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Inchcape

inch · LSE Communication Services
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FY2016 Annual Report · Inchcape
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Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Driving our strategy

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report

 IFC  Performance highlights
  2  Our business model
  4  Our value chain
  6  Chief Executive’s review
  10  Our strategy – A year of progress
  16  Key Performance Indicators
  18  Operating review
  32  Risk management

Governance

  44  Board of Directors
  46  Chairman’s statement
  48  Corporate Governance Report
  50  Committee Reports
  57  Directors’ Report on Remuneration
  78  Directors’ Report

Financial statements

  88  Consolidated income statement
  89  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
  90  Consolidated statement of financial position
  91  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
  92  Consolidated statement of cash flows
  93  Accounting policies
 100  Notes to the financial statements
 145  Five year record
 146 

 Independent auditors’ report to the members of 
Inchcape plc

 153  Company statement of financial position
 154  Company statement of changes in equity
 155  Accounting policies
 157  Notes to the financial statements
 170 

 Independent auditors’ report to the members of 
Inchcape plc

Other information

 172  Shareholder information

Sales

£7.8bn

2015: £6.8bn

Adjusted earnings per share

59.6p

2015: 52.1p

Dividend per share

23.8p

2015: 20.9p

Cash returned to shareholders

£200m

2015: £182.5m

Return on capital employed

30%

2015: 30%

Visit our website for additional information and 
interactive features inchcape.com

Clarifying our Financial Metrics
The following table shows the key profit measures that we use throughout this report to most accurately 
describe underlying operating performance and how they relate to statutory measures.

Metric

Gross Profit

Results

Use of Metric

1,079.1 Direct profit contribution from Value Drivers (e.g. Vehicles and Aftersales)

Less: Segment operating expenses

(690.5)

Trading Profit

Less: Central Costs

388.6

Underlying profit generated by our Segments

(29.5)

Operating Profit (pre Exceptional Items)

359.1

Underlying profit generated by the Group

Less: Exceptional Items

Operating Profit

Less: share of loss after tax of JVs  
and associates

Less: Net Finance Costs

Profit before Tax

(81.6)

277.5

Statutory measure of Operating Profit

(0.1)

(9.6)

267.8

Statutory measure of profit after the costs of financing the Group

Add back: Exceptional Items

81.6

Profit Before Tax & Exceptional Items

349.4 One of the Group’s KPIs

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Driven by trust

Inchcape plc is the leading 
automotive Distributor and Retailer 
with global scale. We are present in 
29 national markets, delivering 
exceptional customer experiences 
and operating as a key strategic 
partner to the world’s foremost 
premium and luxury car brands.

Inchcape’s track record of delivering success 
continued in 2016 with a resilient performance.  
Our global portfolio, our mix of Distribution and 
Retail operations in diverse markets and our focus 
on a balanced set of value drivers has enabled us 
to grow in line with our expectations, both 
organically and through a targeted 
investment programme.

The automotive industry continues to evolve.  
Our aim is to position our Company to evolve with 
it, to reinforce the strong foundation of our unique 
business model and then use this strength as a 
platform for growth. The Company’s Ignite strategy 
was launched this year with five clear objectives 
which combine to realise this aim, to keep pace 
with and anticipate our industry’s changes, and to 
become the automotive industry’s most trusted 
Distributor and Retailer.

inchcape.com

1

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur business model

The platform for growth

Our unique business model is the foundation 
which combines our core strengths to create  
a solid platform for growth.

Leading OEM 
brand 
partnerships

Strong global 
position

Driven 
by trust

Distinct routes  
to market

Diversified 
revenue 
streams

View an interactive map of our global 
footprint at www.inchcape.com

Strong global position
We have strong positions in 29 countries around 
the world.

Our global portfolio is a fundamental strength of 
the Group, with a balance between developed 
economies and emerging markets. We have a 
leading presence with our high-margin, capital-light 
distribution model in small, medium and emerging 
markets where we have secured strong positions 
with our marketing expertise, customer-centric 
approach and technical capabilities. This is 
complemented by our scale retail presence in 
medium and large markets with our strong  
portfolio of premium brands.

Trading profit by segment %

14%

25%

35%

26%

Asia: 

Australasia:

UK/Europe: 

Emerging Markets: 

Australia
New Zealand

Brunei 
China
Guam
Hong Kong
Macau
Saipan
Singapore
Thailand

Romania
UK

Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Djibouti
Ethiopia
Peru
Russia

Belgium
Bulgaria
Estonia
Finland
Greece
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Poland

2

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Leading OEM brand partnerships
We have strong and long-standing 
partnerships with the world’s leading 
automotive OEM groups.

These OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturer) are 
the world’s main drivers of automotive innovation, new 
fuel technologies, powertrain developments, safety 
breakthroughs and cutting edge engineering. By 
consistently focusing on the core needs of our OEM 
partners, we seek to build and deliver ever-deeper 
relationships, outstanding brand representation and 
strength in market share.

Distinct routes to market
We manage across the entire value chain 
post-factory gate for our OEM partners.

Trading profit split

27%

Retail

73%

Distribution

Diversified revenue streams
We leverage the full range of opportunities 
from the New and Used Car markets.

Gross profit mix

63%

Vehicles

37%

Aftersales

Discover more about our OEM 
partnerships at www.inchcape.com

As the exclusive Distributor in small and medium-sized  
markets, we are the OEM’s brand custodian in these 
countries, responsible for everything from importing 
vehicles and parts to all sales and marketing activities, 
including the appointment and management of the 
third party retail network. In larger, more developed 
markets, such as the UK, we operate our Retail model, 
with a focus on delivering an exceptional customer 
experience online and in our retail and service centres.

In addition to New Vehicles, we sell Finance and 
Insurance products, and we take advantage of the 
defensiveness of the global Car Parc (the total number 
of cars on the road) through Used Vehicle sales, 
Aftersales Servicing and Parts.

Maintaining this spread prepares us well to respond to 
the full array of different market conditions and trends 
at play in all of our local markets across the world.

inchcape.com

3

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur value chain

The route to market

We operate right across the post-factory automotive value 
chain for our OEM partners, providing a highly effective 
customer-focused route to market. In many cases we are the 
custodians of our OEM partners’ brand equity, a role that we 
treat with the utmost care.

Product planning and logistics

Brand management

Our in-depth knowledge of local markets, 
trends and customer preferences enables 
our OEM partners to benefit from our insights 
and understanding throughout the entire 
planning process.

Under our Distribution model, we take on 
total responsibility for our OEM partners’ 
brands, marketing and sales operations in 
our local markets – we handle every aspect 
of the customer interface from appointing 
and managing the dealer network to 
advertising and social media management.

Product specification
We work closely with our OEM partners, often for several 
years before a new model is launched, providing support 
throughout the planning process with a precise view of 
market pricing, local fit requirements and sales volumes.

Import and logistics
Overseeing global distribution by land or sea, combined 
with comprehensive local port or border-to-showroom 
capabilities, means we are able to remove all logistical 
burdens from our partners.

Appoint and manage the dealer network
Where we operate as a Distributor, we select and 
appoint an independent dealer network that has  
the best fit with our partners’ brands; training and 
managing them to meet the demanding standards  
of our customer-focused ethos. Further, we typically  
own and operate 15-20% of the network ourselves.

National marketing and price positioning
We are scrupulous in projecting our partners’ brand 
values and personality in all local marketing and 
communications, refining messages where necessary  
to maximise positive impact in specific markets.  
Our approach to price positioning is based on in-depth 
knowledge of market trends and competitor pricing.

4

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

New and Used Car retailing

Aftersales

The Inchcape approach to retailing revolves 
around creating exceptional customer 
experiences throughout the life-cycle of their 
vehicle ownership. Following initial 
engagement through digital and physical 
channels, we seek to create long-term 
ongoing relationships involving multiple  
New and Used Car sales.

Our commitment is to invest in state-of-the-art 
facilities and highly trained expert 
technicians, to ensure we become the first 
choice for Aftersales care.

Vehicle sales
We aim to provide the best New and Used Car buying 
experience in our retail centres across the world.  
Our people have a depth of expertise and a wealth  
of product knowledge which is continually reinforced 
through OEM as well as proprietary training, to ensure 
that we deliver on this aim.

Servicing
Our ultimate focus is on getting it right first time, every 
time – from the quality of a routine service to fixing a 
problem, this is one of the most important ways to retain 
our customers. We provide transparent assessments  
to give our customers the confidence to trust us with 
their servicing for the long term.

Customer engagement and retention
After initial customer engagement, we aim to deepen 
relationships via a wide range of sophisticated retail 
techniques including tailored social media campaigns, 
loyalty strategies, rapid web response, opportunities with 
affinity partners and more.

Parts
Our strong OEM relationships and specialist retail  
and wholesale supply capabilities make Inchcape  
the preferred provider of genuine brand parts  
and accessories.

Vehicle Finance and Insurance
Partnering with financial services businesses around  
the world means that we can provide customers  
with attractive, transparent options for financing their 
vehicle purchases.

inchcape.com

5

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSChief Executive’s review

Creating the 
world’s most 
trusted automotive 
Distributor and 
Retailer

View video online at  
www.inchcape.com

I am delighted to be writing to 
you once again following 
another successful year of 
progress for Inchcape.

Over the years, our unique business model has 
enabled our global organisation to consistently drive 
our earnings and cash generation performance. This 
year has been no exception and pleasingly, despite 
some challenges, we have delivered double digit 
adjusted earnings growth and continued our track 
record of driving sustainable shareholder returns.

Our position as the only global, independent, 
multi-brand automotive Distributor and Retailer with 
five revenue streams had an important stabilising 
effect and enabled our strong revenue and earnings 
growth in 2016. A supporting element for our results 
was the benefit from Sterling’s weakness in the year, 
with over three-quarters of profits denominated in 
other currencies. 

Besides the financial results, 2016 was a year in 
which we made significant progress on the ‘Ignite’ 
strategy, developing programmes designed to 
position Inchcape for long-term growth, and crucially, 

developing our M&A proposition with a distribution 
acquisition in South America and expansion 
into Thailand. 

Ignite is enabling us to take an even stronger 
leadership role in our industry, not just in terms of 
scale, but also ambition, vision and quality of service. 
This is particularly important at a time when the 
global automotive industry is developing at pace, 
with customer purchasing behaviour and service 
expectations clearly changing. We remain highly 
focused on differentiating our proposition through 
customer service excellence. This is a constantly 
evolving field and we continue to innovate in our 
physical and digital capabilities.

You can read more about progress made on Ignite 
on page 10 and on how our strategy is helping us to 
position the Company to lead in an operating 
environment in which successful, sustainable 
businesses will adapt and thrive.

Moving on, you can read about our regional 
performance on pages 22 to 29 in the Operating 
Review section of this report, where we also outline in 
detail the disclosure changes we are making to 
provide greater clarity on our reporting. To give you a 
quick overview of progress, however, I will briefly 
outline the major regional trends here.

6

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our performance across the world

Asia
In Asia, we saw the continuation of a challenging 
trading environment in Hong Kong where the market 
was down 21%. This was largely due to a prolonged 
period of subdued consumer and corporate activity 
that only stabilised later in the year. A number of 
factors, including the highly publicised political 
uncertainties of 2016 and stock market volatility, 
caused weakness across the market, within  
which Inchcape’s performance was as robust as 
conditions allowed. 

Indeed, our continued underlying strength in Hong 
Kong is illustrated by the fact that our Crown Motors 
subsidiary won prestigious awards during the year, 
including the Asia Pacific Excellence award and 
Toyota’s Outstanding Customer Service award for  
the ninth year in a row. We also maintained our 
market leadership in Hong Kong. Elsewhere in Asia, 
we enjoyed a strong year in our key market of 
Singapore, where the Certificates of Entitlement 
(COE) cycle remained favourable. This helped to 
drive 41% growth in the New Vehicles market, with  
the greatest increase taking place in the first half of 
the year. The moderation during the second half of 
2016 and our understanding of the cycle lead us  
to anticipate a decline in 2017 of around 14%,  
which would still see sales significantly above the 
10-year average.

Staying with Asia, I would like to mention two projects 
that illustrate how we are seeking to deliver against 
several of the key objectives under our Ignite strategy, 
namely, investing to accelerate growth, aiming to 
lead in customer experience and becoming the 
OEMs’ partner of choice. 

First, we have been appointed as the exclusive 
importer and distributor of vehicles and parts for 
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in Thailand, extending our 
successful partnership with the company and its 
brands to 46 years. And second, the continuing 
development of our state-of-the-art, eight-storey 
Pandan facility in Singapore, where we are 
consolidating a range of activities with the aim of 
increasing capacity and productivity and delivering 
an even better experience for customers.

Australasia
Turning to Australasia, our Subaru business pleasingly 
gained market share, taking our position to 4.0% and 
represents a new full year record. Subaru has a 
strong line-up of premium SUV models, centred on 
four wheel drive, with high safety ratings and 
targeted at active lifestyles. All of these elements 
have enabled us to create a strong proposition for 

customers in Australia and New Zealand. Profitability 
in Australasia was impacted during 2016 by an 
unfavourable exchange rate between the Japanese 
Yen and the Australian Dollar. Australasia has 
pioneered across a number of areas in 2016: 
creating a mobile servicing offer for customers in the 
Sydney area for Subaru, a new shopping mall brand 
experience store, a digital purchase offer for the new 
Impreza and working on greater automation for 
Aftersales service reminders to capture more 
high-margin work from this revenue stream. 
Innovation is very important within our evolving 
industry and these steps demonstrate the skills and 
energy in the Group to drive future success. 

UK and Europe
Our delivery of strong revenue growth in the UK was 
achieved with good growth across all of our revenue 
streams; we saw pleasing improvements in Used 
Vehicle and Aftersales thanks to the sharper focus 
on these areas.

Overall, a resilient profit performance in the UK was 
achieved despite higher overheads caused by 
investments in our sites and operational processes to 
strengthen the long-term positioning of the business 
as well as a lower New Vehicle margin due to the 
competitive market environment. The business 
remains highly focused on outperforming our 
competitors and crystallising the significant organic 
opportunities of our Ignite strategy.

Elsewhere in the segment, we saw encouraging 
results from Finland, Belgium and Greece where 
sales are continuing to recover from a low base. Our 
performance was largely strong throughout Eastern 
Europe, benefiting from both cyclical and structural 
growth tailwinds. These include the Balkan and Baltic 
regions, where our operations achieved good growth 
and the more mature Polish market.

Emerging Markets
We delivered a strong performance in our Emerging 
Markets segment in 2016, with increased profitability 
across Africa, South America and Russia.

Despite facing a challenging environment in Russia 
due to the country’s well-publicised economic 
difficulties, our presence in the cities of Moscow and 
St Petersburg enabled us to make a profit. 

As one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, 
Ethiopia has been an excellent market for us for 
many years. Performance was strong in the first half 
of 2016, but our business was inevitably disrupted by 
serious political unrest that started in August. We are 
optimistic that the situation will be resolved in 2017.

inchcape.com

7

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSChief Executive’s review continued

Our South American Distribution operations for BMW 
in Chile and Peru both recorded an improving 
performance through the second half of 2016, with 
particular success in growing our Aftersales revenues. 

In this global round-up, I would also like to highlight 
our purchase, completed right at the year end on  
22 December, of the Subaru and Hino Distribution 
businesses from the major South American 
company, Empresas Indumotora. 

Covering Colombia and Argentina as well as our 
established markets of Chile and Peru, the business 
is recognised as a high-quality operator with a 
culture of excellence in customer service that 
complements our own. Focused on our long-
standing and strong existing partnerships with 
Subaru and Hino, other Distribution relationships 
included in the deal are Suzuki in Argentina and 
DFSK in Chile, Peru and Argentina.

Above all, this acquisition is a compelling 
demonstration of Ignite in action. It gives us a scale 
operation and a strong, balanced line-up of brand 
partners in South America, positioning us well to 
grasp the opportunities presented by predicted 
increases in vehicle-ownership across all four 
countries. In short, it perfectly exemplifies Ignite’s 
overriding goal of driving long-term value creation.

Acquisition in South America

Investing to 
accelerate growth

Biggest Distribution 
acquisition in
20+ years

Creates a scale Distribution  
presence in South America  
with excellent structural  
growth potential

Focused on long term 
brand partners

Colombia
Peru

Chile
Argentina

Shareholder returns
The strength of our business model continues  
to underpin the returns we can deliver to our 
shareholders. During the year, for example, we were 
able to continue the share buy-back programme  
we launched in 2013. This enabled us to return 
£109.8 million in 2016 in addition to the £90.2 million 
issued through dividends, and the board has 
approved continuation of the second tranche  
of the current programme.

Over the past 12 months, we have taken a great 
deal of action to create an operational and cultural 
environment in which the business model can  
be an even stronger driver of improving business 
performance. This is where the Ignite strategy fits in.  
I have already referred to this, our strategy to become 
the world’s most trusted automotive Distributor and 
Retailer, which I outlined in last year’s Annual Report.

Outlook for 2017
I believe that Inchcape has progressed substantially 
during 2016 on its journey to become the world’s 
most trusted automotive Retailer and Distributor. 
Looking forward, we are well positioned to continue 
to leverage our global scale, drive growth from the 
expanding Car Parc and benefit from our positions 
across a strong spread of markets. 

More specifically for 2017, although we anticipate a 
continuation of the transactional currency headwind 
for our Australasia region and a slower New Vehicle 
trend in some markets, we expect to deliver a resilient 
constant currency performance. Our overall 2017 
performance will benefit from our recent South 
American acquisition and, if Sterling remains around 
current levels, from the currency translation benefit 
arising from the substantial proportion of our profits 
being generated in other regions.

As an innovative business in a fast changing industry, I 
know that our Ignite strategy, which is centred around 
trust, our strong balance sheet and our discipline in 
controlling cost and capital allocation are all integral 
parts of our overall approach that will continue to drive 
long-term value creation for our shareholders. 

Add to these vital properties the commitment, 
passion and engagement of our winning teams 
across the world, and I believe we have an overall 
value proposition that is unmatched in our industry.

Read more about progress on our strategy on pages 10 – 15

STEFAN BOMHARD
Group Chief Executive

8

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our global leadership team

Group Executive Committee

Our Group Executive Committee is a global 
leadership team of experts that brings together a 
wealth of experience from a range of industries as 
well as deep local market knowledge with a focus 
on operational excellence. The Executive team drives 
the vision and direction of the Company on behalf 
of the Board. 

I would like to highlight here some changes that 
have been made to the team in 2016.

The new Asia region, which replaces North Asia and 
South Asia, is led by George Ashford who took up this 
strategically important regional CEO post in October 
2016. Prior to this, George was CEO of our Australasia 
region and he in turn has been replaced by Nick 
Senior, who was previously Managing Director of 
Subaru Australia. These appointments are examples 
of strong internal succession planning, leveraging 
our global scale and talent pool, as well as our 
determination to promote from within the 
organisation wherever possible. 

Sadly, Louis Fallenstein decided to retire from 
Inchcape as UK CEO at the end of 2016. His 
contribution over 10 years in the business was 
significant and he has created great momentum in 
the UK which will now be continued and built upon 
by his replacement, James Brearley. James spent 
several months working with us on the Ignite strategy 
in 2016, specifically on our objective to deliver full 
potential on all our revenue streams. With extensive 
experience at executive level in a career spanning 
30 years in the UK automotive market, he was a 
natural choice to be Louis’ successor. 

I would also like to welcome Dima Ivanov, our final 
new addition to the Group Executive Committee 
since the last Annual Report. Dima joined the 
Company from Bacardi as Chief Marketing and 
Communications Officer in August 2016 following the 
departure of Ken Lee; he brings with him a wealth of 
expertise in digital, social and brand marketing 
which will be brought to bear on Inchcape’s 
developing customer experience proposition and 
corporate communications function.

From left: George Ashford; Patrick Lee; Bertrand Mallet; Louis Fallenstein; Ruslan Kinebas; Richard Howes; Stéphane Chatal;  
Stefan Bomhard; Nick Senior; Aris Aravanis; Alison Clarke; Dimitry Ivanov; Koh Ching Hong. 

View full biographies online 
at www.inchcape.com

inchcape.com

9

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur strategy

A year of progress

The Ignite strategy has helped us to identify, 
plan for and respond to the developments 
that we are seeing in the automotive sector, 
as well as maximising the opportunities that 
will arise.

Social and technological changes are 
impacting businesses in every sector, not just 
the automotive industry or our own business. 
As you will see, we are already taking action 
in several areas to help us leverage the 
opportunities they bring with them.

Ignite comprises five strategic objectives 
(described across the following pages) with 
each being addressed by a dedicated 
workstream or resource.

The workstreams are critical to the overall success of 
Ignite, making them a key priority at the highest 
levels of the organisation. For example, each of the 
sequential phases that form the workstreams is 
individually championed by a member of the Group 
Executive Committee. To maximise their positive 
impact on Inchcape’s operations across the world, 
every phase is delivered locally and fully supported 
through centralised resources. And all Ignite activities 
are set within a clear governance framework that 
includes regular updates to both the Group 
Executive Committee and the Board. 

In 2016, the programme’s focus was on mobilising 
teams across the Group and completing the 
detailed diagnostic work required to identify and 
prioritise the most commercially significant ‘value 
levers’. It was also important early in the process to 
share ‘quick wins’ across the Group and to design 
and launch trials of new innovations for global 
roll-out following proof of concept. 

Actions undertaken during 2016 have already made 
a positive financial contribution, with more significant 
benefits anticipated for 2017 and beyond. 

Invest to 
accelerate 
growth

Lead in  
customer 
experience

To be the  
world’s most 
trusted 
automotive 
Distributor & 
Retailer

Become  
the OEM’s 
partner  
of choice

Leverage  
our global  
scale

Deliver full 
potential on all 
our revenue 
streams

10

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

View our strategy online at 
www.inchcape.com

Leading in customer 
experience

As the global car industry 
rapidly evolves, the purchasing 
behaviour and service-level 
expectations of consumers are 
clearly changing. We will invest 
to maintain our position as 
leader in customer service 
innovation in automotive 
Distribution and Retail, with 
digital a key priority.

Activities in this strategic workstream 
focused on three key areas. First, in a 
major piece of customer research 
across multiple brands and countries, 
we aimed to understand better what 
people really want from us at every 
stage of the journey – from buying a 
New or Used Vehicle to an ongoing 
servicing relationship or simply living 
with their car. This enabled us to look 
at how, when and where customers 
interacted with us, and at what the 
opportunities to improve were across 
three key areas of the journey: the 
digital, showroom and ownership 
experiences. Its findings are already 
enabling teams across the world to 
make the customer experience more 
pleasurable, consistent 
and personalised.

We have launched two major pilot 
schemes, the first of which, in 
partnership with Google, tested new 
marketing and communications 
technologies and processes that will 
enable us to give customers the right 
information and support at the 
moment they need it. In the second 
pilot, we explored new ways of 

serving customers in our retail centres 
to ensure that our customer care 
practices are in line with their and 
our brand partners’ expectations.

We have also begun to work much 
more closely with our OEM partners 
so that together we can identify 
specific opportunities to collaborate 
on further improving the 
customer journey.

During 2017, our focus is on rolling 
out successful solutions into our other 
markets, as well as trialling further 
new ways of addressing specific 
areas for improvement covering the 
decision, purchase and ownership 
phases of the customer journey. 

We are also seeking to elevate the 
ways in which we measure customer 
satisfaction, making them properly fit 
for the digital age. We will then further 
evolve the ways in which we feed the 
resulting insights back into the 
business, so improving our processes, 
training activities and customer 
service standards, and making the 
Inchcape customer experience easy, 
effective and enjoyable.

inchcape.com

11

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSBecoming the OEM 
partner of choice

We have a very strong portfolio 
of brands. We now need to build 
on our OEM partnerships to 
ensure that we thoroughly 
deserve to achieve the status of 
‘partner of choice’ across all our 
relationships, and then to 
robustly defend that position.

We will build and strengthen our 
working relationships with our  
OEM partners by investing time  
in understanding their needs, 
seeking greater opportunities for 
collaboration and sharing our insight 
into customer and industry trends.  
We will collaborate on bringing  
new innovations to market and 
exceeding their expectations to 
deliver long-term mutual value 
creation both for Inchcape and  
our OEM partners.

Over 2016 we have taken some 
substantial early steps in delivering 
against this strategic objective. First, 

we’ve worked hard to establish closer 
relationships between our brand 
teams where we represent a 
manufacturer in more than one 
country. As a result, we’re doing better 
at sharing best practice, bringing 
innovative new solutions to market 
more efficiently, and collaborating 
across borders to improve our 
service levels.

We’ve also trialled a set of strategic 
best-practice tools for account 
management, helping us to work 
more effectively with OEM partners in 
areas including relationship and 
brand strategy development as well 
as communication and collaboration. 
This includes understanding our OEM 
partners’ own KPIs and addressing 
them directly with our operational 
teams to ensure that our own 
measures are consistent with theirs.

An early success of this workstream 
has been the establishment of 
Partner Development Teams, our own 
take on ‘business to business’ 
account management. In 2016, we 
created new teams to manage our 

OEM relationships with Toyota and 
Jaguar Land Rover. 

Additionally, significant progress has 
been made in improving the 
relationships with OEM partners at a 
global level through Executive 
meetings to ensure that our high 
level objectives are aligned 
wherever possible.

These initiatives have proved 
successful, not only in strengthening 
existing relationships and emerging 
opportunities for collaboration, but 
also in our growing pipeline of 
potential business-development 
projects. Such successes clearly 
confirm the importance of investing 
in our partner relationships, 
supporting the development of our 
ambitious plans for further investment 
and engagement throughout 2017.

We’re expanding brand-team 
collaboration across more OEM 
partners, and rolling out other 
successful trials into new markets. In 
addition, we will proactively continue 
to seek further opportunities for OEM 
collaboration to benefit them, 
ourselves and our shared customers.

12

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Delivering full 
potential from  
all our revenue 
streams

Our markets have strong 
long-term structural growth 
drivers, but the addressable 
market for Aftersales is set to 
grow even faster than the New 
Car market. The Used Car 
market, which is typically a 
multiple of the New Car market 
in most of our territories, is a 
further growth opportunity.

We will increase our management 
focus on our Used Vehicles and 
Aftersales activities at all levels of the 
organisation, enhancing their 
perceived status within the business 
and further deepening reporting 
and analysis.

Projects relating to this workstream 
have included a thorough diagnosis 
of our Aftersales business, through 
which we’ve identified unexplored 
opportunities for better asset 
utilisation, customer retention and 
upselling. With three trials underway 
and four more in planning, we have 
already seen some significant 
positive impacts that are improving 
workshop capacity and efficiency. 
These include an increase of 
between 8-10% in the retail labour 
hours sold in one franchise in our UK 
Retail business – the result of a 
straightforward decision to centralise 
loading of the workshop diary.

We have also created a new 
blueprint for developing our Used 
Car operating model, which is being 
trialled in the UK and Australia during 
early 2017. If successful, this will be 
rolled out during the year to other 
retail markets, such as Russia and 
China. Other initiatives planned for 
2017 include the trial of a wider set of 
solutions for global implementation 
and the roll-out of our new Aftersales 
diagnosis tool-kit, which will help us 
better identify the right sales ‘levers’ to 
pull from market to market.

The scope of this workstream is 
considerable and as a result of 
identifying the opportunity to create 
substantial additional value, we have 
subdivided it into three distinct 
initiatives: Used Cars, Finance & 
Insurance and Aftersales. Each of 
these has a dedicated stream lead 
and resource to further maximise the 
opportunities afforded us through our 
considerable expertise in these areas. 

inchcape.com

13

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSLeveraging our global scale

We want to exploit the full 
advantage of our unique 
position in the market place to 
share even more expertise and 
best practice across our 
organisation, leveraging our 
global scale to improve 
collaborative working practices 
and generate cost savings 
through shared services and 
global purchasing.

We will allocate more resources to 
innovation, sharing and benefiting 
even more effectively from the proven 
ideas generated throughout the 
global organisation.

In 2016 we have successfully 
delivered a number of initiatives 
under this workstream. These include 
the establishment of a global 
procurement function, which for the 
first time gives all our operations 
shared processes and a common 
vision of the supply chain. With some 
of the clearest early successes of the 
Ignite strategy so far, the new 
Procurement function delivered £4m 
savings in 2016, through market 
activities that have been rolled out 
over the past year. 

We also launched an energy-saving 
programme that is already helping 
us to reduce our energy footprint 
and drive down costs. And we 
introduced centralised electronic 
lead-management for one of our 
OEM brands in the UK, which is 
already delivering the double 
benefits of cost savings alongside 
increased revenue. We are 

introducing this to other brands in 
the UK during 2017 as well as into 
other markets.

The Contact Centre implementation 
playbook is the first to have been fully 
prepared in the Ignite programme. 
The purpose of the project is to 
centralise non face-to-face contacts 
(email, phone and ‘live-chat’), using 
specialist contact handlers, and 
consequently allowing our retail and 
service centres to focus on their own 
areas of expertise: dealing with our 
customers in person.

Further initiatives during the year 
include the launch of our new global 
intranet, which is now underway, with 
the aim of reaching each and every 
employee in the Company, and 
enabling much better knowledge 
sharing across the business. And we 
will focus rigorously on sales planning 
and stock management to enable 
better customer service and reduce 
the impact on the business of 
aged stock.

14

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Investing to 
accelerate growth

We are now focusing on the 
integration of the new business to 
accelerate the Company’s growth in 
the region. Alongside these landmark 
developments, we continued to 
make significant capex investments 
in our existing facilities to better meet 
the needs of our OEM partners and 
customers. And we successfully 
improved our project pipeline of 
potential new business 
development opportunities.

The automotive Distribution  
and Retail markets are highly 
fragmented; we apply a 
disciplined use of capital to  
fuel further growth through 
selective participation in  
market consolidation. We  
have increased our business 
development resources  
to ensure we have the 
management capabilities  
to participate in industry 
consolidation.

This has been a year of significant 
progress in our growth. Not only did 
we successfully obtain the Jaguar 
Land Rover contract in Thailand – the 
world’s 20th largest automotive market, 
we also significantly expanded our 
operations in the fast-growing 
markets of South America with the 
acquisition of a major Subaru and 
Hino Distribution network in Chile, 
Peru, Colombia and Argentina. 

This was the biggest Distribution 
acquisition for Inchcape in over 20 
years, increasing our global footprint 
from 27 to 29 country markets, 
on-boarding 1,400 new employees 
and adding over 60 retail centres to 
our South American business. 

Our OEM relationships were a key 
enabler for this transaction and we 
are becoming even more focused 
on the quality of our partnerships to 
ensure we can provide organic 
leadership/support and access 
other M&A opportunities. 

inchcape.com

15

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSKey Performance Indicators

Measuring our 
performance

In 2016 we have taken the opportunity to review our Key Performance 
Indicators (KPIs) to better align them to our Ignite strategy. 

KPIs provide insight into how the Board and Executive Committee monitor the Group’s strategic and 
financial performance, as well as directly linking to the key measures for Executive remuneration.

Measure

Sales

Operating margin

Free cash flow

Return on capital employed

£7.8bn

2015: £6.8bn

£
7
.
8
b
n

£
6
.
7
b
n

£
6
.
8
b
n

£
6
.
5
b
n

£
6
.
1
b
n

£
5
.
8
b
n

4.6%

2015: 4.7%

4
.
3
%

4
.
4
%

4
.
2
%

4
.
8
%

4
.
7
%

4
.
6
%

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

Definition

Why we measure it

Consideration receivable from the 
sale of goods and services. It is 
stated net of rebates and any 
discounts, and excludes sales 
related taxes.

Operating profit (before exceptional 
items) divided by sales.

Top-line growth is a key financial 
metric of both ‘Becoming the OEMs’ 
Partner of Choice’ and ‘Leading in 
Customer Experience’.

A key metric of operational efficiency, 
ensuring that we are leveraging 
global scale to translate sales growth 
to profit.

2016 Highlights

The Group has delivered £7.8bn, 
growth of 14.7% vs. last year.

Operating margin is down 10 bps vs. 
2015 driven by mix and 
currency impact.

16

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

2015: £312.1m

2015: £177.6m

Profit before tax & 

exceptional items

£349.4m

£

3

4

9

.

4

m

£

3

0

3

.

2

m

£

3

1

2

.

1

m

£

2

7

4

.

6

m

£

2

4

7

m

£

2

2

7

.

7

m

30%

2015: 30%

2

2

%

2

2

%

2

2

%

3

0

%

3

0

%

2

6

%

£190.5m

£

2

9

2

m

£

1

9

0

.

5

m

£

1

7

7

.

6

m

£

1

0

4

.

6

m

£

1

0

2

m

£

8

6

.

4

m

Represents the profit made after 

operating and interest expense 

Net cash flows from operating 

Operating profit (before exceptional 

activities, before exceptional cash 

items) divided by the average of 

excluding the impact of exceptional 

flows, less normalised net capital 

opening and closing capital 

items and before tax is charged.

expenditure and dividends paid to 

employed, where capital employed is 

non-controlling interests.

defined as net assets less net funds.

A key driver of delivering sustainable 

A key driver of the Group’s ability to 

A key measure of Ignite (Invest to 

and growing earnings 

to shareholders.

‘Invest to Accelerate Growth’ and to 

Accelerate Growth), ROCE is a 

make distributions to shareholders.

measure of the Group’s ability to 

drive better returns for investors on 

the capital we invest.

In 2016 this increased by 12% to a 

The Group delivered free cash flow of 

The Group delivered ROCE of 30%. 

record £349.4m.

£190.5m, a 7.3% improvement 

on 2015.

For a reconciliation of free cashflow, 

see page 31.

Underlying ROCE (excluding the 

acquisition of businesses in South 

America) was a record 33%.

Measure

Sales

Operating margin

£7.8bn

2015: £6.8bn

£

7

.

8

b

n

£

6

.

7

b

n

£

6

.

8

b

n

£

6

.

5

b

n

£

6

.

1

b

n

£

5

.

8

b

n

4.6%

2015: 4.7%

4

.

3

%

4

.

4

%

4

.

2

%

4

.

8

%

4

.

7

%

4

.

6

%

Free cash flow

Return on capital employed

Profit before tax & 
exceptional items

£349.4m

£190.5m

2015: £312.1m

2015: £177.6m

£
3
4
9
.
4
m

£
3
0
3
.
2
m

£
3
1
2
.
1
m

£
2
7
4
.
6
m

£
2
4
7
m

£
2
2
7
.
7
m

£
2
9
2
m

£
1
9
0
.
5
m

£
1
7
7
.
6
m

£
1
0
4
.
6
m

£
1
0
2
m

£
8
6
.
4
m

30%

2015: 30%

2
2
%

2
2
%

2
2
%

3
0
%

3
0
%

2
6
%

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

11

12

13

14

15

16

Definition

Consideration receivable from the 

Operating profit (before exceptional 

items) divided by sales.

sale of goods and services. It is 

stated net of rebates and any 

discounts, and excludes sales 

related taxes.

Why we measure it

Top-line growth is a key financial 

A key metric of operational efficiency, 

metric of both ‘Becoming the OEMs’ 

ensuring that we are leveraging 

Partner of Choice’ and ‘Leading in 

global scale to translate sales growth 

Customer Experience’.

to profit.

Represents the profit made after 
operating and interest expense 
excluding the impact of exceptional 
items and before tax is charged.

Net cash flows from operating 
activities, before exceptional cash 
flows, less normalised net capital 
expenditure and dividends paid to 
non-controlling interests.

Operating profit (before exceptional 
items) divided by the average of 
opening and closing capital 
employed, where capital employed is 
defined as net assets less net funds.

A key driver of delivering sustainable 
and growing earnings 
to shareholders.

A key driver of the Group’s ability to 
‘Invest to Accelerate Growth’ and to 
make distributions to shareholders.

A key measure of Ignite (Invest to 
Accelerate Growth), ROCE is a 
measure of the Group’s ability to 
drive better returns for investors on 
the capital we invest.

2016 Highlights

The Group has delivered £7.8bn, 

Operating margin is down 10 bps vs. 

growth of 14.7% vs. last year.

2015 driven by mix and 

currency impact.

In 2016 this increased by 12% to a 
record £349.4m.

The Group delivered free cash flow of 
£190.5m, a 7.3% improvement 
on 2015.

For a reconciliation of free cashflow, 
see page 31.

The Group delivered ROCE of 30%. 
Underlying ROCE (excluding the 
acquisition of businesses in South 
America) was a record 33%.

inchcape.com

17

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review

Continued earnings 
growth and strong 
cash generation

Changes to disclosure

“ 2016 marked the launch of the 
Group’s Ignite strategy and 
consistent with this also saw 
changes to the management 
of our geographic regions to 
better leverage our regional 
and global scale. For our 2016 
results we have made changes 
to disclosure across two 
principal areas, value drivers 
and geographic segments”.

Group sales of £7.8bn are up 7.6% year-on-year, with 
strong top line growth in all regions excluding Asia. 
The Group delivered an operating profit of £359.1m, 
in line with last year. Our operating margin declined 
by 10bps to 4.6%. This reflects a lower margin in New 
Vehicles, impacted by the strengthening in the 
Japanese Yen versus the Australian Dollar in 
Australasia. In addition, this reflects the adverse mix 
effect of faster growth in Vehicle sales versus 
Aftersales as well as the adverse geographical mix 
effect of a difficult trading environment in Hong Kong.

Profit before tax and exceptional items of £349.4m is 
up 1.3% year-on-year, a resilient performance in the 
face of material currency headwinds in our 
Australian business and market decline in 
Hong Kong.

The Group delivered strong free cash flow of 
£190.5m, up 7.3% versus 2015, as favourable 
currency translation more than offset a timing-
related increase in cash tax paid.

Our results are stated at actual rates of exchange. However, to enhance comparability we also present year-on-year changes in sales and trading 
profit in constant currency, thereby isolating the impact of exchange. Unless otherwise stated, changes in sales and trading profit in the operating 
review are at constant currency. The 2017 outlook commentary is also referenced at constant currency.

18

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Key Performance Indicators – results

Sales
Operating margin
Profit before tax and exceptional items
Free cash flow
Return on capital employed

Year ended 
2016
£m
7,838.4
4.6%
349.4
190.5
30%

Year ended 
2015
£m
6,836.3
4.7%
312.1
177.6
30%

% change in 
constant 
currency
7.6%
(10bps)
1.3%

% change
14.7%
(10bps)
12.0%
7.3%

The Group reports its regional analysis in line with IFRS 8 ‘Operating Segments’. This standard requires operating 
segments to be identified on the basis of internal reports about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by 
the chief operating decision maker in order to assess their performance and to allocate resources to the segments. 
These operating segments are then aggregated into reporting segments to combine those with similar characteristics.

Regional analysis

Asia
Australasia
Emerging Markets
UK and Europe
Trading profit
Central costs
Operating profit

2016 
Operating/
Trading profit

2016 
Exceptional 
items

2016 
Reported

2015 
Operating/ 
Trading profit

2015 
Exceptional 
items

£m
136.7
102.4
52.4
97.1
388.6
(29.5)
359.1

£m
(11.6)
(5.2)
(0.9)
(36.7)
(54.4)
(27.2)
(81.6)

£m
125.1
97.2
51.5
60.4
334.2
(56.7)
277.5

£m
133.4
90.6
41.8
88.9
354.7
(30.0)
324.7

£m
–
–
(49.5)
–
(49.5)
–
(49.5)

2015  

Reported

£m
133.4
90.6
(7.7)
88.9
305.2
(30.0)
275.2

Return on capital employed (ROCE) of 30% again 
reflects disciplined management of the Group’s 
balance sheet and selective investments to grow 
the business.

Net capital expenditure in 2016 was £72.1m. We 
have invested in new facilities in Singapore as well as 
continuing to develop our facilities in the UK, Australia 
and Emerging Markets.

Working capital continues to be tightly managed 
and we ended the year at £89m, with £48m 
attributable to the South American assets acquired 
in December 2016. This control supported our good 
cash conversion and free cash flow generation of 
£190.5m. Net cash at the end of the year was 
£26.5m, a very good position given the £227m 
outflow in December 2016 in relation to the 
acquisition of the Subaru and Hino distribution 
businesses and other assets from Empresas 
Indumotora. In line with our accounting policies and 
previous transactions, the costs associated with this 
transaction have been charged as exceptional 
operating costs.

During 2016, we completed £59m of our 2015 £100m 
share buyback scheme at an average price of 699p 
and the first £50m of our 2016 scheme at 675p.

Disclosure changes
2016 marked the launch of the Group’s Ignite 
strategy and consistent with this also saw changes 
to the management of our geographic regions to 
better leverage our regional and global scale. For 
our 2016 results we have made changes to 
disclosure across two principal areas, value drivers 
and geographic segments. 

We are providing greater disclosure on the value 
drivers behind revenue and profit. This includes:

 − Gross profit attributable to Vehicles: New Vehicles, 
Used Vehicles and the associated Finance and 
Insurance (F&I) income; and

 − Gross profit attributable to Aftersales: Service 

and Parts.

This will be applied to both our Distribution and Retail 
channels, providing visibility on the diversified nature 
of our value drivers and defensive characteristic of 
having a significant percentage of our gross profit 
linked to the installed base of vehicles (often referred 
to as the Car Parc). Furthermore, this improved 
disclosure reflects the Group’s commitment to our 
shareholders to achieve success against the Ignite 
strategic objective of ‘Deliver Full Potential on all our 
Revenue Streams’.

inchcape.com

19

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

Linked to the Ignite objective of ‘Leverage our Global 
Scale’, the management and reporting of the 
previous North Asia and South Asia regions has 
changed to encompass the combination of these to 
form an Asia region, as well as moving China from 
the Emerging Markets region to Asia. George Ashford 
was appointed as CEO for Asia in September 2016.

Trading profit is down 5.0% in constant currency as 
this includes the transactional currency impact of 
the weakening of the Australian Dollar against the 
Japanese Yen and the decline in profit in Hong Kong 
as a consequence of the market decline highlighted 
above. At actual currency, profit growth of 6.0% has 
benefited from the weakness of Sterling.

In addition, and reflecting the percentage of the 
European region as a proportion of the Group 
across revenue, profit and assets, UK and Europe has 
been formed as a new reporting region. The new 
region encompasses the UK, Belgium, Luxembourg, 
Greece, Finland, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, 
Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Within this 
segment, the historically reported UK Distribution 
business, comprising our fleet management and 
leasing business, Inchcape Fleet Solutions (IFS), is 
now reported in the Retail result such that the total 
UK results are represented within the UK and 
Europe Retail.

The Emerging Markets region following these 
changes consists of Ethiopia, Djibouti, Russia, Chile, 
Peru, Colombia, and Argentina.

To support our stakeholders with these changes we 
have produced a restatement document to simply 
show the new and historic disclosures, this is 
available on our website www.inchcape.com.

Distribution
The Distribution segment delivered a solid 
performance at constant currency, growing revenue 
year-on-year by 5.1%. This was driven by strong 
growth in Singapore and a good performance from 
Emerging Markets, despite civil unrest during the 
second half of the year in Ethiopia. These growth 
drivers offset the slowdown in Hong Kong where 
continued lower corporate and consumer 
confidence has impacted both Commercial vehicle 
and Private car purchases.

