taxation
Profit before taxation
Results incorporating Dixons Retail plc as if it had been owned by the Group
for the entire previous reporting period. In addition the 2014/15 pro forma results
of the Carphone Warehouse business have been restated to exclude the results
of the additional five weeks trading to ensure an equal length period for
comparative purposes
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Glossary and definitions
ROCE
Return on capital employed. Calculated on a pre-tax and lease adjusted basis. The
return is based on Headline EBIT, adjusted to add back the interest component
associated with capitalising operating lease costs. Capital employed is based on net
assets including capitalised leases, but excluding goodwill, cash, tax and the defined
benefit pension obligations. The calculation is performed on a moving annual total in
order to best match the return on assets in a year with the assets in use during the year
to generate the return
RCF
Revolving credit facility
Sharesave or SAYE
Save as you earn share scheme
SWAS
Stores-within-a-store
TalkTalk or TalkTalk Group
TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC and its subsidiaries and other investments
TSR
UK GAAP
Virgin Mobile France
Total shareholder return
United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law
Omer Telecom Limited (incorporated in England & Wales) and its subsidiaries,
operating an MVNO in France as a joint venture between the Company, Bluebottle UK
Limited and Financom S.A.S.
WAEP
Weighted average exercise price
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Dixons Carphone plc Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16
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Designed and produced by Whitehouse Associates London
Printed in the UK by Pureprint Group
This report is printed on Oxygen Offset 100% Recycled board and
Soporset paper. Both papers are FSC certified and produced in
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Dixons Carphone plc
1 Portal Way
London
W3 6RS
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 208 617 6002
Email: ir@dixonscarphone.com
www.dixonscarphone.com