Retail
The Retail segment delivered a robust performance, 
growing revenue by 9.6% driven by strong top-line 
growth of 11.5% in our UK and Europe segment.

The competitive UK environment continues to drive 
margin pressure on New Cars. However, this is being 
offset across other revenue streams as we are 
starting to see the benefit of our Ignite strategy being 
delivered through strong growth in revenue and 
margins on Used Cars growth and margin 
improvement on Aftersales.

Value drivers
The value driver disclosure for Vehicles and Aftersales 
gross profit shows our commitment under the Ignite 
strategy to delivering growth across our revenue 
streams and especially in Aftersales as New Vehicles 
reach a slower growth environment in a number of 
markets. The growth in Aftersales gross profit ahead 
of Vehicles shows delivery, even at this early stage, on 
the Ignite strategy in addition to the market and 
transactional currency dynamics at play in 
our portfolio.

The decline in Distribution Vehicles gross profit of 7.1% 
at constant currency reflects two key factors, the 
significant decline of the New Vehicle market in 
Hong Kong as well as the decline in gross profit from 
vehicles in Australasia as a result of the Yen 
strengthening. 

Business analysis

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution

20

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Year ended 
2016
£m

Year ended 
2015
£m

% change in 
constant 
currency

% change

4,440.8
3,397.6

3,939.0
2,897.3

105.6
283.0

87.7
267.0

12.7%
17.3%

20.4%
6.0%

9.6%
5.1%

16.4%
(5.0)%

Value Drivers

Group

Distribution

Retail

Vehicles
Aftersales
Total
Vehicles
Aftersales
Total
Vehicles
Aftersales
Total

The Distribution Aftersales gross profit increase of 
7.0% stems from our success in capturing growth in 
the one to five year old Car Parc in Singapore, with 
our new Pandan facility up and running, alongside 
strong structural growth, complemented by 
operational focus driving Aftersales strength in  
South America and Ethiopia.

The Retail business saw 7.9% growth in Vehicles  
gross profit and flat Aftersales gross profit, at constant 
currency. The good performance in Vehicles  
gross profit is the result of growth across all three 
geographic regions, led by our large Retail presence 
in the UK, and supported by an improved 
performance from our Russian business, albeit off  
a low base.

At the Aftersales level for Retail, the outcome at 
constant currency reflects disposals in our Australian 
business of non-core sites, including Peugeot, Harley 
Davidson and Volvo, as well as a decline for 
Aftersales in Russia where the prolonged weak trend 
in New Cars has impacted the size of the young 
addressable Car Parc. Importantly, we have seen 
good progress in the UK underpinned by the focus 
on the Ignite strategy and the underlying growth in 
the Car Parc.

Exceptional items
Along with the costs associated with the acquisition 
of the Subaru and Hino distribution businesses in 
South America, there have been a number of 
exceptional items in the year totalling £81.6m 
(2015: £49.5m).

The annual impairment review of our Baltics 
operations determined that whilst positive, the 
estimated future growth rates in both Lithuania and 
Estonia were not sufficient to support the carrying 
value of the Goodwill and a non-cash exceptional 
impairment of £24.9m has been taken (see note 11 
on page 121).

Gross profit £m

% change

% change in 
constant currency

Year ended 2016
678.7
400.4
1,079.1
339.7
242.1
581.8
339.0
158.3
497.3

Year ended 2015
631.5
357.3
988.8
326.5
203.8
530.3
305.0
153.5
458.5

7.5%
12.1%
9.1%
4.0%
18.8%
9.7%
11.1%
3.1%
8.5%

0.2%
4.0%
1.5%
(7.1)%
7.0%
(1.7)%
7.9%
–
5.2%

During the year, the Group has made configuration 
changes to the iPower system to better reflect the 
Ignite strategy. This has resulted in a number of areas 
of functionality being superseded and as such, we 
have recorded an exceptional, non-cash 
impairment charge of £23.1m.

The cost review announced on 27 October 2016  
has identified opportunities to better leverage our 
global scale under the Ignite strategy and ensure  
we are appropriately positioned for the future.  
The total associated exceptional cost of this  
action is c.£35m, with cash outlay primarily in 2017. 
£24.8m been charged in 2016 in respect of the cost 
review. We expect the payback to be circa two years.

Asia
Challenging Hong Kong market  
partially offset by strong Singapore

Australasia
Resilient performance despite  
transactional currency headwinds

UK and Europe
Strong top line growth across the region

Emerging Markets
Strong broad-based performance

Page 22

Page 24

Page 26

Page 28

inchcape.com

21

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

Asia

Business model
At the heart of the Asia region, we are the Distributor and exclusive Retailer for Toyota, Lexus and Hino and operate 
Distribution and exclusive Retail for Jaguar, Land Rover and Ford in Hong Kong with additional Distribution and Retail 
franchises across the region.

Country

Hong Kong

Macau

Singapore

Brunei

Guam

Saipan

Thailand

Route to market

Brands

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

China

Retail

22

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Challenging Hong Kong market 
partially offset by strong Singapore

Key Financial Highlights

Sales
Trading profit
Trading margin %

£m

£m

% change

% change in 
constant 
currency

Year ended 
2016
1,591.6 
136.7 
8.6%

Year ended 
2015
1,431.9 
133.4 
9.3%

11.2%
2.5%
(0.7ppt)

(0.7%)
(9.0%)
(0.8ppt)

Operating performance
Our two biggest markets in this segment, Hong Kong 
and Singapore, largely offset each other in 2016 
driven by very different underlying market dynamics.

Overall, revenue for the segment was down 
marginally versus a strong 2015 with Sterling 
weakness driving 11.2% actual currency 
revenue growth.

Trading profit for the segment in 2016 was down 9.0% 
year-on-year driven by the decline in Hong Kong.  
This is both the consequence of lower volume in the 
market and, to a more limited degree, pressure on 
margins as market participants looked to protect 
share in a declining market. The result included profit 
on disposal of property in Hong Kong.

During the year the Group gained the Distribution 
rights for Jaguar Land Rover in Thailand and the first 
year of operation is performing well against plan.

Outlook
In 2017, we expect a flat New Vehicle market for 
Hong Kong and a decline in Singapore, reflecting a 
lower supply of COEs. Our Aftersales business in 
Singapore will continue to benefit from growth in 
vehicles aged one to five years and our strategic 
focus to maximise the opportunity from this revenue 
stream across the Group. Overall we expect to 
deliver a resilient 2017 performance in Asia.

In Hong Kong, driven by reduced consumer and 
corporate confidence, the New Car market declined 
20.5%, with similar decreases for Passenger and 
Commercial Vehicles. Consumer confidence has 
been impacted on a number of fronts, including 
stock market volatility, declining property values and 
a weaker corporate environment linking into the 
private sector. The Commercial Vehicle decrease is 
also driven in part by the multi-year government 
sponsored scrappage scheme where the phase-out 
volume for 2016 was, as expected, lower year-on-year. 

We performed well against this backdrop, retaining 
our strong market leadership position in Hong Kong. 
We continue to generate very good returns from our 
Aftersales business, leveraging the scale of the Car 
Parc for the OEM partners we represent and our 
strategic focus under Ignite.

We have delivered strong growth in Singapore. Our 
business in Singapore delivered revenue growth of 
30% for the year as growing de-registrations created 
an increase in the quota of available Certificates of 
Entitlement (COEs), driving market growth of 41%. 
There was a slowdown in growth rate in the second 
half, consistent with our expectation, as more 
Singaporean passenger vehicle owners renewed 
their COEs for either five or 10 years. The Singaporean 
Government relaxed automotive loan rules at the 
end of May 2016, both the maximum loan to value 
and tenure, which has helped keep competition for 
COEs strong and impacted our margin on New 
Vehicles in the second half.

inchcape.com

23

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

Australasia

Business model
We are the Distributor for Subaru in both Australia and New Zealand. In addition, we operate multi-franchise Retail 
operations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. At the end of 2016, we owned 35 Retail Centres and managed a 
network of 101 independent Subaru sites.

Country

Australia

Route to market

Brands

Distribution and Retail

Retail

New Zealand

Distribution

24

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Resilient performance despite 
currency headwinds

Key Financial Highlights

£m

£m

% change

Year ended 
2016
1,429.1 
701.3 
727.8 
102.4 
34.6 
67.8 
7.2%
4.9%
9.3%

Year ended 
2015
1,219.9 
642.2 
577.7 
90.6 
23.6 
67.0 
7.4%
3.7%
11.6%

17.1%
9.2%
26.0%
13.0%
46.6%
1.2%
(0.2ppt)
1.2ppt
(2.3ppt)

% change in 
constant 
currency

4.5%
(2.6%)
12.3%
0.8%
31.1%
(9.9%)
(0.3ppt)
1.3ppt
(2.3ppt)

Trading profit was in line with last year at constant 
currency as significant transactional currency 
impact in the Distribution business was partially 
mitigated through careful price positioning, 
leveraging procurement opportunities and 
disciplined cost control. Retail trading profit growth 
benefited from a year-on-year net increase in 
property profits.

The currency-driven decline in Distribution margin 
was mostly offset at the total segment level by a 
130bps improvement in Retail trading margin. This 
was partially driven by continued rationalisation and 
optimisation of the Retail footprint following the 
franchise disposals last year.

Outlook
We expect modest underlying growth in the New 
Vehicle market for 2017, with the relatively old Car 
Parc supporting the replacement cycle. The 2017 
completion of an expansion of a Subaru production 
centre in the United States will free up Japanese 
capacity and remove some supply constraints. 

However, given the transactional currency headwind 
from the Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar, we 
expect 2017 to be a difficult year at constant 
currency for Australasia, particularly in the first half of 
the year.

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

Operating performance
Our Australasian segment delivered a resilient 
performance, offsetting significant transactional 
currency pressure as the Australian Dollar weakened 
against the Japanese Yen throughout the year, 
impacting the cost of Subaru vehicles.

The Australian car market reached a record level of 
1.18m cars, up 2.3% on 2015, with growth driven by 
the ongoing shift to the SUV segment, which 
increased by 8.5%. Our Subaru business continues to 
win market share, with registrations growing well 
ahead of the market at 7.8% and taking our share 
position to 4.0%, up 20bps. Revenue growth of 4.5% 
was driven by strong growth in Subaru Distribution 
where we have delivered record volume 
performance, despite some capacity constraints in 
the second half of the year. Our outperformance 
was supported by the successful launch of the 
Subaru ‘Do’ marketing campaign, generating leads 
and importantly bringing new customers to the 
brand, as well as the successful launch of the Levorg 
Tourer in the second half of the year.

In our Retail business, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover 
as premium and luxury brands continued to grow 
ahead of the market and during the year we 
successfully launched the Jaguar F-Pace into the 
fast-growing premium SUV segment. The total sales 
decline for Retail reflects a number of site disposals 
of non-core franchises in Sydney and Melbourne.

During the year our Subaru Retail business innovated 
by introducing new mobile service vans in Sydney, 
whereby qualified Subaru mobile service technicians 
perform the service work from the convenience of 
the customer’s chosen location. Given the success 
so far, we expect to introduce more mobile service 
vans across different regions.

inchcape.com

25

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

UK and Europe

Business model
We have scale Retail operations across the core regions of the UK focused on premium and luxury brands. Our European 
operations are centred on Toyota and Lexus Distribution in Belgium, Greece and the Balkans, BMW Retail in Poland and a 
number of fast-growing businesses in the Baltic region focused on Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda and other brands.

Country

Route to market

Brands

UK

Retail

Belgium 
Bulgaria 
Greece 
Luxembourg 
Macedonia 
Romania

Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Distribution and Retail

Distribution

Retail

Retail

Lithuania

Distribution and Retail

Poland

Retail

26

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strong top line growth across 
the region

Key Financial Highlights

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

£m

£m

% change

Year ended  

2016
4,062.9 
3,318.1 
744.8 
97.1 
70.6 
26.5 
2.4%
2.1%
3.6%

Year ended 
2015
3,534.9 
2,951.0 
583.9 
88.9 
66.1 
22.8 
2.5%
2.2%
3.9%

14.9%
12.4%
27.6%
9.2%
6.8%
16.2%
(0.1ppt)
(0.1ppt)
(0.3ppt)

% change in 
constant 
currency

11.9%
11.5%
13.7%
5.5%
6.4%
3.5%
(0.1ppt)
(0.1ppt)
(0.4ppt)

Operating performance
We delivered strong growth across our UK and 
Europe segment with revenue up 11.9%. This top-line 
performance was broad-based with all key markets 
within the segment growing strongly in 2016.

The UK car market continued to grow in 2017, with 
registrations of 2.7m setting another record year for 
car sales and representing growth of 2.3%. This 
slowed in the second half but the OEM partners that 
Inchcape represents have continued to outperform 
the market. Overall, our UK business delivered 
revenue of £3.0bn, up 11.2% on last year, and a 
trading profit of £63.5m. 

Pleasingly in the UK, we saw good progress on Used 
Cars, simultaneously growing volume by 15% and 
expanding margin as we roll out the Ignite strategy. 
Similarly in Aftersales, in line with the increased 
operational focus on all revenue streams, we 
delivered robust growth in hours sold and gross profit 
delivered. During the year, we worked in conjunction 
with Jaguar Land Rover to optimise our footprint, 
acquiring and disposing of sites ahead of the new 
combined site format being launched across the UK.

The Greek market was up 3.7% as it continued to 
recover from years of decline following a sustained 
period of macro-economic and political uncertainty. 
Our Toyota Lexus business in Greece improved its 
strong overall market leadership position with share 
of 12.4%, gaining 10bps of share, and within this a 
shift towards the more profitable private 
retail segment.

In Belgium, the passenger car market grew by 7.8%. 
Diesel as a percentage of the private vehicle market 
declined from 60% in the prior year to 52% this year 
driven by government taxation changes. Our Toyota 
Lexus business is focused on hybrid and petrol 
technology and therefore this trend plays to our  
long-term benefit.

Finland performed well in 2016, driven by the 
government incentive of a vehicle taxation 
reduction, announced in 2015, for all vehicles 
emitting CO2 lower than 140 grams per kilometre. In 
Eastern Europe we delivered strong performances in 
our Toyota operations in Bulgaria and Romania as 
well as in our BMW Retail business in Poland.

The trading profit increase of 5.5% was driven by the 
performances of our Western and Eastern European 
operations, with a broadly flat total UK profit trend. 
However, our UK business excluding our Inchcape 
Fleet Solutions business saw profit growth of 3.7% in 
2016, a pleasing improvement from the 1.0% growth 
rate for the first half of 2016.

Outlook
In 2017, we expect the New Vehicle market to 
decline in the UK, to be broadly flat in Belgium and 
continue to grow in Greece and across our Eastern 
European operations. However, given our Ignite 
strategy, we are well prepared to counter slower New 
Vehicle trends in some markets with increased focus 
on Used Vehicles and Aftersales. Overall, we expect 
to deliver a resilient performance in the UK and 
Europe segment in 2017.

inchcape.com

27

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

Emerging Markets

Business model
Our business in Ethiopia is centred on Distribution and exclusive Retail for Toyota. In Russia we operate 21 retail centres in 
Moscow and St Petersburg representing a number of our global OEM partners. In South America, our recent acquisition 
complements our BMW Distribution businesses in Chile and Peru with Subaru and Hino operations across the existing 
presence and also in two new countries, Colombia and Argentina.

Country

Route to market

Brands

Ethiopia & Djibouti

Distribution and 
Exclusive Retail

Russia

Retail

Chile

Peru

Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Colombia

Distribution and Retail

Argentina

Distribution and Retail

28

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Strong broad-based performance

Key Financial Highlights

Sales
Retail
Distribution
Trading profit
Retail
Distribution
Trading margin %
Retail
Distribution

£m

£m

% change

Year ended 
2016
754.8 
421.4 
333.4 
52.4 
0.4 
52.0 
6.9%
0.1%
15.6%

Year ended 
2015
649.6 
345.8 
303.8 
41.8 
(2.0)
43.8 
6.4%
(0.6)%
14.4%

16.2%
21.9%
9.7%
25.4%
120.0%
18.7%
0.5ppt
0.7ppt
1.2ppt

% change in 
constant 
currency

10.2%
18.0%
1.7%
17.0%
122.5%
10.9%
0.4ppt
0.7ppt
1.3ppt

Operating performance
We delivered another strong year of growth across 
our Emerging Markets segment with double-digit 
sales and profit growth as well as an expansion in 
trading margin.

Outlook
In 2017, we are set to continue benefiting from the 
strong underlying fundamentals in Ethiopia and from 
the investments we have made in recent years 
which will support growth.

Benefiting from a more stable New Vehicle market 
outlook for Russia in 2017, and from the Ignite 
objective of delivering the full potential on all our 
revenue streams, notably Used Vehicles in this case, 
we forecast another year of improvement ahead.

We are in the right places with the right brands in 
South America and are benefiting from gradual 
improvements in the underlying economies. The 
South America acquisition of the Subaru and Hino 
businesses from Empresas Indumotora has created 
a scale Distribution platform for Inchcape. Overall, 
with the benefit of the accretion from the acquisition 
we expect to deliver a very strong performance in 
our Emerging Markets segment in 2017.

The business delivered revenue of £421.4m, an 18% 
increase on the previous year, and a small trading 
profit of £0.4m. These results were achieved despite a 
continued decline in the overall New Car market, 
demonstrating the resilience of our Retail model 
based in the major cities with leading luxury brands. 

In South America our BMW business also grew 
strongly as the luxury New Vehicle markets in Chile 
and Peru improved after a number of years of 
commodity weakness dampening demand. These 
results do not include any revenue or profit for 2016 
from the South American acquisition completed 
towards the end of December.

Revenue growth moderated from the first half as 
expected, against a tougher comparative, and with 
the outcome partially influenced by the effects of 
civil unrest in Ethiopia.

Profit growth was broad-based for the segment,  
but led by South America and with a solid full-year 
performance from our African business. Trading 
margins improved across all our Emerging Markets 
businesses as we start to see the benefits of 
increased focus across all revenue streams as part  
of our Ignite strategy.

inchcape.com

29

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating review continued

Central costs
Unallocated central costs for the full year are £29.5m 
before exceptional items (2015: £30.0m) with 
underlying operational costs broadly equal to last 
year. Included in these costs is income of £6.5m in 
relation to the gross amount of the Group’s claim for 
restitution of Advanced Corporation Tax (ACT) paid 
under the Foreign Income Dividend (FID) regime. This 
income has offset one-off costs associated with the 
mobilisation phase of the Group’s Ignite strategy and 
a charge in relation to historic account balances 
in Chile.

Operating exceptional items
In 2016, the Group has recorded exceptional 
operating costs of £81.6m (2015: £49.5m). The 2016 
charge is comprised of a non-cash impairment of 
£24.9m in respect of the goodwill associated with 
businesses in Lithuania and Estonia; a non-cash 
impairment of £23.1m relating to superseded 
functionality within the iPower ERP system; 
restructuring costs of £24.8m associated with the 
global cost reduction programme; and £8.8m in 
relation to the acquisition of the Subaru and Hino 
distribution businesses in South America. In 2015, the 
Group fully impaired the carrying value of goodwill 
attributable to the Russian business. Further detail 
can be found in note 2 (page 108) and note 11 
(page 121).

Net financing costs
Net financing costs for the year are £9.6m 
(2015: £13.3m). During 2016, we have benefitted from 
reduced forward points expense on hedging 
activities and foreign exchange losses. In 2016, the 
Group reported a gain of £1.0m (2015: a gain of 
£0.9m) in our mark to market reporting of the 
hedges for the US loan notes and net interest 
income on pension assets of £4.2m (2015: net 
income of £4.2m).

Tax
The effective tax rate for the year before exceptional 
items was 25.2% (2015: 24.0%). The increase in the 
underlying rate includes the impact of profit mix 
increasing the Group’s weighted average tax rate 
and the tax treatment of the FID gain (see note 8 on 
page 118). During 2016, tax cash flow was £99.5m 
(2015: £69.6m) with the increase principally driven 
by increased profit delivery and timing of tax 
instalment payments in Australia. Following the 
acquisition in South America, we have identified 
intangible assets relating to the Distribution contracts 
for Subaru and Hino and these have resulted in an 
associated deferred tax liability of £50.2m (see note 
16 on page 126).

30

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

We expect the effective rate to increase marginally 
for 2017 given the profit mix across the Group.

Non-controlling interests
Profits attributable to our non-controlling interests 
were £6.9m, compared to £7.1m in 2015. The Group’s 
non-controlling interests principally comprised a 33% 
minority holding in UAB Vitvela in Lithuania, a 30% 
share in NBT Brunei, a 10% share of Subaru Australia 
and 6% of the Motor & Engineering Company 
of Ethiopia.

Foreign currency
During 2016 and driven by the weakening of Sterling, 
the translation of the Group’s overseas profits before 
tax into Sterling at the 2016 average exchange rate 
positively impacted the year’s results by £32.5m 
(2015: negative impact of £1.0m).

Dividend
The Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 
16.8p per ordinary share which is subject to the 
approval of shareholders at the 2016 Annual 
General Meeting. This gives a total dividend for the 
year of 23.8p per ordinary share (2015: 20.9p),  
an increase of 13.9% vs. 2015.

Pensions
In 2016, the IAS 19 net post-retirement surplus was 
£37.3m (2015: £98.9m), with the reduction in surplus 
driven by the reduction in discount rates leading to 
an increase in pension liabilities, which has been 
partially offset by experience gains and an increase 
in the value of pension assets. In line with the funding 
programme agreed with the Trustees, the Group 
made additional cash contributions to the UK 
pension schemes amounting to £2.1m 
(2015: £1.7m). We have agreed with the Trustees  
that future cash contributions will continue at 
broadly this level.

Capital expenditure
During the year, the Group invested £72.1m 
(2015: £53.6m) of net capital expenditure in the 
development of greenfield sites, the enhancement of 
existing facilities and the continued roll-out of the 
iPower system. During 2016 the Group opened the 
new Pandan multi-story aftersales and bodyshop site 
in Singapore, a significant investment behind the 
Ignite objective of Delivering Full Potential on all our 
Revenue Streams.

Cash flow and net funds
The Group delivered free cash of £190.5m 
(2015: £177.6m). After the acquisition of the Subaru 
and Hino Distribution businesses in Latin America, 
and buying back shares at a cost of £109.8m, the 
Group closed the year with net cash of £26.5m 
(2015: £166.4m).

Reconciliation of free cash flow

 £m

£m

Net cash generated from 
operating activities
Add: Payments in respect of 
exceptional items
Net cash generated from 
operating activities, before 
exceptional items
Purchase of property, plant 
and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from disposal of 
property plant and equipment
Net capital expenditure
Dividends paid to  
non-controlling interests
Free cash flow

271.6

3.2

274.8

(72.1)

(12.2)
190.5

(71.1)
(22.7)

21.7

Acquisitions and disposals
On 22 December 2016, the Group acquired a 
multi-country scale Distribution business in South 
America, focused on Subaru and Hino from 
subsidiaries and affiliates of Empresas Indumotora 
S.A. for a total cash consideration of £226.7m. The 
acquired business consists of Distribution operations 
in Chile, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. In Light 
Vehicles, it includes Subaru (in all four countries), 
DFSK (in Chile, Peru and Colombia) and Suzuki (in 
Argentina). In Commercial Vehicles it includes Hino 
(in Chile and Colombia), as well as the truck brand 
Mack and a number of machinery and components 
brands in Colombia. Around 1,400 employees have 
joined Inchcape. See note 28 (page 141) for 
additional detail.

The assets and liabilities acquired are largely 
represented by their book values within the acquired 
business and will be subject to a fair value 
assessment as permitted under IFRS 3 to be finalised 
during 2017. The acquisition has given rise to 
provisional goodwill of £51.2m and intangibles 
relating to the distribution contracts for Subaru and 
Hino (net of deferred tax) of £112.2m.

In addition to this, during 2016 the Group acquired 
and disposed of sites in the UK in relation to the 
optimisation of our Jaguar Land Rover footprint.  
The Group also disposed of a site in Australia and 
finalised the liquidation of a joint venture in Greece. 
Consideration for these acquisitions was £4.3m and 
disposal proceeds were £2.8m.

In 2015, the Group acquired one retail centre in the 
UK for £5.1m and disposed of non-core businesses in 
Australia and its interest in the Excelease joint 
venture, generating disposal proceeds of £5.4m.

Refinancing
In December, the Group successfully concluded a 
US Private Placement (USPP) transaction, raising 
£210m with a blended 7, 10 and 12 year tenor to 
refinance existing USPP facilities maturing in May 
2017. Delayed funding was arranged for January 
and May 2017 and an initial £70.0m was funded on 
25 January 2017. In January 2017, the Group also 
successfully concluded the second one year 
extension of the £400.0m Revolving Credit Facility 
(RCF) with all the Group’s relationship banks 
participating. In combination, these refinancing 
events extend the Group’s committed facilities at 
attractive financing rates (see note 22 on pages 
130-131).

inchcape.com

31

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management

By managing our risks in a professional and consistent way, we operate 
with true ‘peace of mind’. 

Inchcape Peace of Mind – our approach  
to risk
Knowing that we have in place the right procedures, 
processes and frameworks to prevent risks from 
impacting our business, or to enable us to respond 
promptly and decisively when they do, gives us 
confidence in our ability to achieve our strategic 
objectives and support the long-term sustainable 
growth of our business.

Our reputation as a global automotive Distributor 
and Retailer is built on our ability to take calculated 
risks to create value for the Company and its 
shareholders, at the same time evaluating and 
managing those risks to protect the long-term value 
and reputation of the Group.

Inchcape Peace of Mind (iPOM) is our Group-wide 
risk management and governance framework which 
focuses on empowering each and every one of our 
colleagues to consider the risks associated with the 
decisions they take and to balance the potential 
consequences of their actions or inactions as they 
take them. Embedded in our day-to-day 
management practices, iPOM helps us identify, 
manage and reduce our risks, raise awareness 
through education and training, give guidance  
and direction, encourage open and honest 
communication and engage our colleagues with 
the understanding of risks and how to manage 
them, no matter where they are in the world.

e
g
n
e

l
l

a
h
C
d
n
a
w
e
v
e
R
t

i

n
e
d
n
e
p
e
d
n

I

Internal Audit

Review of internal 
controls, monitoring  
risk capture and 
mitigating actions

Corporate Assurance

Leading continuous 
improvement in our  
risk management  
practices and risk 
mitigation techniques

Functional Assurance 
providers

Functional assurance 
teams provide in-market 
challenge to internal 
controls and risk 
mitigation plans

Risk management governance structure

Direction & 
Oversight

Policy,  
Framework, 
Tools

Risk  
Information

Identification,  
Evaluation, 
Management, 
Mitigation, 
Monitoring 

Board
Responsible for determining the Group risk appetite and oversight of 
principal risks to the Group’s strategic objectives

Audit Committee
Delegated responsibilities from the Board for risk management, internal 
controls, compliance and whistleblowing

Group iPOM Committee
Day-to-day risk management oversight sits with the Group iPOM Committee

Market iPOM Committees
In each market, a Market iPOM Committee ensures that risk management 
remains a priority. Meetings and outputs are aligned with the Group iPOM 
Committee, Audit Committee and Board meetings

Management Teams

Risk owners

32

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 
 
 
Risk management in action
The Board During the year, the Board carried out a 
risk review for the purpose of determining the Group 
principal risk footprint and to confirm the Group’s 
current and ongoing processes to identify, review, 
agree and monitor risk. Risks are also considered 
throughout the year as part of the Board’s review  
of each strategic objective of the Ignite strategy. 
Further information on strategy is set out on pages 2 
to 15 and the key risks are given on page 34. Further 
information on risk management is given on pages 
84 to 85. The Board also reviewed and approved  
the viability statement including its assessment of  
the methodology used by management to reach  
its conclusion. The viability statement is given on 
page 38. 

The Audit Committee During the year, the Committee 
reviewed, assessed and challenged management 
on the risk management and internal control 
framework in place throughout the year to enable 
the correct risk appetite and culture to be 
embedded throughout the Group. The Committee 
chair reports to the Board after each meeting to 
ensure full oversight of the risks within the Group’s 
operations. Further information on the work of the 
Audit Committee can be found on pages 50 to 53.

The Group Executive Committee During the year, the 
Group Executive Committee undertook a routine 
evaluation of the principal risk footprint, based on 
various inputs including the risk registers maintained 
within each of our markets. This evaluation 
comprised a review of the impact and likelihood of 
the principal risks the Group faces, the underlying 
causal factors, and the mitigating actions required 
to address those factors. The resulting changes to the 
risk footprint were agreed with the Board. The risk 
footprint and associated mitigating actions will 
continue to be monitored by the Group Executive 
Committee on an ongoing basis. Risks facing the 
Group are discussed on an ongoing basis at both 
Market and Group level through the iPOM 
Committee framework with the most pressing issues 
escalated to the Group Executive Committee and 
the Board as appropriate.

The Group iPOM Committee meets a minimum of six 
times a year to manage oversight of risk, at Group 
level and throughout the markets. The remit of the 
iPOM Committee is broad, but its core focus areas 
are to ensure:

 − There is an appropriate mechanism in place to 

identify the risks the Group faces; 

 − Management teams have the correct focus on 
those risks and, in particular, action plans to 
mitigate or respond to those risks; 

 − A compliance programme is in place in all 
markets and offices that meets or exceeds 
external benchmarks and is appropriate in  
terms of legal requirements, content, sector, cost 
and resources; 

 − Internal controls are appropriate, well designed, 

and operating consistently across the Group; and

 − The Group’s fraud and whistleblowing programme 
is appropriately managed to reduce the risk of 
fraud, or respond quickly and decisively in the 
event the Group falls victim to fraud.

The Market iPOM Committees are the representative 
of iPOM in each of our markets. The Market iPOM 
Committees have primary responsibility to identify 
and control market risks, maintain local risk registers, 
regularly update mitigation plans and update the 
Group’s risk mitigation monitoring system. The 
Committees meet quarterly to review all systemic 
and dynamic risks and ensure that the mitigation 
plans are up to date. Evaluation of each risk’s 
potential impact and likelihood is defined by 
guidelines issued by the Group Corporate Assurance 
team and are consistent across the Group. 

A case study in our approach to data
In response to a key risk identified on the risk footprint, 
the Group iPOM Committee commissioned a project 
to review our overall approach to data management 
and data protection. The project was co-sponsored by 
Internal Audit and the Group Chief Information Officer, 
who is also the executive responsible for this risk at 
Group level. Working with external consultants, the 
objectives were to:

 − Assess our ability to comply with prevailing 

legislation including readiness for the General Data 
Protection Regulation (2018)

 − Identify and prioritise our core information assets 

including confidential and sensitive data

 − Evaluate, challenge, and benchmark our current 
data protection arrangements including physical 
and logical security

 − Investigate our IS estate for evidence of attack/

breach, either current or historic

The results of the project have been analysed at the 
Group Executive and Group iPOM Committees as well 
as by the Audit Committee and the Board. The 
conclusions have been fed into a series of 
improvement projects to be implemented in 2017.

inchcape.com

33

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

Inchcape principal risk footprint
The principal risk footprint comprises the most pressing risks that would cause the most damage to the 
reputation or financial strength of the Company if they are not effectively evaluated, understood and 
managed. The risk footprint is distilled from Group-wide risk registers and iPOM Committee discussions and is 
regularly reviewed by the Group Executive Committee, the Group iPOM Committee and the Board. 

The key risks, which are given in detail on pages 36 and 37, are a subset of our principal risks which we believe 
would have the most immediate and damaging impact and therefore are of particular focus. Each of the key 
risks is overseen by an allocated member of the Group Executive Committee.

We recognise, and are actively managing, further risks (both at Group level and within individual business 
units) as identified by our comprehensive risk management process, but these are deemed less material than 
the 16 principal risk factors noted on the footprint. 

Given the size and geographical diversity of our business, we understand there may be additional risks not 
currently known to management and we continuously improve our iPOM processes to identify, evaluate and 
mitigate these risks.

As a Group, we continue to experience an ever-changing, dynamic risk environment where economic, 
political, environmental, social, legal and technological changes present a complex risk landscape which 
threatens our ability to achieve our strategic objectives. However, we believe that our diversity of brand portfolio 
and geographic spread, combined with our strong balance sheet, cost control and risk-aware decision-
making processes, make us resilient to all but the most significant and persistent risks.

Principal risks
The principal risks to achievement of our strategy are:

Key risks

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

Loss of distribution contract with major brand partner

Significant retrenchment of credit available to customers, dealer network or Inchcape plc

Brand failure or major interruption to OEM operations or product

Major loss of confidential or sensitive data

Failure to extract value from acquisitions

Impact of disruptive technologies and/or methods of engaging the next generation of customers

Fluctuations in exchange rates with negative impact on financial performance

Other principal risks

 8

 9

 10

 11

 12

 13

14

15

16

Interruption to iPower, or major systems failure

Failure to safeguard our customers and employees by not consistently applying EH&S standards 
across the Group
Internal controls failure sufficient to affect reputation

Individual governments increasing restrictions on cross-border currency movements leading to higher 
incidents of trapped cash across the Group
Dynamic changes in local or international tax rules (e.g. changes to transfer pricing rules as a result of 
the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Initiative)
Social, political and regulatory instability in Emerging Markets

Changes in legislation directly affecting customer demand

Non-compliance with dynamic changes in laws and regulations

Failure to attract, retain and develop our people

34

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

t
c
a
p
m

I

h
g
H

i

i

m
u
d
e
M

w
o
L

 1

 2

 3

 5

 4

 4

 1  – Existing risk

 3  – New or amended risk

 4  – Previous risk position

 8

 9

 15

10

 11

 16

 6

 7

 12

Low

 13

Medium

Likelihood

 14

High

Following an in-depth review of the principal risk footprint, by the Group Executive Committee and Board,  
the following changes have been made during the year, to best reflect the current principal risks facing 
the Group.

 − To reflect the instability in Ethiopia and the reach 
of the Russian political/economic problem, we 
combined into a single risk ‘Social, political and 
regulatory instability in Emerging Markets’.

How our footprint has changed
 − The 2015 risk footprint included a risk relating to 
the shared service centre strategy and the 
increase in the number of single points of failure. 
This has been removed for 2016, as we have 
successfully completed the implementation of 
Shared Service Centres into our UK business. 
These centres are now operating on a ‘business 
as usual’ basis and we therefore do not believe 
that there is sufficient risk to be included in the 
principal risk footprint.

Additions
 − The Board decided to add one risk to the 

footprint during 2016 – ‘Fluctuations in exchange 
rates with negative impact on financial 
performance’. This reflects the experience of 
currency fluctuations that have affected our 
business, particularly the fall of sterling in H2 
2016 and our transactional exposure to 
Japanese Yen, and the continuing uncertainty 
over exchange rates.

Amendment/consolidations 
 − The risks of ‘Brand failure globally’ and ‘Major 
interruption to OEM operations’ have been 
consolidated into a single risk as the underlying 
factors, the outcomes, and the mitigation plans 
are fundamentally the same.

 − We increased the likelihood of ‘Major loss of 
confidential or sensitive data’ to Medium, 
following enhanced awareness of this risk.

 − We combined the risk of ‘OEM data ownership’ 

and ‘Growth in new routes to market and 
methods of engaging the customer’ into a 
single risk – ‘Impact of disruptive technologies 
and/or methods of engaging the next 
generation of customers’ as the underlying 
factors and outcomes are fundamentally the 
same and mitigation plans are most efficiently 
addressed concurrently within the Ignite strategy.

inchcape.com

35

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

Key risks

Loss of distribution contract with major brand partner

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

Distribution and Retail contracts are fundamental to our business 
model.

Although our brand diversification strategy is designed to mitigate 
this risk, an event which leads to any of these contracts being 
cancelled, or not renewed, will have a significant long-term impact 
on revenue and profit. These causal factors could include but are not 
limited to:

 − Major fraud, bribery, data security or other systemic compliance 

failure.

 − Consistent failure to deliver to targets or standards in major 

markets or across multiple markets.

 − Failure to deliver value proposition to brand partners.

 − Failure to deliver on growth strategy or defend our business model 

against new entrants.

 − Failure to connect with the next generation of customers.

Loss of significant 
contribution to 
revenue and 
operating profit.

Significant impact on 
reputation.

Cost of business 
interruption/closure 
and staff termination 
costs.

 − High quality operational, commercial and 

digital standards with multi-channel 
assessments.

 − In-depth, regular performance reporting 

and business performance reviews.

 − Clear compliance and risk management 
framework in place (including Minimum 
Control Framework) to address 
compliance issues.

 − Strong anti-fraud procedures including 

ethics and compliance hotline.

 − Dedicated in-house business 

development function overseeing M&A 
and strategic direction.

 − Connected customers a core element of 

strategic direction.

Significant retrenchment of credit available to customers, dealer network or Inchcape plc

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

Another economic crash may lead to a significant constriction in 
global liquidity, so that funding is unavailable to Inchcape plc, floor 
plan financing disappears and customer credit dries up.

New Vehicle sales volumes rely on our customers (both end users 
and dealers) being able to access affordable credit lines.

Credit availability globally, whilst improving, remains uncertain and a 
significant retrenchment would adversely impact New Vehicle 
volumes.

Underlying factors include:

Adverse impact on 
retail volumes.

Dealers unable to 
finance inventory, 
impacting Distribution 
volumes.

 − Maintenance of accounts with 

relationship banks.

 − Continuous monitoring of credit lines  

to customers and independent dealer 
network.

 − Close management of credit extended to 
independent dealer network including 
short-term support where needed.

 − Cash reserves maintained.

 − Difficulty in securing credit for customers and floor plan financing.

 − Headroom funding model to monitor  

 − Independent dealers face challenges obtaining credit.

 − Funding unavailable, or unaffordable, for Inchcape Group either 

from commercial lenders or from supplier-related funding.

Brand failure or major interruption to OEM operations or product

cash flow.

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

A major reputational disaster at one of our brand partners could 
lead to complete commercial failure of that partner.

For example: 

 − A major recall or similar event causes loss of product reputation 

and severe drop off in customer demand.

 − An event of sufficient significance could also affect the reputation 
of our brand partners to the extent that viability of that brand is 
affected.

Interruptions to our supply chain or an event which adversely 
impacts the reputation of the products we sell could have a 
knock-on effect on our revenues, margins or reputation.

Specific incidents could include:

 − Damage to product reputation in light of product recalls.

 − Significant failure in the supply chain for key components or 

products.

Loss of reputation of 
product leading to 
significantly reduced 
demand.

Loss of company 
reputation leading to 
failure of brand 
partner.

Adverse impact on 
supply of inventory.

Adverse effect on 
volumes, margin and 
reputation.

 − Internal monitoring process and response 

plan for major incidents.

 − Brand diversification strategy.

 − Monitoring procedures to anticipate 
product recalls and quality issues.

 − Monitoring of product recall events and 
continuous liaison with brand partners 
regarding quality/competitiveness of 
product line-up.

 − Diversification of suppliers where possible.

 − Incident response and business continuity 

plan in place.

 − Lobbying and communication with OEM 
regarding competitiveness of models.

36

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Major loss of confidential or sensitive data

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

As a business we hold a large amount of confidential data 
pertaining to ourselves, as well as our customers and brand partners. 

Whilst we only hold and use this data for the purposes of 
continuously improving the customer experience, we recognise our 
responsibility to protect this information and preserve its integrity.

Failure to protect confidential or sensitive data, whether held 
electronically or otherwise, could result in significant operational and 
reputational damage.

Impact on customer 
relationship and 
erosion of reputation.

Adverse financial 
impact as a result of 
fines and sanctions.

 − Clearly understood data protection 

standards and processes.

 − Global cyber security steering committee 

in place.

 − Information assets defined and security 
controls benchmarked to ensure best 
practice.

 − Clear IT security policies and procedures.

 − Minimum standards developed and 

implemented.

Failure to extract value from acquisitions

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

Inchcape complements its organic growth agenda by pursuing 
inorganic growth through acquisition.

Inefficient or ineffective 
use of capital.

 − Business Development team run 

acquisition process.

Failure to identify and acquire the right targets, and efficiently 
integrate new businesses into our operation will adversely impact our 
ability to recognise the synergies and benefits from those 
acquisitions.

Lost revenue 
opportunities.

Adverse impact on 
control environment.

 − Central synergy plan developed to  

inform business development activity  
and due diligence.

 − Detailed acquisition planning.

 − Due diligence performed in advance on 

all acquisitions.

 − Post-acquisition reviews and detailed 

integration processes.

Impact of disruptive technologies and/or methods of engaging the next generation of customers

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

The growth of online platforms to interact with customers presents in 
equal terms real opportunity to improve the customer offering, whilst 
at the same time presenting new risks around data protection, 
maintenance of standards and customer engagement through, for 
example, social media. 

Digital platforms also allow our brand partners to reach out to our 
customer base directly, in effect bypassing the relationship between 
the retailer and even the distributor in favour of a direct relationship 
with the customer. This may impact the quality and intensity of the 
relationship that we as an intermediary hold with our customers and 
impact our ability to drive demand and margin.

Over the longer time horizon, major new competitors are likely to 
enter the automotive market from the technology sector as the lines 
between automotive and technology become ever more blurred, 
changing attitudes to vehicle ownership and threatening the existing 
Retail model.

Volume and margin 
are adversely 
impacted across our 
markets.

 − Connected customer a core part of 

strategy, including controlled use of social 
media as a communications channel.

 − Business performance reviews and regular 

Adverse impact on 
value of Retail sites.

Reduced ability to 
drive demand/
margin.

Loss of customer 
relationships and 
possibly reduction  
in loyalty.

margin monitoring.

 − Continuous review of operating 

procedures and commercial offering to 
ensure potential is maximised.

 − Continuing dialogue with OEM partners to 

build awareness of the commercial 
benefit of our involvement in the process.

 − Close monitoring of developments in new 

technologies alongside our brand 
partners.

 − Review investment opportunities in 
non-traditional automotive markets.

Fluctuations in exchange rates with negative impact on financial performance

Causal factors

Impact

Mitigating activity

Inchcape has a broad geographical footprint and therefore many of 
our subsidiaries operate with functional currencies that are not GBP.

Given recent economic and political events, coupled with 
continuing uncertainty over the strength of the global economy,  
we have seen increasing volatility in currency rates over the course  
of 2016.

Negative transactional 
impact on trading 
profits.

Adverse translational 
impact on profitability.

 − Centralised Group Treasury function 
responsible for ensuring that foreign 
currency exchange risks are identified 
and managed.

 − Hedging of net currency flows.

 − Geographically diverse operations.

inchcape.com

37

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

Viability statement 
The Group’s business model and strategy are 
outlined on pages 2 and 15 and the long-term 
viability of the Group is intrinsically linked to delivery 
of this strategy and the cash-generative nature of 
this business model.

It is in the nature of our business that our continued 
viability is dependent upon the continuation of our 
relationships with Original Equipment Manufacturers 
(OEMs). Based on the longevity of our relationships 
shown below, it is reasonable for us to expect that, 
when viewed across a three year time horizon, a 
sufficient number of those contracts will be renewed, 
such that the Company will continue in viable 
operation. 

In seeking to become and remain the OEMs’ partner 
of choice, we expect to continue to build on the 
long-term strategic relationships we have developed 
with our OEM partners over the years to grow our 
businesses together over a far longer timeframe.

The plans and projections prepared as part of the 
Group’s annual strategic planning process consider 
the Group’s cash flows, committed and 
uncommitted funding positions, forecast future 
funding requirements and lending covenants.

As a component part of the strategic planning 
process, the Board adopts a rigorous approach to 
the identification of the principal risks facing the 
Group and to the monitoring of the actions taken to 
mitigate these risks as outlined in this Report.

The Board has prioritised a subset of these principal 
risks for the purposes of assessing the longer-term 
viability of the Group. The three risks modelled for the 
purpose are:

 − the loss of distribution contract with major brand 

partner; 

 − brand failure or major interruption to OEM 

operations or product; and 

 − a significant retrenchment of credit available to 

customers, dealer network or Inchcape. 

Sensitivity analysis is undertaken to stress-test the 
resilience of the Group and its business model. For 
the purposes of viability testing we modelled both 
the loss of a distribution contract with a major brand 
partner and the failure or major interruption to OEM 
operations or product. The third risk, liquidity/credit 
shock, has been modelled as a sensitivity on top of 
both of these risks. 

The recent successful refinancing of the Group, both 
in the US Private Placement market and through our 
syndicate of relationship banks, coupled with the 
existing cash-generative nature of our business 
model, combine to generate sufficient cash flow 
headroom under the extreme scenarios tested.

On the basis of an assessment of the critical risks, 
and on the assumption that the principal risks set 
out on pages 34 to 37 are managed and mitigated 
in the ways described, and based on the Board’s 
review of the strategic plan, and the results of the 
sensitivity analysis undertaken, the Board has a 
reasonable expectation that the Company will be 
able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities 
as they fall due over the period to December 2019.

49

46

29

28

27

24

OEM relationship
No. of years

50

40

30

20

10

0

38

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Our corporate responsibility

Building a trusted business

In 2016 we launched Ignite, our new strategy centred on trust. This launch provided 
an opportunity for us to review and align our corporate responsibility (CR) approach 
and initiatives to our strategic purpose, and embrace CR as a critical business 
process. We believe that this re-focus of our CR strategy will enable the delivery of our 
five key objectives and ultimately supports our vision to become the world’s most 
trusted automotive Distributor and Retailer.

Through this review we have identified five major  
CR priorities that will underpin our trust ambition and 
enable the delivery of our strategy:

1. Growing sustainable talent
Leveraging our capability and best practices to 
accelerate our growth.

2. Driving a Health and Safety culture
Adopting global standards and processes for Health 
and Safety.

Invest to 
accelerate 
growth

3. Building sustainable communities 
Working with our local communities to make 
a difference.

4.  Listening to our customers and OEM 

brand partners

Continuing to forge trusting relationships 
through listening.

5. Managing our business sustainably
Measurement and management of carbon 
emissions for our global business.

Lead in  
customer 
experience

To be the  
world’s most 
trusted 
automotive 
Distributor & 
Retailer

Become  
the OEM’s 
partner  
of choice

Leverage  
our global  
scale

Deliver full 
potential on all 
our revenue 
streams

Governance
CR at Inchcape is governed by the CR Committee which meets twice annually, and is supported by a 
Group operational team and a network of CR champions across our portfolio of 29 markets. The CR 
Committee is chaired by Till Vestring, Non-Executive Director, and its members are Inchcape’s 
Chairman, Ken Hanna, Non-Executive Director Coline McConville, Group CEO Stefan Bomhard and 
Chief Human Resources Officer, Alison Clarke.

Maintaining a robust and transparent approach to CR is important for the long-term sustainability of 
our business, and we take our responsibilities towards all our stakeholders and the world at large 
seriously. The next few pages contain some of the ways in which we try to make a positive difference 
at Inchcape.

Read the CR Committee shareholder letter on page 56

inchcape.com

39

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur responsibility continued

1.Growing sustainable talent 
In the first half of 2016 we conducted a global talent 
review of the top 200 senior leaders, the people that 
are responsible for driving performance for the 
business across our 29 markets. The aim of the review 
was to understand the strength and depth of the 
capability of our people, to ensure we have the 
right resource in the right place to deliver our 
strategic priorities.

The outcome of this review provided insights on how 
we can leverage our global capabilities. In light of 
these insights we have created a global succession 
plan for our senior leaders, and created a training 
and development framework to maximise the 
contribution of all of our employees. We have also 
made a number of promotional moves around the 
world to share best practice across our markets.

The review has also provided the opportunity to set 
new performance expectations, behaviours and 
values for all of our people through the design of 
our new performance and talent framework 
called DRIVE5.

Case study: Technicians
In the UK we have set ourselves the goal of becoming 
‘the employer of choice within the motor industry’ for 
technician talent. We held a number of focus groups 
with technicians across the country to understand 
their key drivers of engagement, covering every 
element of their career within Inchcape including 
reward, recognition, communication and 
development. Feedback and learning from the focus 
groups will result in a significant re-design of all 
elements of our reward, incentive and recognition 
programmes in 2017. 

In Ethiopia, we run an ‘Apprentice Technician 
Programme’. This involves selecting candidates from 
well-known technical schools for a two year on-the-job 
training programme, partnering them with more 
experienced technicians. After two years they are 
evaluated and, subject to vacancy, are then recruited 
as Junior Technicians on a permanent basis. Further, 
all our technicians develop and progress through the 
Company as they gain experience, which helps with 
retention and supports our internal succession 
planning. As a result, we do not recruit senior 
technician roles from outside the Company. In 2016 
we had 88 trainee technicians in our Ethiopian 
operations, 46 of whom started with the Company 
in 2015.

This framework was developed using inputs from 
colleague and customer focus groups, and 
incorporates our OEM brand partners’ existing 
frameworks of skills and behaviours to ensure we can 
deliver against all our stakeholders’ expectations in 
support of our trust ambition. 

DRIVE5 is being rolled out across the Inchcape 
Group in a series of workshops by our executive 
leadership team and is designed to ensure that all 
our employees are aligned with and capable of 
delivering our strategy. We believe this will step-
change our performance for all of our stakeholders. 

In 2016 we also undertook a review of our technician 
programmes to ensure we have the best technical 
capability available in our markets and as a result 
we have strengthened our apprenticeship  
programmes.

Case study: Sunday Times Best 
Companies to Work For
At Inchcape we continue to measure  
and focus on the engagement and 
commitment of our employees. In 2016 
Inchcape UK, using an external 
benchmarking review, entered The Sunday 
Times ‘Best Companies to Work For’; the 
Company was awarded first place in the 
Times Top 25 Big Companies to Work For, 
having risen from eighth place in 2015.A 
cross-section of employees was surveyed by 
Best Companies and the results showed 
how employees feel about working for 
Inchcape UK as an organisation; the 
support with which they are provided and 
the development they receive was 
considered to be amongst the best. While 
we are proud of this recognition, more 
importantly we take it as an encouragement 
to strive for further improvements in our 
practices and our culture.

2. Building a Health & Safety Culture
We believe that health, safety and well-being are 
critical contributors to our future commercial 
success. We care about our people and customers 
and are committed to the promotion of safe, healthy 
behaviours and practices to help them avoid illness 
or injury whilst on our sites or in our care. Our 
ambition is for zero avoidable safety incidents, and 
we believe we will achieve this by continually 

40

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Progress against country and global action plans will 
be measured and reviewed regularly at iPOM 
committee meetings. See page 33 for more 
information on the iPOM Committee.

Case study: Australasia 
Health & Safety performance (to year ending 2016) 
resulted in Australasia achieving greater than three 
years ‘lost time injury free’, which means that no 
employee has been injured and not been able to 
return to work within the same day. 

As a result of changes to H&S practices, Australasia 
has saved AUS$6.4 million on workers’ compensation 
premium costs over a period of four years.

At the end of 2016, 70 key managers have been 
credited with tertiary qualifications in work Health & 
Safety. Training was run in-house from the Health & 
Safety department who are government accredited, 
resulting in an internal community of 
H&S professionals.

3. Building sustainable communities 
Inchcape aspires to support and develop the 
communities in which it operates. Working with our 
local communities makes business sense and 
supports our strategic vision by generating trust for 
the brand. 

Working with local charities is a great way to get 
involved in communities, understanding what’s 
important to them and the challenges they face. 
Charitable work also builds employee engagement, 
empowering colleagues to make a difference and 
support causes close to their hearts. In line with this, 
every year colleagues from each Inchcape country 
or region vote for a charitable cause to support over 
the year.

The short case studies that follow demonstrate some 
of the ways in which our colleagues fulfil this 
important aspect of our business.

challenging our existing efforts, building on existing 
best practices and committing resource and 
investment where needed.

In 2016, we identified the need to move on from 
simply managing health and safety and instead 
focus on developing a ‘Health & Safety Culture’ 
across the Group.

We identified the following criteria to assess our 
current state and undertook a detailed review of all 
countries’ performance against these elements:

 − management focus and culture 

 − policy, procedure and practice 

 − resources, training and competence 

 − compliance, reporting and monitoring

 − incident management 

In each case the review was driven by the country 
head, demonstrating top level ownership. Following 
the review, the Group Executive Committee identified 
specific action plans for every country developing 
new policies and practices to achieve our newly 
defined standards that were developed in 
partnership with our brokers. These global standards 
and processes will help us to achieve our objective 
of becoming the world’s most trusted automotive 
Distributor and Retailer.

From that work, we identified leading Health & Safety 
practices for Inchcape to continue to pursue:

 − develop and maintain a safety first culture across 

our business with demonstrable leadership

 − maintain a consistent standard across all of our 

markets which meets or exceeds local regulations

 − ensure that all of our staff understand and 

embrace the right practices and behaviours

 − ensure we are devoting sufficient resources to 
identifying and addressing safety concerns

 − build awareness of Health & Safety risks through 

training and employee development

 − identify and act upon hazards and 

incidents proactively

 − help us learn effectively from our mistakes when 
incidents do occur to prevent future recurrence

Globally we have also identified three key areas of 
focus to deliver these objectives: 

 − Regular internal inspections alongside 

independent assessment with clear action 
planning assessed against our scorecard KPIs

 − Best practice sharing to leverage our global scale

 − Centre of excellence to further improve global 
Health & Safety standards wherever we operate

inchcape.com

41

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur responsibility continued

Case study: MCRC, Ethiopia & Head Office
Inchcape is the distributor for Toyota in Ethiopia.  
The organisation is called MOENCO and is run by 
Chris De Muynck. When they arrived in Ethiopia, Chris 
and his wife Jutta were moved by the poverty in the 
local area and decided to help the community by 
setting up the Mother and Child Rehabilitation Centre 
to provide food, shelter, education, medical care and 
therapy for disadvantaged children from Addis Ababa 
and its surrounding areas. In 2016, Inchcape’s Head 
Office in London adopted MCRC as its charity partner, 
raising over £2,200 from employee fundraising, as well 
as a corporate donation of £25,000. This was added to 
nearly £80,000 donated by MOENCO over the course 
of the year. The Group Executive Committee visited the 
centre to learn more about the operation, meet some 
of the children and present Jutta De Muynck with the 
funds raised.

Case study: Macmillan, UK
With a very high proportion of people diagnosed with 
or otherwise personally affected by cancer, the UK 
team selected Macmillan Cancer Support to work 
with in 2016. Having had a very successful and highly 
engaging year working in partnership with Macmillan, 
they have now extended this for a further year in 2017. 
During the past year employees from all over the 
country played a very active part in cycling events, 
fun runs and bake-offs which managed to raise 
£74,000 for the charity. Macmillan Cancer Support is 
delighted and so are our teams. 

Case study: Singapore Children’s Society, 
Singapore
In August 2016, we renewed our long-term partnership 
with Singapore Children’s Society, which seeks to 
provide support on three fronts: fund raising and 
donations, career placement for beneficiaries and 
employee volunteering. In November Borneo Motors, 
Inchcape’s Singapore business, co-sponsored the  
27th Toyota Classics ‘Music that Moves Lives’ charity 
concert. Through this sponsorship the Company 
donated SGD$100,000, and over the course of the 
year donations totalled nearly SGD$320,000.

As well as working proactively with charities, 
Inchcape’s market operations have also mobilised to 
assist when communities are affected by 
natural disasters.

Case study: Thailand floods
In December 2016, southern Thailand was 
hit by severe flooding, destroying homes and 
displacing thousands of families. Our team 
from Jaguar Land Rover in Bangkok 
mobilised a fleet of Land Rover and Range 
Rover vehicles to distribute 1,000 cases of 
bottled water and other much needed 
supplies to stricken villages and a school.

Mr. Charnchai Mahantakhun, Inchcape 
Thailand’s JLR Managing Director, said: “We 
planned on being the givers on this trip but I 
feel that we received more than we gave. 
We learned about the lives of the villagers, 
and we saw the smiles of our team 
members and of the villagers affected by 
the flood.”

4.  Listening to our customers and OEM 

brand partners

We believe that the sustainability of our business 
relies upon honest and trusting relationships with all 
stakeholders. Creating a relationship built upon trust 
with our customers means listening to and 
understanding their needs, and then working in 
close partnership with our OEM partners to enable 
us to improve what we do every day. 

We have spent much of 2016 listening to our 
customers to inform and help to shape how we can 
better interact with them, ensuring that the Ignite 
objective to Lead in Customer Experience becomes 
a reality. This year we listened to 5,000 members of the 
car-buying public right across our global network, 
getting feedback on their experiences, what we are 
good at and areas where they wanted us to improve. 

The insights from these interviews and surveys 
underpin our plans to continue to provide leading 
customer experience. 

Our interaction with customers extends beyond 
strategic projects however. We continue to receive 
many hundreds of positive contacts from our 
customers each year, by letter, email and telephone, 
and many of these have been featured and fed 
back to the whole Company through our weekly 
internal emails highlighting customer service. This is 

42

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

an initiative that we are looking to evolve during the 
year in line with the Ignite customer 
experience strategy.

5. Managing our business sustainably
This has always been a focus for Inchcape, but this 
year we have reviewed our approach to strengthen 
measurement and management of carbon 
emissions around the world. To support us in this 
review we engaged the Carbon Trust, independent 
specialists on carbon reduction and 
resource efficiency.

The first part of the review involved engaging 25 
individual regional contacts to improve data sources 
and standardise collection processes. Following their 
feedback, a bespoke and easy-to-use carbon 
‘footprint tool’ was developed by the Carbon Trust, 
which integrates reporting across all international 
operations. The tool is aligned with best practice 
reporting guidance under the Greenhouse Gas 
Protocol Corporate Standard, as well as meeting the 
mandatory non-financial reporting requirements on 
greenhouse gases for listed UK companies. The new 
carbon footprint tool has been rolled out globally 
with a series of training webinars and the data for 
2016 has been captured under the new system. 

Through putting in place a state-of-the-art carbon 
accounting system Inchcape can gather credible 
and robust data on key impact areas such as site 
energy use, logistics and staff travel. As well as 
improving the quality of environmental reporting, 
when analysed this can reveal opportunities for 
greater efficiency and cost saving across our global 
operations. It allows for benchmarking against 
competitors and provides a unified framework for 
driving continual improvement across 
multiple regions.

The GHG Inventory stated in the table below for the 
current and previous years has been adjusted and 
re-stated to ensure consistency with the existing 
protocols. This change in representation has been 
made following the review of carbon accounting 
processes undertaken in the last year as 
described here.

Building on this work, Inchcape is now working with 
the Carbon Trust to look at the opportunity to set a 
science-based target for carbon emissions 
reduction. This would ensure that operations are 
directly aligned with the reductions that the best 
available science says will be necessary to keep 
global warming well below 2°C above the pre-
Industrial average. This will put Inchcape within a 
small and exclusive group of sustainability leaders 
– currently numbered at just over 200, including 
some of the world’s largest companies – that have 
committed to objectively adequate goals on 
addressing climate change.

Reviewing our approach to corporate responsibility 
has helped us to improve our focus on the issues 
and provide greater clarity in our reporting. We have 
evolved our strategy and aligned it with our strategic 
objectives; our five CR priorities build on the 
successful initiatives of previous years, but this tighter 
alignment to our business strategy will refine and 
sharpen the impact of our initiatives, and we will be 
able to demonstrate clear, measurable business 
outcomes as a result.

We look forward to reporting further on our progress 
in corporate responsibility in next years annual report.

GHG Emissions

Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Scope 1 (Direct emissions from combustion of fuels and operation of facilities)
Scope 2 (Electricity, heat, steam and cooling purchased for own use)
Total scope 1 and 2 emissions

Operational Emissions Intensity
Intensity Metric – Total Revenue (£m)1
Total scope 1 and 2 emissions (tonnes CO2e)
Scope 1 and 2 emissions per £m (tCO2e/£m)

1  Stated at actual rate.

Total emissions  
(tonnes CO2e)

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
11,760
44,795
56,555

Year ended 
31 Dec 2015
13,000
49,360
62,360

Change in 
Emissions
-10%
-9%
-9%

Year ended 
31 Dec 2016
7,838
56,555
7.2

Year ended 
31 Dec 2015
6,836
62,360
9.1

Change
+15%
-9%
-21%

inchcape.com

43

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSBoard of Directors

A trusted team

Standing: Left to right – Richard Howes, Coline McConville, Rachel Empey, Nigel Stein, John Langston, Nigel Northridge, Till Vestring, Alison Cooper 
Seated: Left to right – Ken Hanna, Stefan Bomhard

Full biographies, including past employment 
history, can be found on www.inchcape.com

44

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Ken Hanna
Chairman
Appointed: September 2001
Skills and experience:
Ken has extensive international 
financial experience gained in a 
number of business sectors. He also 
possesses strong leadership and 
governance skills obtained in a 
variety of leading UK plc’s, including 
Cadbury plc and Aggreko plc.

Other appointments:
Chair of Aggreko plc.

Committee membership:
Chair of the Nomination Committee, 
member of Remuneration and  
CR Committees.

Stefan Bomhard
Group Chief Executive
Appointed: April 2015
Skills and experience:
Stefan has senior level experience 
gained in a wide range of retail and 
FMCG businesses. Prior to joining the 
Group, he was President of Bacardi 
Limited’s European region and was 
also responsible for Bacardi’s global 
commercial organisation and global 
travel retail.

Other appointments:
Non-Executive Director of  
Compass plc.

Richard Howes
Chief Financial Officer
Appointed: April 2016
Skills and experience:
Richard has a wealth of experience 
across the financial and commercial 
sectors, working for multi-site 
businesses with substantial global 
footprints. He joined the Group from 
Coates plc where he was Chief 
Financial Officer.

Richard is a chartered accountant.

Alison Cooper
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: July 2009
Skills and experience:
Alison is Chief Executive of Imperial 
Brands plc and since her 
appointment in 2010 has led the 
development and implementation of 
Imperial’s sustainable growth strategy. 
Alison also has financial and 
commercial experience gained from 
a number of senior roles she has held 
since she joined Imperial in 1999.

In January 2017, we announced that 
Alison would retire from the Board at 
the end of February 2017.

Alison is a chartered accountant.

Committee membership:
Audit and Nomination Committees.

Rachel Empey
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: May 2016
Skills and experience:
Rachel is Chief Financial Officer of 
Telefonica Deutschland and is also 
responsible for strategy and 
innovation. She led the largest IPO in 
Europe in 2012 to take Telefónica 
Deutschland public and has 
experience in technology, finance 
and strategy.

Rachel is a chartered accountant.

Committee membership:
Audit and Nomination Committees.

John Langston
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: August 2013
Skills and experience:
John has corporate finance, 
accounting and international 
experience acquired in senior 
financial roles in the engineering 
sector. He is an experienced Non-
Executive Director who has a strong 
governance background and was 
the Audit Committee Chair of Rexam 
PLC until its sale to Ball Group in 2016.

John is a chartered accountant.

Committee membership:
Chair of Audit Committee and 
member of Nomination Committee.

Coline McConville
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: June 2014
Skills and experience:
Coline has a wealth of strategy, 
consultancy and communications 
experience gained in a variety of 
senior roles. Coline also has extensive 
remuneration experience as the 
Remuneration Committee Chair of 
Travis Perkins plc and Fevertree plc 
and of TUI Travel plc until its merger 
with TUI AG. Coline is an experienced 
Non-Executive Director and has 
served as a director on several  
UK boards.

Other appointments:
Non-Executive Director of Fevertree 
Drinks plc, Travis Perkins plc and a 

member of the supervisory board of 
TUI AG.

Committee membership:
Chair of Remuneration Committee 
and member of Nomination and  
CR Committees.

Nigel Northridge
Senior Independent Director
Appointed: July 2009
Skills and experience:
Nigel brings international and 
commercial experience acquired 
across a number of sectors. He is an 
experienced Non-Executive Director 
and has served as a director on  
the boards of several large UK and 
global plc’s.

Other appointments:
Chairman of Hogg Robinson plc and 
Vice-Chairman of Scandinavian 
Tobacco Group A/S.

Committee membership:
Remuneration, Audit and Nomination 
Committees.

Nigel Stein
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: October 2015
Skills and experience:
Nigel became Chief Executive  
of GKN in January 2012. He has  
a wide range of international,  
general management and finance 
experience gained in various  
roles at GKN plc and also has 
experience in the automotive  
and manufacturing sector.

Nigel is a chartered accountant.

Committee membership:
Audit, Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees.

Till Vestring
Non-Executive Director
Appointed: September 2011
Skills and experience:
Till is a Senior Partner with Bain & Co, 
based in Singapore. He has extensive 
experience advising multinationals on 
growth strategy across Asia and 
leading Asian companies on strategy, 
M&A and organisation.

Other appointments:
Non-Executive Director of Keppel 
Corporation.

Committee membership:
Chair of CR Committee and member 
of Remuneration and Nomination 
Committees.

inchcape.com

45

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSChairman’s statement

Creating  
long-term 
shareholder 
value

Dear Shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
Inchcape’s Corporate Governance Report for the 
year ended 31 December 2016. This year, routine 
disclosures required under the UK Corporate 
Governance Code are detailed in the Compliance 
Report on pages 82 to 86 which should be read in 
conjunction with this report.

I am pleased with our ability to grow profit and 
achieve robust cash generation in 2016. The Ignite 
strategy has already delivered meaningfully and 
positions us well to adapt and find growth 
opportunities as the automotive industry evolves. We 
have a strong platform for future growth across our 
markets and revenue streams, enabling Inchcape to 
deliver sustainable returns for our shareholders.

Inchcape’s long-term success will draw on our 
strength as the only independent multi-brand 
automotive Distributor and Retailer with global scale. 
The Group has long-standing and multi-country 
relationships across our OEM partners. The ability to 
expand with our partners in 2016 into new and 
existing growth markets is testament to the strength 

of our relationships and the Ignite objective of 
becoming the OEM’s partner of choice. Our global 
scale and expertise also creates opportunities to fully 
leverage our strategic assets and drive growth from 
all of our revenue streams. I am encouraged by  
the results in 2016 to deliver in these areas and 
confident in the management team to continue  
our long-term track record of growth and success  
for our stakeholders.

The acquisition of the business in South America  
and the expansion into Thailand were great 
achievements for the Group and clearly 
demonstrate the success of the Ignite strategy,  
and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome 
the new colleagues to Inchcape. As you will see  
from Stefan’s CEO report and Richard’s CFO report 
on pages 6 to 31, the Group, despite challenges  
in some markets, has delivered good earnings 
growth in 2016.

We, as a Board, feel that the Ignite strategy which 
has been developed during the last 18 months puts 
the Group in a good position to grow our business in 
a competitive global market.

46

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Changes to the Board
The last two years have seen several changes to the 
Board. During the year, Richard Howes joined as the 
Chief Financial Officer and Rachel Empey joined  
as a Non-Executive Director. In January 2017 we 
announced that Alison Cooper will stand down at 
the end of February 2017 after nearly eight years  
as a Non-Executive Director. I would like to thank 
Alison for her valuable contribution. In March 2017 
we announced the appointment of Jerry Buhlmann 
as a Non-Executive Director. Further information on 
the succession planning and recruitment process 
can be found in the Nomination Committee Report 
on pages 54 to 55.

In addition to an effective Board, it is important to 
have the right key management in place to deliver 
the Group’s strategy. Whilst the Nomination 
Committee usually has responsibility for reviewing 
and monitoring the succession planning of the 
Group Executive Committee, the full Board reviewed 
the global talent plans at the July and December 
meetings and is confident that the team is well 
placed to deliver the Ignite strategy. Further 
information on the Group Executive Committee can 
be found on page 9 and information on the global 
talent review can be found in the CR Report on 
page 40.

Board activities
As part of the Board’s annual planning process, the 
Board agreed to carry out a ‘deep dive’ on one 
strategic objective of the Ignite strategy at Board 
meetings throughout the year. The purpose is to 
enable the Board to review strategy on a continuous 
basis rather than as a once a year event. It also frees 
up time on the annual strategy day for the Board to 
focus on key issues such as disruptive trends facing 
the industry and the risks and opportunities 
associated with the Ignite strategy.

In addition to the regular agenda items such as the 
CEO, CFO and Investor Relations reports, and the 
monthly performance report, the Board also 
debated certain key issues shown on the table on 
page 48. During the year, the Board approved a new 
Group Tax Policy applicable to all entities within the 
Group. In addition and in accordance with the 
requirements of the Finance Act 2016 in the UK, a 
formal tax strategy statement has been published on 
the Group’s website www.inchcape.com.

Board evaluation
This year, we carried out an internal Board evaluation 
which consisted of a comprehensive questionnaire 
covering oversight responsibilities, Board 
effectiveness, the performance of the Chairman and 

the operation and effectiveness of the Committees. 
The results were analysed by the Company Secretary 
and the findings were presented to the Board in 
February 2017.

The evaluation showed that the Board is functioning 
well and the issues of concern raised last year, 
specifically succession planning and the CR 
Committee, had significantly improved during 2016. 
The evaluation did not show any areas of significant 
concern for the Board. However, we will continue to 
review the Board and Committee processes during 
the year to ensure that they are functioning well. The 
Board evaluation in 2017 will be an externally 
facilitated review.

Dividend
The Board is pleased to recommend payment of a 
final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 
of 16.8p. This gives a total dividend for 2016 of 23.8p, 
a 13.9% increase on 2015 (20.0p). Subject to 
approval at the Annual General Meeting on 
25 May 2017, the final dividend will be paid on 
23 June 2017 to shareholders of the Company on 
the register of members at the close of business on 
19 May 2017.

Outlook
Inchcape has a good track record of growth and 
from the focus on the Ignite strategic 
objectives,coupled with our strong fundamentals, a 
platform for future growth from our global portfolio of 
markets and diversified revenue streams. The 
acquisition of the Subaru and Hino Distribution 
businesses in a number of markets in South America 
at the end of 2016 provides us with an opportunity to 
grow our Emerging Markets operations in 2017.

The Group has identified opportunities to better 
leverage our scale in some of our regions and 
respond to slower market conditions in some 
markets. This action will protect our profitability as well 
as our future potential to compete and win. The 
outlook for Inchcape remains one of growth and the 
ability to drive robust returns for our shareholders and 
success for our stakeholders across the business.

Finally, I would like to thank the Board members, the 
management team and all Inchcape colleagues for 
their hard work and dedication during 2016.

KEN HANNA 
Chairman

inchcape.com

47

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCorporate Governance Report 

Statement of Code Compliance
The Company was compliant with the provisions of the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code throughout the 
year. Details of compliance with Code C3.7 are given in the Audit Committee Report on page 53. The Code can 
be found on the FRC’s website www.frc.org.uk

The information required under DTR 7 is given on pages 44 to 86 and forms part of this report.

Governance structure

The Board Inchcape plc
Collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Company

Audit  
Committee

Remuneration  
Committee

Executive  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

CR 
Committee

Delegated authorities:

Delegated authorities:

Delegated authorities:

Delegated authorities:

Delegated authorities:

Financial Reporting 
Risk Management 
Internal Control

Remuneration Policy 
Incentive plans 
Performance Targets 

Group Strategy  
Operational 
Management

Board Composition 
Diversity 
Succession Planning

CR Strategy 

Committee Report  
page 50

Committee Report  
page 57

Committee Report  
page 54

Committee Report  
page 56

Delegated authorities:

Risk oversight 
Minimum Control 
Framework

iPOM  
Committee

Group Capital 
Committee

Delegated authorities:

Oversight of Group 
capital expenditure

Board meeting 

Key activities 

January

March

May

Viability statement, Corporate Governance Review 

2016 Budget, full year results, Annual Report & Accounts, final dividend, risk review

Ignite strategy – Lead in customer experience 

AGM, iPower review, Market Abuse Regulations update and training for Board Directors, 
3+9 review

Ignite strategy – Leveraging our global scale

Ignite strategy – Invest to accelerate growth

July

Interim results, interim dividend, share buy back, talent planning

Ignite strategy – OEM partner of choice 

October

Overseas visit to BMW Poland

Annual Strategy Review

December

2017 Budget, talent planning, ADR scheme, tax policy, Board evaluation 

48

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

personalities, perspectives, and the independence  
that a really diverse Board team can bring are hugely 
valuable, particularly in key strategic decision-making 
and to help businesses evolve, grow and transform in a 
fast-changing world. 

What skills and experience do you bring to Inchcape?
I would like to think that I bring one of the different 
perspectives that I mentioned earlier. My key executive 
experience is in the telecoms sector, where we have seen 
significant disruption and digitalisation in recent years 
that has evolved and changed markets and businesses.  
I try to bring these experiences and perspectives to the 
Board debates to help shape Inchcape’s strategy. I have 
also had significant capital markets and M&A experience, 
as well as being an experienced listed company CFO, so 
hope that I can support these specifics as part of 
Inchcape’s development.

What aspect of the induction programme provided the 
most insight into Inchcape? 
I have found the induction programme at Inchcape very 
helpful in getting me up and running as a new Board 
member. I think that it is important to quickly understand 
the basics of the business model, and what makes the 
business tick, as well as having a feeling for the culture of 
the business.

For me, the most important perspectives came from the 
opportunity to meet a wide range of the Inchcape team 
on a one-to-one to basis, as well as the chance to 
complete site visits to get a feel for the customer 
experience first-hand. An experience of the brand and 
real-time service is invaluable in understanding where the 
business is and how it might move forward.

RACHEL EMPEY
Non-Executive Director

Interview with Rachel Empey

What attracted you to the NED role at Inchcape? 
Inchcape really appealed to me because of its global 
nature, in an industry where I have always had a very 
strong personal interest. At the same time a varied 
business model, operating in some very diverse parts of 
the world, and a business that will see significant 
changes/innovations and digitalisations in the coming 
years. Finally, a very prestigious, successful business that 
has ridden many financial cycles and successfully 
reinvented itself and maintained a very high reputation. 

What benefit do you think NEDs add to Board 
discussions?
I think that NEDs bring a unique perspective to Board 
discussions and Company strategy. The breadth of 

Overseas Board meeting and annual strategy review
In 2016, the Board visited Inchcape Poland for its annual strategy 
day during which the Board discussed:

 − Progress of the Ignite strategy

 − Observations on changes in automotive market outlook

 − The disruptive trends facing the industry

 − Implications for the strategic plan and financials

The review of the Ignite strategy also included discussion on the key 
considerations for each strategic objective and the risks and 
opportunities associated with the disruptive trends, during which 
the Board agreed the risk appetite for the Group and where the 
Group should focus its response. 

The visit included a trip to the BMW dealership in Warsaw where the 
Board was able to meet colleagues at both the BMW and MINI 
showrooms as well as the office team. The business was named 
best BMW F&I dealer of the year for the ninth consecutive year.

inchcape.com

49

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAudit Committee Report

2016 was a year of transition with the previous Finance 
Director departing at the end of February and Richard 
Howes joining as Chief Financial Officer in April 2016. The 
change was managed well internally and the high level 
of diligence shown by management was maintained 
throughout the transition.

I am also pleased to report that the Group received a  
‘no response’ letter from the Conduct Committee of the 
Financial Reporting Council (“FRC”) in respect of the 
review of last year’s Annual Report and Accounts.  
The letter confirmed that there were no questions or 
queries the FRC wished to raise with us, but they did  
note a number of matters where they believed that the 
Report and Accounts could benefit from improvements  
in disclosures. We have taken their guidance into  
account when preparing the 2016 Annual Report and 
Accounts and we hope the amendments add clarity  
for shareholders. 

The key activities of the Committee are given in the table 
below and the following pages set out the work carried 
out by the Committee during the year and the key 
decisions made. 

The Company confirms that it complied with the 
provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority’s 
Order for the financial year under review. 

Financial reporting 
The Committee monitors the integrity of the financial 
statements by: 

 − Assessing and reviewing the final and interim results 
– by reviewing supporting papers and assessing key 
disclosures to ensure adequacy, clarity and 
completeness. 

JOHN LANGSTON
Chair of the Audit Committee

Committee members
Alison Cooper – left February 2017
Rachel Empey – joined May 2016
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the report of the Audit Committee 
for the year ended 31 December 2016. This year, certain 
disclosures, including how the Committee has complied 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code, are detailed in 
the Compliance Report on pages 82 to 86 which should 
be read in conjunction with this report.

It is the role of the Audit Committee to look to ensure the 
integrity of the financial reporting and audit processes, to 
check that sound internal control and risk management 
systems are in place and review their effectiveness, to 
review the Group’s whistleblowing procedures and to 
ensure an appropriate relationship with the auditor.

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

May

July

November

Annual Report & Accounts including going concern, viability assessment, financial review, 
and financial statements

External auditor report, auditor independence review

Internal controls review, external auditor effectiveness, cyber security review,  
warranty review

Interim results including accounting judgements and going concern

External auditor report, 2016 Audit Plan, Chile update

Inventory and financing review, impairment testing review, treasury policy review, external 
audit tender, 2017 Internal Audit plan, review of response to FRC letter on disclosures, 
review of terms of reference and committee membership 

50

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

 − Considering key audit issues, accounting treatment 

and judgements – by assessing information presented 
by management to ensure issues have been dealt 
with appropriately. 

 − Challenging management on the assumptions and 
judgements that had been applied – including the 
assessment of viability given on page 38 and going 
concern given on page 80.

In addition to the significant issues considered by the 
Committee which are given on page 52, the Committee 
also considered the following matters for the year ended 
31 December 2016:

 − Cyber security and readiness for the General Data 

Protection Regulation in May 2018; and 

 − Global warranty processes and associated controls.

Further information on financial and business reporting is 
given on page 84 of the Compliance Report. 

Risk management and internal control 
The Committee regularly reviews the progress of the 
Minimum Control Framework (“MCF”) which was 
introduced to raise and continuously improve controls 
and incorporate internal and external best practice 
throughout the Group and to minimise financial risk. 
Further detail is given in the significant issues on page 52. 

The Committee receives regular reports from PwC and 
Group Internal Audit. The reporting process is designed to 
enable the Committee to ensure that the Company 
maintains a sound system of internal controls and to 
satisfy itself that the control environment is as accurate, 
efficient and effective as possible. The Committee reviews, 
monitors and assesses the implementation of MCF, any 
control gaps identified and the mitigation plans put in 
place by management. 

The risk management process and findings are also 
reviewed by the Committee and further details, along with 
the principal risks facing the Group, are given on page 34. 
Further information on internal control and the risk 
management system is also given in the Compliance 
Report on pages 84 to 85.

Internal audit 
All work carried out by Group Internal Audit is influenced 
by the risk footprint and the Committee reviews the 
underlying factors to assess the quality of mitigating 
actions against the Group’s principal risks. 

The Committee does this by:

 − Reviewing and approving the Internal Audit Plan on an 
annual basis – to ensure that the approach, coverage 
and allocation of resources are appropriate. 

 − Monitoring progress against the plan throughout the 

year – to review control gaps identified.

 − Reviewing and approving any remediation plans to be 
implemented by management – to ensure that they 
are robust. 

 − Receiving regular updates on all reports made to the 
InConfidence whistleblowing service – to ensure the 
issues raised are being dealt with and considered at 
the appropriate level.

The Group Audit Director attends every Audit Committee 
meeting and also meets with the Audit Committee 
without the presence of management to discuss the 
findings of the Group Internal Audit team.

External audit 

Auditor effectiveness and independence
The Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the external 
audit during the year by:

 − Monitoring the implementation and fulfilment of the 

audit plan. 

 − Reviewing and assessing the auditor reports on the 

significant accounting judgements. 

 − Reviewing the level of support and service provided  

by PwC. 

 − Reviewing the results of the external audit effectiveness 

survey. 

The Committee satisfied itself that PwC remains 
independent and objective by: 

 − Reviewing the safeguards operating within PwC.

 − Considering PwC’s Independence Report presented to 

the Committee.

 − Assessing the level and type of non-audit services 

provided by PwC.

The Committee is satisfied that PwC is independent, 
objective and effective. It reached this conclusion by 
reviewing PwC’s internal control procedures, its reports to 
the Committee and the challenges it made to 
management’s treatment and findings on key 
accounting issues. The review included consideration of 
PwC’s confirmation that it remained independent and 
objective within the context of applicable professional 
standards. The current audit partner has been in place for 
two years. 

The Audit Committee reviews the effectiveness of the 
external audit process on an annual basis. To assist the 
Audit Committee, PwC asks management to complete 
an annual assessment to enable PwC and the 
Committee to understand performance on the audit and 
to help improve the quality of PwC’s service to the Group. 

inchcape.com

51

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAudit Committee Report continued

Significant issues 
The following issues were identified by the Committee as being significant in the context of the financial statements or as 
matters of significance to the Group and were debated by the Committee during the year. 

Inventory & 
Financing

(see note 17 
on page 
127)

Asset 
Impairment

(see notes 
11 and 12 
on pages 
120 to 122)

Minimum 
Control 
Framework 
(“MCF”)

(see page 
51 for 
description)

Chile 

The issue and management’s view 
Management presented to the Committee a review of levels of inventory across the Group; the ageing profile; the level of 
provisioning; and the financing structures in place. The Committee reviewed inventory levels, ageing and provisioning by 
market. The Committee also reviewed details of the financing provided both by OEMs and third parties with a focus on liquidity 
and interest rate risk as well as the specific control environment.

Conclusion reached by the Committee 
The Committee concluded that the controls in place supporting inventory ageing and provisioning were appropriate and 
functioning effectively. Further, the Committee concluded that the inventory financing facilities in use are an effective and 
efficient way of managing working capital across the Group and that their use is effectively controlled. The Committee agreed 
with management that despite no history of withdrawal, even through the global financial downturn, ultimately these facilities 
are uncommitted. As a consequence, the Committee agreed that the Group maintain cash and undrawn committed 
facilities to cover at least 25% of total inventory financing as a form of protection against the unlikely event that the 
uncommitted lines are withdrawn with limited notice.

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion 
The Committee reviewed detailed supporting data including a number of scenario models demonstrating the implications of 
financing stress tests. 

The issue and management’s view 
Management presented a detailed overview of impairment testing to the Committee covering goodwill; a number of 
properties; and the capitalised assets associated with iPower. The Committee reviewed and challenged value-in-use 
calculations, sensitivity analysis and a review of the draft disclosure in the Financial Statements. 

Conclusion reached by the Committee 
The Committee concluded that the value-in-use of the properties reviewed exceeded book value and as such no impairment 
was required. The Committee agreed that the £48.0m non-cash exceptional impairment recommended by management 
against both the goodwill associated with Lithuania and Estonia and a proportion of the iPower assets was appropriate. 

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
Although the markets in Lithuania and Estonia are improving, the rate of improvement is not sufficient to support the carrying 
value of goodwill associated with the businesses in these markets. Given the change in configuration of the iPower Retail 
solution to better support the Ignite strategy, a number of original iPower components will no longer be utilised.

The issue and management’s view 
2016 was the second year of audit against the MCF developed by the Group in 2013/2014. The Committee conducted a 
detailed review of the progress against MCF in each market including a review of inventory controls in significant markets.  
The 2015/16 internal audits were based on the MCF as the core and consistent scope for all markets which includes a more 
objective grading of compliance based on prescriptive and defined controls/evidence.

Conclusion reached by the Committee 
The Committee concluded that engagement with and adherence to the MCF standards had improved with follow-through 
and implementation of standards in all markets continuing. 

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
The Committee received updates from the Group Audit Director at each meeting setting out the compliance across the 
Group, detailed findings from audits and recommended mitigation plans for identified control gaps. 

The issue and management’s view 
As reported last year, certain inconsistencies in the local accounting system arose during the implementation of the global 
iPower system in Chile. Management initiated rectification activity to reconcile historic balances and established control 
processes to prevent recurrences until iPower is fully implemented. During the year, the Committee reviewed the control 
procedures in detail to assess their appropriateness and effectiveness. The Audit Committee agreed a full audit of Chile should 
be carried out which PwC performed at the year end and reported their findings to the Committee.

Conclusion reached by the Committee 
The Committee concluded that the control procedures implemented are fit for purpose noting that the implementation of 
iPower would deliver a more robust financial control environment in the future. The Committee noted that the audit highlighted 
a significant improvement in the control environment and no issues above the Group reporting threshold.

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
The Committee received reports from management which covered all aspects of the rectification activity, the control 
procedure implementation and the ongoing areas of risks and actions to mitigate risks. The Committee also reviewed the 
results of PwC’s local audit. 

52

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Auditor effectiveness cont. 
PwC obtained the views of the senior finance personnel in each of the Group’s principal territories together with Group 
Finance,Tax and Company Secretariat, through completion of an audit effectiveness survey. The survey consisted of a 
two page questionnaire in which respondents were asked to answer a number of questions about PwC’s performance 
and give feedback on what could be improved. The results indicated that the external audit was effective with scores 
similar to previous years and no significant issues were identified.

Audit tender
Recent EU audit reforms require companies to put their audit out to tender at least every 10 years and to change their 
auditor at least every 20 years. The transitional arrangements for mandatory rotation for relationships longer than 20 
years mean that the year ending 31 December 2020 would be the last year that PwC are allowed to audit the Group. 
The Audit Committee has previously agreed that PwC will continue through to audit the year ending 31 December 2017 
and that we will tender the audit the following year.

The Committee recommended to the Board that a resolution to re-appoint PwC be put to shareholders at the 2017 AGM. 

During the year, the Committee agreed the audit tendering timetable as set out below. A report on the selection, 
tendering and evaluation process will be given in next year’s Annual Report.

Audit firm  
selection

Meetings with audit 
firms and prospective 
partners to determine 
their capabilities

Determine  
shortlist

Draw up shortlist of 
potential audit firms  
for approval by the 
Audit Committee

Tender process  
begins

Management meetings 
and site visits with 
prospective firms. Tender 
documents issued to 
participating firms

Evaluation

The Audit Committee 
evaluates the tenders 
received from 
participating audit 
firms and make 
its selection

Recommendation

Audit Committee 
recommends the new 
audit firm to the Board 
for approval. Induction 
of new auditor 
commences in 2018

December 2016 – 
April 2017

May 2017

June 2017

August – 
September 2017

October 2017

Non-audit services 
The policy for non-audit services has been updated to take into account the new EU audit regulations and was 
approved by the Committee in February 2017. The policy sets out the permitted and non-permitted non-audit services  
as well as the approval levels required by the Audit Committee. The policy is designed to ensure that the external 
auditor’s objectivity is not compromised by earning a disproportionate level of fees for non-audit services or by 
performing work that, by its nature, may compromise the auditor’s independence. However, using advisors who have  
an understanding of the Group’s business can be a benefit and the Committee will consider non-audit services 
supplied on an ongoing basis. 

The ratio of audit to non-audit fees for 2016 was 1:0.25. A breakdown of the fees paid for audit and non-audit services is 
given in note 3 on page 109. 

During 2016, PwC supplied the following non-audit services: 

 − Advice on cyber security 

 − Accounting advice

 − Advice on tax compliance 

 − Advice on pension scheme arrangements 

As noted last year, it was agreed that firms other than PwC would be used for tax services from 1 January 2017. 

JOHN LANGSTON 
Chair of the Audit Committee

inchcape.com

53

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNomination Committee Report

appropriate succession plans can be put in place to 
assist with the scheduling of the progressive refreshment 
of the Board over time, and to ensure the Group has the 
right structure, skills and diversity of experience in place 
for the effective management of the Ignite strategy and 
creation of long-term shareholder value.

During the year, the skills review identified the technology 
sector as an area which could be further strengthened 
on the Board. Due to the changing nature of the business 
and the evolution of the Ignite strategy, this is an area 
which is likely to become increasingly important over time 
and as such was also a consideration when planning the 
succession of Board members. 

The recruitment process for a new Non-Executive Director 
began during 2015 and I am delighted to report that 
Rachel Empey was appointed in May 2016. Rachel is 
Chief Financial Officer of Telefonica Deutschland and I 
am pleased to welcome Rachel to her first Non-Executive 
role. An interview with Rachel is given on page 49. 

Alison Cooper left the Board in February 2017 after nearly 
eight years on the Board. Alison has been an invaluable 

KEN HANNA 
Chair of the Nomination Committee 

Committee members
Alison Cooper – left February 2017
Rachel Empey – joined May 2016
John Langston 
Coline McConville 
Nigel Northridge 
Nigel Stein 
Till Vestring

Dear Shareholder 
I am pleased to present the report of the Nomination 
Committee for the year ended 31 December 2016.  
This report should be read in conjunction with the 
Compliance Report on pages 82 to 86. 

In order to ensure that the Company is headed by an 
effective Board, now and in the future, the Committee 
reviews the following on an annual basis: 

 − Length of time served – to ensure that progressive 

refreshing of the Board is considered on an ongoing 
basis. 

 − Skills and experience – to ensure that the Directors 

have the appropriate skills to assist with the delivery of 
the Ignite strategy (see pages 2 to 15 for further details 
of the Ignite strategy).

 − Time commitment – to ensure that the Non-Executive 

Directors are able to give sufficient time to the 
Company. 

 − Other appointments – to ensure that the number of 

other directorships held do not affect a Director’s ability 
to commit the appropriate time to the Company. 

The activities of the Committee are given in the table on 
page 55. 

Board composition 
The review of skills and experience is carried out by the 
Committee annually by way of a skills assessment 
completed by the Board members. The length of service 
of the Non-Executive Directors is also considered so 

Length of service

3

4

3

Experience by sector

1

3

4

2

Board balance

0-3 years
3-6 years
6+ years

Financial
Consultancy
Retail
Engineering

3

7

Female
Male

54

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

colleague and her knowledge and insight have been  
a great benefit to the Board’s discussions. As also 
announced, Jerry Buhlmann joined the Board in  
March 2017. Jerry is currently Chief Executive Officer of 
Dentsu Aegis Network and brings extensive Asia, B2B, 
digital and marketing experience which will further 
strengthen the skills and experience on the Board to  
fully deliver on the Ignite strategy. 

Appointment process 
Egon Zehnder and Lygon Group were appointed to assist 
with the search for Non-Executive Directors and senior 
executives during the year. They have both worked with 
the Group for several years and are familiar with the 
current Board’s skills set and the potential requirements for 
the future. During the recruitment process, I meet with the 
consultants to review our needs and to draw up a long-list 
of suitable candidates for consideration. When a short-list 
has been established, potential candidates will meet with 
other Board members after which the Committee will 
decide on the most suitable candidate and recommend 
the appointment of the Non-Executive Director to the 
Board for its approval. Neither Egon Zehnder nor Lygon 
Group has any other connection to the Company apart 
from as recruitment consultants.

The Company continually updates its list of potential 
candidates, taking into account the Ignite strategy and 
business needs of the Group, and should the situation 
arise when a Director departs unexpectedly, the 
recruitment process can begin immediately. 

director of another company. The Group’s policy is to limit 
non-executive directorship within a FTSE 100 company to 
one appointment only. 

Stefan Bomhard was invited to become a Non-Executive 
Director of Compass Group plc during the year. The 
Committee assessed the role, including the time 
commitment needed and any potential conflicts of 
interest, and agreed to the appointment. Details of the 
fees paid to Stefan by Compass Group plc are given on 
page 77 of the Directors’ Report on Remuneration. 

Diversity policy 
The Committee recognises the benefits of having a 
diverse Board and sees increasing diversity at Board level 
as an essential element in delivering the Group’s strategic 
objectives. The Company believes that a truly diverse 
Board will include and make good use of differences  
in skills and industry experience as well as background, 
race and gender. These differences will be considered  
in determining optimum composition of the Board,  
which should be balanced appropriately. All Board 
appointments are made on merit and in the context  
of the skills and experience needed for the Board to  
be effective. 

Multiple board appointments 
The Committee understands that Executive Directors can 
gain valuable business experience as a non-executive 

KEN HANNA 
Chairman

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

November 

Approval of the Nomination Committee Report in Annual Report & Accounts, review of 
skills and experience, time commitment, policy on multiple board appointments, 
election/re-election at AGM

Review of skills and experience, update on Board succession, review of length of service 
(and review of three year term), independence of Non-Executive Directors, review of terms 
of reference and committee membership

inchcape.com

55

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCR Committee Report 

however we are now taking the health and safety ethos 
forward and implementing a consistent culture of a 
healthy and safe workplace throughout the Group. 

We conducted a global talent review in 2016, looking at 
how we can strengthen our talent pool to meet the 
expectations of our customers and our OEM partners and 
to accelerate growth. Based on this, we are driving several 
initiatives including targeted succession planning and a 
new performance and talent framework, DRIVE5.

Listening to our key commercial stakeholders – our 
customers and OEM partners – has been an area of 
significant focus over the last year, and we have 
developed strategies to continue to build long-term 
relationships that improve the customers’ experience,  
and exceed our OEM partners’ expectations.

Many of our country markets, as well as individuals,  
are involved in charitable activities. The Company 
encourages community involvement, fund raising and 
donations both through Company partnerships and by 
individuals, and we will be encouraging more of this 
activity in more of our markets throughout the 
coming year.

We have collected our CO2 data for several years and are 
now starting to look at the next step – how to manage 
and reduce our carbon footprint through science-based 
targets. We are at an early stage of this process but are 
confident that we can contribute to global CO2 
reductions in future years and achieve our business 
objectives. 

The Corporate Responsibility Report, on pages 39 to 43, 
shows the progress made in each of these areas and I do 
hope that you will find the information useful. 

TILL VESTRING
Chair of the CR Committee

TILL VESTRING
Chair of the CR Committee

Committee members
Stefan Bomhard 
Alison Clarke 
Ken Hanna 
Coline McConville

Dear Shareholder
I am pleased to present the report of the CR Committee 
for the year ended 31 December 2016. This report should 
be read in conjunction with the Compliance Report on 
pages 82 to 86. 

As mentioned in last year’s Annual Report, the Committee 
decided to review the Group’s CR strategy in line with the 
Ignite strategy (see pages 2 to 15 for further details of the 
Ignite strategy). We asked ourselves: what issues are 
important to the Group and our employees; what makes 
us a good corporate citizen, and what do our 
stakeholders want to know about what we do, beyond 
normal business operations, that adds value? Above all, 
how do we build trust with stakeholders through our 
corporate responsibility activities?

We agreed that our core areas of focus – people, OEM 
partners, customers, communities and the environment –
remain crucial to us as a business. But it is our approach 
to these areas that we have developed. And, we have 
added a new pillar, elevating the importance of Health 
and Safety to the Group.

Building a health and safety culture within the Group is 
important; our employees and stakeholders place their 
trust in us to protect their health and safety at all times on 
our premises. We already have measures in place, 

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

CR Committee Report in Annual Report & Accounts

Review of CR strategy 

November 

Update of CR strategy, agreeing key CR themes, outline of reporting process, review of 
terms of reference and committee membership. 

56

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Directors’ Report on Remuneration

COLINE MCCONVILLE 
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Committee members
Ken Hanna 
Nigel Northridge 
Till Vestring 

Dear Shareholder 
I am pleased to present the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2016,  
my first year as Chair of the Inchcape Remuneration  
Committee. This report should be read in conjunction with 
the Compliance Report on pages 82 to 86.

The aim of the Committee is to set remuneration which 
motivates executives to make decisions which drive the 
Ignite strategy and create value for all of our stakeholders. 

During the year, the Committee has reviewed the  
Group’s current remuneration arrangements and the 
remuneration policy, last approved by shareholders in 
May 2014. Our extensive review covered all aspects of the 
current arrangements including incentive plan structure, 
quantum, performance measures and alignment with 
shareholders, with the aim of ensuring the continued 
effectiveness of our policy in attracting, motivating and 
retaining talent. The Committee has also kept pace with 
evolving best practice corporate governance as well as 
outcomes from the Investment Association Remuneration 
Working Group consultation.

Our main conclusion from the review is that, overall,  
the current arrangements are working well and, as such, 
we are not proposing any significant changes to 
remuneration arrangements or to our policy. We have, 
however, updated a few areas to help ensure our 
remuneration policy and practice continue to reflect our 
evolving Ignite strategy and latest best practice corporate 
governance. 

These proposals have been discussed with major 
shareholders who represent around two-thirds of the 
issued share capital and key representative bodies. 
Feedback on the proposals has been positive and we 
are, therefore, seeking shareholder approval for the 
remuneration policy at the 2017 AGM. 

The Committee spent considerable time debating the 
merits of retaining two long-term incentive plans, the 
performance share plan (“PSP”) and the co-investment 
plan (“CIP”). Our review found that the CIP is highly 
valued by participants, as evidenced by the 65% plus 
take-up in 2016, promotes share ownership and 
encourages a focus on long-term performance. We 
believe that the combination of the PSP and CIP at 
Inchcape is very effective, supports our long-term strategy 
and provides us with a competitive edge. Measures and 
targets for the PSP and CIP are to remain consistent as it 
aids simplicity and ensures that the senior team are 
focusing on consistent goals, regardless of whether they 
participate in the CIP or not. 

Proposed changes to remuneration 
arrangements and policy 
 − The annual bonus for 2017 will be based 80% on the 

financial performance matrix of revenue and 
operating profit and 20% on strategic objectives. 
Previously the bonus was based on a financial 
performance matrix and a Net Promotor Score 
(“NPS”) multiplier 

 − PSP awards will be expressed as a percentage of 

salary rather than as a number of shares 

 − The ‘enhanced’ element of the PSP has been removed 
and therefore the 2017 PSP opportunity for Executive 
Directors has been reduced from 200% to 180% 
of salary 

 − The EPS measure for PSP and CIP awards made from 
2017 will exclude the impact of any share buy backs. 
Taking this into account as well as external market 
factors, the EPS target range for the 2017 PSP and CIP 
awards will be reduced from 5% – 13% to 4% – 12% p.a. 
The Committee also decided to increase the ROCE 
range for the 2017 PSP and CIP awards from 21% – 25% 
to 22% – 26% 

 − A new mandatory post-vesting holding period of two 
years will be applicable for any PSP and CIP awards 
granted to Executive Directors from 2017 onwards

 − Clawback and malus provisions will apply to all 

incentives (PSP, CIP and annual bonus) from 2017 
onwards. Previously, malus provisions only applied to 
the PSP

 − Based on feedback from our shareholders during 

consultation, the Committee also decided to reduce 
the maximum cash supplement in lieu of pension to 
30% of salary from 40% of salary

Further details on these changes, including rationale, can 
be found in the remuneration policy and Annual Report 
on Remuneration. 

inchcape.com

57

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Recap of policy objectives 
 − Align with and support the Group’s business strategy; 

 − Enable the Company to attract, motivate and retain 

management; 

 − Encourage the right behaviours, drive performance 

and reward results by delivering upper quartile pay for 
upper quartile performance; and 

 − Align executive management and shareholders’ 

interests. 

The Committee considers performance on environmental, 
social and governance issues when setting the  
remuneration policy and believes that the policy does  
not raise risks in these areas by motivating irresponsible  
behaviour.

2016 performance outcomes and awards
As set out on page 18 of the Strategic Report, the Group 
has delivered sales of £7.8bn, operating profit before 
exceptional items of £359.1m, EPS of 59.6p (adjusted) 
and ROCE at 30%. As a result of this performance,  
Stefan Bomhard received an annual bonus of 60.5% of 
salary and Richard Howes received an annual bonus of 
45.4% of salary (pro-rated for time in the role). Based on 
performance against targets, the normal 2014 PSP and 
CIP awards vested at 86.5% of maximum. 

During 2016, the Committee also made PSP grants to 
Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes of 159,705 and 
118,577 shares respectively. Each of the Executive 
Directors also invested in the CIP and were granted 
awards of 100,603 shares and 58,206 shares respectively. 

Further details on the PSP and CIP awards granted during 
the year are given on page 72. 

The Committee is satisfied that the total remuneration 
received by Executive Directors in 2016 appropriately 
reflects the Company’s financial position over the year 
and is consistent with the approach taken for other 
relevant employees. 

2016 AGM 
The Committee notes that although the majority of 
shareholders voted for the 2015 Annual Report on 
Remuneration at the AGM held in May 2016, 36.5% of 
votes were cast against. 

The Committee recognises that the vote against primarily 
related to the disapplication of time pro-ration for our 
former Group Finance Director John McConnell’s 2014 
PSP award upon his departure from the Group. 

We engaged with our shareholders to fully understand 
their concerns prior to, and after, the AGM as part of 
remuneration policy process. 

As a result of those conversations we understand that 
many of our shareholders prefer for outstanding 
incentives to be time pro-rated as well as pro-rated for 
performance. The Committee has taken on board this 
preference and will appropriately time pro-rate if this 
situation arises again.

Other key activities in 2016
The Committee has also introduced a number of new 
disclosures in this year’s report including a ‘remuneration 
at a glance’ section on page 59 which we hope 
shareholders find useful. 

In addition to the remuneration policy review, the 
Committee also carried out the activities detailed in the 
table below during the year.

The Committee is committed to ensuring that the Group’s 
remuneration arrangements continue to reflect the Ignite 
strategy, reward strong performance and align Executive 
Directors and senior management’s interests with those of 
shareholders. The Committee will continue to keep up to 
date with evolving corporate governance updates 
throughout 2017.

I hope to have your support at the upcoming AGM. 

COLINE MCCONVILLE
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

November 

2015 Directors’ Report on Remuneration, approval of: the 2015 annual bonus pay-out, 
achievement of performance targets for long-term incentives, Executive Directors and 
Group Executive Committee 2016 remuneration, the recruitment package of Richard 
Howes, review of remuneration policy 

Remuneration policy review, update on shareholder consultation process, review  
long-term incentives, review of trends in remuneration, review of changes to Executive 
Committee members, review of terms of reference and committee membership 

58

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Remuneration at a glance 
This section is a snapshot of the performance of the Company over the year and the remuneration received by 
current Executive Directors. 

2016 annual bonus
The 2016 annual bonus is assessed against a financial performance matrix of revenue and operating profit and a  
NPS multiplier. 

Performance targets

Performance measure
Revenue
Operating profit
NPS targets

Threshold
£6,773.8m
£303.8m

Target
£7,130.3m
£337.6m
Benchmark

Stretch
£7,486.8m
£371.4m

Actual performance 
achieved1
£7,370.0m
£325.0m
Targets met in full

% of maximum 
opportunity achieved

Bonus payout 
(as % of salary)

40.3%

60.5%

1  Actual performance for determining bonus outcomes has been calculated using the same currency rates as used to set the bonus target. This 

ensures that bonus outcomes are linked to, and reward for, underlying financial performance.

This resulted in bonuses of £423,780 and £183,890 for Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes respectively. 

2014 PSP and CIP
Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes were not granted a 2014 PSP or CIP award as they joined in 2015 and 
2016 respectively.

How much our Executive Directors earned in 2016 

Stefan Bomhard
Richard Howes

Base salary 
£’000
688
294

Benefits 
£’000
84
1

Pensions 
£’000
207
88

Single-year 
variable 
£’000
424
184

Multiple-year 
variable 
£’000
–
–

Other*
£’000
–
356

2016  
Single Figure 
£’000
1,403
923

*relates to awards in lieu of forfeited incentives. Further details are on page 72. 

Implementation of policy in 2017 (dependent on shareholder approval)
Element of pay

Implementation for 2017

Base salary 

Pension and 
benefits

Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes will receive a 2.5% increase in salary. Total salaries for 2017 are therefore £717,500 
for Stefan Bomhard and £415,125 for Richard Howes. These salary increases are in line with the broader workforce 

Executive Directors will receive cash supplements of 30% of salary in lieu of pensions

Benefits include car allowance, medical cover and mileage allowance

Annual bonus

150% of salary

80% of the bonus is based on a financial performance matrix of revenue and operating profit. Remaining 20% is 
dependent on a basket of strategic measures

Any bonus earned above 100% of salary is paid in shares which are invested in the CIP

PSP

CIP

Malus and clawback provisions apply 

180% of salary 

60% of an award is dependent on EPS, 40% on ROCE

A mandatory post-vesting holding period of two years will apply on any vested PSP awards

Malus and clawback provisions apply

Up to 50% of salary can be invested, up to a 2:1 match

60% of an award is dependent on EPS, 40% on ROCE

A mandatory post-vesting holding period of two years will apply on any vested CIP awards

Malus and clawback provisions apply

inchcape.com

59

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Part 1 – Directors’ remuneration policy
This section of the report sets out the policy that the Committee will be putting forward for shareholder approval at 
the 2017 AGM and will be effective from this date. The principal changes compared to the previously approved 
policy are as follows: 

 − Strategic measures have been included within the annual bonus. NPS has now been incorporated within the 

Ignite strategic measures

 − Clawback and malus provisions will apply to all incentives (PSP, CIP and annual bonus) from 2017 onwards. 

Previously malus provisions only applied to the PSP

 − PSP awards as a percentage of salary rather than as a fixed number of shares

 − ‘Enhanced’ PSP share awards have been removed

 − There is no longer a limit of 450% of salary under exceptional circumstances for PSP awards. The maximum PSP 

award level is now 300% 

 − Investment opportunity under the CIP is capped at 50% of salary (previously in exceptional circumstances, 

investment opportunity could be increased to 100% of salary)

 − A mandatory post-vesting holding period of two years on any PSP and CIP awards from 2017 onwards has been 

introduced for Executive Directors

 − PSP and CIP grants for new recruits will be capped in line with the limits in the main policy

 − Reduction in maximum cash supplement in lieu of pension from 40% to 30% of base salary

Remuneration policy for Executive Directors 

Element

Objective and link to strategy

Operation and performance metrics

Opportunity

Base salary

To pay a competitive 
salary which attracts, 
retains and motivates 
talent to make decisions 
which drive the 
Company’s strategy and 
create value for 
stakeholders.

Annual bonus

To motivate and reward 
for the achievement of 
the Company’s strategic 
annual objectives.

Salaries are reviewed annually and any increases 
typically take effect from 1 April of each year.

Adjustments to salary will take account of:

 − Increases awarded across the Group as a whole, and 

conditions elsewhere in the Group;

 − Experience and performance of the individual;

 − Pay levels at organisations of a similar size, complexity 

and type; and

 − Changes in responsibilities or scope of the role.

Based at least 70% on annual financial performance. 
Financial measures may include (but are not limited to) 
revenue and operating profit. Non-financial measures 
may include strategic measures directly linked to the 
Company’s priorities.

Any annual bonus earned above 100% of salary is paid 
in shares which are automatically invested in the CIP. 

Bonus payouts from 2017 are subject to malus and 
clawback provisions.

Performance 
Share Plan 
(PSP)

To provide a meaningful 
reward to senior 
executives linked to the 
long-term success of the 
business. 

The use of performance 
shares enables the 
delivery of median pay 
for median performance 
and upper quartile pay 
for upper quartile 
performance.

Vesting of the performance shares is based on 
performance measures linked to the Group’s strategic 
priorities and may vary year-on-year. 

For 2017, PSP awards will be based on three year EPS 
growth and three year average ROCE performance.

For awards granted to the Executive Directors from 2017, 
vested awards will be subject to an additional two year 
holding period.

Any dividends paid would accrue over the vesting 
period and would be paid only on those shares that vest.

PSP awards granted from 2017 are subject to malus and 
clawback provisions.

Increases are not expected to 
exceed average increase for 
senior management, unless a 
change in scope or complexity of 
role applies.

150% of salary maximum payable 
for achieving stretch performance 
against all measures.

60% of salary payable for target 
performance. 

12% of salary payable for entry 
level performance.

For 2017, PSP opportunities will be 
180% of salary. 

Award levels are subject to an 
individual limit of 300% of salary.

Threshold level performance will 
result in 25% vesting of the PSP 
award. 

60

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Remuneration policy for Executive Directors continued

Element

Objective and link to strategy

Operation and performance metrics

Opportunity

Co-Investment 
Plan (CIP)

To encourage executive 
share ownership and 
reinforce long-term 
success.

Any bonus over 100% of 
salary will be paid in 
shares which will be 
automatically invested in 
the plan. Further 
voluntary investments 
may be made up to the 
investment limit. 

Save As You 
Earn (SAYE)

To encourage share 
ownership.

Pension

To provide market 
competitive pension 
benefits where it is 
cost-effective and 
tax-efficient to do so.

Other benefits

To provide market 
competitive benefits 
where it is cost effective 
and tax-efficient to do so.

A voluntary investment opportunity in return for a 
performance based match.

Any bonus over 100% of salary will be paid in shares 
which will be automatically invested in the plan. Further 
voluntary investments may be made up to the 
investment limit.

Invested shares can be withdrawn at any time but the 
entitlement to a match would be lost if the invested 
shares are withdrawn before the end of the relevant 
three year vesting period. 

Vesting of the CIP awards is based on performance 
measures linked to the Group’s strategic priorities and 
may vary year-on-year.

For 2017, CIP awards will be based on three year EPS 
growth and three year average ROCE performance.

For awards granted to the Executive Directors from 2017, 
vested awards will be subject to an additional two year 
holding period.

Any dividends paid would accrue over the vesting 
period and would be paid only on those shares that vest.

CIP awards granted from 2017 are subject to malus and 
clawback provisions. 

UK employees are able to make monthly savings, over a 
three year period. At the end of the savings period, the 
funds are used to purchase shares under option. As this is 
an all-employee scheme and Executive Directors 
participate on the same terms as other employees, the 
acquisition of shares is not subject to the satisfaction of a 
performance target.

The Group’s pension scheme, Cash+, is a cash balance 
retirement scheme which accrues 16% of earnings 
(capped at £250,000 p.a. paid as a lump sum at the 
age of 65). 

Members are required to contribute 7% of pensionable 
salary. 

Executive Directors may also receive a salary supplement 
in lieu of pension contributions.

Benefits currently include (but are not limited to): 

 − Company cars; 

 − Medical care; and 

 − Life assurance premiums. 

Executive Directors may invest up 
to an overall maximum of 50% of 
salary. Maximum match of 2:1, 
threshold of 0.5:1. 

Maximum matching award is 
therefore 100% of salary in any 
year, and threshold matching 
award is 25% of salary. 

Participation limits are those set 
by the UK tax authorities from time 
to time.

Eligibility to join the Cash+ 
scheme at a minimum level to 
meet regulatory requirements. 

Cash supplement up to 30% of 
base salary for Executive Directors.

It is not anticipated that the costs 
of benefits provided will materially 
exceed 5% of salary for existing 
Executive Directors. 

The Committee retains the 
discretion to approve a higher 
cost in exceptional 
circumstances (e.g. relocation).

To encourage share ownership and ensure alignment of executive interests with those of shareholders, Executive 
Directors are required to hold a number of shares equivalent to 200% of base salary. Executive Directors have five years 
from the date of appointment to reach this shareholding.

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61

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

 − Targets are set taking into account a range of 

reference points including the Ignite strategy and 
broker forecasts for the Group. The Committee believes 
that the performance targets set are very stretching, 
and that the maximum will only be achievable for truly 
outstanding performance. Please see page 73 for 
further details on the target ranges.

 − The Committee retains discretion to adjust the annual 
bonus outcome up or down to ensure that it is a fair 
reflection of the Group’s underlying performance.

 − The Committee also has the discretion to adjust  

the performance conditions for long-term incentive 
plans in exceptional circumstances, provided the  
new conditions are no tougher or easier than the 
original conditions. 

 − Any discretion exercised by the Committee in the 

adjustment of performance conditions will be fully 
explained to shareholders in the relevant Annual 
Report on Remuneration. If the discretion is material 
and upwards, the Committee will consult with major 
shareholders in advance.

Malus and clawback
These provisions allow the Committee in certain 
circumstances (such as gross misconduct or a material 
misstatement of the Group financial statements) the 
discretion to:

 − reduce bonus, PSP and/or CIP;

 − cancel entitlement of bonus; 

 − prevent vesting of the PSP and/or CIP; or 

 − allow the Company within two years of payment/
vesting of award to claim back up to 100% of 
the award.

Notes to the policy 

Payments from existing awards
Executive Directors are eligible to receive payment  
from any award made prior to the approval and 
implementation of the remuneration policy detailed  
in this report. Such awards include vested but  
unexercised options. 

Selection of performance measures  
and target setting 
As part of the remuneration policy review, the Committee 
reviewed the appropriateness of performance measures 
used by the Group and determined the following:

 − The annual bonus measures have been selected to 
incentivise sustainable growth in profits. The matrix 
structure continues to provide a balanced focus 
between commercial and cash initiatives. A basket of 
strategic measures will be selected each year to 
reinforce the Group’s strategic objectives. A customer 
service measure has been included in the basket of 
measures therefore there is no longer a need for the 
NPS multiplier. 

 − The Committee believes that EPS continues to be the 

best measure of long-term performance for the Group 
and is currently therefore the primary long-term 
incentive measure. It provides strong line of sight for 
executives who are familiar with the existing basis of 
EPS performance measurement, and is consistent with 
the Group’s long-term strategy focusing on 
sustainable growth.

 − ROCE supports the Group’s cash initiatives of 

controlling working capital and capital expenditure 
and, when combined with EPS, provides a balance 
between growth and returns. Performance targets are 
set to be stretching and achievable, taking into 
account the Company’s strategic priorities and the 
economic environment in which the 
Company operates.

 − The Committee also considered the use of other 

performance measures to reinforce the Company’s 
long-term objectives, including relative TSR and cash 
flow. However, given the diversity of the Group’s 
operations, it would have been difficult to set a relevant 
and robust comparator group for assessing relative TSR 
performance and there would have been some 
difficulty in cascading many of the other measures 
appropriately down the organisation. 

62

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Composition of remuneration arrangements
A significant proportion of Executive Directors’ pay is variable, long term and remains ‘at risk’ (i.e. subject to malus and 
clawback provisions). 

Charts are based on maximum payout scenarios for Executive Directors. 

Fixed vs. variable (%)

23%

Fixed: base salary, benefits and pension

Short-term vs. long-term (%)

41%

77%

Variable: annual bonus, PSP and CIP

59%

Short-term: fixed plus annual bonus paid as cash

Long-term: PSP, CIP and annual bonus deferred into CIP

Remuneration policy for other employees
Our approach to salary reviews is consistent across  
the Group with consideration given to the level of 
responsibility, experience, individual performance, salary 
levels in comparable companies (using remuneration 
surveys, where appropriate) and the Company’s ability 
to pay.

Senior managers (c. 300 individuals) participate in an 
annual bonus scheme which has similar performance 
targets to those of the Executive Directors. Below this level, 
local incentive schemes are in place for management 
and non-management employees. Opportunities and 
performance conditions vary by organisational level, with 
business unit-specific metrics incorporated where 
appropriate. Commission-based arrangements are also 
operated for certain roles. 

Senior managers also receive PSP awards while 
participation in the CIP is limited to Executive Directors, 
Group Executive Committee members and the next level 
of executives (c. 25 individuals). Performance conditions 
are consistent for all participants while award sizes  
vary by organisational level. Share ownership guidelines 
apply to Executive Directors and Group Executive 
Committee members. 

All UK employees are eligible to participate in the SAYE 
scheme on the same terms.

Pension and benefits arrangements are tailored to local 
market conditions, and so various arrangements are in 
place for different populations within the Group. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Remuneration policy for Non-Executive Directors 

Objective and link to strategy

Operation and performance metrics

Opportunity

To provide fair 
remuneration, reflecting 
the time commitment  
and responsibilities of  
the role.

Non-Executive Directors receive a fixed fee and do not 
participate in any incentive schemes or receive any other 
benefits, except the Chairman who receives medical cover. 

Appropriate adjustments 
may be made to fee 
levels, taking account of: 

Fee levels are reviewed regularly, with any adjustments 
effective immediately after the review is approved. 

Additional fees are payable for acting as Senior 
Independent Director and as Chairman of any of the Board’s 
Committees (excluding the Nomination Committee). 

The Chairman’s fee is determined by the Remuneration 
Committee and the fees for other Non-Executive Directors are 
determined by the Executive Directors. 

Non-Executive Directors may elect to receive up to 20% of 
their net fees p.a. as Company shares.

 − increases awarded 

across the Group as a 
whole and conditions 
elsewhere in the Group; 

 − fee levels within 

organisations of a 
similar size, complexity 
and type; and 

 − changes in complexity, 
responsibility or time 
commitment required 
for the role.

Fees paid to Non-Executive Directors are within the limits set by shareholders from time to time. This limit, currently at an 
aggregate of £1,000,000, was last approved by shareholders at the 2015 AGM. 

Consideration of conditions elsewhere  
in the Group 
Prior to the annual salary review, the Committee receives 
an update from the Chief Human Resources Officer on 
the average salary increases across the Group. This is 
considered by the Committee when determining salary 
increases for the Executive Directors and the Group 
Executive Committee. 

The Company has a diverse international spread of 
businesses as well as a wide variety of roles from petrol 
pump attendants and valeters through to Chief 
Executives of our individual businesses and therefore pay 
levels and structures vary to reflect local market 
conditions. Although the Company has not carried out a 
formal employee consultation regarding executive 
remuneration, it does comply with local regulations and 
practices regarding employee consultation more broadly. 

Consideration of shareholder views 
When determining remuneration, the Committee takes 
into account the guidelines of representative investor 
bodies and shareholder views. 

The Committee is always open to feedback from 
shareholders on remuneration policy and arrangements. 
We are committed to undertaking shareholder 
consultation in advance of any changes to remuneration 
policy, as evidenced by our recent consultation with 
shareholders representing two-thirds of the Company’s 
issued share capital on proposed changes. The 
Committee will continue to monitor trends and 
developments in corporate governance and market 
practice to ensure the structure of the executive 
remuneration remains appropriate. 

Overall, the feedback from shareholders on the new 
remuneration policy has been positive. Early on in the 
consultation process, we were asked whether we would 
consider reducing the maximum cash supplement in lieu 
of the pension policy. In response, we reduced the 
maximum from 40% to 30% of salary. 

The votes received on the 2015 Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration at the 2016 AGM and the remuneration 
policy at the 2014 AGM are provided on page 77. 

64

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Performance scenarios 
The charts below show the remuneration that Executive Directors could expect to obtain based on varying performance 
scenarios. Illustrations are intended to provide further information to shareholders regarding the pay for performance 
relationship. However, actual pay delivered will be influenced by changes in share price and the vesting periods of 
awards. The charts have been updated for 2017 salaries and the proposed 2017 long-term incentive grants.

Stefan Bomhard – Group Chief Executive

Richard Howes – Chief Financial Officer

Total remuneration (£’000s)

Total remuneration (£’000s)

4,000

3,200

2,400

1,600

800

0

£4,034

50%

£1,882

27%

27%

23%

50%

23%

£949

100%

Minimum

On-Target

Maximum

4,000

3,200

2,400

1,600

800

0

£2,326

50%

£1,080
27%

23%

50%

27%

23%

£541

100%

Minimum

On-Target

Maximum

Fixed remuneration
Annual bonus
Long-term incentives (PSP and CIP)

Fixed remuneration
Annual bonus
Long-term incentives (PSP and CIP)

Notes on the performance scenarios:
Potential reward opportunities illustrated above are based on the policy which will apply in 2017 (if approved  
by shareholders).

Element

Assumptions

Fixed 
remuneration

Total remuneration comprises base salary, benefits and pensions 

Base salary – effective from 1 April 2017 

Benefits – as provided in the single figure table on page 68, excluding one-off relocation allowance

Pension – cash in lieu of pension

Variable pay 

Annual bonus

CIP

PSP

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

No 
payout

No 
vesting

Target payout (40% of maximum)

Maximum payout

Assumes full voluntary investment

Threshold match of 0.5:1

Maximum vesting 

Threshold vesting (25% of maximum)

Maximum vesting 

Please note that projected values exclude the impact of share price movements and dividend accrual. Awards in lieu of 
forfeited incentives for Richard Howes have also been excluded. Please see page 72 for further details of these awards.

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65

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Approach to recruitment remuneration 

External appointments
When appointing a new Executive Director, the Committee may make use of any of the existing components of 
remuneration, as follows:

Component

Approach

Maximum annual grant value

Base salary

Pension

Benefits

Annual 
bonus

PSP

CIP

Other

The base salaries of new appointees will be determined by 
reference to the scope of the role, experience of the 
individual, pay levels at organisations of a similar size, 
complexity and type, pay and conditions elsewhere in the 
Group, implications for total remuneration, internal relativities 
and the candidate’s current base salary.

New appointees will be eligible to participate in the Group’s 
pension plan (or receive a cash supplement in lieu) on 
similar terms to existing Executive Directors.

New appointees will be eligible to receive normal benefits 
available to senior management, including (but not limited 
to) company cars, medical care and life assurance.

n/a

n/a

n/a

The annual bonus described in the policy table will apply to 
new appointees with the relevant maximum being pro-rated 
to reflect the proportion of employment over the year.

150% of salary

New appointees will be granted awards on the same terms 
as other Executive Directors as described in the policy table.

300% of salary

New appointees will be granted awards on the same terms 
as other Executive Directors as described in the policy table. 

100% of salary

The Committee will consider on a case-by-case basis if all or 
some of the incentives forfeited on leaving a previous 
employer will be ‘bought-out.’ 

n/a

If the Committee decides to buy-out forfeited awards, the 
award will be structured on a comparable basis, taking into 
account any performance conditions attached, time to 
vesting and share price at the time of buy-out. 

The Committee retains the discretion to make use of the 
relevant Listing Rule to facilitate such a buy-out.

The combined 
maximum is not 
intended to  
exceed 400% of salary

Notes to recruitment remuneration policy 
In determining the appropriate remuneration for a new Executive Director, the Committee will take into consideration all 
relevant factors to ensure that arrangements are in the best interests of the Group and its shareholders.

Internal appointments 
In cases of internal promotions to the Board, the Committee will determine remuneration in line with the policy for 
external appointees as detailed above. Where an individual has contractual commitments made prior to their 
promotion to Executive Director level, the Company will continue to honour these arrangements. Incentive opportunities 
for below Board level employees are typically no higher than for Executive Directors, but measures may vary to provide 
better line of sight. 

Non-Executive Directors
In recruiting a new Non-Executive Director, the Committee will use the policy as set out in the table on page 64. A base 
fee in line with the prevailing fee schedule would be payable for Board membership, with additional fees payable for 
acting as Senior Independent Director or as the Chairman of Audit, Remuneration and CR Committees as appropriate.

66

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Exit payment policy, service contracts and change of control 
The Company’s policy is to limit severance payments on termination to pre-established contractual arrangements. In 
addition, the Company retains discretion to settle any other amount reasonably due to the Executive Director,  
for example, to meet legal fees incurred by the Executive Director in connection with the termination of employment, 
where the Company wishes to enter into a settlement agreement and the individual must seek independent legal 
advice. In the event that the employment of an Executive Director is terminated, any compensation payable will be 
determined in accordance with the terms of the service contract between the Company and the employee as well as 
the rules of any incentive plans. When considering exit payments, the Committee reviews all potential incentive 
outcomes to ensure they are fair to both shareholders and participants. 

The table below summarises how the awards under the annual bonus, PSP and CIP are typically treated in specific 
circumstances, with the final treatment remaining subject to the Committee’s discretion: 

Component

Circumstance

Treatment

Payment/vesting date (if relevant)

Annual 
Bonus

Resignation.

Bonus will lapse unless the date of leaving is 
after the year end. The bonus will only be paid 
to the extent the targets set at the beginning 
of the year have been achieved.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

Death, ill-health, redundancy, 
retirement or any other 
reason which the Committee 
may, in its absolute discretion, 
permit.

The bonus will only be paid to the extent the 
targets set at the beginning of the year have 
been achieved. 

Any bonus payment will be pro-rated for time 
served during the year.

Change of control.

The bonus will only be paid to the extent the 
targets set at the beginning of the year have 
been achieved. 

Any bonus payment will be pro-rated for time 
served during the year.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

PSP and CIP

Resignation.

Death, ill-health, redundancy, 
retirement (CIP only) or any 
other reason which the 
Committee may, in its 
absolute discretion, permit.

Change of control.

Unvested awards will lapse on date of leaving. 
Any vested awards can be exercised.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

Any unvested awards will be pro-rated for time 
and performance.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

Any unvested awards will be pro-rated for time 
and performance.

Either the end of the performance 
period or at the Committee’s discretion.

Service contracts 
The Company’s policy is for Executive Directors’ service contract notice periods to be no longer than 12 months, except 
in exceptional circumstances. All current contracts contain notice periods of 12 months. 

Name

Stefan Bomhard

Richard Howes

Date of contract

Notice period

Unexpired term

1 April 2015

12 months

To retirement age

11 April 2016

12 months

To retirement age

The Company may terminate an Executive Director’s contract by paying a sum equal to base salary and, in certain 
circumstances, benefits including pension and life assurance, company car and entitlement to holiday pay for the 
12 month period. Executive Directors’ service contracts are available to view at the Company’s registered office.

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67

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Part 2 – Annual Report on Remuneration

The names of the Committee members are given  
on page 57 and their biographies can be found on 
page 45. The work of the Committee during the year is 
summarised in the letter to shareholders on page 57 
and given in full detail in the following report. 

The Committee considers the UK Corporate 
Governance Code requirements. The Committee is 
satisfied that the approach to setting the remuneration 
of the Executive Directors and the Executive Committee 

underpins the effective and proper management of 
risk by rewarding fairly for sustainable profit growth and 
long-term returns for shareholders. The following section 
provides details of how the Company’s remuneration 
policy was implemented during the financial year to 
31 December 2016 and how it will be implemented in 
the financial year to 31 December 2017 (dependent 
on shareholder approval of the new remuneration 
policy). 

Single total figure of remuneration (audited) 

The table below sets out the total remuneration received by the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2016: 

Name

Current Executive Directors 

Stefan Bomhard

Richard Howes*

Previous Executive Directors

André Lacroix

John McConnell* 

Current Non-Executive 
Directors (f) 

Ken Hanna 

Alison Cooper 

Rachel Empey*

John Langston 

Coline McConville

Nigel Northridge 

Nigel Stein

Till Vestring 

Previous Non-Executive 
Directors

Vicky Bindra

Simon Borrows

Total

Base  
salary / fees 
£’000

Taxable  
benefits (a) 
£’000

Single-year 
variable (b) 
£’000

Multi-year 
variable (c) 
£’000

Pension(d) 
£’000

Other (e) 
£’000

Total 
£’000

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

688
294

–
93

320
60
36
75
75
81
60
70

488
–

206
441

302
55
–
66
55
72
13
56

84
1

214
–

424
184

415
–

–
–

–
–

207
88

–
1

2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

5
3

3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
44

–
378

–
912

–
644

–
45

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

146
–

83
155

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

50
32
1,852 1,836

–
–
88

–
–
225

–
–
652

–
–
793

–
–
912

–
–
644

–
–
340

–
–
384

– 1,643 1,403 2,906
–

923

–

356

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
294
–
– 1,095 1,621

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

322
60
36
75
75
81
60
70

305
55
–
66
55
72
13
56

–
–

50
32
356 1,643 4,200 5,525

–
–

–
–

*  Richard Howes and Rachel Empey joined the Group during the year. John McConnell left during the year. 
a.  Taxable benefits comprise car allowance, medical cover and mileage allowance. A relocation allowance was paid to Stefan Bomhard to assist 

with his move to the UK. Payment began in April 2015 and ended in March 2016. 

b.  Payment for performance during the year under the annual bonus, including amounts paid in shares. 
c.  The 2016 figure for Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes is nil as they joined in 2015 and 2016 respectively and therefore did not receive an 

award in 2014. John McConnell’s awards are valued on the average share price from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016 of 648.8p. Actual 
performance against targets is given on page 71. The awards granted in 2013, which vested on performance to 31 December 2015, have been 
restated from last year’s report to reflect the share price on the date of vesting using the market price at date of vesting of 685.5p for PSP and 
685p for CIP, and include dividend equivalent shares.

d. During the year the Executive Directors received a cash supplement of 30% of base salary in lieu of pension contributions. 
e.  The 2015 figure for Stefan Bomhard represents the value of the SAYE based on the embedded value at grant and the value of the award in lieu 
of forfeited incentives by his previous employer. The 2016 figure for Richard Howes includes the value of the award in lieu of forfeited incentives 
by his previous employer with no performance conditions attached and the value of the 2016 SAYE based on the embedded value at grant. 

f.  The fees of the Chairman, Non-Executive Directors and the Senior Independent Director are given on page 69. 

68

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Base salary 

Salaries are reviewed annually and typically take effect from 1 April each year. The quantum of total executive 
remuneration was reviewed against four comparator groups: retailers, distributors, companies of a similar market cap, 
and companies with similar revenues. 

Salaries for 2017 were determined taking into account this benchmarking data, as well as the other factors detailed in 
the policy table. 

The salaries for 2015, 2016 and 2017 are set out below, together with the average increases across the Group. 

Name
Stefan Bomhard
Richard Howes
Average increase across Group

1 April 2015
£650,000
n/a
2.1%

1 April 2016
£700,000 
£405,000
3.4%

1 April 2017
£717,500 – 2.5% increase
£415,125 – 2.5% increase
2.18%

The Committee decided to increase Stefan and Richard’s salaries by 2.5% in line with the average increase across 
the Group

Chairman’s and Non-Executive Directors’ fees 

The Chairman receives a fee of £320,000 p.a. The Senior Independent Director receives a fee of £81,000 p.a.  
The Non-Executive Directors receive a fee of £60,000 p.a with an additional £15,000 p.a for the chair of the Audit  
and Remuneration Committees and an additional £10,000 p.a for the chair of the CR Committee. 

The Chairman and Non-Executive Directors fees were last reviewed in 2015. There are no changes proposed for 2017.

Annual bonus
In line with the Committee’s commitment to disclose bonus targets, the table on page 70 illustrates targets, performance 
and resulting bonus outcomes for the Executive Directors for the 2016 bonuses. 

In 2016, the Executive Directors’ annual bonuses were assessed against a financial performance matrix of revenue and 
operating profit targets and an NPS multiplier. This matrix was designed to reward stretching financial performance, while 
maintaining exceptional customer service. 

NPS was the Group’s primary measure of customer satisfaction, used to gauge the strength and loyalty of our customer 
relationships. The annual bonus can be reduced if NPS falls below benchmark but is not increased for achieving or 
beating benchmark. The benchmark is established each year based on the Board’s assessment of what constitutes 
excellence in customer service.

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69

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

2016 bonus

Performance targets

Performance measure

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Actual performance 
achieved1

% of maximum 
opportunity achieved

Bonus payout  

(as % of salary)

Revenue
Operating profit
NPS targets

£6,773.8m
£303.8m

£7,130.3m
£337.6m
Benchmark

£7,486.8m
£371.4m

£7,370.0m
£325.0m
Targets met in full

40.3%

60.5%

1  Actual performance for determining bonus outcomes has been calculated using the same currency rates as used to set the bonus target. This 

ensures that bonus outcomes are linked to, and reward for, underlying financial performance.

The bonus for Stefan Bomhard was £423,780 which is 60.5% of salary. The bonus for Richard Howes is £183,890 which is 
45.4% of salary pro-rated to reflect the proportion of the year served. 

John McConnell, the former Finance Director, received £44,338 (pro-rated) under the bonus plan as part of his 
termination payment. Further details can be found on page 77. 

Annual bonus for 2017 
The maximum annual bonus opportunity in 2017 will remain unchanged from previous years and will be 150% of salary. 
The bonus for the Executive Directors will be based 80% on the same financial performance matrix as 2016 which is 
linked to revenue and operating profit and 20% on a basket of specific, measurable objectives that relate to the  
Ignite strategy. 

A customer experience measure will be captured in the Ignite strategic objective, Leading in customer experience. 
Therefore the NPS multiplier that operated in 2016 is no longer required.

Details of the Ignite strategy can be found on pages 2 to 15.

Up to 80% of total bonus or 120% of salary

Up to 20% of total bonus or 30% of salary

Revenue

Stretch

Target

Threshold

24%

16%

12%

72%

48%

36%

120%

96%

72%

Threshold

Target

Stretch

Operating profit

Basket of strategic  
measures

The Committee intends to publish the financial targets for 2017 and provide more detail on the basket of strategic 
measures, taking into account commercial sensitivity, in next year’s Directors’ Report on Remuneration.

70

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Awards vesting during the year 
In 2014, Inchcape granted awards under the PSP and CIP schemes which vested dependent on certain performance 
targets over three years to 31 December 2016. Although Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes were not granted 2014 
awards, the following tables detail the performance against the targets and vesting schedules: 

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

Vesting %
0%
100%
Straight line basis

Vesting outcome (% of element)
82%
100%
0%
86.5%

Vesting outcome (% of element)
1.64:1 match
2:1 match
1.73:1 match

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

Three year average ROCE
Less than 18%
18%
21%
Between 18% and 21%

2014 Normal PSP/CIP 
Three year EPS growth p.a.
Less than 5%
5%
13%
Between 5% and 13%

2014 Enhanced PSP
Three year EPS growth p.a.
Less than 13%
18%
Between 13% and 18%

Award
Normal PSP

Enhanced PSP
Total (overall vesting outcome of normal PSP)

Award
CIP

Total (overall vesting outcome of CIP)

Performance measure
EPS
ROCE
EPS

Performance measure
EPS
ROCE

Wtg.
75%
25%
100%

Wtg.
75%
25%

John McConnell, the former Group Finance Director, was granted a 2014 PSP and 2014 CIP award, therefore he was 
entitled to the following shares on vesting. 

Interest held

Vesting %

Interest vesting

Vesting date

market price (p)2

Estimated value

Assumed  

John McConnell
Normal PSP
Enhanced PSP
CIP

130,760
13,075
31,7081

86.5%
0.0%
86.5%

113,107 23 May 2017
0 23 May 2017
27,427 17 June 2017

648.8p
648.8p
648.8p

£733,838
£0
£177,946

1  Time pro-ration linked to time spent in employment in performance period has been applied to the original CIP award of 43,903. 
2  As the market price on the date of vesting is unknown at the time of reporting, the value is estimated using the average market value of the 

last three months of 2016.

SB award
As disclosed in last year’s report and detailed in the single figure table for 2015, Stefan Bomhard received an award of 
205,125 nil-cost options when he joined the Group on 1 April 2015. These options were in lieu of forfeited incentives from 
his previous employer and have an exercise price of 10p. Vesting is dependent on continued employment. On 
1 April 2016, one-third of this award (68,375 options) vested at a share price of 699.5p and he has until 1 April 2025 to 
exercise. His remaining options will vest on 1 April 2017 and 1 April 2018, dependent on continued employment.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Awards made during the year 
Normal and enhanced awards were made to the Executive Directors and other senior executives under the PSP and CIP. 
The PSP awards were granted as a fixed number of shares. 

Under the CIP, Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes invested 50% of salary and received an award of 100% of salary. 
Performance conditions for awards made in 2016 are as follows:

2016 Normal PSP/CIP
Three year EPS growth p.a. (75% weighting)
Less than 5%
5%
13%
Between 5% and 13%

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

Three year average ROCE (25% weighting)
Less than 21%
21%
25%
Between 21% and 25%

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

2016 Enhanced PSP
Three year EPS growth p.a. (100% weighting)
Less than 13%
18%
Between 13% and 18%

Vesting %
0%
100%
Straight line basis

Threshold level performance will result in 25% of the 2016 
normal PSP and CIP awards vesting and no vesting of the 
2016 enhanced PSP awards.

Award made to Richard Howes (RH award)
Richard Howes received an award in lieu of forfeited incentives from his previous employer when he joined the Group on 
11 April 2016. This award consists of 124,909 nil-cost options with an exercise price of 10p and has the 
following conditions:

 − 51,759 nil-cost options; half of this award vests on each of the first and second anniversaries of the grant date  

(i.e. 11 April 2017 and 2018) dependent on continued employment. This award is in lieu of forfeited incentives from his 
previous employer which did not have any performance conditions attached to the awards.

 − 73,150 nil-cost options; award will vest on 11 April 2018 dependent on 2015 PSP performance conditions being met 
(please see last year’s Directors’ Report on Remuneration for more detail on conditions). The option is structured as 
the PSP with 90% as ‘normal’ awards and 10% ‘enhanced’ awards. This award is in lieu of forfeited incentives from his 
previous employer which had performance conditions attached to the award. 

Awards made during the year are: 

Date of grant

Share price (p)1

Number of 
shares/options 
awarded

Face value at 
grant2

Performance period

Exercise period

Stefan Bomhard
Normal PSP
Enhanced PSP
CIP

13 April 2016
13 April 2016
22 April 2016

Richard Howes
Normal PSP
Enhanced PSP
CIP
SAYE
RH award
RH award

13 April 2016
13 April 2016
22 April 2016
26 Sept 2016
11 April 2016
11 April 2016

716.5p
716.5p
685.0p

716.5p
716.5p
685.0p
563.0p
685.5p
685.5p

143,734
15,971
100,603

£1,029,854 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Apr 2020
£114,432 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Apr 2020
£689,131 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Oct 2019

106,719
11,858
58,206
1,598
51,759
73,150

£764,642 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Apr 2020
£84,963 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Apr 2020
£398,711 Jan 2016 – Dec 2018 Apr 2019 – Oct 2019
n/a Nov 2019 – Apr 2020
£8,996
£354,808
n/a Apr 2017 – Mar 2026
£501,443 Jan 2015 – Dec 2017 Apr 2018 – Mar 2026

1  Mid-market share price on date of grant or option price for SAYE. 
2  Face value has been calculated using the share price at date of grant.

72

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Long-term incentives for 2017 
The Committee intends to continue to use EPS and ROCE as performance measures, however, we are proposing a 
re-weighting of measures, with 60% of an award based on three year underlying EPS growth (previously 75%) and 40% 
on ROCE (previously 25%) for grants made in 2017. This reflects the Group’s renewed capacity and appetite for strategic 
acquisitions and the Committee’s desire to ensure an appropriate balance between growth and returns.

The EPS range for the 2017 PSP and CIP awards will be 4% to 12% p.a reduced from 5% to 13% p.a. The Committee 
believes that these targets are very stretching with the management team required to exceed industry growth levels  
in order to achieve a payout under the EPS element of the 2017 awards. The Committee has also reviewed the ROCE 
range for the 2017 awards. The Group has always maintained a high focus on returns including ROCE and will continue 
to do so. Therefore, the target range for 2017 awards will be three year average ROCE of 22% to 26%, increased from 21% 
to 25%.

In response to shareholder feedback, the underlying EPS measure for PSP and CIP awards made from 2017 will be 
adjusted to exclude the impact of any share buy backs. The enhanced share element of the PSP awards has also been 
removed as it was not felt to be motivational; this is reflected in the reduction in the normal annual PSP award size from 
200% of salary to 180% of salary in 2017 for the Executive Directors.

The PSP and CIP awards for 2017 will be granted with the following weightings and targets:

2017 PSP/CIP 
Three year EPS growth p.a. (60% weighting)
Less than 4%
4%
12%
Between 4% and 12%

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

Three year average ROCE (40% weighting)
Less than 22%
22%
26%
Between 22% and 26%

Vesting %
0%
25%
100%
Straight line basis

Pension 
During the year, the Executive Directors received a cash supplement of 30% of base salary in lieu of pension 
contributions, and were eligible to join the Cash+ scheme. For 2017, this arrangement remains unchanged. 

On 31 December 2012, the Group closed the UK final salary pension plan to future accrual. Under the scheme, the 
Group offered defined benefit pensions for the then Executive Directors and other senior executives at the normal 
retirement age of 65. John McConnell was part of the scheme, Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes are not. John 
McConnell’s details are disclosed below.

Director’s pension entitlements – John McConnell (audited)

Increase  
in accrued  
DB pension 
 during the year  

 £’000
0.3

Increase  
in accrued  
lump sum  
during the year  

£’000
29.2

Increase  
in accrued  
DB pension  
during the year  
(net of inflation) 
 £’000
0.3

Increase  
in accrued  
lump sum  
during the year  
(net of inflation) 
£’000
29.2

Accumulated  
total of accrued  
DB pension  
31 December 2015 
£’000
15.5

Accumulated  
total of accrued  
DB pension at 
31 December 2016 
 £’000
15.8

Accumulated  
total of accrued  
lump sum at 
31 December 2015  

Accumulated  
total of accrued  
lump sum at 
31 December 2016  

£’000
131.8

£’000
161.0

Pension value  
in year  
£’000
7.7

Cash  
supplement  

£’000
n/a

Total  
£’000
n/a

Pension value  
in year  
£’000
17.5

Cash  
supplement 
£’000
27.9

Total £’000
45.4

Group pension

Cash+

John McConnell made a contribution to his pension of 7% of capped salary via salary sacrifice.

inchcape.com

73

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Executive share ownership and Directors’ interests (audited) 
The table below shows the total number of shares, options and awards held by each Director at 31 December 2016. 

Stefan Bomhard
Alison Cooper
Rachel Empey
Ken Hanna
Richard Howes
John Langston
John McConnell*
Coline McConville
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein
Till Vestring 

Shares held at 
31 December 
2016
60,803
5,069
6,760
70,000
15,889
3,314
191,346
1,923
28,118
9,315
64,389

Share awards held

Options held

Subject to 
performance 
conditions
497,421
n/a
n/a
n/a
249,933
n/a
238,439
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Subject to 
deferral
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
0
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Not subject to 
performance 
conditions
136,750
n/a
n/a
n/a
51,759
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Subject to 
deferral
1,557
n/a
n/a
n/a
1,598
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Vested but 
not yet 
exercised
70,131
n/a
n/a
n/a
0
n/a
91,037
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Guideline met
No
n/a
n/a
n/a
No
n/a
Yes
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

*  Shares and awards held by John McConnell on his date of leaving.

Vested but not yet exercised includes dividend equivalent shares accrued during performance period. 

There have been no changes to the number of shares held by the Directors between 31 December 2016 and 
28 February 2017.

Share ownership policy
The Executive Directors are required to hold a fixed number of shares equivalent to 200% of base salary. They have five 
years from the date of appointment to reach this shareholding.

Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes held 61% and 28% of salary respectively as at 31 December 2016.

Shares exercised during the year
John McConnell exercised 2,971 CIP awards on 20 September 2016. 

The share price on exercise was 674p. He sold enough shares upon exercise to cover tax and costs and kept the 
remaining shares. 

There were no further exercises in 2016.

74

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Percentage change in Group Chief Executive remuneration 
The table shows the percentage change in Group Chief Executive remuneration from 2015 compared with the average 
percentage change in remuneration for senior management. For the purposes of this disclosure, remuneration 
comprises salary, benefits (excluding pension) and annual bonus only. 

Salary
Taxable benefits1
Taxable benefits2
Single-year variable
Total

Change in remuneration from 2015 to 2016

Group Chief Executive
(0.9)%
(61.6)%
(23.8)%
(23.4)%
(18.0)%

Senior management
3.63%
0.0%
–
(0.93)%
2.49% 

1  Percentage change in benefits for the CEO including relocation allowance which was paid until March 2016. 
2  Percentage change in benefits for the CEO excluding relocation allowance. 

Employees representing the most senior executives (c.90) have been selected as this group is large enough to provide 
a robust comparison, whilst also providing data that is readily available on a matched sample basis. These employees 
also participate in bonus schemes of a similar nature to Executive Directors and therefore remuneration will be similarly 
influenced by Company performance. 

The changes for the Group Chief Executive have been determined with reference to aggregate numbers in 2015 for Stefan 
Bomhard and André Lacroix when undertaking their Chief Executive responsibilities.

Relative importance of spend on pay 
The chart shows the percentage change in total 
employee pay expenditure and shareholder 
distributions (i.e. dividends and share buy backs) 
from 2015 to 2016. 

As at 31 December 2016, £108m had been returned 
to shareholders under the share buy 
back programmes.

The Directors are proposing a final dividend for 2016 
of 16.8p per share (2015: 14.1p).

Relative importance of spend on pay (£M)

500

375

250

125

0

2015

2016

(1)%

+18.2%

91.1

90.2

91.4

108

Dividend

Share buy back

+12%

474

531

Employee
remuneration

Dilution limits 
During the year, options and awards granted under the Group’s incentive plans were satisfied on exercise by market 
purchase shares. Dilution limits are monitored throughout the year by the Committee and the Company complies with 
the limits set by the Investment Association. 

Issued share capital as at 31 December 2016
All schemes – 10% over 10-year rolling period 
Remaining headroom for all schemes 
Executive schemes – 5% over a 10-year rolling period 
Remaining headroom for executive schemes 

421m
42m
18m
21m
4m

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75

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued 

Pay for performance 
The graph below shows the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) of the Company over the eight-year period to 
31 December 2016. The FTSE mid 250 excluding investment trusts has been chosen as the most suitable comparator 
group as it is the general market index in which the Company appears. The table below details the Group Chief 
Executive’s single figure remuneration and actual variable pay outcomes over the same period.

Historical TSR performance
Growth in the value of a hypothetical £100 holding over the eight years to 31 December 2016

Value of £100 invested at 1 January 2009

1,600

1,200

800

400

0

08

09

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

Inchcape

FTSE mid 250 excluding investment trust

CEO single figure of 
remuneration (£’000)

Annual bonus outcome  
(% of maximum)

LTI vesting3 outcome  
(% of maximum)

Group Chief Executive

André Lacroix

Stefan Bomhard

2009
1,984
n/a

2010
1,984
n/a

2011
2,993
n/a

2012
2,165
n/a

2013
4,400
n/a

2014
5,265
n/a

2015
2941
2,9062

2016
n/a
1,403

100%

100%

52%

68%

48%

100%

56.8%

40.3%

0%

0%

100%

100%

66%

68%

n/a4

n/a5

1  The amount for André Lacroix in 2015 reflects remuneration received until he left the Group in March 2015.
2  Stefan Bomhard was appointed as Group Chief Executive on 1 April 2015. The amount reflects his remuneration from that time to 

31 December 2015 and includes relocation allowance and his share award in lieu of forfeited awards.

3  LTI includes CIP, ‘normal’ PSP, ‘enhanced’ PSP and options prior to 2013. 
4  Neither André Lacroix nor Stefan Bomhard received a vested award under the 2013 PSP or CIP. However, for those participants who did 

receive an award, 65.5% of the 2013 normal PSP vested and there was a 1.31 match for each share invested into the 2013 CIP.

5  Stefan Bomhard did not receive an award under the 2014 PSP or CIP. However, for those participants who did receive an award, 86.5% of 

the normal PSP vested and there was a 1.73:1 match for each share invested into the CIP.

76

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Shareholder context 
The table below shows the advisory vote on the 
Remuneration Report at the 2016 AGM. 

For (including discretionary)
Against
Total votes cast  
(excluding votes withheld)
Votes withheld1
Total votes cast  
(including votes withheld)

Total number  

% of  

of votes
213,903,231
122,942,981

votes cast
63.5%
36.5%

336,846,212
2,519,357

100%

339,365,569

1  Withheld votes are not included in the final proxy figures as they 

are not recognised as a vote in law.

The remuneration policy was submitted for a binding vote 
at the 2014 AGM where it received a 96.45% ‘for’ vote out 
of 376,626,838 total votes cast (including votes withheld). 

The Committee notes that although the majority of 
shareholders voted for the 2015 Annual Report of 
Remuneration at the AGM held in May 2016, 36.5% of 
votes were cast against. The Committee recognises that 
the vote against primarily relates to the disapplication of 
time pro-ration for our former Group Finance Director John 
McConnell’s 2014 PSP award upon his departure from the 
Group. We engaged with our shareholders to fully 
understand their concerns prior to, and after, the AGM as 
part of the remuneration policy process. As a result of 
those conversations we understand that many of our 
shareholders prefer for outstanding incentives to be time 
pro-rated as well as pro-rated for performance. The 
Committee has taken on board this preference and will 
appropriately time pro-rate if this situation arises again. 

Exit payments during the year
John McConnell left the Group in February 2016. In line 
with his good leaver status, he received the 
following payments:

Payment in lieu of notice 
John received a payment in lieu of notice of £299,728 
which equates to six months’ base salary and benefits.  
Benefits valued in the payment include pension 
allowance, life assurance, company car, and private 
medical cover.

2016 annual bonus 
John was entitled to receive a 2016 bonus of £44,338, 
which he received after his departure in February 2016. 
The bonus payout was calculated assuming target 
performance and was pro-rated for time spent in 
employment during 2016. 

2014 PSP and CIP awards 
As disclosed on page 71, 113,107 and 27,427 of John 
McConnell’s 2014 ‘normal’ PSP and CIP shares will vest in 
2017 due to EPS and ROCE performance achieved over 
three years to 31 December 2016. The CIP awards have 
been pro-rated for time spent in employment during the 
relevant performance period. No enhanced PSP shares 
vested as the EPS target was not met. 

John was also entitled to receive awards under the 2015 
PSP and CIP awards. Vesting will be pro-rated for time 
spent in employment during the relevant performance 
period and will be subject to performance targets.

Payments to past Directors 
No payments were made to past Directors in 2016. 

Other directorships 
The Executive Directors are generally permitted to take 
one non-executive directorship as long as it does not lead 
to conflicts of interest or undue time commitment. 

Stefan Bomhard is a Non-Executive Director of Compass 
plc, for which he received a fee of £55,115 during 2016.

Advisors to the Committee 
Kepler, a brand of Mercer (and part of the MMC group), 
acted as the independent remuneration advisor to the 
Committee during the year. Kepler attends Committee 
meetings and provides advice on remuneration  
for executives, analysis of the remuneration policy  
and regular market and best practice updates.  
Kepler reports directly to the Committee Chair and is  
a signatory and adheres to the Code of Conduct for 
Remuneration Consultants (which can be found  
at www.remunerationconsultantsgroup.com).  
Kepler was appointed by the Committee in 2010  
after a comprehensive tendering process carried  
out by the Committee. 

Mercer also supplies unrelated services to the Group in 
relation to IAS 19. The Committee is satisfied that the 
advice it receives from Kepler is objective and 
independent and that Kepler does not have any 
connection with the Company that may impair its 
independence. Kepler’s fees are charged at an hourly 
rate in accordance with the terms and conditions set out 
in the Engagement Letter. Kepler was paid fees of 
£126,310 for its services during the year, excluding 
expenses and VAT.

The Directors’ Report on Remuneration was approved by 
the Board and has been signed by Coline McConville on 
its behalf.

COLINE MCCONVILLE 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

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77

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report

Board of Directors
The Directors of the Company who were in office during 
the year and up to the date of signing the financial 
statements were:

Stefan Bomhard  
Alison Cooper 
Rachel Empey – joined May 2016  
Ken Hanna 
Richard Howes – joined April 2016  
John McConnell – left February 2016  
Coline McConville 
Nigel Northridge 
Nigel Stein  
Till Vestring 

In accordance with the 2014 UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Directors will stand for election or re-election at 
the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 May 2017, 
apart from John McConnell who left the Group in 
February 2016 and Alison Cooper who left the Group in 
February 2017. Jerry Buhlmann was appointed as a 
member of the Board in March 2017 and will stand for 
election at the AGM.

The Directors’ Report for the year ended 
31 December 2016 comprises pages 78 to 86 of this 
Report (together with sections incorporated by reference). 
Some matters normally included in the Directors’ Report 
are included in the Strategic Report on pages 2 to 43 
including future business development and risk 
management. Details on the breakdown of gender for 
the Directors, senior managers and employees of the 
Company required to be given in the Strategic Report 
under the Companies Act 2006 are given on page 81  
of this Report.

Corporate governance statement
The statement of compliance with the 2014 UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the information required under 
DTR7 is given in the Corporate Governance Report on 
page 48.

Results and dividends
The Group’s audited consolidated financial statements  
for the year ended 31 December 2016 are shown on 
pages 88 to 171. The Board recommends a final ordinary 
dividend of 16.8p per ordinary share. If approved at the 
2017 AGM, the final ordinary dividend will be paid on 
23 June 2017 to shareholders registered in the books of 
the Company at the close of business on 19 May 2017. 
Together with the interim dividend of 7.0p per ordinary 
share paid on 3 September 2016, this makes a total 
ordinary dividend for the year of 23.8p per ordinary share 
(2015 – 20.9p).

Auditor and disclosure of information  
to the auditor
So far as the Directors are aware there is no relevant audit 
information of which the Company’s auditor is unaware. 
The Directors have taken all the steps that they ought to 
have taken as Directors in order to make themselves 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Directors’ indemnity
A qualifying third party indemnity (QTPI), as permitted by 
the Company’s Articles of Association and sections 232 
and 234 of the Companies Act 2006, has been granted 
by the Company to each of the Directors of the Company. 
Under the provisions of the QTPI the Company undertakes 
to indemnify each Director against liability to third parties 
(excluding criminal and regulatory penalties) and to pay 
Directors’ costs as incurred, provided that they are 
reimbursed to the Company if the Director is found guilty 
or, in an action brought by the Company, judgment is 
given against the Director. The indemnity has been in 
force for the financial year ended 31 December 2016 and 
until the date of approval of this Report.

Share capital
As at 31 December 2016, the Company’s issued share 
capital of £42,100,481 comprised 421,004,809 ordinary 
shares of 10.0p. Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to 
receive the Company’s Report and Accounts, to attend 
and speak at General Meetings and to appoint proxies 
and exercise voting rights. The shares do not carry any 
special rights with regard to control of the Company.  
The rights are set out in the Articles of Association of 
the Company.

Restrictions of transfer of securities
There are no restrictions or limitations on the holding of 
ordinary shares and no requirements for prior approval  
of any transfers. There are no known arrangements under 
which financial rights are held by a person other than  
the holder of the shares. Shares acquired through the 
Company share schemes rank pari passu with the shares 
in issue and have no special rights.

Authority to purchase shares
At the Company’s AGM on 26 May 2016, the Company 
was authorised to make market purchases of up to 
43,212,719 ordinary shares (representing approximately 
10.0% of its issued share capital). 

In the year ended 31 December 2016, the Company 
purchased, for cancellation, 15,805,287 ordinary shares of 
10.0p each at a cost of £108m, representing 3.75% of the 
issued share capital at that date, as part of the Board’s 
commitment to return additional surplus cash to 
shareholders under the share buy back programme. 

78

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Interests in voting rights
During the year, the Company had been notified of the 
following interests pursuant to the Financial Conduct 
Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules. The 
information below was correct at the date of notification. 
It should be noted that these holdings are likely to have 
changed since notified to the Company. However, further 
notification of any change is not required until the next 
threshold is crossed.

Shareholder
Standard Life Investments
BlackRock Inc
Prudential plc
Legal & General 

Number of shares
51,124,216
29,954,388
15,251,091
12,952,096

Percentage notified
12.08%
7.11%
3.55%
3.07%

Source TR-1 notifications. These are updated on the Company’s 
website.

We have been notified of interests held in the company 
by Standard Life on 20 and 28 February and by BlackRock 
on 27 February. 

Employee benefit trust
The Executive Directors of the Company, together with 
other employees of the Group, are potential beneficiaries 
of the Inchcape Employee Trust (the Trust) and, as such, 
are deemed to be interested in any ordinary shares held 
by the Trust. At 31 December 2016, the Trust’s shareholding 
totalled 770,102 ordinary shares.

In respect of LR 9.8.4R(12) and (13), the trustee of the Trust 
agrees to waive dividends payable on the shares it holds 
for satisfying awards under the various share plans.

Directors’ interests
The table showing the beneficial interests, other than 
share options, including family interests, in the ordinary 
shares of the Company of the persons who were Directors 
at 31 December 2016 is shown in the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration on page 74.

There have been no changes to the number of shares 
held by Directors between 31 December 2016 and 
28 February 2017.

Directors’ responsibilities
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report, the Directors’ Report on Remuneration 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 have prepared the Group financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union,  

and the parent Company financial statements in 
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

Under company law the Directors must not approve the 
financial statements unless they are satisfied that they 
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group 
and the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group 
for that period. In preparing these financial statements, 
the Directors are required to:

 − select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 − make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 − state whether IFRS, as adopted by the European Union 

and applicable United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, have been followed, subject to any material 
departures disclosed and explained in the Group and 
parent Company financial statements 
respectively; and

 − prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Company’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of 
the Company and the Group and enable them to ensure 
that the financial statements and the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, 
as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation.

They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of 
the Company and the Group and hence for taking 
reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of 
fraud and other irregularities. The Directors are responsible 
for the maintenance and integrity of the 
Company’s website.

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

Each of the Directors who was in office at the date of this 
Report whose names and responsibilities are listed on 
pages 44 to 45, confirms that, to the best of 
their knowledge:

 − the Group financial statements, which have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the 
EU, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and profit of the Group; and

inchcape.com

79

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

 − the Operating Review contained on pages 18 to 31 

includes a fair review of the development and 
performance of the business and the position of the 
Group, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that it faces.

The Board has reviewed the content of the Annual Report 
and Accounts and considers when taken as a whole that 
it is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s position and performance, business model 
and strategy.

Going concern
Having assessed the principal risks and the other matters 
discussed in connection with the viability statement on 
page 38, the Directors consider it appropriate to adopt 
the going concern basis of accounting in the 
financial statements.

Articles of Association
The appointment and replacement of Directors is 
governed by the Company’s Articles of Association, the 
2014 UK Corporate Governance Code, the Companies 
Act 2006 and related legislation.

The Directors have authority to issue and allot ordinary 
shares pursuant to article 9 of the Articles of Association 
and shareholder authority is requested at each AGM. The 
Directors have authority to make market purchases for 
ordinary shares and this authority is also renewed 
annually at the AGM.

The Articles of Association may be amended by a special 
resolution of the shareholders. Subject to the Articles, the 
Companies Act 2006 and any directions given by special 
resolution, the business of the Company shall be 
managed by the Directors who may exercise all the 
powers of the Company.

Conflicts of interest
The Articles of Association permit the Board to authorise 
any matter which would otherwise involve a Director 
breaching his duty under the Companies Act 2006 to 
avoid conflicts of interest. When authorising a conflict of 
interest the Board must do so without the conflicting 
Director counting as part of the quorum. In the event that 
the Board considers it appropriate, the conflicted Director 
may be permitted to participate in the debate, but will be 
permitted neither to vote nor count in the quorum when 
the decision is being agreed. The Directors are aware that 
it is their responsibility to inform the Board of any potential 
conflicts as soon as possible and procedures are in place 
to facilitate disclosure.

Change of control
The Company is not party to any significant agreements 
that would take effect, alter or terminate upon a change 
of control of the Company following a takeover bid. 
However, certain of the Group’s third party funding 
arrangements would terminate upon a change of  
control of the Company.

The Group’s relationships with its OEM partners are 
managed at Group level, but the relevant contracts are 
entered into at a local level with day-to-day management 
being led by each operating business. Certain of the 
contracts may terminate on a change of control of the 
local contracting company.

The Company does not have agreements with any 
Director or employee providing compensation for loss of 
office or employment that occurs because of a takeover 
bid, except for provisions in the rules of the Company’s 
share schemes which may result in options or awards 
granted to employees to vest on a takeover.

Transactions with Directors
No transaction, arrangement or agreement, other than 
remuneration, required to be disclosed in terms of the 
Companies Act 2006 and IAS 24, ‘Related Parties’ was 
outstanding at 31 December 2016, or was entered into 
during the year for any Director and/or connected 
person (2015 – none).

Greenhouse gas emissions
The information required under Schedule 7 of the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 in respect of greenhouse 
gas emissions is given in the Environment section of the 
Corporate Responsibility Report on page 43.

80

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Employees
The Company is committed to a policy of treating all  
its colleagues and job applicants equally. We are 
committed to the employment of people with disabilities 
and will interview those candidates who meet the 
minimum selection criteria.

We provide training and career development for our 
employees, tailored where appropriate to their specific 
needs, to ensure they achieve their potential. If an 
individual becomes disabled while in our employment, 
we will do our best to ensure continued development in 
their role, including consulting them about their 
requirements, making appropriate adjustments and 
providing suitable alternative positions.

Employee involvement
The information required under Schedule 7 of the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 in respect of employee 
involvement is given in the People section of the 
Corporate Responsibility Report on page 40.

Gender diversity
The breakdown of the number of female and male 
employees who were (i) Directors of the Company (ii) 
senior managers and (iii) employees of the Company as 
at 31 December 2016 is as follows: 

Male
7

Female

70%

3

30%

Total 
10

Board 
Senior 
management 
All employees 

Other information – Listing rules
For the purposes of LR 9.8.4 R, the information required to 
be disclosed by LR 9.8.4 R can be found on the pages set 
out below:

Section

Information

Interest capitalised

Publication of unaudited financial 
information

Page

Not material to 
the Group

76 (TSR Graph)

Details of long-term incentive schemes

71-73

Waiver of emoluments by a director

Not applicable

Waiver of future emoluments by a director Not applicable

Non pre-emptive issues of equity for cash

Not applicable

Non pre-emptive issue by a major 
subsidiary undertaking

Not applicable

Parent participation in a placing by a listed 
subsidiary

Not applicable

Contracts of significance

Provision of services by a controlling 
shareholder

Shareholder waivers of dividends

Shareholder waiver of future dividends

Not applicable

Not applicable

79

79

Agreements with controlling shareholders

Not applicable

1 

2 

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

Annual General Meeting
The AGM will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, 
25 May 2017 at Deutsche Bank AG, Winchester House,  
1 Great Winchester Street, London EC2N 2DB. The notice 
convening the meeting and the resolutions to be put to 
the meeting, together with the explanatory notes, are 
given in the Circular to all shareholders.

84
11,904

14
86%
73% 4,309

98
14%
27% 16,212

The auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, have indicated 
their willingness to continue in office. A resolution to 
reappoint them as auditor will be proposed at the AGM.

Financial instruments
The information required under Schedule 7 of the Large 
and Medium-sized Companies and Groups (Accounts 
and Reports) Regulations 2008 in respect of financial 
instruments is given in note 23 to the financial statements 
on pages 131 to 137.

Principal financial risk factors
These risks are shown on pages 32 and 38.

Events after the reporting period
None.

The Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report were 
approved by the Board and have been signed by the 
secretary of the Company.

TAMSIN WATERHOUSE
Group Company Secretary

inchcape.com

81

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Directors’ Report continued

Compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
This section sets out the Company’s compliance with the 2014 UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”).  
This section should be read in conjunction with the Corporate Governance Report as a whole, which is set out  
on pages 46 to 78. 

A. Leadership

A.1. The Role of the Board
The Board is collectively responsible for the long-term success of the Company and achieves this by setting its strategic 
aims whilst ensuring that the necessary financial and human resources are available. The Board also ensures that the 
correct controls are in place to ensure the right culture exists throughout the organisation to achieve the objectives in a 
sustainable manner. The Board also reviews the performance of management to monitor the progress of implementing 
the strategy. Details of the Directors are given on page 45. 

There is a schedule of formal matters reserved for the Board which can be found at www.inchcape.com/governance 

The table below shows the Board and Committee meetings held during the year. There were additional Board calls and 
Committee meetings throughout the year to discuss specific issues as they arose. 

Name
Stefan Bomhard
Alison Cooper 
Rachel Empey*
Ken Hanna
Richard Howes*
John Langston
John McConnell* 
Coline McConville
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein
Till Vestring 

Board

Audit Committee Remuneration Committee

Nomination Committee

CR Committee

Scheduled/attended
6/6
6/5
3/3
6/6
4/4
6/6
1/1
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6

Scheduled/attended
–
4/4
2/2
–
–
4/4
–
–
4/4
4/4
–

Scheduled/attended
–
–
–
2/2
–
–
–
2/2
2/2
–
2/2

Scheduled/attended
–
2/2
1/1
2/2
–
2/2
–
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2

Scheduled/attended
2/2
–
–
2/2
–
–
–
2/2
–
–
2/2

*  Richard Howes and Rachel Empey joined during the year. John McConnell left during the year.

A.2. Division of responsibilities 
The Chairman and Group Chief Executive have separate 
roles and responsibilities. 

Ken Hanna is responsible for leading an effective Board, 
ensuring timely, accurate and relevant information is 
received, the composition of the Board and is Chair of the 
Nomination Committee. 

Stefan Bomhard is responsible for developing the Group’s 
strategy, running the day-to-day operations, reporting to 
the Board on performance, implementation of strategy 
and any significant developments, leading the Group 
Executive Committee including managing risk and 
internal control and engaging with shareholders. 

Their responsibilities are set out at appointment and are 
agreed by the Board. 

A.3. The Chairman 
The Chairman sets the Board’s agenda and a description 
of the changes to the Board’s planning process, to take 
into account strategic discussions, is given on page 47 
and details of the Board’s strategy day are given on  
page 49. 

Ken Hanna was considered independent upon 
appointment as Chairman. 

A.4. Non-Executive Directors 
The Non-Executive Directors are appointed to offer a wide 
range of skills and experience in order to challenge 
management and help develop strategy. The Non-
Executive Directors make up the Committees which have 
responsibilities for various aspects and details of their work 
can be found on pages 50 to 77. 

Nigel Northridge is the Senior Independent Director and is 
available to shareholders if they do not want to speak to 
the Chairman or the Group Chief Executive Officer. 

82

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The Non-Executive Directors meet without the Executive 
Directors on an annual basis and also meet without the 
Chairman to discuss his performance. 

If a Director has a concern about the running of the 
Company which cannot be resolved it would be 
recorded in the Board minutes. No such concerns arose 
in 2016. 

B. Effectiveness 

B.1. The composition of the Board 
The skills, experience and independence of the Directors 
are reviewed by the Nomination Committee and further 
details can be found on pages 54. The Board is satisfied 
that all Non-Executive Directors are considered 
independent in accordance with the Code. The Board 
consists of the Chairman, seven Non-Executive Directors 
and two Executive Directors. 

B.2. Appointments to the Board 
The Nomination Committee consists of seven members 
all of whom are independent Non-Executive Directors and 
is chaired by Ken Hanna. Its terms of reference can be 
found at www.inchcape.com/governance.

Non-Executive Directors are appointed for a period of 
three years. After each three year period the performance 
of the Director is reviewed by the Chairman, and the 
Committee will approve any further terms. All appointments 
are subject to annual re-election at the AGM. 

Nigel Northridge has been a member of the Board for 
over six years and his tenure has been taken into account 
when reviewing the composition of the Board and is 
subject to rigorous review. 

B.3. Commitment 
The Directors are required to allocate sufficient time to the 
Company to discharge their responsibilities and the 
Board dates are agreed two years in advance to ensure 
that Directors are able to plan accordingly and for other 
commitments to be taken into account. Non-Executive 
Directors are informed of the time commitment expected 
from them upon appointment and this is reviewed 
annually to ensure that the time expected is still relevant 
in light of the Company’s strategic agenda. 

Other directorships held by Directors are given in their 
biographies on page 45. The Company has a policy of 
one non-executive directorship for the Executive Directors. 
Stefan Bomhard was appointed as a Non-Executive 
Director of Compass Group plc. Details of the fees paid to 
him are given on page 77 of the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration. 

The letters of appointment for Non-Executive Directors are 
available at the AGM and upon request. 

B.4. Development 
All Directors receive a tailored induction programme 
upon appointment designed to ensure that they have 
sufficient knowledge of the business and the context in 
which it operates. The induction consists of one-to-one 
meetings with Executive Committee members and other 
key management and a site visit designed to give the 
Director an in-depth understanding of the Retail and 
Distribution businesses. 

The Non-Executive Directors are expected to update their 
knowledge and skills regularly and training is provided for 
the Board and individual Directors as required. During the 
year, external experts are invited to Board meetings to 
speak on relevant topics to give additional insight and 
context to the business. During the year, the Board 
received professional advice and training on the Market 
Abuse Regulations which came into force on 3 July 2016. 

The Chairman discussed any training or development 
needs of each Director during the evaluation process. 

B.5 Information and support 
The Group Company Secretary is responsible for  
ensuring the Board has access to relevant and accurate 
information. The Board agendas are agreed in advance 
by the Chairman and the Group Chief Executive and 
include regular items such as reports from the Group 
Chief Executive, the Chief Financial Officer and Investor 
Relations. The reports include information on operational 
matters, financial performance and strategic 
developments. Regional updates, designed to give a 
deeper view of the markets, are given throughout the  
year by the relevant market Chief Executive Officers.

The Group Company Secretary also supports the Board 
by providing advice and services, including access to 
independent advice, and ensures that an accurate 
record of the meeting is taken. If a Director has any 
concerns about the Company or any of the decisions 
being taken, this would be recorded in the minutes. No 
such concerns arose during 2016.

B.6 Evaluation 
The Company undertakes an evaluation of the Board 
every year with every third year being an externally 
facilitated evaluation by an independent consultant. The 
internal evaluations take the form of a Company 
Secretary-led questionnaire or a Chairman-led interview-
based evaluation. Internal evaluations typically look at 
oversight responsibilities which include strategy, finance, 
performance, the market, investor relations, talent and 
succession planning, reputation, risk and governance. 
Board effectiveness and the performance of the 
Committees are also evaluated. 

inchcape.com

83

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

B.7 Re-election 
All Directors will stand for election or re-election at the 
AGM apart from Alison Cooper who left the Board in 
February 2017. The biographies of the Directors can be 
found on page 45 and the Board has set out its views on 
why the Directors should be elected or re-elected in the 
Notice of Meeting. 

C Accountability 

C.1 Financial and business reporting 
During the year the Board reviewed the Annual Report 
and Accounts, the interim results and any other trading 
updates which are released to the public. During each 
review the Board challenged management on the 
assumptions and judgements used taking into account 
the strategy, business model, resources and future trends 
affecting the business. 

The Board is responsible for presenting a fair, balanced 
and understandable assessment of the Group’s position 
and prospects. The Board is satisfied that appropriate 
processes are in place to enable it to make this statement 
and to provide the necessary information on position and 
performance, business model and strategy to allow users 
to make a fair assessment of the business. A statement of 
the Directors’ responsibilities is set out on pages 79 to 80. 
The going concern statement is set out on page 80

The Board is responsible for establishing and maintaining 
adequate internal controls of regular financial reporting 
for the Group, including the consolidation process. 
Internal controls over the financial reporting framework 
are designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting as well as the 
preparation of the financial statements in accordance 
with IFRS. The Internal Audit team regularly assess the 
effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting 
as well as the preparation of financial statements based 
on the framework contained in the FRC guidance  
on risk management, internal control and related 
financial and business reporting and the UK Corporate 
Governance Code. There have been no significant 
changes to the control environment and the Board has 
concluded that the Group’s internal system of controls 
over financial reporting was effective during the year. 
Further information on the significant issues considered 
by the Audit Committee during the year are given on 
page 52.

Preparation of consolidated accounts
All data to be consolidated into the Group’s financial 
statements is reviewed thoroughly by management to 
ensure that it gives a true and fair reflection of the 
financial position of the Group. The Group has established 
the following internal controls in relation to the process for 
preparing consolidated financial statements:

 − The Group Finance department, which is responsible 
for producing the consolidated financial statements, 
consists of appropriately qualified individuals. 
Management regularly monitors developments in 
accounting regulations and considers the impact on 
the consolidated financial statements.

 − For each external reporting period, a set of group 

reporting instructions are distributed to each market. 
The local finance teams are required to confirm that 
they have read and understood all instructions.

 − The financial statements of each local market are 

subject to a review by a local finance manager prior to 
being submitted to Group Finance.

 − The Group Finance department will review the 

submissions of each market to look for unusual or 
unexpected items. Any unexplained items are queried 
with local management.

The Group’s consolidation, which takes the results of the 
local markets and makes appropriate adjustments, is 
reviewed as appropriate by members of the Group 
Finance team.

 − The draft consolidated financial statements are 

reviewed by a qualified individual independent of the 
team who prepared them.

 − The Audit Committee and the Board review the draft 

consolidated financial statements. The Audit 
Committee receives reports from management and 
the external auditor on significant judgements and 
other matters of relevance to the financial statements.

 − The financial statements of all material local markets 

are subject to external audit. 

 − The business model and strategy can be found on 

pages 2 to 15. 

 − The going concern statement is given on page 80. 

C.2 Risk management and internal control 
The Board is responsible for determining the nature and 
extent of the risks it is willing to take to achieve its strategic 
objectives. The Board carries out a robust review of the 
principal risks facing the Company on an annual basis 
and the Audit Committee reviews certain risks on an 
ongoing basis as part of their delegated responsibilities.

The risk management and internal control system is 
designed to ensure: 

 − risks are identified, evaluated and mitigated; 

 − information is reliable, accurate and timely; 

 − we comply with plans, procedures, laws, regulations 

and contracts; 

 − assets (including people) are safeguarded; 

 − resources are used effectively and efficiently; and 

 − objectives and goals are met. 

84

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

The principal risks are built from a bottom-up review 
overlaid with a top-down view from the Executive and 
iPOM Committees. The Group Executive Committee 
identifies the key risks and develops mitigation plans for 
managing those risks. The Audit Committee monitors and 
challenges the outputs. 

In order to ensure that we are addressing each of the 
principal risks in the most effective manner, the risks are 
analysed according to those underlying factors which 
may contribute to the primary risk. Breaking down the risks 
into such ‘causal factors’ facilitates the creation of a 
robust, comprehensive assurance map.

This assurance map is then monitored at the Group iPOM 
Committee and by the Board to determine the level of risk 
against our risk appetite and whether further actions are 
required either in certain business units or Group-wide to 
manage the risk to within acceptable parameters. Where 
further actions are identified, these are monitored and 
tracked to completion.

The Group uses an online risk management and 
reporting solution to monitor its risks (and associated 
action plans) at Group level and at market level. This, 
along with the iPOM risk management dashboard 
(reviewed at both Group and market level), ensures the 
correct focus on risk management and mitigation at all 
management levels of the business.

A description of risks, an explanation of how they are 
being managed and mitigated and the Board’s viability 
statement can be found in the Risk management report 
on pages 32 to 38.

The key control processes, described below, enable the 
Directors to review the effectiveness of the risk 
management and internal control systems on an 
ongoing basis:

 − The Annual Operating Plan (AOP) is reviewed and 

approved by the Board.

 − Monthly actual results are reviewed by management 
against the AOP and, where appropriate, revised 
forecasts are presented to the Board.

 − Financial information is reported to the Board on a 

monthly basis including cash flow, balance sheet and 
key performance indicators.

 − Key operational and compliance processes and 

controls are reviewed regularly by Group Internal Audit 
and the findings are reported to the Audit Committee 
at each meeting.

 − The Audit Committee reviewed the effectiveness of the 
Minimum Control Framework (“MCF”) throughout the 
year. The Audit Committee did not identify any 
significant control failings. 

 − Clearly defined authority limits including capital 

expenditure approval procedures.

 − Bank balances are reviewed daily and cash flows 

compared with budgets weekly.

 − Each business unit is required to implement a rigorous 
set of internal controls covering operations, financial 
and compliance. The Chief Executive and Finance 
Director of each business unit will provide annual 
written confirmation that the effectiveness of the 
internal control systems has been reviewed, adhered to 
and remains appropriate.

 − Appropriate regulatory training including anti-bribery is 
in place in all business units and is monitored by the 
Head of Corporate Assurance.

Further information on the Group’s internal control system, 
MCF, can be found in the Audit Committee Report on 
pages 50 to 53. 

The process is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives. In 
establishing and reviewing the system of internal control, 
the Directors have regard to the nature and extent of the 
relevant risks, the likelihood of loss being incurred and the 
costs of control. The system can only provide a 
reasonable but not absolute assurance against any 
material mis-statement or loss and cannot eliminate 
business risk. 

The Board has determined that there were no significant 
failings or weaknesses identified during the review of the 
risk management and internal control processes during 
the year and further confirm that these systems were in 
place during 2016 and up to the date of this Report. 

C.3 Audit Committee and the auditors 
It is the role of the Audit Committee to ensure the integrity 
of the financial reporting and audit processes, to ensure 
sound internal control and risk management systems are 
in place, to review the Group’s whistleblowing procedures 
and to ensure there is an appropriate relationship with 
the external auditor. 

The Audit Committee Terms of Reference can be found at 
www.inchcape.com/governance. 

The Audit Committee consists of five independent 
Non-Executive Directors. John Langston, Alison Cooper, 
Rachel Empey and Nigel Stein are qualified chartered 
accountants and are considered to have recent and 
relevant financial experience. In addition, the Committee 
as a whole has competence in Retail which is the sector 
in which the Company operates.

The Committee met four times during the year to coincide 
with the financial calendar. Only members of the 
Committee are entitled to attend Committee meetings. 
However, the Chairman, Group Chief Executive, Chief 
Financial Officer, Group Financial Controller and Group 
Audit Director attend the Committee meetings along with 
the external auditor. Other senior executives, such as the 

inchcape.com

85

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

Group Tax Director and General Counsel, attend during 
the year to present to the Committee. 

The Group has an externally hosted whistleblowing line in 
place. InConfidence is a compliance and ethics 
reporting solution which allows both hotline and web 
reporting capabilities in multiple languages, integrated 
with case management software to support efficient and 
effective investigation, remediation and reporting. 

Further details of the work of the Audit Committee can be 
found on pages 50 to 53. 

D. Remuneration 

D.1 Level and components of remuneration 
Details of the remuneration paid to the Directors of the 
Group are given in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration 
on pages 57 to 77. 

D.2 Procedure 
It is the role of the Remuneration Committee to ensure 
that remuneration arrangements support the strategic 
aims of the business and enable the recruitment, 
motivation and retention of senior executives while also 
complying with the requirements of regulation.

Its terms of reference can be found at www.inchcape.
com/governance and details of the remuneration 
consultants can be found on page 77 of the Directors’ 
Report on Remuneration. 

The Remuneration Committee consists of three 
independent Non-Executive Directors and the Chairman. 
The Committee invites other individuals such as the 
Group Chief Executive, Chief Human Resources Officer 
and external consultants to attend its meetings.  
No Director takes any part in any decision affecting  
his or her own remuneration. 

The limit to Non-Executive Director fees is set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association, a copy of which is 
available at www.inchcape.com.

Further details can be found in the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration given on pages 57 to 77. 

E. Relations with shareholders 

E.1 Dialogue with shareholders 
As the Company is putting a new remuneration policy to 
shareholders at the 2017 AGM, a consultation took place 
with major shareholders during the year. Further details 
are given in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration on 
pages 57 to 77. 

In addition, Ken Hanna met with several major 
shareholders to discuss various strategic and governance 
issues and to ensure that the Company is fully aware  
of shareholders views and expectations of the Group.  

The views of shareholders are communicated to the 
Board after each meeting and through regular Investor 
Relations reports, and analysts and brokers briefings. 

2016 AGM 
Last year, the 2015 Annual Report of Remuneration was 
passed by the majority of shareholders, however 36.5% of 
votes were cast against. The Chairman and Remuneration 
Committee Chair engaged with our shareholders to fully 
understand their concerns prior to, and after, the AGM as 
part of the remuneration policy process. 

Shareholders confirmed that the vote against primarily 
related to the disapplication of time pro-ration for former 
Group Finance Director John McConnell’s 2014 PSP 
award upon his departure from the Group. 

As a result of those conversations we understand that 
many of our shareholders prefer for outstanding 
incentives to be time pro-rated as well as pro-rated for 
performance. The Remuneration Committee has taken  
on board this preference and will appropriately pro-rate  
if this situation arises again.

E2. Constructive use of General Meetings 
The AGM gives shareholders an opportunity to meet the 
Board and ask any questions they have regarding the 
Group. The Board encourages participation of private 
shareholders at the AGM; however, the Board understands 
that it is not always possible for shareholders to attend. 
Shareholders are encouraged to contact the Company 
with any questions they wish to raise with the Board  
of Directors. 

The Company complies with the Code as it relates to 
voting,the proposal of separate resolutions on each 
substantially separate issue and the attendance of the 
Committee Chairs at the AGM. Details of the voting at the 
AGM are available on the Company’s website.

The Group is committed to reducing its impact on the 
environment and encourages shareholders to receive 
communications electronically to reduce paper usage. 
Shareholders can also register for news alerts via email. 
Please visit the website www.inchcape.com/investors for 
more information. It is important for shareholders to 
receive communications in the form most appropriate to 
their needs and they can change the way they receive 
information at any time.

The Company’s registrars, Computershare, act as 
scrutineers at the AGM and ensure that the votes are 
correctly counted and recorded.

All Directors are required to attend the AGM.

86

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Financial Statements

  88  Consolidated income statement

  89  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

  90  Consolidated statement of financial position

  91  Consolidated statement of changes in equity

  92  Consolidated statement of cash flows

  93  Accounting policies

 100  Notes to the financial statements

 145  Five year record

 146  Report of the auditors – Group

 153  Company statement of financial position

 154  Company statement of changes in equity

 155  Accounting policies

 157  Notes to the financial statements

 170  Report of the auditors – Company

Other information
 172  Shareholder information

inchcape.com

87

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSConsolidated income statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

 Before 
exceptional 
items 
2016
£m 

Exceptional 
items
(note 2)
2016
£m 

Notes

 Before 
exceptional 
items  
2015 
£m 

 Exceptional 
items 
(note 2) 
2015 
£m  

Total
2016
£m 

 Total
2015
£m 

1, 3

7,838.4

(6,759.3)

1,079.1

–

–

–

7,838.4

6,836.3 

(6,759.3) (5,847.5) 

1,079.1

988.8 

– 

6,836.3

–  (5,847.5)

– 

988.8

Net operating expenses  

3

(720.0)

(81.6)

(801.6)

(664.1) 

(49.5)

(713.6)

Operating profit  
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint ventures and 
associates 

Profit before finance and tax 

Finance income  

Finance costs 

Profit before tax 

Tax  

Profit for the year 

Profit attributable to: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

Basic earnings per share (pence) 

Diluted earnings per share (pence) 

13

6

7

8

9

9

359.1

(81.6)

277.5

324.7 

(49.5)

275.2

(0.1)

359.0

17.0

(26.6)

349.4

(88.0)

261.4

–

(0.1)

0.7 

(81.6)

277.4

–

–

17.0

(26.6)

(81.6)

267.8

11.5

(76.5)

(70.1)

191.3

325.4 

14.4 

(27.7) 

312.1 

(74.9) 

237.2 

– 

(49.5)

– 

– 

(49.5)

(4.8)

(54.3)

184.4

6.9

191.3

43.2p

42.6p

0.7

275.9

14.4

(27.7)

262.6

(79.7)

182.9

175.8

7.1

182.9

39.8p

39.4p

The notes on pages 100 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

88

88 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 

Profit for the year  

Other comprehensive income: 

Items that will not be reclassified to the consolidated income statement 

Defined benefit pension scheme remeasurements  

Current tax recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Deferred tax recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Notes 

2016 
£m 

2015 
£m

191.3

182.9

5 

(60.3)

(26.8)

0.1

10.8

16 

–

1.2

(49.4)

(25.6)

Items that may be or have been reclassified subsequently to the consolidated income statement 

Cash flow hedges 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Deferred tax recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

16 

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

Total comprehensive income for the year  

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

The notes on pages 100 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

(35.3)

215.3

10.5

190.5

141.1

332.4

25.9

(49.9)

(7.7)

(31.7)

(57.3)

125.6

324.5

7.9

332.4

117.7

7.9

125.6

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2016 

Non-current assets 

Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investments in joint ventures and associates 
Available for sale financial assets
Trade and other receivables 
Deferred tax assets 
Retirement benefit asset 

Current assets 

Inventories 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets
Derivative financial instruments 
Current tax assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Assets held for sale 

Total assets 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Current tax liabilities 
Provisions 
Borrowings 

Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities 
Borrowings 
Retirement benefit liability 

Total liabilities 

Net assets 

Equity 
Share capital  
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Other reserves 
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to owners of the parent 

Non-controlling interests 

Total equity 

 Notes  

2016  
£m  

2015 
£m 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
5 

614.5 
778.6 
4.1 
3.6 
50.9 
31.7 
80.0 

418.4
644.0
5.3
1.2
47.2
18.7
124.3

  1,563.4 

1,259.1

17  1,549.4 
446.0 
15 
0.2 
14 
160.1 
23 
13.6 
645.2 

18 

1,224.4
327.8
0.2
134.5
4.0
473.8

  2,814.5 

2,164.7

19 

3.2 

4.5

  2,817.7 

2,169.2

  4,381.1 

3,428.3

20  (1,911.6) (1,566.1)
(3.6)
23 
(70.7)
(22.7)
(103.3)

(53.6)
(68.5)
(37.0)
(481.7)

21 
22 

  (2,552.4) (1,766.4)

20 
21 
16 
22 
5 

(18.0)
(32.7)
(80.8)
(292.0)
(42.7)

(12.8)
(26.5)
(43.8)
(311.5)
(25.4)

(466.2)

(420.0)

  (3,018.6) (2,186.4)

  1,362.5 

1,241.9

24 

42.2 
146.7 
138.4 
(25.6)
25 
26  1,042.2 

43.8
146.7
136.8
(215.1)
1,106.8

  1,343.9 

1,219.0

18.6 

22.9

1,362.5 

1,241.9

The notes on pages 100 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial 
statements on pages 88 to 144 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2017 and were signed on its behalf by: 

STEFAN BOMHARD, 
Group Chief Executive 

RICHARD HOWES,
Chief Financial Officer

90

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium 
£m

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m

Other 
reserves
(note 25) 
£m

Retained 
earnings 
(note 26)  
£m 

  Notes 

Equity 
attributable 
to owners of 
the parent 
£m 

Non- 
controlling 
interests
£m

Total
shareholders’
 equity
£m

At 1 January 2015  

45.0

146.7

135.6

(182.6) 1,148.2 

1,292.9 

25.2

1,318.1

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive (loss) /  
income for the year 

Total comprehensive income /  
(loss) for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 

Share buy back programme 

Net purchase of own shares by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust 

Dividends: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

At 1 January 2016  

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income /  
(loss) for the year 

Total comprehensive income  
for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 

4,16 

Share buy back programme 

24 

(1.6)

Net purchase of own shares by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust 

Dividends: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

At 31 December 2016 

10 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.2)

–

–

–

4,16 

24 

10 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.2

–

–

–

–

175.8 

175.8 

(32.5)

(25.6) 

(58.1) 

(32.5)

150.2 

117.7 

9.8 

9.8 

(91.4) 

(91.4) 

(18.9) 

(18.9) 

(91.1) 

(91.1) 

43.8

146.7

136.8 (215.1) 1,106.8  1,219.0 

22.9

1,241.9

– 

– 

(10.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

–

–

–

–

184.4 

184.4 

189.5

(49.4) 

140.1 

189.5

135.0 

324.5 

11.3 

11.3 

(109.8) 

(109.8) 

(10.9) 

(10.9) 

(90.2) 

(90.2) 

42.2

146.7

138.4

(25.6) 1,042.2  1,343.9 

18.6

1,362.5

– 

– 

(12.2)

7.1

0.8

7.9

–

–

–

–

6.9

1.0

7.9

–

–

–

–

182.9

(57.3)

125.6

9.8

(91.4)

(18.9)

(91.1)

(10.2)

191.3

141.1

332.4

11.3

(109.8)

(10.9)

(90.2)

(12.2)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The notes on pages 100 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Share-based payments include a net tax charge of £0.8m (current tax credit of £0.2m and a deferred tax charge of £1.0m)  
(2015 – net tax credit of £0.2m (current tax credit of £2.0m and a deferred tax charge of £1.8m)). 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 

Cash flows from operating activities 

Cash generated from operations 

Tax paid 

Interest received  

Interest paid 

Net cash generated from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 

Acquisition of businesses, net of cash and overdrafts acquired 

Net cash inflow from sale of businesses 

Purchase of property, plant and equipment 

Purchase of intangible assets 

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities  

Share buy back programme 

Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape Employee Trust 

Net cash inflow from borrowings 

Payment of capital element of finance leases 

Equity dividends paid  

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

Cash and cash equivalents consist of: 

– Cash at bank and cash equivalents 

– Short-term deposits 

– Bank overdrafts 

The notes on pages 100 to 144 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Notes 

27a 

28 

28 

10 

 2016  
£m 

 2015
£m 

382.8 

(99.5)

12.4 

(24.1)

271.6 

(201.1)

2.8 

(71.1)

(22.7)

21.7 

328.4

(69.6)

10.1

(27.5)

241.4

(5.1)

5.4

(50.2)

(19.0)

15.6

(270.4)

(53.3)

(109.8)

(10.9)

133.3 

(1.2)

(90.2)

(12.2)

(91.4)

(18.9)

3.7

(0.5)

(91.1)

(10.2)

(91.0)

(208.4)

27b 

(89.8)

375.3 

130.5 

416.0 

(20.3)

416.8

(21.2)

375.3

Notes 

 2016 
£m 

2015 
£m 

18 

18 

22 

473.7 

171.5 

(229.2)

416.0 

335.3

138.5

(98.5)

375.3

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC) interpretations and with those parts  
of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. 

Accounting convention 
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for available for sale 
financial assets, and those financial assets and financial liabilities (including derivative instruments) held at fair value through 
profit or loss, which are measured at fair value. 

Going concern 
Having assessed the principal risks and the other matters discussed in connection with the viability statement, the Directors  
have considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 

Changes in accounting policy and disclosures 
The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the reporting period, other than where new policies  
have been adopted as presented below. 

The following standards were in issue but were not effective at the balance sheet date. These standards have not yet been early 
adopted by the Group, and will be applied for the Group’s financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2017 subject to 
EU endorsement. 

•  IAS 7, ‘Amendment to IAS 7, Cash flow statements’. 
•  IAS 12, ‘Amendment to IAS 12, Income taxes’. 
•  IFRIC 22, ‘Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration’. 
•  IAS 40, ‘Investment property’.  
•  IFRS 2, ‘Amendment to IFRS 2, Share based payments’. 
•  IFRS 4, ‘Amendment to IFRS 4, Insurance contracts’. 
•  IFRS 9, ‘Financial instruments’. 
•  IFRS 9, ‘Amendment to IFRS 9, Financial instruments’. 
•  IFRS 15, ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. 
•  IFRS 15, ‘Amendment to IFRS 15, Revenue from contracts with customers’. 
•  IFRS 16, ‘Leases’. 
•  Annual improvements (2014 – 2016). 

Management are currently reviewing the new standards to assess the impact that they may have on the Group’s reported 
position and performance. 

Basis of consolidation 
The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the parent Company (Inchcape plc) and all of  
its subsidiary undertakings (defined as those where the Group has control), together with the Group’s share of the results of 
its joint ventures (defined as those where the Group has joint control) and associates (defined as those where the Group has 
significant influence but not control). The results of subsidiaries are consolidated and the Group’s share of results of its joint 
ventures and associates is equity accounted for as of the same reporting date as the parent Company, using consistent 
accounting policies.  

The results of newly acquired subsidiaries are consolidated using the acquisition method of accounting from the date on which 
control of the net assets and operations of the acquired company are effectively transferred to the Group. Similarly, the results 
of subsidiaries disposed of cease to be consolidated from the date on which control of the net assets and operations are 
transferred out of the Group. 

The Group treats transactions with non-controlling interests as transactions with equity owners of the Group. For purchases  
from non-controlling interests, the difference between any consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying 
value of net assets of the subsidiary is recorded in equity. Gains or losses on disposals to non-controlling interests are also 
recorded in equity. 

Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the Group’s share of post-
acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the consolidated income statement, and its share of post-acquisition movements in 
shareholders’ equity is recognised in shareholders’ equity. If the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or 
exceeds its investment in the joint venture or associate, the Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has contractual 
obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate. 

Intercompany balances and transactions and any unrealised profits arising from intercompany transactions are eliminated  
in preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Accounting policies continued 

Foreign currency translation 
Transactions included in the results of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 
environment in which the entity operates (the functional currency). The consolidated financial statements are presented in 
Sterling, which is the functional currency of the parent Company, Inchcape plc, and the presentation currency of the Group.  

In the individual entities, transactions in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange 
prevailing at the dates of the individual transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
subsequently retranslated at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the reporting period. All differences are taken to the 
consolidated income statement, except those arising on long-term foreign currency borrowings used to finance or hedge 
foreign currency investments which on consolidation are taken directly to other comprehensive income.  

The assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the end of the 
reporting period. The income statements of foreign operations are translated into Sterling at the average rates of exchange for 
the period. Exchange differences arising from 1 January 2004 are recognised as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. 
On disposal of a foreign operation, any cumulative exchange differences held in shareholders’ equity are transferred to the 
consolidated income statement.  

Revenue, other income and cost of sales 
Revenue is measured at the fair value of consideration receivable, net of any discounts, rebates, trade allowances or amounts 
collected on behalf of third parties. It is recognised to the extent that it is probable that economic benefits will flow to the Group 
and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue excludes sales related taxes and intra-group transactions. In practice this 
means that: 

Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of ownership have passed to the customer 
and the revenue can reliably be measured. Risk and rewards are considered to have passed to the customer when the vehicles 
or parts are invoiced and physically dispatched or collected. 

Revenue from the rendering of services is recognised when the service has been undertaken. 

Where the Group acts as an agent on behalf of a principal in relation to finance, insurance and similar products, the 
associated commission income is recognised within revenue in the period in which the related finance or insurance product is 
sold and receipt of payment can be assured. 

Finance income is recognised when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Group and the amount of income 
can be measured reliably. It is accrued on a time basis by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest 
rate applicable. 

Dividend income is recognised when the right to receive payment is established.  

Where a vehicle is sold to a leasing company and the Group undertakes to repurchase the vehicle for a specified value at a 
predetermined date, the sale is not recognised on the basis that the significant risks and rewards of ownership are not deemed 
to have been recognised outside of the Group. Consequently, such vehicles are retained within ‘property, plant and 
equipment’ in the consolidated statement of financial position at cost and are depreciated to their residual value over the life of 
the lease. The difference between the initial amounts received from the leasing company and the repurchase commitment is 
recognised as deferred income in the consolidated statement of financial position and is released to the consolidated income 
statement on a straight line basis over the life of the lease. The repurchase commitment, which reflects the price at which the 
vehicle will be bought back, is held within ‘trade and other payables’, according to the date of the commitment. 

Cost of sales includes the expense relating to the estimated cost of self-insured warranties offered to customers. These 
warranties form part of the package of goods and services provided to the customer when purchasing a vehicle and are not a 
separable product. 

Share-based payments 
The Group operates various share-based award schemes. The fair value at the date at which the share-based awards are 
granted is recognised in the consolidated income statement (together with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity) 
on a straight line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. At the  
end of each reporting period, the Group revises its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest. The impact  
of any revision is recognised in the consolidated income statement with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

For equity-settled share-based awards, the services received from employees are measured by reference to the fair value of  
the awards granted. With the exception of the Group Save As You Earn scheme, the vesting of all share-based awards under all 
schemes is solely reliant upon non-market conditions, therefore no expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest. 
Where an employee or the Company cancels an award, the charge for that award is recognised as an expense immediately, 
even though the award does not vest. 

Finance costs 
Borrowing costs which are directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of a qualifying asset are capitalised 
as part of the cost of that asset from the first date on which the expenditure is incurred for the asset and until such time as  
the asset is ready for its intended use. A Group capitalisation rate is used to determine the magnitude of borrowing costs 
capitalised on each qualifying asset. This rate is the weighted average of Group borrowing costs, excluding those borrowings 
made specifically for the purpose of obtaining a qualifying asset. 

All other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

Income tax  
The charge for current income tax is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items which are not taxed or are 
disallowed. It is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period.  

Deferred income tax is accounted for using the liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.  

In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and 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. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference is due to goodwill arising on a business 
combination, or to an asset or liability, the initial recognition of which does not affect either taxable or accounting income. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures  
and associates, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the 
temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability  
is settled using rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax is charged or credited  
in the consolidated income statement, except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to shareholders’ equity, in 
which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in shareholders’ equity. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention  
to settle balances net. 

Exceptional items  
Items which are both material and non-recurring are presented as exceptional items within their relevant consolidated income 
statement category. The separate reporting of exceptional items helps provide additional useful information regarding the Group’s 
underlying business performance. Examples of events which may give rise to the classification of items as exceptional include gains or 
losses on the disposal of businesses, restructuring of businesses, litigation, asset impairments and exceptional tax related matters.  

Goodwill 
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of acquisition of a business combination over the Group’s share of the fair value of 
identifiable net assets of the business acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is initially recognised at cost and is held in 
the functional currency of the acquired entity and revalued at the closing exchange rate at the end of each reporting period. 

After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. At the date of acquisition, the goodwill is 
allocated to cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing and is tested at least annually for impairment.  

Gains and losses on disposal of a business include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the business sold except for 
goodwill arising on business combinations on or before 31 December 1997 which has been deducted from shareholders’  
equity and remains indefinitely in shareholders’ equity. 

Other intangible assets 
Intangible assets, when acquired separately from a business (including computer software), are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Costs comprise purchase price from third parties as well as internally 
generated development costs where relevant. Amortisation is provided on a straight line basis to allocate the cost of the asset 
over its estimated useful life, which in the case of computer software is three to five years. Amortisation is recognised in the 
consolidated income statement within ‘net operating expenses’. 

Intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination are capitalised separately from goodwill if the benefit of the 
intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights and the fair value can be measured reliably on initial 
recognition. The principal intangible assets are agreements with manufacturers for the distribution of new vehicles and parts, 
which represent the estimated value of distribution rights acquired in business combinations. Such agreements have varying 
terms and periods of renewal and have historically been renewed indefinitely without substantial cost. The Group therefore 
expects these agreements to be renewed indefinitely and accordingly no amortisation is charged on these assets. The Group 
assesses these distribution rights for impairment on an annual basis. 

Other intangible assets acquired in a business combination may include order books and customer contracts. These intangible 
assets are amortised on a straight line basis over their estimated useful life, which is generally less than a year.  

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises  
the purchase price and directly attributable costs of the asset and includes, where relevant, capitalised borrowing costs. 
Depreciation is based on cost less estimated residual value and is included within ‘net operating expenses’ in the consolidated 
income statement, with the exception of depreciation on ‘interest in leased vehicles’ which is charged to ‘cost of sales’. It is 
provided on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset, except for freehold land which is not depreciated.  
For the following categories, the annual rates used are:  

Freehold buildings and long leasehold buildings  

2.0% 

Short leasehold buildings  

Plant, machinery and equipment  

Interest in leased vehicles  

shorter of lease term or useful life 

5.0% – 33.3% 

over the lease term 

The residual values and useful lives of all assets are reviewed at least at the end of each reporting period and adjusted if necessary. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Accounting policies continued 

Impairment 
Assets that are subject to amortisation or depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances  
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Any impairment losses are included within ‘net operating  
expenses’ in the consolidated income statement. 

In addition, goodwill is not subject to amortisation but is tested at least annually for impairment. An impairment loss is 
recognised for the amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount, the latter being the higher  
of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use. Value in use calculations are performed using cash flow projections, 
discounted at a pre-tax rate which reflects the asset specific risks and the time value of money.  

A provision for impairment of trade receivables is established when there is objective evidence that the Group will not be able  
to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The carrying amount of the asset is reduced 
through the use of an allowance account, and the amount of the loss is recognised in the consolidated income statement 
within ‘net operating expenses’. When a trade receivable is uncollectible, it is written off against the allowance account for 
trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited against ‘net operating expenses’ in  
the consolidated income statement. 

Non-financial assets, other than goodwill, which have previously been impaired, are reviewed for possible reversal of the 
impairment at each reporting date. 

Inventories 
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises expenditure incurred in bringing inventories 
to their present location and condition. Net realisable value represents the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of 
completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution. Used vehicles are carried at the lower of cost or  
fair value less costs to sell, generally based on external market data available for used vehicles. 

Vehicles held on consignment are included within inventories as the Group is considered to have the risks and rewards  
of ownership. The corresponding liability is included within ‘trade and other payables’.  

Inventory can be held on deferred payment terms. All costs associated with this deferral are expensed in the period in which  
they are incurred. 

An inventory provision is recognised in situations where net realisable value is likely to be less than cost (such as obsolescence, 
deterioration, fall in selling price). When calculating the provision, management considers the nature and condition of the 
inventory, as well as applying assumptions around anticipated saleability, determined on conditions that exist at the end of the 
reporting period. With the exception of parts, generally net realisable value adjustments are applied on an item-by-item basis. 

Trade receivables 
Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.  
These are recognised as current assets if collection is due in one year or less. If collection is due in over a year, they are 
presented as non-current assets. 

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 
method, less provision for impairment. A provision for impairment is established when there is objective evidence that the Group 
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. The amount of the provision is the 
difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows. 

Trade payables 
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business. These  
are classified as current liabilities if payment is due in one year or less. If payment is due at a later date, they are presented as  
non-current liabilities.  

Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.  

Trade payables include the liability for vehicles held on consignment, with the corresponding asset included within inventories. 

Borrowings 
Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred, and are subsequently stated at amortised cost.  
Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value is recognised in the consolidated 
income statement over the period of the borrowings, using the effective interest method. 

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Pensions and other post-retirement benefits 
The Group operates a number of retirement benefit schemes.  

The major schemes are defined benefit pension funds with assets held separately from the Group. The cost of providing  
benefits under the plans is determined separately for each plan using the projected unit credit actuarial valuation method. 

The current service cost and gains and losses on settlements and curtailments are included in ‘cost of sales’ or ‘net operating 
expenses’ in the consolidated income statement. Past service costs are similarly recognised in the consolidated income 
statement. Administrative scheme expenses associated with the plans are recorded within ‘net operating expenses’ when 
incurred, in line with IAS 19 (revised). Net interest income or interest cost relating to the funded defined benefit pension plans  
is included within ‘finance income’ or ‘finance costs’, as relevant, in the consolidated income statement. 

Changes in the retirement benefit obligation or asset due to experience and changes in actuarial assumptions are included  
in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, as actuarial gains and losses, in full in the period in which they arise. 

Where scheme assets exceed the defined benefit obligation, a net asset is only recognised to the extent that an economic 
benefit is available to the Group, in accordance with the terms of the scheme and, where relevant, statutory requirements. 

The Group’s contributions to defined contribution plans are charged to the consolidated income statement in the period  
to which the contributions relate. 

The Group also has a liability in respect of past employees under post-retirement healthcare schemes which have been closed 
to new entrants. These schemes are accounted for on a similar basis to that for defined benefit pension plans in accordance 
with the advice of independent qualified actuaries.  

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation in respect of a past event, when it is more likely than not that  
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and where the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are 
discounted when the time value of money is considered to be material, using an appropriate risk free rate on government bonds.  

Product warranty provision 
A product warranty provision corresponds to self-insured extended warranties beyond those provided by the manufacturer,  
as part of the sale of a vehicle. Provision is made for the expected cost of labour and parts based on historical claims 
experience and expected future trends.  

Vacant leasehold provision 
A vacant leasehold provision is recognised when the Group is committed to certain leasehold premises for which it no longer  
has a commercial use. It is made to the extent of the estimated future net cost, including existing subtenant arrangements if any.  

Litigation provision 
A litigation provision is recognised when a litigation case is outstanding at the end of the reporting period and there is  
a likelihood that the legal claim will be settled.  

Disposal group and assets held for sale  
Where the Group is actively marketing a business and disposal is expected within one year of the end of the reporting period, 
the assets and liabilities of the associated businesses are separately disclosed in the consolidated statement of financial 
position as a disposal group. Assets are classified as assets held for sale if their carrying amount is to be recovered principally 
through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. Both disposal groups and assets held for sale are stated at the 
lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. 

Segmental reporting 
Segment information is reported in accordance with IFRS 8, ‘Operating segments’, which requires segmental reporting to be  
presented on the same basis as the internal management reporting. The Group’s operating segments are countries or groups 
of countries and the market channels, distribution and retail. These operating segments are then aggregated into reporting 
segments to combine those with similar characteristics. 

Financial instruments 
The Group classifies its financial instruments in the following categories: loans and receivables; held at fair value through  
profit and loss; financial liabilities measured at amortised cost; and available for sale. The classification is determined at initial 
recognition and depends on the purpose for which the financial instruments are required.  

Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an  
active market. They are included in current assets, except where the maturity date is more than 12 months after the end  
of the reporting period. They are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently recorded at amortised cost.  

Held at fair value through profit and loss includes derivative financial assets and liabilities, which are further explained  
below. They are classified according to maturity date, within current and non-current assets and liabilities respectively.  

Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost include non-derivative financial liabilities which are held at original cost,  
less amortisation or provisions raised.  

Available for sale financial assets include non-derivative financial assets, such as bonds and equity investments. They are 
classified as non-current assets unless management intends to dispose of them within 12 months of the end of the reporting 
period and are held at fair value.  

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Accounting policies continued 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents in the consolidated statement of financial position comprise cash at bank and in hand,  
short-term bank deposits and money market funds.  

In the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise cash and cash equivalents, as defined 
above, net of bank overdrafts.  

Leases 
Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at the 
inception of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease 
payments are apportioned between the finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest 
on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are charged to the consolidated income statement. Capitalised leased 
assets are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term. 

Leases where the Group does not hold substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset are classified as 
operating leases. Operating lease rental payments are recognised as an expense in the consolidated income statement  
on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

Offsetting  
Netting in the consolidated statement of financial position only occurs to the extent that there is the legal ability and intention  
to settle net. As such, bank overdrafts are presented in current liabilities to the extent that there is no intention to offset with the 
cash balance. 

Derivative financial instruments  
An outline of the objectives, policies and strategies pursued by the Group in relation to its financial instruments is set out in note 
23 to the consolidated financial statements. 

Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at 
their fair value. The method of recognising the resulting gain or loss depends on whether the derivative is designated as a hedging 
instrument, and if so, the nature of the item being hedged. The Group designates certain derivatives as:  

•  hedges of the fair value of recognised assets or liabilities or a firm commitment (fair value hedge); or 
•  hedges of a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction (cash flow hedge). 

Fair value hedge 
Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the consolidated 
income statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the 
hedged risk. The Group only applies fair value hedge accounting for hedging fixed interest risk on borrowings and future fixed 
amount currency liabilities (on its cross currency interest rate swaps). The gain or loss relating to the effective portion of interest 
rate swaps hedging fixed rate borrowings and changes in the fair value of those borrowings are recognised in the consolidated 
income statement within ‘finance costs’. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is also recognised in the consolidated 
income statement within ‘finance costs’. 

Cash flow hedge 
For cash flow hedges that meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gains or losses on the hedging 
instrument that is determined to be an effective hedge is recognised directly in other comprehensive income and the ineffective 
portion is recognised within ‘net operating expenses’ in the consolidated income statement. When the hedged forecast 
transaction results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the 
associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised in other comprehensive income are included in the initial 
measurement of the acquisition cost or other carrying amount of the asset or liability. For all other cash flow hedges, the gains 
or losses that are recognised in other comprehensive income are transferred to the consolidated income statement in the same 
period in which the hedged forecast transaction affects the consolidated income statement. 

Available for sale financial assets 
Gains and losses on available for sale financial assets are recognised in other comprehensive income, until the investment  
is sold or is considered to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss previously reported in other comprehensive 
income is included in the consolidated income statement. Cumulative gains and losses on investments held for operational 
reasons are included within ‘net operating expenses’. Cumulative gains and losses on investments held for financing purposes 
are included within ‘finance income’ and ‘finance costs’ respectively. 

Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Where the Group purchases the Group’s equity share capital (treasury shares),  
the consideration paid is deducted from shareholders’ equity until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of.  
Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ equity.  

Dividends 
Final dividends proposed by the Board of Directors and unpaid at the year end are not recognised in the consolidated  
financial statements until they have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends  
are recognised when they are paid. 

Significant accounting judgements and estimates 
The Directors have made a number of estimates and assumptions regarding the future, and made some significant 
judgements in applying the Group’s accounting policies. These are discussed below: 

98

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets 
Goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets are tested at least annually for impairment in accordance with the 
accounting policy set out above. The recoverable amount of cash generating units is determined based on value in use 
calculations. These impairment calculations require the use of estimates including projected future cash flows (see note 11). 

Incentives and other rebates from brand partners 
The Group receives income in the form of various incentives which are determined by our brand partners. The amount we 
receive is generally based on achieving specific objectives, such as a specified sales volume, as well as other objectives 
including maintaining brand partner standards which may include, but are not limited to, retail centre image and design 
requirements, customer satisfaction survey results and training standards. Objectives are generally set and measured on either 
a quarterly or annual basis. 

Where incentives are based on a specific sales volume or number of registrations, the related income is recognised as a 
reduction in cost of sales when it is reasonably certain that the income has been earned. This is generally the later of the date 
the related vehicles are sold or registered or when it is reasonably certain that the related target will be met. Where incentives 
are linked to retail centre image and design requirements, customer satisfaction survey results or training standards, they are 
recognised as a reduction in cost of sales when it is reasonably certain that the incentive will be received for the relevant period. 

The Group may also receive contributions towards advertising and promotional expenditure. Where such contributions are 
received, they are recognised as a reduction in the related expenditure in the period to which they relate. 

Pensions and other post-retirement benefits 
Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities are determined based on the actuarial assumptions detailed in note 5. A 
number of these assumptions require a considerable degree of judgement, including the rate of inflation, discount rate and 
expected mortality rates. These assumptions are subject to a review on an annual basis and are determined in conjunction  
with an external actuary. The use of different assumptions could have a material effect on the value of the relevant liabilities and 
could result in a material change to amounts recognised in the income statement over time. 

In November 2015, the TKM Group Pension Scheme completed a buy-in transaction whereby the assets of the scheme were 
invested in a bulk purchase annuity contract that matches the benefits payable to the members of the scheme. The contract 
has been structured to enable the scheme, in time, to move to a full buy-out, following which the insurance company will 
become directly responsible for the pension payments under the scheme. As at 31 December 2016, the bulk purchase annuity 
contract continues to be accounted for as an asset of the scheme and valued on the same basis as the liabilities that it 
matches. 

Tax 
The Group is subject to income taxes in a number of jurisdictions. Some degree of estimation is required in determining the 
worldwide provision for income taxes (see note 8). There are a number of transactions and calculations during the ordinary 
course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit 
issues based on best estimates of whether additional taxes will be due without taking into account whether tax authorities 
would detect any particular issue. The estimate is made separately for each jurisdiction and takes into account management’s 
view of the relevant tax laws and environment applicable to the operations of the Group in those jurisdictions. No single item is 
expected to give rise to a material adjustment in the following or subsequent years. 

Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will 
impact the current tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.  

In addition, the recognition of deferred tax assets is dependent upon an estimation of future taxable profits that will be available 
against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised (see notes 8 and 16). In the event that actual taxable profits are 
different, such differences may impact the carrying value of such deferred tax assets in future periods.  

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment if events or circumstances indicate that the 
carrying value may not be recoverable. When an impairment review is carried out, the recoverable value is determined based 
on value in use calculations which require estimates to be made of future cash flows (see notes 11 and 12). 

Repurchase commitments 
The Group has entered into commitments in relation to certain leased vehicles to repurchase the vehicle for a specified value at 
a predetermined date. These commitments are an estimate of future market value at a specified point in time. The actual 
market value of vehicles bought back may vary from the committed purchase value. To the extent that the actual market value 
of such vehicles is expected to be less than the repurchase commitment, a provision is recognised and is included with Other 
Provisions in note 21. 

Where the repurchase commitment is in respect of a vehicle sold by the Group to a leasing company, the repurchase 
commitment is held within ‘trade and other payables’. Where the Group has entered into a repurchase commitment in respect 
of vehicles that have not been sourced from within the Group, then the repurchase commitment is included as a purchase 
commitment (see note 30). 

Product warranty provision  
The product warranty provision requires an estimation of the number of expected warranty claims, and the expected cost  
of labour and parts necessary to satisfy these warranty claims (see note 21). 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Notes to the financial statements 

1 Segmental analysis 
The Group has eight reportable segments which have been identified based on the operating segments of the Group that are 
regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker, which has been determined to be the Executive Committee, in order 
to assess performance and allocate resources. Operating segments are then aggregated into reporting segments to combine 
those with similar economic characteristics. The management and reporting of the previous North Asia and South Asia regions 
has changed to encompass the combination of these to form an Asia region, as well as moving China from the Emerging 
Markets region to Asia. In addition, and reflecting the percentage of the European region as a proportion of the Group across 
revenue, profit and assets, UK and Europe has been formed as a new reporting region. The new region encompasses the UK, 
Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Finland, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. The following 
summary describes the operations of each of the Group’s reportable segments: 

Distribution 

Australasia 

UK and Europe  

Asia 

Emerging Markets 

Retail 

Australasia 

UK & Europe 

Emerging Markets 

Central 

Distribution of new vehicles and parts in Australia and New Zealand together with 
associated marketing and logistics operations. 
Distribution of new vehicles and parts, together with associated marketing activities, in 
mature European markets. 
Exclusive distribution and sale of new vehicles and parts, in Asian markets, together with 
associated aftersales activities of service and bodyshop repairs. 
Distribution of new vehicles and parts, in growing markets, together with associated 
aftersales activities of service and bodyshop repairs. 
Sale of new and used vehicles in Australia together with associated aftersales activities of 
service, bodyshop repairs and parts sales. 
Sale of primarily new and used premium vehicles in mature markets, together with 
associated aftersales activities of service, bodyshop repairs and parts sales. 
Sale of new and used vehicles in growing markets together with associated aftersales 
activities of service, bodyshop repairs and parts sales. 
Comprises the Group’s head office function and includes all central activities including 
the Board, finance, human resources, marketing, governance and global information 
services. 

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
 and Europe
£m 

 Asia 
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m  

921.5
(176.7)
744.8

26.5
(32.1)

1,591.6
–
1,591.6

136.7
(11.6)

333.4 
– 
333.4 

52.0 
(0.5) 

953.0
(225.2)
727.8

67.8
(0.5)

67.3

(5.6)

125.1

51.5 

238.3

Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution 
£m 

3,799.5
(401.9)
3,397.6

283.0
(44.7)

2016 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Trading profit / (loss) 
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit / (loss) after  
exceptional items  

Share of loss after tax of joint ventures  
and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  
Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

100

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis continued 

2016 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Trading profit / (loss) 
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit / (loss) after  
exceptional items  

Share of loss after tax of joint ventures 
and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  
Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
 and Europe
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

701.3
–
701.3

3,318.1
–
3,318.1

421.4
–
421.4

4,440.8
–
4,440.8

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

8,240.3 
(401.9) 
7,838.4 

 Central
£m 

 Total
£m 

– 
– 
– 

8,240.3
(401.9)
7,838.4

34.6
(4.7)

70.6
(4.6)

0.4
(0.4)

105.6
(9.7)

388.6 
(54.4) 

(29.5)
(27.2)

359.1
(81.6)

29.9

66.0

–

95.9

334.2 

(56.7)

277.5

(0.1)
277.4
17.0
(26.6)
267.8
(76.5)
191.3

Net finance costs of £9.6m are not allocated to individual segments. 

The Group’s reported segments are based on the location of the Group’s assets. Revenue earned from sales is disclosed by 
origin and is not materially different from revenue by destination. Revenue is further analysed as follows: 

2016 

UK  
Rest of the world  
Group  

Gross profit for Distribution and Retail activities is analysed as follows: 

2016 

Distribution  
Retail  
Group  

£m

3,030.7
4,807.7
7,838.4

 Vehicles 
£m 

 Aftersales 
£m  

 Total
£m 

339.7 
339.0 
678.7 

242.1 
158.3 
400.4 

581.8
497.3
1,079.1

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Segmental analysis continued 

2016 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

 Asia 
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution
£m 

129.8

215.2

372.2

276.0 

993.2

(354.4)

(168.4)

(329.4)

(184.4) 

(1,036.6)

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2016 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of other intangible assets 
Net provisions charged / (credited)  
to the consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

12.7
–
2.6

2.3
–
0.3
–
–

4.0

1.6
7.4
1.3

1.4
0.9
0.9
24.9
0.3

10.3

 Asia 
£m 

21.9
10.7
0.3

8.6
4.7
4.1
–
1.9

 Emerging 
 Markets  
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution 
£m 

5.3 
1.1 
1.0 

4.0 
0.9 
0.1 
– 
– 

41.5
19.2
5.2

16.3
6.5
5.4
24.9
2.2

34.8

21.9

(1.4) 

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

102

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis continued 

2016 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

Retail  

 Total  
Retail  
£m 

 Total 
£m 

179.2

756.7

116.7 

1,052.6 

2,045.8

(160.5)

(745.3)

(74.5) 

(980.3)

822.8
1,512.5
(2,016.9)

(1,001.7)
1,362.5

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2016 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of other intangible assets 
Net provisions charged / (credited)  
to the consolidated income statement 

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets
£m 

1.1
–
4.3

2.2
–
–
–
4.0

3.2

26.2
8.1
2.4

15.2
4.1
5.6
–
–

28.2

2.1
–
1.2

3.9
–
3.2
–
–

0.6

 Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

29.4
8.1
7.9

21.3
4.1
8.8
–
4.0

32.0

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

70.9 
27.3 
13.1 

37.6 
10.6 
14.2 
24.9 
6.2 

66.8 

0.1 
– 
9.3 

0.4 
– 
0.7 
– 
16.6 

(0.9)

71.0
27.3
22.4

38.0
10.6
14.9
24.9
22.8

65.9

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

761.4
(183.7)
577.7

67.0
–

67.0

740.4
(156.5)
583.9

22.8
–

22.8

 Asia 
£m 

1,431.9
–
1,431.9

133.4
–

133.4

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m 

303.8 
– 
303.8 

43.8 
– 

43.8 

Distribution 

 Total
Distribution
£m 

3,237.5
(340.2)
2,897.3

267.0
–

267.0

1 Segmental analysis continued 

2015 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Trading profit / (loss) 
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit / (loss) after  
exceptional items  

Share of profit after tax of joint ventures 
and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  
Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

104

104 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis continued 

2015 

Revenue 
Total revenue  
Inter-segment revenue  
Revenue from third parties  

Results  
Trading profit / (loss) 
Operating exceptional items  
Operating profit / (loss) after  
exceptional items  

Share of profit after tax of joint 
ventures and associates  
Profit before finance and tax  
Finance income  
Finance costs  
Profit before tax  
Tax  
Profit for the year  

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets
£m 

642.2
–
642.2

23.6
–

23.6

2,951.0
–
2,951.0

66.1
–

66.1

345.8
–
345.8

(2.0)
(49.5)

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

3,939.0
–
3,939.0

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

7,176.5 
(340.2) 
6,836.3 

 Central
£m 

 Total
£m 

–
–
–

7,176.5
(340.2)
6,836.3

87.7
(49.5)

354.7 
(49.5) 

(30.0)
–

324.7
(49.5)

(51.5)

38.2

305.2 

(30.0)

275.2

0.7
275.9
14.4
(27.7)
262.6
(79.7)
182.9

Net finance costs of £13.3m are not allocated to individual segments. 

The Group’s reported segments are based on the location of the Group’s assets. Revenue earned from sales is disclosed by 
origin and is not materially different from revenue by destination. Revenue is further analysed as follows: 

2015 

UK  
Rest of the world  
Group  

Gross profit for Distribution and Retail activities is analysed as follows: 

2015 

Distribution  
Retail  
Group  

£m 

2,725.2
4,111.1
6,836.3

 Total
£m 

530.3
458.5
988.8

 Vehicles 
£m 

 Aftersales 
£m  

326.5 
305.0 
631.5 

203.8 
153.5 
357.3 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1 Segmental analysis continued 

2015 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

 Asia
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total
Distribution
£m 

90.9

164.2

318.1

137.6 

710.8

(218.6)

(120.5)

(248.7)

(122.3) 

(710.1)

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2015 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Net provisions charged / (credited)  
to the consolidated income statement 

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

1.9
–
2.4

2.6
–
0.4
–

6.3

0.9
0.5
0.5

1.3
0.6
0.8
–

4.8

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution
£m 

6.1 
8.4 
0.2 

3.8 
0.8 
0.1 
– 

1.6 

22.2
22.6
5.4

14.8
5.1
4.7
–

19.4

 Asia
£m 

13.3
13.7
2.3

7.1
3.7
3.4
–

6.7

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

106

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Segmental analysis continued 

2015 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets 
£m 

Retail  

 Total  
Retail  
£m 

 Total 
£m 

115.5

725.8

63.6 

904.9 

1,615.7

(115.4)

(720.9)

(49.5) 

(885.8)

600.5
1,212.1
(1,595.9)

(590.5)
1,241.9

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2015 

Other segment items  
Capital expenditure:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
– Intangible assets  
Depreciation:  
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets  
Impairment of goodwill 
Net provisions charged / (credited)  
to the consolidated income statement 

 Australasia
£m 

 UK
and Europe
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets
£m 

0.7
–
0.1

1.7
–
–
–

10.3

14.3
11.9
3.0

13.8
4.7
5.2
–

23.7

2.5
–
1.9

3.9
–
3.1
49.5

0.5

 Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

17.5
11.9
5.0

19.4
4.7
8.3
49.5

34.5

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central 
£m 

 Total 
£m 

39.7 
34.5 
10.4 

34.2 
9.8 
13.0 
49.5 

53.9 

0.1
–
8.8

0.3
–
1.0
–

(1.3)

39.8
34.5
19.2

34.5
9.8
14.0
49.5

52.6

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

www.inchcape.com 

107 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

2 Exceptional items 

Goodwill impairment (see note 11) 
Impairment of software and associated assets (see notes 11 and 12) 
Restructuring costs 
Acquisition of businesses 
Total exceptional items before tax 
Exceptional tax (see note 8) 
Total exceptional items 

2016 
 £m  

(24.9) 
(23.1) 
(24.8) 
(8.8) 
(81.6) 
11.5 
(70.1) 

2015 
 £m 

(49.5)
–
–
–
(49.5)
(4.8)
(54.3)

During the year, the Group has made configuration changes to the iPower system to better reflect the Ignite strategy. This has 
resulted in a number of areas of functionality being superseded and as such, we have recorded an exceptional, non-cash 
impairment charge of £23.1m. 

The restructuring costs of £24.8m represent the cost of a Group-wide programme to better align the organisation with the Ignite 
strategy and comprise headcount reduction; the associated costs of exiting surplus properties; and costs associated with the 
redevelopment of the third party Retail network in certain markets. 

Exceptional costs of £8.8m related to the acquisition of businesses are the costs incurred in acquiring the Subaru, Hino and 
associated Distribution businesses from Empresas Indumotora S.A. in South America. 

3 Revenue and expenses  
a. Revenue  
An analysis of the Group’s revenue for the year is as follows:  

Sale of goods  
Provision of services  

b. Analysis of net operating expenses  

Distribution costs  
Administrative expenses 
Other operating (income) / expense 

Net operating 
expenses before 
exceptional 
items 
2016
 £m 

 Exceptional 
items 
2016
 £m 

431.7
314.6
(26.3)
720.0

2.4
31.2
48.0
81.6

 Net 
operating 
expenses 
2016
 £m 

434.1
345.8
21.7
801.6

c. Profit before tax is stated after the following charges / (credits):  

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets: 
– Property, plant and equipment  
– Interest in leased vehicles  
Amortisation of intangible assets 
Impairment of goodwill 
Impairment of other intangible assets 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment 
Impairment of trade receivables 
Profit on sale of property, plant and equipment 
Operating lease rentals  

2016  
£m  

7,232.1 
606.3 
7,838.4 

2015 
£m 

6,300.3
536.0
6,836.3

 Net operating 
expenses before 
exceptional  
items  
2015 
 £m 

 Exceptional 
items  
2015 
 £m 

364.6 
302.5 
(3.0) 
664.1 

– 
– 
49.5 
49.5 

2016 
 £m 

38.0 
10.6 
14.9 
24.9 
22.8 
1.3 
1.1 
(12.7) 
62.8 

 Net 
operating 
expenses 
2015
 £m 

364.6
302.5
46.5
713.6

2015
 £m 

34.5
9.8
14.0
49.5
–
–
2.3
(2.1)
53.3

Profit on the sale of property, plant and equipment in 2016 relates to the sale of a surplus site in Australia; rationalisation of 
service facilities in Hong Kong; sale of surplus land in Russia; and ongoing rationalisation of the Retail portfolio in the UK. In 2015, 
the Group disposed of surplus assets in Australia and the UK. 

108

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3 Revenue and expenses continued 
d. Auditors’ remuneration 
During the year the Group (including its overseas subsidiaries) obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors at costs 
as detailed below:  

Audit services:  
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for the audit of the parent Company and 
the consolidated financial statements  
Fees payable to the Company’s auditors and its associates for other services:  
– The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries  
– Audit related assurance services  
– Tax advisory services  
– Tax compliance services  
– All other services  
Total fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers  

Audit fees – firms other than PricewaterhouseCoopers  

e. Staff costs 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Other pension costs  
Share-based payment charge 

 2016
£m 

2015
£m 

0.5

2.3
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.3
3.5

0.2

 2016
£m 

458.2
42.1
18.6
12.1
531.0

0.5

1.6
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.1
2.7

0.1

 2015
£m 

409.1
38.9
16.4
9.6
474.0

Other pension costs correspond to the current service charge and contributions to the defined contribution schemes  
(see note 5). 

Information on Directors’ emoluments and interests which forms part of these audited consolidated financial statements  
is given in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration which can be found on pages 57 to 77 of this document. Information on 
compensation of key management personnel is set out in note 31b. 

f. Average monthly number of employees 

Australasia 
UK and Europe 
Asia 
Emerging Markets 
Total operational 
Central 

2016
Number 

490
787
3,104
1,314
5,695

Distribution 

2015
Number 

423
770
2,992
1,350
5,535

2016
Number 

1,065
6,416
–
1,587
9,068

Retail   

2015 
Number    

1,064   
6,116   
–   
1,679   
8,859   

2016
Number 

1,555
7,203
3,104
2,901
14,763
132
14,895

Total 

2015
Number 

1,487
6,886
2,992
3,029
14,394
129
14,523

www.inchcape.com 

109 

inchcape.com 109

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
Notes to the financial statements continued 

4 Share-based payments 
The terms and conditions of the Group’s share-based payment plans are detailed in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration.  

The charge arising from awards granted under share-based payment plans was £12.1m (2015 – £9.6m), all of which was equity-
settled.  

The Other Share Plans disclosures below include other share-based incentive plans for senior executives and employees. 

The following table sets out the movements in the number of share options and awards during the year: 

2016 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

2015 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

Weighted average 
 exercise price* 

Performance 
Share Plan 

Executive Share 
Option Plan 

Save As You  
Earn Plan 

Other 
Share Plans 

£4.51
£4.87
£4.51
£5.54
£4.48

£1.89

4,908,991
1,627,939
(885,350)
(1,021,084)
4,630,496

294,139

390,177
–
(35,018)
–
355,159

355,159

2,148,491 
806,099 
(493,270) 
(409,325) 
2,051,995 

1,190,277
509,333
(295,759)
(117,105)
1,286,746

7,431 

100,825

Weighted average 
 exercise price* 

Performance
Share Plan 

Executive Share 
Option Plan 

£3.81
£4.82
£2.98
£4.84
£4.51

£2.27

6,894,702
1,626,284
(1,614,721)
(1,997,274)
4,908,991

259,213

886,411
–
(496,234)
–
390,177

390,177

Save As You 
 Earn Plan 

2,159,578 
1,014,035 
(730,746) 
(294,376) 
2,148,491 

Other 
Share Plans 

1,269,799
605,212
(576,386)
(108,348)
1,190,277

41,229 

27,833

*   The weighted average exercise price excludes nil cost awards made under the Performance Share Plan and Other Share Plans. 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the awards outstanding at 31 December 2016 is 3.2 years (2015 – 2.4 
years). 

The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £0.10 to £5.78 (2015 – £0.10 to £5.78). See note 
24 for further details.  

The fair value of options granted under the Save As You Earn Plan and Other Share Plans is estimated as at the date of grant 
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which the options were 
granted. The fair value of nil cost awards granted under the Performance Share Plan and Other Share Plans is the market value 
of the related shares at the time of grant. The following table lists the main inputs to the model for awards granted during the 
years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2015: 

Weighted average share price at grant date 
Weighted average share price at date  
of exercise 
Weighted average exercise price* 
Vesting period 
Expected volatility 
Expected life of award 
Weighted average risk free rate 
Expected dividend yield 
Weighted average fair value per option 

Performance

 Share Plan   

Save As You 

 Earn Plan   

2016 

£6.85

2015   

£8.28

2016 

£6.57

2015   

£7.06   

2016 

£6.89 

£6.98
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£6.85

£8.31
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£8.28

£6.51
£5.63
3.0 years
23.9%
3.2 years
0.1%
3.2%
£1.14

£7.94   
£5.78   
3.0 years   
23.3%   
3.2 years   
0.8%   
2.9%   
£1.44 

£7.22 
£0.10 
2.7 years 
30.8% 
3.7 years 
0.9% 
n/a 
£6.86 

Other
 Share Plans 

2015 

£8.07

£8.17
£0.10
2.6 years
42.8%
3.9 years
1.2%
n/a
£8.04

*  The weighted average exercise price excludes nil cost awards made under the Performance Share Plan and Other Share Plans. 

No options were granted under the Executive Share Option Plan in 2016 or 2015. 

The expected life and volatility of the options are based upon historical data. 

110

110 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits 
The Group operates a number of pension and post-retirement benefit schemes for its employees in a number of its businesses,  
primarily in the UK. 

a. UK schemes: benefits, governance, cash flow obligations and investments 
The Group operates three main defined benefit final salary pension schemes in the UK which are all closed to new employees 
and largely closed to future benefit accrual. The schemes are the Inchcape Motors Pension Scheme (comprising the Group, 
Motors, Normand and Cash+ sections), the Inchcape Overseas Pension Scheme and the TKM Group Pension Scheme. Cash+ is 
a defined benefit cash balance scheme, open to accrual for current and new employees, which is designed to meet 
regulatory requirements for auto-enrolment legislation.  

Benefit structure 
Final salary schemes provide benefits to members in the form of a guaranteed level of pension payable for life. The level of 
benefits provided depends on final salary at retirement (or leaving date, if earlier) and length of service. The Group underwrites 
investment, mortality and inflation risks necessary to meet the obligations under the schemes. In the event of poor returns, 
increased life expectancy or higher than expected inflation, the Group is required to address any shortfall through a 
combination of an increase in contributions or by making appropriate adjustments to the schemes. 

Cash balance schemes like Cash+ allow members to accrue a percentage of their earnings each year, which then grows to 
provide a lump sum payment on retirement. Members have accrued benefits under this scheme with effect from 1 January 
2013. The Group underwrites the investment risk to normal retirement age (65), but all inflation and mortality risks associated 
with benefits are borne solely by the members. 

Governance 
Our UK schemes are registered with HMRC and comply fully with the regulatory framework published by the UK Pensions 
Regulator.  

Benefits are paid to members from separate funds administered by an independent trustee company (the Trustee) appointed 
by the Group. The Trustee is required to act in the best interest of the members, and is responsible for making funding and 
investment decisions in conjunction with the Group. 

The Group also has some minor unfunded arrangements relating to post-retirement health and medical plans in respect of  
past employees. There are no material defined contribution schemes in the UK. 

Scheme specific cash obligation / investment detail 
Inchcape Motors Pension Scheme 
Group, Motors and Normand Sections (closed sections) 
The latest actuarial valuations for these sections were carried out at 5 April 2016 on a market related basis and determined  
in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit credit method. 
The actuarial valuation determined that the duration of the liabilities was approximately 18 years and that a small surplus 
existed. The Group contributes £0.6m p.a. towards the administrative costs of running these sections and no further review is 
scheduled until April 2019. For the Normand Section, the Group also pays deficit reduction contributions of £1.0m p.a., rising by 
3.05% p.a. up until 5 April 2026 (at which point the funding shortfall is expected to be eliminated).  

Each section’s investment strategy sees it holding a proportion of its assets in matching assets (75% for the Group section and 
40% for the Motors and Normand sections) with the remainder in growth assets. The matching assets are invested in a liability 
driven investment solution complemented with absolute return bonds. They are designed to hedge inflation and interest rate risk 
in a capitally efficient manner. The growth assets are invested in assets that are expected to grow at rates significantly faster 
than each sections’ liabilities and include diversified growth funds and property. 

Cash+ Section 
This scheme is a defined benefit scheme under which members accrue benefits with effect from 1 January 2013, or date of 
joining if later. The latest actuarial valuation was carried out at 5 April 2016 on a market related basis and determined in 
accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit credit method. The 
valuation showed the funding level to be 98%, with the Trustee expecting the small shortfall to be removed by the ongoing 
pension contributions and returns on the assets held. The Group contributes £0.2m p.a. towards the administrative costs of 
running the scheme and the next review is in April 2019. 

The investment strategy is to be 60% invested in diversified growth funds which are designed to grow at a rate significantly  
faster than the liabilities, whilst spreading investment risk across a broad spectrum of asset classes. The remaining 40% is 
allocated to absolute return bonds. 

www.inchcape.com 

111 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued 
Inchcape Overseas Pension Scheme 
This scheme is managed from Guernsey and is subject to regulations similar to the UK. It is therefore reported under the United  
Kingdom in this note. The latest triennial actuarial valuation for this scheme was carried out at 31 March 2015 and determined  
in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit credit method. 
The actuarial valuation determined that the duration of the liabilities was approximately 12 years and that the scheme was 
approximately 86% funded on a prudent funding basis. The Group contributes £0.8m p.a. towards scheme administrative costs 
and improving the funding ratio. The investments are managed under a Fiduciary Management arrangement with the level of 
investment risk inherent in the investment arrangements reducing as and when the funding level improves. 

TKM Group Pension Scheme (closed scheme) 
The latest triennial actuarial valuation for this closed scheme was carried out at 5 April 2013 on a market related basis and 
determined in accordance with the advice of independent professionally qualified actuaries based on the projected unit  
credit method. The actuarial valuation determined that the duration of the liabilities was approximately 12 years and that the 
scheme was considered fully funded on a prudent basis. No cash contributions were required by the Group.  

In November 2015, the trustees of the TKM Group Pension Scheme completed a buy-in transaction whereby the assets of the 
scheme were used to acquire a bulk purchase annuity policy with Aviva under which the benefits payable to the members  
of the scheme are now fully insured. The insurance policy was purchased using the existing assets of the scheme with no 
additional funding required from the Group. The insurance policy has been structured to enable the scheme, in time, to  
move to full buy-out, following which Aviva will become directly responsible for the pension payments under the scheme. As at 
31 December 2016, the bulk purchase annuity policy has been accounted for as an asset of the scheme and valued on the 
same basis as the liabilities that it matches. 

b. Overseas schemes 
There are a number of smaller defined benefit schemes overseas, the most significant being the Inchcape Motors Limited 
Retirement Scheme in Hong Kong. In general these schemes offer a lump sum on retirement with no further obligation to  
the employee and assets are held in trust in separately administered funds. These schemes are typically subject to triennial 
valuations. The overseas defined contribution schemes are principally linked to local statutory arrangements. 

c. Defined contribution plans 
The total expense recognised in the consolidated income statement is £5.4m (2015 – £4.6m). There are outstanding 
contributions of £0.1m at the year end (2015 – £0.1m). 

d. Defined benefit plans 
As the Group’s principal defined benefit schemes are in the UK, these have been reported separately from the overseas 
schemes. For the purposes of reporting, actuarial updates have been obtained for the Group’s material schemes and these 
updates are reflected in the amounts reported in the following tables.  

112

112 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued 
The principal weighted average assumptions used by the actuaries were: 

Rate of increase in salaries 
Rate of increase in pensions 
Discount rate 
Rate of inflation:  
– Retail price index 
– Consumer price index 

United Kingdom   

Overseas 

2016
% 

3.8
3.2
2.6

3.3
2.3

2015 

%   

3.6   
3.1   
3.9   

3.1   
2.1   

2016
% 

3.8
1.8
2.0

2.4
n/a

2015
% 

3.8
2.3
1.7

2.5
n/a

The rate of increase in healthcare costs is 5.4% (2015 – 5.4%) per annum. 

Assumptions regarding future mortality experience are set based on published statistics and experience. For the UK schemes, 
the average life expectancy of a pensioner retiring at age 65 is 23.8 years (2015 – 23.9 years) for current pensioners and 25.6 
years (2015 – 25.7 years) for current non pensioners. Most of the overseas schemes only offer a lump sum on retirement and 
therefore mortality assumptions are not applicable. 

The asset / (liability) recognised in the consolidated statement of financial position is determined as follows: 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

Present value of funded obligations 
Fair value of plan assets 
Net surplus / (deficit) in funded obligations 
Present value of unfunded obligations 

The net pension asset is analysed as follows:  

Schemes in surplus 
Schemes in deficit 

2016
£m 

(1,081.2)
1,129.3
48.1
(0.8)
47.3

2015
£m 

(887.1)
996.2
109.1
(0.7)
108.4

79.5
(32.2)
47.3

123.9
(15.5)
108.4

2016
£m 

(55.1)
46.6
(8.5)
(1.5)
(10.0)

0.5
(10.5)
(10.0)

2015 

£m   

(48.9)  
40.5   
(8.4)  
(1.1)  
(9.5)  

2016
£m 

(1,136.3)
1,175.9
39.6
(2.3)
37.3

0.4   
(9.9)  
(9.5)  

80.0
(42.7)
37.3

The amounts recognised in the consolidated income statement are as follows: 

Current service cost 
Scheme expenses 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Interest income on plan assets  

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016
£m 

(10.0)
(1.9)
(33.6)
37.9
(7.6)

2015
£m 

(9.1)
(1.9)
(32.5)
36.8
(6.7)

2016
£m 

(3.2)
(0.1)
(0.8)
0.7
(3.4)

2015 

£m   

(2.7)  
(0.1)  
(0.8)  
0.7   
(2.9)  

2016
£m 

(13.2)
(2.0)
(34.4)
38.6
(11.0)

Total 

2015
£m 

(936.0)
1,036.7
100.7
(1.8)
98.9

124.3
(25.4)
98.9

Total 

2015
£m 

(11.8)
(2.0)
(33.3)
37.5
(9.6)

www.inchcape.com 

113 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued 
The amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016
£m 

2015
£m 

2016
£m 

2015 

£m   

2016 
£m 

Actuarial gains / (losses) on liabilities: 
– Experience gains and (losses) 
– Changes in demographic assumptions 
– Changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial gains / (losses) on assets: 
– Experience gains and (losses) 

18.5
(9.8)
(217.3)

8.0
–
56.3

145.5
(63.1)

(80.0)
(15.7)

1.3
–
0.9

0.6
2.8

Total 

2015
£m 

6.5
–
54.7

(1.5)  
–  
(1.6)  

19.8 
(9.8)
(216.4)

(1.0)  
(4.1)  

146.1 
(60.3)

(81.0)
(19.8)

In 2016, investment management expenses of £nil (2015 – £7.0m) were borne by the Group on behalf of UK schemes and have 
been recognised in the consolidated statement of other comprehensive income. 

Analysis of the movement in the net asset / (liability): 

At 1 January 
Amount recognised in the consolidated income statement 
Contributions by employer 
Actuarial (losses) / gains recognised in the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rates 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016
£m 

108.4
(7.6)
9.6
(63.1)
–
47.3

2015
£m 

123.3
(6.7)
7.5
(15.7)
–
108.4

2016
£m 

(9.5)
(3.4)
1.7
2.8
(1.6)
(10.0)

2015 

£m   

(4.0)  
(2.9)  
1.6   
(4.1)  
(0.1)  
(9.5)  

2016 
£m 

98.9 
(11.0)
11.3 
(60.3)
(1.6)
37.3 

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows: 

At 1 January 
Current service cost 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Actuarial gains / (losses):  
– Experience gains and (losses) 
– Changes in demographic assumptions 
– Changes in financial assumptions 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016
£m 

(887.8)
(10.0)
(33.6)

18.5
(9.8)
(217.3)
(0.1)
58.1
–
(1,082.0)

2015
£m 

(954.0)
(9.1)
(32.5)

8.0
–
56.3
(0.1)
43.6
–
(887.8)

2016
£m 

(50.0)
(3.2)
(0.8)

1.3
–
0.9
–
4.4
(9.2)
(56.6)

2015 

£m   

(44.5)  
(2.7)  
(0.8)  

2016 
£m 

(937.8)
(13.2)
(34.4)

(1.5)  
–  
(1.6)  
–   
3.0   
(1.9)  

19.8 
(9.8)
(216.4)
(0.1)
62.5 
(9.2)
(50.0)   (1,138.6)

Total 

2015
£m 

119.3
(9.6)
9.1
(19.8)
(0.1)
98.9

Total 

2015
£m 

(998.5)
(11.8)
(33.3)

6.5
–
54.7
(0.1)
46.6
(1.9)
(937.8)

114

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued 
Changes in the fair value of the defined benefit asset are as follows: 

At 1 January 
Interest income on plan assets 
Scheme expenses 
Actuarial gains / (losses):  
– Experience gains and (losses) 
Contributions by employer 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016
£m 

996.2
37.9
(1.9)

2015
£m 

1,077.3
36.8
(1.9)

145.5
9.6
0.1
(58.1)
–
1,129.3

(80.0)
7.5
0.1
(43.6)
–
996.2

2016
£m 

40.5
0.7
(0.1)

0.6
1.7
–
(4.4)
7.6
46.6

2015 

£m   

40.5   
0.7   
(0.1)  

(1.0)  
1.6   
–   
(3.0)  
1.8   
40.5   

2016
£m 

1,036.7
38.6
(2.0)

146.1
11.3
0.1
(62.5)
7.6
1,175.9

At the end of the reporting period, the percentage of the plan assets by category had been invested as follows: 

Equities (quoted) 
Corporate bonds (quoted) 
Government bonds (quoted) 
Diversified growth funds (quoted) 
Diversified growth funds (unquoted) 
Bulk purchase annuity 
Other (quoted) 
Other (unquoted) 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2016 

2015 

2016 

2015   

2016 

7.6%
2.6%
0.1%
24.1%
18.5%
24.4%
–
22.7%
100.0%

4.8%
24.1%
0.1%
18.1%
–
24.4%
3.0%
25.5%
100.0%

70.8%
17.9%
1.4%
–
–
–
–
9.9%
100.0%

75.6%   
22.2%   
–   
–   
–   
–   
0.1%   
2.1%   
100.0%   

10.1%
3.2%
0.1%
23.2%
17.7%
23.4%
–
22.3%
100.0%

The fair value of the Group’s own equity held within plan assets is £nil (2015 – £nil).  

Total 

2015
£m 

1,117.8
37.5
(2.0)

(81.0)
9.1
0.1
(46.6)
1.8
1,036.7

Total 

2015 

7.6%
24.1%
0.1%
17.4%
–
23.5%
2.8%
24.6%
100.0%

www.inchcape.com 

115 

inchcape.com 115

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Pensions and other post-retirement benefits continued 
The following disclosures relate to the Group’s defined benefit plans only. 

e. Risk management 
Asset volatility 
Scheme liabilities are calculated on a discounted basis using a discount rate which is set with reference to corporate bond 
yields. If scheme assets underperform this yield, then this will create a deficit. The combined schemes hold approximately 75%  
of assets as defensive assets (liability driven investment solutions, absolute return bonds and annuity policies) which mitigate 
significant changes in yields, and active monitoring plans are in place to identify opportunities to increase the proportion of 
such assets further when economically possible. 

As the schemes mature, the Trustees reduce investment risk by increasing the allocation to defensive assets, which are 
designed to better match scheme liabilities. However, the Trustees believe that due to the long-term nature of the scheme 
liabilities, a level of continuing equity investment is an appropriate element of the long-term investment strategy. 

Inflation risk 
The majority of the Group’s defined benefit obligations are linked to inflation. Higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities, 
although in the majority of cases there are caps on the level of inflationary increases to be applied to pension obligations.  
The Group’s investment strategy across the schemes is to mitigate inflation risk through holding inflation-linked assets. 

Life expectancy 
The plans’ obligations are to provide a pension for the life of the member, so realised increases in life expectancy will result in an 
increase in the plans’ benefit payments. Future mortality rates cannot be predicted with certainty. All of the schemes conduct 
scheme-specific mortality investigations annually, to ensure the Group has a clear understanding of any potential increase in 
liability due to pensioners living for longer than assumed. The Trustees of the scheme hedge this risk by adopting a prudent 
approach in their assumption for future improvements. 

f. Sensitivity analysis 
The disclosures above are dependent on the assumptions used. The table below demonstrates the sensitivity of the defined 
benefit obligation to changes in the assumptions used for the UK schemes. Changes in assumptions have an immaterial effect 
on the overseas schemes. 

Impact on the defined benefit obligation 

Discount rate -0.25% 
Discount rate +0.25% 
Inflation -0.25% 
Inflation +0.25% 
Life expectancy + 1 year 

United Kingdom 

2016 

£m   

+43.5   
-49.7   
-37.8   
+33.9   
+37.4   

2015
£m 

+34.9
-32.9
-29.2
+30.8
+30.6

The above analysis is based on a change in an assumption while holding all other assumptions constant. In practice, this is 
unlikely to occur, and changes in some of the assumptions may be correlated. The above variances have been used as they 
are believed to be reasonably possible fluctuations. 

g. Expected future cash flows 
The Group has agreed to pay approximately £2.7m to its defined benefit plans in 2017 on top of the ongoing employer 
contributions for the open Cash+ section. The Group does not expect any material changes to the annual cash contributions 
over the next three years given the funding position of the largest schemes, which account for 90% of the Group’s total pension 
liabilities. 

The defined benefit obligations are based on the current value of expected benefit payment cash flows to members over  
the next several decades. The average duration of the liabilities is approximately 18 years for the UK schemes.  

116

116 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6 Finance income 

Bank and other interest receivable 
Net interest income on post-retirement plan assets and liabilities 
Other finance income 
Total finance income 

7 Finance costs  

Interest payable on bank borrowings 
Interest payable on Private Placement  
Interest payable on other borrowings 
Fair value adjustment on Private Placement 
Fair value gain on cross currency interest rate swaps  
Stock holding interest (see note 20) 
Other finance costs 
Total finance costs 

2016 
£m 

5.0
4.2
7.8
17.0

2016 
£m 

2.6
3.3
0.3
46.6
(47.6)
20.1
1.3
26.6

 2015
£m 

3.1
4.2
7.1
14.4

 2015
£m 

1.7
3.1
0.3
6.4
(7.3)
18.4
5.1
27.7

The Group capitalisation rate used for general borrowing costs in accordance with IAS 23 was a weighted average rate for the 
year of 2.0% (2015 – 2.0%). 

www.inchcape.com 

117 

inchcape.com 117

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

8 Tax 

Current tax: 
– UK corporation tax 
– Overseas tax 

Adjustments to prior year liabilities: 
– UK 
– Overseas 
Current tax 
Deferred tax (note 16) 
Total tax charge 

The total tax charge is analysed as follows: 
– Tax charge on profit before exceptional items 
– Tax credit on exceptional items 
– Exceptional deferred tax charge 
Total tax charge 

2016 
£m 

6.0 
79.2 
85.2 

(1.5) 
(1.2) 
82.5 
(6.0) 
76.5 

88.0 
(11.5) 
– 
76.5 

2015
£m 

6.2
73.1
79.3

–
(0.6)
78.7
1.0
79.7

74.9
–
4.8
79.7

Details of the exceptional items for the year can be found in note 2. Not all of the exceptional items will be allowable for tax 
purposes. Therefore the tax credit on exceptional items represents the total of the current and deferred tax on only those 
elements that are assessed as allowable. The exceptional deferred tax charge in the prior year related to the decision not to 
recognise the deferred tax asset on tax losses in Russia. 

Factors affecting the tax expense for the year 
The effective tax rate for the year after exceptional items is 28.6% (2015 – 30.4%). The underlying effective tax rate before the 
impact of exceptional items is 25.2% (2015 – 24.0%). The weighted average tax rate is 24.1% (2015 – 24.3%). The weighted 
average tax rate comprises the average statutory rates across the Group, weighted in proportion to accounting profits and 
losses. 

The table below explains the differences between the expected tax expense at the weighted average tax rate and the  
Group’s total tax expense. 

Profit before tax  
Profit before tax multiplied by the weighted average tax rate of 24.1% (2015 – 24.3%) 

Non-exceptional items 
– Permanent differences 
– Non-taxable income 
– Prior year items 
– Unrecognised deferred tax movement 
– Overseas tax audits and settlements 
– Taxes on undistributed earnings 
– Impact of the FID Claim receipt taxed at 45% (note 29) 
– Other items (including tax rate differentials) 

Exceptional items 
– Goodwill impairment 
– Restructuring costs 
– Acquisition of businesses 
– Impact of derecognition of deferred tax assets (Russia) 
Total tax charge  

2016 
£m 

267.8 
64.6 

 2015
£m 

262.6
63.8

9.9 
(4.9) 
(2.2) 
(2.2) 
1.5 
3.2 
1.6 
(1.7) 

3.9 
1.0 
1.8 
– 
76.5 

6.9
(2.4)
(1.7)
(1.3)
–
2.5
–
(2.8)

9.9
–
–
4.8
79.7

118

118 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8 Tax continued  
Factors affecting the tax expense of future years 
Factors that could affect the Group’s future tax expense include the resolution of audits and disputes, changes in tax laws or tax 
rates, the ability to utilise brought forward losses and business acquisitions and disposals. In addition, a change in profit mix 
between low and high taxed jurisdictions will impact the Group’s future tax expense and this could happen as a result of 
acquisitions, for example the acquisition of certain businesses from Empresas Indumotora S.A. (see note 28). 

The utilisation of brought forward tax losses or the recognition of deferred tax assets associated with such losses may also give 
rise to tax charges or credits. The recognition of deferred tax assets, particularly in respect of tax losses, is based upon an 
assessment of whether it is probable that there will be sufficient and suitable taxable profits in the relevant legal entity or tax 
group against which to utilise the assets in the future. Judgement is required when determining probable future taxable profits. 
More detail of the Group’s tax losses and deferred tax assets can be found in note 16. 

During the period, the Finance Act 2016 was passed reducing the UK Corporation tax rate to 17% from 1 April 2020. This rate was 
enacted at the balance sheet date and hence this rate is now relevant for measuring deferred tax balances in the UK. 

9 Earnings per share 

Profit for the year 
Non-controlling interests 
Basic earnings 
Exceptional items  
Adjusted earnings 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 
Basic Adjusted earnings per share 
Diluted Adjusted earnings per share 

Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year 
Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year: 
– Held by the Inchcape Employee Trust 
Weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares for the purposes of basic EPS 
Dilutive effect of potential ordinary shares 
Adjusted weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the 
year for the purposes of diluted EPS 

 2016 
£m 

191.3 
(6.9) 
184.4 
70.1 
254.5 

43.2p 
42.6p 
59.6p 
58.9p 

2015
£m 

182.9
(7.1)
175.8
54.3
230.1

39.8p
39.4p
52.1p
51.6p

 2016 
number  

2015
number 

428,090,784 

442,230,291

(1,182,428) 
426,908,356 
5,534,805 

(753,647)
441,476,644
4,468,252

432,443,161 

445,944,896

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Basic earnings for the year by the weighted average number of fully paid 
ordinary shares in issue during the year, less those shares held by the Inchcape Employee Trust and repurchased as part of the 
share buy back programme. 

Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis as the Basic earnings per share with a further adjustment to the 
weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares to reflect the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. Dilutive 
potential ordinary shares comprise share options and other share-based awards. 

Basic Adjusted earnings (which excludes exceptional items) is adopted to assist the reader in understanding the underlying 
performance of the Group. Adjusted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the Adjusted earnings for the year by the 
weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares in issue during the year, less those shares held by the Inchcape 
Employee Trust and repurchased as part of the share buy back programme. 

Diluted Adjusted earnings per share is calculated on the same basis as the Basic Adjusted earnings per share with a further 
adjustment to the weighted average number of fully paid ordinary shares to reflect the effect of all dilutive potential ordinary 
shares. Dilutive potential ordinary shares comprise share options and other share-based awards. 

www.inchcape.com 

119 

inchcape.com 119

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

10 Dividends 
The following dividends were paid by the Group: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2016 of 7.0p per share  
(30 June 2015 – 6.8p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 of 14.1p per share  
(31 December 2014 – 13.8p per share) 

2016 
£m 

29.9 

60.3 
90.2 

2015
£m 

30.0

61.1
91.1

A final proposed dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 16.8p per share amounting to £70.6m is subject to approval 
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2016. 

11 Intangible assets 

Cost 
At 1 January 2015 
Businesses acquired (see note 28) 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2016 
Businesses acquired (see note 28) 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Disposals 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 
At 1 January 2015 
Amortisation charge for the year 
Impairment of goodwill 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2016 
Amortisation charge for the year 
Impairment charge for the year 
Disposals 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2015 

 Goodwill
£m 

 Distribution 
agreements
£m 

 Computer 
software 
£m  

Other 
intangible 
assets 
£m 

506.8
4.0
(0.3)
–
–
(20.3)
490.2
51.4
(0.6)
–
–
–
58.0
599.0

(104.2)
–
(49.5)
–
8.8
(144.9)
–
(24.9)
–
–
(44.2)
(214.0)

385.0

345.3

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
162.4
–
–
–
–
–
162.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

162.4

–

118.0 
– 
– 
19.2 
(2.9) 
(2.7) 
131.6 
2.7 
– 
22.4 
(1.9) 
(5.9) 
14.2 
163.1 

(49.0) 
(14.0) 
– 
2.9 
1.6 
(58.5) 
(14.9) 
(22.8) 
1.3 
5.9 
(7.9) 
(96.9) 

66.2 

73.1 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.9 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
0.9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

0.9 

– 

 Total 
£m 

624.8
4.0
(0.3)
19.2
(2.9)
(23.0)
621.8
217.4
(0.6)
22.4
(1.9)
(5.9)
72.2
925.4

(153.2)
(14.0)
(49.5)
2.9
10.4
(203.4)
(14.9)
(47.7)
1.3
5.9
(52.1)
(310.9)

614.5

418.4

As at 31 December 2016, capitalised borrowing costs of £nil (2015 – £1.5m) were included within ‘computer software’.  
No borrowing costs were capitalised during the year (2015 – £nil). 

During the year, the Group acquired a multi-country scale Distribution business in South America, focused on Subaru and Hino 
and operating in the growth markets of Chile, Colombia, Peru and Argentina. The principal intangible assets acquired were 
agreements with manufacturers for the distribution of new vehicles and parts with an estimated value of £162.4m. Such 
agreements have varying terms and periods of renewal and have historically been renewed indefinitely without substantial cost. 
The Group therefore expects these agreements to be renewed indefinitely. 

120

120 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
11 Intangible assets continued 
Goodwill 
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated to the cash generating units (CGUs) or group of CGUs (hereafter 
collectively referred to as ‘CGU groups’) that are expected to benefit from the synergies associated with that business 
combination. These CGU groups represent the lowest level within the Group at which the associated goodwill is monitored  
for management purposes. 

The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated to CGU groups within the following reporting segments: 

Reporting Segment 

CGU Group 

UK and Europe Retail 
Emerging Markets Distribution 
UK and Europe Distribution 
UK and Europe Distribution 
Asia 
Australasia Retail 

UK Retail 
South America 
Lithuania 
Other 
Singapore 
Australia Retail 

2016
£m 

265.6
51.2
–
–
22.8
45.4

385.0

2015
£m 

266.1
–
19.0
2.2
19.4
38.6

345.3

Goodwill is subject to impairment testing annually, or more frequently where there are indications that the goodwill may be 
impaired. Impairment tests were performed for all CGU groups during the year ended 31 December 2016.  

The recoverable amounts of all CGU groups were determined based on value in use calculations. These calculations use cash 
flow projections based on five-year financial forecasts prepared by management. The key assumptions for these forecasts are 
those relating to revenue growth, operating margins, the level of working capital required to support trading and capital 
expenditure, which have been based on past experience, recent trading and expectations of future changes in the relevant 
markets. They also reflect expectations about continuing relationships with key brand partners. 

Cash flows after the five-year period are extrapolated for each market using declining growth rates of between 4.5% and 2.0% 
for a further five years. A terminal value calculation is used to estimate the cash flows after year ten using a long-term growth 
rate of 2%. 

Cash flows are discounted back to present value using a risk adjusted discount rate. The discount rates used are calculated as 
the Group’s weighted average cost of capital adjusted for a risk premium attributable to the relevant country. The pre-tax 
discount rates used vary between 10% and 13% and reflect long-term country risk. 

Impairment 
The Directors have reviewed the carrying value of the goodwill in Lithuania and Estonia and have concluded that although 
these markets continue to provide profitable growth opportunities, it is prudent to reduce operational forecasts. Based on this, 
the Directors have determined that an impairment charge of £24.9m should be recognised, representing the full carrying value 
of goodwill in these businesses. 

During the year, the Group has made configuration changes to the iPower system to better reflect the Ignite strategy. This has 
resulted in a number of areas of functionality being superseded and as such, we have recorded an exceptional, non-cash 
impairment charge of £22.8m. 

Sensitivities 
The Group’s value in use calculations are sensitive to a change in the key assumptions used. A reasonably possible change in 
a key assumption will not cause a material impairment of goodwill in any of the CGU groups. 

www.inchcape.com 

121 

inchcape.com 121

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

12 Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 
At 1 January 2015 
Businesses acquired 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Reclassifications 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2016 
Businesses acquired 
Businesses sold 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
At 1 January 2015 
Businesses sold 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Disposals 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Reclassifications 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2016 
Businesses sold 
Depreciation charge for the year 
Disposals 
Impairment losses recognised during the year 
Transferred to inventory 
Retirement of fully depreciated assets not in use 
Reclassified to assets held for sale (note 19) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

At 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2015 

Plant,
machinery 
and
equipment
£m 

Land and
buildings
£m 

659.7
–
–
19.5
(6.4)
–
(0.5)
(6.7)
13.9
(20.3)
659.2
26.2
–
45.2
(6.8)
–
–
(4.2)
79.7
799.3

(117.1)
–
(14.3)
2.3
–
0.5
2.2
(7.3)
2.8
(130.9)
–
(14.7)
1.2
(1.0)
–
–
1.0
(16.5)

(160.9)

638.4

528.3

199.2
0.1
(1.4)
20.3
(4.4)
(0.6)
(0.5)
–
(13.9)
(5.0)
193.8
7.3
(0.1)
25.8
(15.7)
(1.0)
(1.5)
–
28.1
236.7

(121.2)
0.9
(20.2)
3.9
0.2
0.5
–
7.3
2.9
(125.7)
0.1
(23.3)
14.9
(0.3)
0.6
1.5
–
(19.2)

(151.4)

85.3

68.1

Subtotal 
£m 

858.9 
0.1 
(1.4) 
39.8 
(10.8) 
(0.6) 
(1.0) 
(6.7) 
– 
(25.3) 
853.0 
33.5 
(0.1) 
71.0 
(22.5) 
(1.0) 
(1.5) 
(4.2) 
107.8 
1,036.0 

(238.3) 
0.9 
(34.5) 
6.2 
0.2 
1.0 
2.2 
– 
5.7 
(256.6) 
0.1 
(38.0) 
16.1 
(1.3) 
0.6 
1.5 
1.0 
(35.7) 

(312.3) 

723.7 

596.4 

Interest 
in leased 
vehicles 
£m 

56.9 
– 
– 
34.5 
– 
(25.1) 
– 
– 
– 
0.2 
66.5 
– 
– 
27.3 
– 
(25.4) 
– 
– 
8.0 
76.4 

(19.9) 
– 
(9.8) 
– 
10.9 
– 
– 
– 
(0.1) 
(18.9) 
– 
(10.6) 
– 
– 
9.9 
– 
– 
(1.9) 

(21.5) 

54.9 

47.6 

Total
£m 

915.8
0.1
(1.4)
74.3
(10.8)
(25.7)
(1.0)
(6.7)
–
(25.1)
919.5
33.5
(0.1)
98.3
(22.5)
(26.4)
(1.5)
(4.2)
115.8
1,112.4

(258.2)
0.9
(44.3)
6.2
11.1
1.0
2.2
–
5.6
(275.5)
0.1
(48.6)
16.1
(1.3)
10.5
1.5
1.0
(37.6)

(333.8)

778.6

644.0

Certain subsidiaries have an obligation to repurchase, at a guaranteed residual value, vehicles which have been legally sold 
for leasing contracts. These assets are included in ‘interest in leased vehicles’ in the table above.  

122

122 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
12 Property, plant and equipment continued 
Assets held under finance leases have the following net book values: 

Leasehold buildings 

The book value of land and buildings is analysed between: 

Freehold 
Leasehold with over 50 years unexpired 
Short leasehold 

2016
£m 

1.8

2016
£m 

432.1
34.1
172.2
638.4

2015
£m 

2.2

2015
£m 

362.1
45.4
120.8
528.3

Land and buildings includes properties with a net book value of £10.6m that are let to third parties on a short-term basis. 

As at 31 December 2016, £5.0m (2015 – £5.0m) of capitalised borrowing costs were included within ‘land and buildings’, £nil  
of which was capitalised in 2016 (2015 – £nil). 

13 Investments in joint ventures and associates 

At 1 January 
Disposals 
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint ventures and associates  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December  

Group’s share of net assets of joint ventures and associates 

Non-current assets  
Current assets 
Group’s share of gross assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Group’s share of gross liabilities 
Group’s share of net assets 

Group’s share of results of joint ventures and associates
Revenue 
Expenses 
(Loss) / profit before tax 
Tax 
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint ventures and associates 

2016
£m 

5.3
(1.6)
(0.1)
0.5
4.1

2016
£m 

–
4.5
4.5
(0.4)
–
(0.4)
4.1

–
(0.1)
(0.1)
–
(0.1)

2015
£m 

9.0
(4.0)
0.7
(0.4)
5.3

2015
£m 

–
5.6
5.6
(0.3)
–
(0.3)
5.3

1.0
(0.3)
0.7
–
0.7

As at 31 December 2016, no guarantees were provided in respect of joint ventures and associates borrowings (2015 – £nil). 

www.inchcape.com 

123 

inchcape.com 123

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
Notes to the financial statements continued 

14 Available for sale financial assets 

At 1 January  
Businesses acquired 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

Analysed as: 

Current 
Non-current 

Assets held are analysed as follows: 

Equity securities 
Bonds 
Other 

2016 
£m 

1.4 
2.2 
0.2 
3.8 

2016 
£m 

0.2 
3.6 
3.8 

2016 
£m 

2.2 
0.7 
0.9 
3.8 

2015
£m 

1.4
–
–
1.4

2015
£m 

0.2
1.2
1.4

2015
£m 

0.4
–
1.0
1.4

Equity securities includes a 15% equity interest in Hino Motors Manufacturing Company SAS. 

‘Other’ includes debentures that are not subject to interest rates and do not have fixed maturity dates. They are valued by 
reference to traded market values. 

Available for sale financial assets, which are valued based on active markets’ prices, are reported under Level 1 in note 23 on  
financial instruments. 

124

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
15 Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 
Less: provision for impairment of trade receivables 
Net trade receivables 
Prepayments and accrued income 
Other receivables 

Movements in the provision for impairment of receivables were as follows:  

At 1 January  
Businesses acquired 
Charge for the year 
Amounts written off  
Unused amounts reversed 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

At 31 December, the analysis of trade receivables is as follows: 

2016
 £m 

295.7
(8.6)
287.1
115.6
43.3
446.0

Current   

2015 
 £m    

196.8   
(6.7)  
190.1   
97.5   
40.2   
327.8   

Non-current 

2015
 £m 

–
–
–
41.2
6.0
47.2

2015
 £m 

(6.7)
–
(2.3)
0.8
1.1
0.4
(6.7)

2016
 £m 

–
–
–
41.2
9.7
50.9

2016
 £m 

(6.7)
(1.0)
(1.1)
0.8
0.7
(1.3)
(8.6)

2016 

2015 

Neither past 
due nor 
impaired
£m 

220.7

136.5

Total
£m 

295.7

196.8

 Past due but not impaired 

0 < 30 days
£m 

30 – 90 days 
£m 

> 90 days
£m 

Impaired
£m 

39.2

32.6

19.8 

14.3 

7.4

6.7

8.6

6.7

Trade receivables are non-interest bearing and are generally on credit terms of 30 to 60 days. 

Management considers the carrying amount of trade and other receivables to approximate to their fair value. Long-term 
receivables have been discounted where the time value of money is considered to be material.  

Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is very limited due to the Group’s broad customer base across  
a number of geographic regions.  

www.inchcape.com 

125 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

16 Deferred tax 

Net deferred tax (liability) / asset  
At 1 January 2016 
(Charged) / credited to the 
consolidated income statement 
Credited / (charged) to equity and 
other comprehensive income  
Businesses acquired 
Intangible assets recognised on 
acquisition 
Effect of foreign exchange rate 
changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Analysed as: 

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Pension and 
other post-
retirement 
benefits 
£m 

Cash flow 
hedges
£m 

Share-based 
payments
£m 

(22.3) 

(2.9)

(0.1) 

(0.2)

10.8 
– 

– 

0.2 
(11.4) 

10.5
–

–

–
7.4

3.0

0.5

(1.0)
–

–

–
2.5

Tax
 losses
£m 

3.5

0.6

–
0.3

–

0.3
4.7

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation
£m 

Provisions 
and other 
timing 
differences 
£m 

Distribution 
 agreements 
£m 

(2.0)

(4.4) 

(2.9)

–
(5.5)

8.1 

– 
4.3 

– 

– 

– 
– 

Total
£m 

(25.1)

6.0

20.3
(0.9)

–

– 

(50.2) 

(50.2)

(1.8)
(12.2)

2.1 
10.1 

– 
(50.2) 

0.8
(49.1)

2016 
 £m  

31.7 
(80.8) 
(49.1) 

2015
 £m 

18.7
(43.8)
(25.1)

Measured at relevant local statutory rates, the Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £38m (2015 – £21m) relating to 
tax relief on trading losses. The unrecognised asset represents £167m (2015 – £107m) of losses which exist within legal entities 
where forecast taxable profits are not probable in the foreseeable future. The increase principally relates to business acquisitions 
during the year (see note 28). 

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets of £23m (2015 – £25m) relating to capital losses. The asset represents £138m 
(2015 – £139m) of losses at the UK standard rate of 17.0% (2015 – 18.0%). The key territory holding the losses is the UK. 

No deferred tax is recognised on unremitted earnings of overseas subsidiaries on the basis that the Group can control the 
timing of dividends. In addition, the majority of overseas reserves can now be repatriated to the UK with no tax cost. There are a 
small number of territories that do not qualify for this treatment. This principally relates to Ethiopia where dividend tax of £3.2m 
(2015 – £2.5m) is accrued based on current year after tax earnings. 

The net deferred tax asset on provisions and other timing differences is principally made up of a deferred tax liability on non-
qualifying property £17.0m (2015 – £17.2m) offset by deferred tax assets on trade related accounting provisions in the Group’s 
operating companies £27.1m (2015 – £12.8m). 

The deferred tax liability on distribution agreements of £50.2m (2015 – £nil) has been recorded as a result of the business 
acquisitions during the year (see notes 11 and 28). 

The deferred tax asset on tax trading losses of £4.7m (2015 – £3.5m) relates to territories and entities where future taxable profits 
are considered probable. 

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17 Inventories 

Raw materials and work in progress 
Finished goods and merchandise  

2016
£m 

19.5
1,529.9
1,549.4

2015
£m  

16.2
1,208.2
1,224.4

Vehicles held on consignment which are in substance assets of the Group amount to £205.1m (2015 – £172.2m (restated)). 
These have been included in ‘finished goods and merchandise’ with the corresponding liability included within ‘trade and other 
payables’. Payment becomes due when title passes to the Group, which is generally the earlier of six months from delivery  
or the date of sale.  

An amount of £51.5m (2015 – £34.4m) has been provided against the gross cost of inventory at the year end. The cost of 
inventories recognised as an expense in the year is £6,316.3m (2015 – £5,507.8m). The write down of inventory to net realisable 
value recognised as an expense during the year was £36.3m (2015 – £36.3m). All of these items have been included within ‘cost 
of sales’ in the consolidated income statement.  

18 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at bank and cash equivalents 
Short-term deposits 

2016
 £m 

473.7
171.5
645.2

2015
 £m  

335.3
138.5
473.8

Cash and cash equivalents are generally subject to floating interest rates determined by reference to short-term benchmark 
rates applicable in the relevant currency or market (primarily LIBOR or the local equivalent). At 31 December 2016, the weighted 
average floating rate was 0.4% (2015 – 0.3%). 

£78.0m (2015 – £53.0m) of cash and cash equivalents are held in countries where prior approval is required to transfer funds 
abroad. If the Group complies with the required procedures, such liquid funds are at its disposition within a reasonable period 
of time. 

At 31 December 2016, short-term deposits have a weighted average period to maturity of 16 days (2015 – 17 days). 

www.inchcape.com 

127 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

19 Assets held for sale 

Assets held for sale 

Assets held for sale relate to surplus properties within the UK, which are actively marketed with a view to sale.  

20 Trade and other payables 

Trade payables:  payments received on account 

vehicle funding agreements 
other trade payables 

Other taxation and social security payable 
Accruals and deferred income 
Amounts payable to related parties 
Other payables 

2016
 £m 

67.4
378.2
1,128.1
43.9
274.9
0.1
19.0
1,911.6

Current   

2015  
 £m    

56.6   
260.0   
1,005.5   
25.4   
204.6   
0.1   
13.9   
1,566.1   

2016 
 £m  

3.2 

2015 
 £m  

4.5

Non-current 

2015 
 £m  

0.4
–
5.1
 – 
7.3
 – 
–
12.8

2016 
 £m  

0.6 
– 
7.2 
– 
10.2 
– 
– 
18.0 

In certain markets, the Group finances the purchase of new vehicles for sale and a portion of used vehicle inventories using 
vehicle funding facilities provided by various lenders including the captive finance companies associated with brand partners. 
Such arrangements generally have a maturity of 90 days or less and the Group is normally required to repay amounts 
outstanding on the earlier of the sale of the vehicles that have been funded under the facilities or the stated maturity date. 

Amounts due to brand partners (including their captive finance companies) are included within other trade payables together 
with amounts due to other suppliers. Amounts due to facility providers unrelated to the brand partners are disclosed under 
vehicle funding arrangements. Related cash flows are reported within cash flows from operating activities within the 
consolidated statement of cash flows. 

Vehicle funding facilities are subject to LIBOR-based (or similar) interest rates. The interest incurred under these arrangements  
is included within finance costs and classified as stock holding interest. At 31 December 2016, trade payables includes £927.7m 
(2015 – £759.3m) of liabilities where payment is made on deferred terms and which were subject to a weighted average interest 
rate of 2.6% (2015 – 2.7%). 

Management considers the carrying amount of trade and other payables to approximate to their fair value. Long-term 
payables have been discounted where the time value of money is considered to be material. 

128

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
21 Provisions 

At 1 January 2016 
Businesses acquired 
Charged to the consolidated income statement 
Released to the consolidated income statement 
Effect of unwinding of discount factor 
Utilised during the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Analysed as: 

Current 
Non-current 

Product 
warranty 
£m 

Vacant 
leasehold 
£m 

Litigation  
£m 

33.5
3.0
18.2
(5.6)
0.3
(18.9)
5.5
36.0

1.8
–
6.5
–
–
(0.5)
0.6
8.4

5.4 
0.6 
0.1 
(2.8) 
– 
– 
0.1 
3.4 

Other 
£m 

8.5
0.8
15.6
(2.8)
–
(1.3)
1.1
21.9

2016
£m 

37.0
32.7
69.7

Total 
£m 

49.2
4.4
40.4
(11.2)
0.3
(20.7)
7.3
69.7

2015
£m 

22.7
26.5
49.2

Product warranty 
Certain Group companies provide self-insured extended warranties beyond those provided by the manufacturer, as part of the 
sale of a vehicle. These are not separable products. The warranty periods covered are up to six years and / or specific mileage 
limits. Provision is made for the expected cost of labour and parts based on historical claims experience and expected future 
trends. These assumptions are reviewed regularly.  

Vacant leasehold 
The Group is committed to certain leasehold premises for which it no longer has a commercial use. These are principally 
located in the UK, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore. Provision has been made to the extent of the estimated future net cost. 
This includes taking into account existing subtenant arrangements. The expected utilisation period of these provisions is 
generally over the next 10 years.  

Litigation 
This includes a number of litigation provisions in respect of claims that have been brought against various group companies. 
The claims are generally expected to be concluded within the next three years. 

Other 
This category principally includes provisions relating to residual values on leased vehicles and provisions relating to restructuring 
activities. These provisions are expected to be utilised within three years. 

www.inchcape.com 

129 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

22 Borrowings  

2016 

Current 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Non-current 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Total borrowings 

Floating rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

0.3
1.7
1.5
–
0.9

0.8
1.5
–
1.1
1.0

£m 

229.2
20.0
226.5
–
475.7

148.2
129.0
–
277.2
752.9

Fixed rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

Total interest 
bearing  
£m 

On which 
no interest 
is paid  
£m 

–
1.6
–
6.2
2.6

1.6
–
4.2
2.2
2.3

229.2 
24.7 
226.5 
1.3 
481.7 

159.6 
129.0 
3.4 
292.0 
773.7 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

£m 

–
4.7
–
1.3
6.0

11.4
–
3.4
14.8
20.8

Bank overdrafts include £180.2m (2015 – £97.9m) held in cash pooling arrangements which have not been offset in the 
consolidated statement of financial position (see note 23b). 

2015 

Current 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Finance leases  

Non-current 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Total borrowings 

Floating rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

–
–
–
–

1.5
–
1.5
1.1

£m 

98.5
–
–
98.5

308.9
–
308.9
407.4

Fixed rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

Total interest 
bearing  
£m 

On which 
no interest 
is paid  
£m 

–
5.8
6.6
6.0

–
6.8
6.8
6.3

98.5 
3.7 
1.1 
103.3 

308.9 
2.6 
311.5 
414.8 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

£m 

–
3.7
1.1
4.8

–
2.6
2.6
7.4

2016
Total 
£m 

229.2
24.7
226.5
1.3
481.7

159.6
129.0
3.4
292.0
773.7

2015
Total 
£m 

98.5
3.7
1.1
103.3

308.9
2.6
311.5
414.8

The above analysis is presented after taking account of the cross currency fixed to floating interest rate swap on the Private 
Placement of US$436m (2015 – US$436m). 

Interest payments on floating rate financial liabilities are determined by reference to short-term benchmark rates applicable  
in the relevant currency or market (primarily LIBOR or the local equivalent). 

The fair values of the Group’s borrowings are not considered to be materially different from their book value, with the exception 
of the Private Placement which includes a fair value basis adjustment of £1.2m (2015 – £12.5m). 

The Group’s borrowings are unsecured. 

At 31 December 2016, the committed funding facilities of the Group comprised a syndicated bank facility of £400m  
(2015 – £400m) and Private Placement loan notes totalling US$436m (2015 – US$436m). 

At 31 December 2016, £135m of the £400m syndicated credit facility was drawn down (2015 – none). The £400m facility was 
entered into in January 2015 with an initial expiry date of January 2020 and with a further two one-year extension options 
available. In January 2016 the first extension option was exercised and on 21 January 2017 the second option was exercised, 
extending the expiry date to January 2022. 

All US$436m of the Group’s Private Placement loan notes are swapped into Sterling. US$275m is repayable in 2017, and 
US$161m in 2019. 

130

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22 Borrowings continued 
Primarily to refinance the Group’s existing US$275m Private Placement loan notes that are due to mature in May 2017, the Group 
entered into agreements in December 2016 to issue the following £210m series of Private Placement loan notes: 

Fixed rate coupon 
Funding date 
Maturity date 
Tranche amount 

7 Year 

10 Year 

2.85%
May 2017
May 2024
£70.0m

3.02%
January 2017
May 2027
£30.0m

10 Year 

3.12% 
May 2017 
May 2027 
£70.0m 

12 Year 

3.10%
January 2017
May 2029
£40.0m

The table below sets out the maturity profile of the Group’s borrowings that are exposed to interest rate risk. This analysis is 
presented after taking account of the cross currency fixed to floating interest rate swap on the Private Placement of US$436m 
(2015 – US$436m). 

2016 

Fixed rate 
Bank loans 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 

2015 

Fixed rate 
Bank loans 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Private Placement 

Less than 
 1 year  
£m 

Between 1 
 and 2 years 
£m 

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m 

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m 

Between 4  
and 5 years  
£m 

Greater than  
5 years  
£m 

Total interest 
bearing 
£m 

4.7 
1.3 

229.2 
20.0 
226.5 

–
0.2

–
2.7
–

–
–

–
2.7
129.0

11.4
–

–
7.8
–

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
3.2 

– 
135.0 
– 

16.1
4.7

229.2
168.2
355.5

Less than 
 1 year  
£m 

Between 1
 and 2 years 
£m 

Between 2 
and 3 years 
£m 

Between 3 
and 4 years 
£m 

Between 4  
and 5 years  
£m 

Greater than  
5 years  
£m 

Total interest 
bearing 
£m 

3.7 
1.1 

98.5 
– 

–
1.1

–
197.2

–
–

–
–

–
0.1

–
111.7

– 
– 

– 
– 

– 
1.4 

– 
– 

3.7
3.7

98.5
308.9

23 Financial instruments 
The Group’s financial liabilities, other than derivatives, comprise overdrafts, loan notes, finance leases and trade and other 
payables. The main purpose of these instruments is to raise finance for the Group’s operations. The Group also has various 
financial assets such as trade and other receivables, cash and short-term deposits which arise from its trading operations. 

The Group’s primary derivative transactions are forward and swap currency contracts, and cross currency interest rate swaps.  
The purpose is to manage the currency and interest rate risks arising from the Group’s trading operations and its sources of 
finance. Group policy is that there is no trading or speculation in derivatives. 

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, currency risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. 

a. Classes of financial instruments 

2016 

Financial assets 
Available for sale financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Borrowings 
Total financial liabilities 

 Loans and 
receivables 
£m 

 Available for 
sale 
£m 

 Held at fair 
value 
£m 

 Amortised  
cost  
£m  

Cash and cash 
equivalents 
£m 

–
401.0
–
–
401.0

–
–
–
–
401.0

3.8
–
–
–
3.8

–
–
–
–
3.8

–
–
160.1
–
160.1

–
(53.6)
–
(53.6)
106.5

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

(1,786.9) 
– 
(773.7) 
(2,560.6) 
(2,560.6) 

– 
– 
– 
645.2 
645.2 

– 
– 
– 
– 
645.2 

 Total 
£m 

3.8
401.0
160.1
645.2
1,210.1

(1,786.9)
(53.6)
(773.7)
(2,614.2)
(1,404.1)

www.inchcape.com 

131 

inchcape.com 131

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

23 Financial instruments continued 

2015 

Financial assets 
Available for sale financial assets 
Trade and other receivables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Total financial assets 

Financial liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 
Borrowings 
Total financial liabilities 

 Loans and 
receivables 
£m 

 Available for 
sale 
£m 

 Held at fair 
value 
£m 

 Amortised  
cost  
£m  

Cash and 
cash 
equivalents  
£m 

–
271.6
–
–
271.6

–
–
–
–
271.6

1.4
–
–
–
1.4

–
–
–
–
1.4

–
–
134.5
–
134.5

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
(3.6)
–
(3.6)
130.9

(1,467.7) 
– 
(414.8) 
(1,882.5) 
(1,882.5) 

– 
– 
– 
473.8 
473.8 

– 
– 
– 
– 
473.8 

 Total 
£m 

1.4
271.6
134.5
473.8
881.3

(1,467.7)
(3.6)
(414.8)
(1,886.1)
(1,004.8)

b. Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities 
The following financial assets are subject to offsetting, enforceable netting arrangements and similar agreements: 

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
liabilities set 
off in the 
statement of 
financial 
position 

Net amounts 
of financial 
assets 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial 
position 

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
assets 

Financial 
instruments 

Related amounts not set off 
in the statement of 
financial position 

As at 31 December 2016 
Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other receivables 
Total 

As at 31 December 2015 
Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other receivables 
Total 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

168.4
645.2
2.5
816.1

137.9
473.8
2.1
613.8

(8.3)
–
(0.6)
(8.9)

(3.4)
–
(0.6)
(4.0)

160.1
645.2
1.9
807.2

134.5
473.8
1.5
609.8

(21.9) 
(180.2) 
– 
(202.1) 

(3.5) 
(97.9) 
– 
(101.4) 

The following financial liabilities are subject to offsetting, enforceable netting arrangements and similar agreements: 

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
assets set off 
in the 
statement of 
financial 
position 

Net amounts 
of financial 
liabilities 
presented in 
the statement 
of financial 
position 

Gross 
amounts of 
financial 
liabilities 

Financial 
instruments 

Related amounts not set  
off in the statement of 
financial position 

As at 31 December 2016 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Other payables 
Total 

As at 31 December 2015 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Other payables 
Total 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

(61.9)
(229.2)
(0.6)
(291.7)

(7.0)
(98.5)
(0.6)
(106.1)

8.3
–
0.6
8.9

3.4
–
0.6
4.0

(53.6)
(229.2)
–
(282.8)

(3.6)
(98.5)
–
(102.1)

21.9 
180.2 
– 
202.1 

3.5 
97.9 
– 
101.4 

132

132 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

Cash 
collateral 
received 

£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Cash 
collateral 
paid 

£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Net 
amount 

£m 

138.2
465.0
1.9
605.1

131.0
375.9
1.5
508.4

Net 
amount 

£m 

(31.7)
(49.0)
–
(80.7)

(0.1)
(0.6)
–
(0.7)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 Financial instruments continued 
For the financial assets and liabilities subject to enforceable netting arrangements or similar agreements above, each 
agreement between the Group and the counterparty allows for net settlement of the relevant financial assets and liabilities  
if the amounts relate to the same transaction and are in the same currency. If the parties subject to the agreement do not  
elect to settle on a net basis, financial assets and liabilities will be settled on a gross basis. However, each party to the netting 
agreement will have the option to settle all such amounts on a net basis in the event of a default of the other party. 

c. Market risk and sensitivity analysis 
Financial instruments affected by market risk include borrowings, deposits and derivative financial instruments. The Group is  
not exposed to commodity price risk. The following analysis, required by IFRS 7, is intended to illustrate the sensitivity to changes 
in market variables, being primarily UK interest rates and the Australian Dollar to Japanese Yen exchange rate. 

The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis: 

•  changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges from movements in  

interest rates are assumed to be recorded fully in equity; 

•  changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as fair value hedges from movements in  

interest rates have an immaterial effect on the consolidated income statement and equity due to compensating adjustments 
in the carrying value of debt; 

•  changes in the carrying value of financial instruments not in hedging relationships only affect the consolidated  

income statement; 

•  all other changes in the carrying value of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges are fully effective with  

no impact on the consolidated income statement. 

d. Interest rate risk and sensitivity analysis 
The Group’s interest rate policy has the objective of minimising net interest expense, and protecting the Group from material 
adverse movements in interest rates. Throughout 2016, the Group has borrowed at floating rates only (after taking into account 
existing interest rate hedging activities). This approach maximises the Group’s exposure to the current low interest rate 
environment. If hedging is deemed appropriate by management in the future, the Board has approved the fixing of up to 30% 
of gross borrowings. Instruments approved for this purpose include interest rate swaps, forward rate agreements and options. 
The Group’s exposure to the risk of changes in market interest rates arises primarily from the floating rate interest payable on the 
Group’s Private Placement loan notes, bank borrowings, supplier related finance and the returns available on surplus cash. 

In December 2016, the Group entered into agreements to issue £210m in new private placement loan notes (see note 22) 
primarily to refinance the existing loan notes due to mature in 2017 and 2019. The new loan rates will be issued at a fixed  
interest rate. 

Interest rate risk table 
The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s profit before tax to a reasonably possible change in interest rates 
on bank borrowings, supplier related finance and cash balances as at 31 December 2016 with all other variables held constant. 

2016 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian Rouble 
Australian Dollar 

2015 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian Rouble 
Australian Dollar 

Increase
in basis 
points 

 Effect on profit 
before tax
£m 

75
50
500
100

75
50
500
100

(6.8)
0.1
(1.7)
(3.1)

(3.9)
(0.9)
(1.0)
(2.1)

www.inchcape.com 

133 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

23 Financial instruments continued 
e. Foreign currency risk 
The Group publishes its consolidated financial statements in Sterling and faces currency risk on the translation of its earnings 
and net assets, a significant proportion of which are in currencies other than Sterling. 

Transaction exposure hedging 
The Group has transactional currency exposures, where sales or purchases by an operating unit are in currencies other  
than that unit’s functional currency. For a significant proportion of the Group, these exposures are removed as trading is 
denominated in the relevant local currency. In particular, local billing arrangements are in place for many of our businesses 
with our brand partners. The principal exception is for our business in Australasia, which purchases vehicles and parts in 
Japanese Yen. 

In this instance, the Group seeks to hedge forecast transactional foreign exchange rate risk using forward foreign currency 
exchange contracts. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income to the extent it is effective and recycled into the consolidated income statement at the same time as 
the underlying hedged transaction affects the consolidated income statement. Under IAS 39, hedges are documented and 
tested for hedge effectiveness on an ongoing basis. 

Hedge of foreign currency debt 
The Group uses cross currency interest rate swaps to hedge the forward foreign currency risk associated with the US$436m 
Private Placement. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedge is recognised in the consolidated income statement  
at the same time as the underlying hedged transaction affects the consolidated income statement. 

Foreign currency risk table 
The following table shows the Group sensitivity to a reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates on its Japanese  
Yen financial instruments. In this table, financial instruments are only considered sensitive to foreign exchange rates when  
they are not in the functional currency of the entity that holds them.  

2016 
Yen 
Yen 

2015 
Yen 
Yen 

Increase / 
(decrease) in 
exchange 
rate  

 Effect on
 equity
£m 

+10% 
-10% 

+10% 
-10% 

0.1
(0.1)

0.1
(0.1)

f. Credit risk 
The amount due from counterparties arising from cash deposits and the use of financial instruments creates credit risk. The 
Group monitors its credit exposure to its counterparties via their credit ratings (where applicable) and through its policy of 
limiting its exposure to any one party to ensure that they are within Board approved limits and that there are no significant 
concentrations of credit risk.  

Group policy is to deposit cash and use financial instruments with counterparties with a long-term credit rating of A or better, 
where available. The notional amounts of financial instruments used in interest rate and foreign exchange management do  
not represent the credit risk arising through the use of these instruments. The immediate credit risk of these instruments is 
generally estimated by the fair value of contracts with a positive value. Credit limits are reviewed regularly. 

The table below analyses the Group’s short-term deposits and derivative assets by credit exposure excluding bank balances 
and cash in hand: 

Credit rating of counterparty 
AA- 
A+ 
A 
A- 
BBB+ 
BBB 
No rating1 

Derivative 
assets 
£m 

86.6
–
73.3
–
0.2
–
–
160.1

2016   

 Short-term 
deposits 

£m   

–   
6.1   
93.6   
–   
16.8   
–   
55.0   
171.5   

Derivative  
assets 
£m 

2015 

 Short-term 
deposits
£m 

72.7 
5.9 
52.9 
– 
2.0 
1.0 
– 
134.5 

8.6
31.2
47.5
1.0
5.2
–
45.0
138.5

1   Counterparties in certain markets in which the Group operates do not have a credit rating. 

134

134 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 Financial instruments continued 
No credit limits were exceeded during the reporting period and management does not expect any losses from non-
performance by these counterparties. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk for cash at bank, cash equivalents, receivables and other financial assets is represented 
by their carrying amount. 

Total cash at bank of £473.7m (2015 – £335.3m) includes cash in the Group’s regional pooling arrangements which are offset 
against borrowings for interest purposes. Netting of cash and overdraft balances in the consolidated statement of financial 
position only occurs to the extent that there is the legal ability and intention to settle net. As such, overdrafts are presented in 
current liabilities to the extent that there is no intention to offset with the cash balance. 

Trade receivables include amounts due from a number of finance houses in respect of vehicles sold to customers on finance 
arranged through the Group. An independent credit rating agency is used to assess the credit standing of each finance house. 
Limits for the maximum outstanding with each finance house are set accordingly.  

g. Liquidity risk 
Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient cash and marketable securities, the availability of  
funding through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the ability to close out market positions. Due  
to the dynamic nature of the underlying businesses, Group Treasury aims to maintain flexibility in funding by keeping  
committed credit lines available.  

The table below summarises the maturity profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities at 31 December 2016 and 2015 
based on expected contractual undiscounted cash flows:  

2016 

Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net outflows 

2015 

Financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Available for sale financial assets 
Derivative financial instruments 

Financial liabilities 
Interest bearing loans and borrowings 
Trade and other payables 
Derivative financial instruments 

Net outflows 

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

Between 
3 to 12 
months
£m 

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

634.8
342.0
0.1
2.2
979.1

(231.1)
(1,681.6)
(23.4)
(1,936.1)
(957.0)

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

459.6
249.8
0.1
13.9
723.4

10.4
44.5
0.1
243.6
298.6

(265.2)
(95.1)
(173.1)
(533.4)
(234.8)

Between 
3 to 12 
months 
£m 

14.2
14.4
0.1
33.3
62.0

(99.2)
(1,371.6)
(3.3)
(1,474.1)
(750.7)

(18.2)
(88.3)
(5.5)
(112.0)
(50.0)

– 
10.0 
0.2 
203.7 
213.9 

–
4.5
3.4
–
7.9

645.2
401.0
3.8
449.5
1,499.5

(162.8) 
(10.2) 
(137.7) 
(310.7) 
(96.8) 

(138.2)
–
–
(138.2)
(130.3)

(797.3)
(1,786.9)
(334.2)
(2,918.4)
(1,418.9)

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

– 
6.8 
0.8 
376.3 
383.9 

(332.2) 
(7.8) 
(274.8) 
(614.8) 
(230.9) 

–
0.6
0.4
–
1.0

(1.4)
–
–
(1.4)
(0.4)

473.8
271.6
1.4
423.5
1,170.3

(451.0)
(1,467.7)
(283.6)
(2,202.3)
(1,032.0)

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135 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

23 Financial instruments continued 
h. Fair value measurement 
In accordance with IFRS 13, disclosure is required for financial instruments that are measured in the consolidated statement  
of financial position at fair value. This requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level for the following fair value 
measurement hierarchy: 

•  quoted prices in active markets (level 1); 
•  inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly (level 2); or 
•  inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (level 3). 

The following table presents the Group’s assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value: 

Assets 
Derivatives used for hedging 
Available for sale financial assets 

Liabilities 
Derivatives used for hedging 

Level 1
£m 

Level 2
£m 

Level 3
£m 

2016 

Total 
£m 

Level 1
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3
£m 

–
1.6
1.6

160.1
–
160.1

–
2.2
2.2

160.1
3.8
163.9

–
1.4
1.4

134.5 
– 
134.5 

–

(53.6)

–

(53.6)

–

(3.6) 

–
–
–

–

2015 

Total 
£m 

134.5
1.4
135.9

(3.6)

Level 1 represents the fair value of financial instruments that are traded in active markets and is based on quoted market  
prices at the end of the reporting period. 

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an active market (level 2) is determined by using valuation 
techniques which include the present value of estimated future cash flows. These valuation techniques maximise the use  
of observable market data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity specific estimates. 

Derivative financial instruments are carried at their fair values. The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts and foreign 
exchange swaps represents the difference between the value of the outstanding contracts at their contracted rates and a 
valuation calculated using the spot rates of exchange and prevailing forward interest rates at 31 December 2016. 

The Group’s derivative financial instruments comprise the following: 

Cross currency interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts  

 2016
£m 

155.0
5.1
160.1

Assets   

 2015 

£m    

107.4   
27.1   
134.5   

2016 
£m  

– 
(53.6) 
(53.6) 

Liabilities 

2015
£m 

–
(3.6)
(3.6)

The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from fair value hedges amounted to a gain 
of £1.0m (2015 – gain of £0.9m). The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from cash 
flow hedges amounted to a gain of £nil (2015 – £nil). 

136

136 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23 Financial instruments continued 
Cash flow hedges 
The Group principally uses forward foreign exchange contracts to hedge purchases in a non-functional currency against 
movements in exchange rates. The cash flows relating to these contracts are generally expected to occur within 12 months  
of the end of the reporting period (2015 – 12 months). 

The nominal principal amount of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts relating to transactional exposures  
at 31 December 2016 was £1,078.7m (2015 – £535.3m). 

Net fair value gains and losses recognised in the hedging reserve in shareholders’ equity (see note 25) on forward foreign 
exchange contracts as at 31 December 2016 are expected to be released to the consolidated income statement within  
12 months of the end of the reporting period (2015 – 12 months). 

Fair value hedge 
At 31 December 2016, the Group had in place five cross currency interest rate swaps. Four of these total US$475m, which hedge 
changes in the fair value of the Group’s 10 and 12 year Private Placement loan notes. Under these swaps, the Group receives 
fixed rate US Dollar interest of 5.94% on US$275m and 6.04% on US$200m and pays GBP LIBOR +85bps and GBP LIBOR +90bps for 
the 10 and 12 year notes respectively.  

An additional US$39.2m cross currency interest rate swap was put in place after the debt reduction in 2009 to offset the non-
required portion of the original US$475m swaps. Under this swap, the Group pays US Dollar interest of 6.04% on US$39.2m and 
receives GBP LIBOR +214bps for the 12 year notes only. The loan notes and cross currency interest rate swaps have the same 
critical terms. 

i. Capital management 
The Group’s capital structure consists of equity and debt. Equity represents funds raised from shareholders and debt represents 
funds raised from banks and other financial institutions. The primary objective of the Group’s management of debt and equity  
is to ensure that it maintains a strong credit rating and healthy capital ratios in order to finance the Group’s activities, both  
now and in the future, and to maximise shareholder value. 

The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes in economic conditions. To maintain 
or adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, return capital to shareholders or 
issue new shares. The Directors consider the Group’s capital structure and dividend policy at least twice a year prior to the 
announcement of results, taking into account the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern and the requirements of  
its business plan. 

The Group uses Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) as a measure of its ability to drive better returns on the capital invested in 
the Group’s operations. 

Return on Capital Employed 

2016 

29.8%

2015 

29.8%

The committed bank facilities and Private Placement borrowings are subject to the same interest cover covenant based on  
an adjusted EBITA measure to interest on consolidated borrowings. The Group is required to maintain a ratio of not less than 
three to one and was compliant with this covenant throughout the year.  

The Group monitors group leverage by reference to three tests: Adjusted EBITA interest cover, the ratio of net debt to EBITDA  
and the ratio of net debt to market capitalisation.  

Adjusted EBITA interest cover (times)* 
Net debt to EBITDA (times)** 
Net debt / market capitalisation (percentage)*** 

*  Calculated as Adjusted EBITA / interest on consolidated borrowings. 

**  Calculated as net debt / earnings before exceptional items, interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation. 

***Calculated as net debt / market capitalisation as at 31 December. 

2016 

2015 

300.9
n/a
n/a

111.8
n/a
n/a

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137 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

24 Share capital 
a. Allotted, called up and fully paid up 

Ordinary shares (nominal value of 10.0p each) 
At 1 January 
Cancelled under share buy back 
At 31 December 

2016
Number 

2015 
Number 

2016 
£m 

436,810,096
(15,805,287)
421,004,809

448,741,789 
(11,931,693) 
436,810,096 

43.8 
(1.6) 
42.2 

2015
£m 

45.0
(1.2)
43.8

b. Share buy back programme 
During the year, the Group repurchased 15,805,287 (2015 – 11,931,693) of its own shares through purchases on the London 
Stock Exchange at a cost of £108.2m (2015 – £90.8m). The shares repurchased during the year were cancelled, with none held 
within treasury shares at the end of the reporting period. An amount of £1.6m (2015 – £1.2m), equivalent to the nominal value  
of the cancelled shares, has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve. Costs of £1.6m (2015 – £0.6m) associated with 
the transfer to the Group of the repurchased shares and their subsequent cancellation have been charged to the profit and 
loss reserve. 

c. Substantial shareholdings 
Details of substantial interests in the Company’s issued ordinary share capital received by the Company at 28 February 2017 
under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have been disclosed in the significant shareholdings section of the Corporate 
Governance Report. 

d. Share options 
At 31 December 2016, options to acquire ordinary shares of 10.0p each in the Company up to the following numbers under  
the schemes below were outstanding as follows: 

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option price (£) 

  Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option price (£) 

The Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan  
– approved (Part II – UK) 
1,503 
1,615 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

– unapproved (Part I – UK) 
2,501 
5,448 
– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 
296,329 
47,763 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option Scheme  
– approved 

2.00   91,646 
3.10   430,584 
  752,660 
  777,105 
  Recruitment and Retention Plan 

1 May 2017 
1 May 2018 
1 May 2019 
1 May 2020 

2.00   206,881 
3.10   124,909 

31 March 2025 
10 April 2026 

4.76
5.40
5.78
5.63

0.10
0.10

2.00  
3.10  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 770,102 (2015 – 631,253) ordinary shares in the Company held by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust, a general discretionary trust whose beneficiaries include current and former employees of the Group 
and their dependants. The book value of these shares at 31 December 2016 was £5.5m (2015 – £4.5m). The market value of 
these shares at both 31 December 2016 and 28 February 2017 was £5.4m and £5.8m respectively (31 December 2015 – £5.0m,  
14 March 2016 – £4.5m). 

138

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25 Other reserves  

At 1 January 2015 
Cash flow hedges: 
– Fair value movements 
– Reclassified and reported in inventories 
– Tax on cash flow hedges 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 1 January 2016 
Cash flow hedges: 
– Fair value movements 
– Reclassified and reported in inventories 
– Tax on cash flow hedges 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2016 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

Hedging 
reserve
£m 

Total other 
reserves
£m 

(162.7) 

(19.9)

(182.6)

– 
– 
– 
(49.0) 
(211.7) 

– 
– 
– 
211.9 
0.2 

38.7
(15.2)
(7.0)
–
(3.4)

(59.3)
27.3
9.6
–
(25.8)

38.7
(15.2)
(7.0)
(49.0)
(215.1)

(59.3)
27.3
9.6
211.9
(25.6)

The effect of foreign exchange rate changes includes a gain of £0.6m (2015 – £7.0m) on the liquidation of overseas subsidiaries 
that has been reclassified to the consolidated income statement in accordance with IAS 21, ‘The effects of changes in foreign 
exchange rates’. 

Available for sale reserve 
Gains and losses on available for sale financial assets are recognised in the ‘available for sale reserve’ until the asset is sold  
or is considered to be impaired, at which time the cumulative gain or loss is included in the consolidated income statement. 

Translation reserve 
The translation reserve is used to record foreign exchange rate changes relating to the translation of the results of foreign 
subsidiaries arising after 1 January 2004. It is also used to record foreign exchange differences arising on long-term foreign 
currency borrowings used to finance or hedge foreign currency investments.  

Hedging reserve 
For cash flow hedges that meet the conditions for hedge accounting, the portion of the gains or losses on the hedging 
instrument that are determined to be an effective hedge are recognised directly in shareholders’ equity. When the hedged firm 
commitment results in the recognition of a non-financial asset or liability then, at the time the asset or liability is recognised, the 
associated gains or losses that had previously been recognised in shareholders’ equity are included in the initial measurement 
of the acquisition cost or other carrying amount of the asset or liability.  

26 Retained earnings 

At 1 January  
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent for the year: 
– Profit for the year 
– Actuarial losses on defined pension benefits (note 5) 
– Tax credited to reserves 
Total comprehensive income for the year 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
Share buy back programme 
Net purchase of own shares by Inchcape Employee Trust 
Dividends paid (note 10) 
At 31 December 

2016 
£m 

2015
£m 

1,106.8

1,148.2

184.4
(60.3)
10.9
135.0
11.3
(109.8)
(10.9)
(90.2)
1,042.2

175.8
(26.8)
1.2
150.2
9.8
(91.4)
(18.9)
(91.1)
1,106.8

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139 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

27 Notes to the consolidated statement of cash flows 
a. Reconciliation of cash generated from operations 

Cash flows from operating activities  
Operating profit  
Exceptional items (see note 2) 
Amortisation including non-exceptional impairment of intangible assets 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 
Share-based payments charge 
Increase in inventories 
Increase in trade and other receivables 
Increase in trade and other payables 
Decrease in provisions 
Pension contributions less than the pension charge for the year* 
Decrease / (increase) in interest in leased vehicles 
Payments in respect of operating exceptional items 
Other non-cash items  
Cash generated from operations 

* Includes additional payments of £2.1m (2015 – £1.7m). 

b. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  
Net cash inflow from borrowings and finance leases 
Change in net cash and debt resulting from cash flows 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on net cash and debt 
Net movement in fair value 
Net loans and finance leases relating to acquisitions and disposals 
Movement in net funds 
Opening net funds 
Closing net funds 

Net funds is analysed as follows: 

Cash at bank and cash equivalents 
Short-term deposits 
Bank overdrafts 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Bank loans 
Finance leases 

Fair value of cross currency interest rate swap 
Net funds 

140

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

2016 
£m  

 2015
£m 

277.5 
81.6 
14.9 
38.0 
(12.7) 
12.1 
(110.7) 
(10.2) 
99.0 
(9.4) 
1.9 
2.9 
(3.2) 
1.1 
382.8 

2016 
£m  

(89.8) 
(132.1) 
(221.9) 
129.7 
1.0 
(48.7) 
(139.9) 
166.4 
26.5 

 2016  
£m  

473.7 
171.5 
(229.2) 
416.0 
(539.8) 
(4.7) 
(128.5) 
155.0 
26.5 

275.2
49.5
14.0
34.5
(2.1)
9.6
(246.5)
(68.5)
282.2
(4.2)
2.7
(12.3)
–
(5.7)
328.4

2015 
£m 

(20.3)
(3.2)
(23.5)
(21.2)
0.9
–
(43.8)
210.2
166.4

 2015 
£m 

335.3
138.5
(98.5)
375.3
(312.6)
(3.7)
59.0
107.4
166.4

 
 
 
 
 
28 Acquisitions and disposals 
a. Acquisitions 
On 22 December 2016, the Group acquired a multi-country scale Distribution business in South America, focused on Subaru 
and Hino and operating in the growth markets of Chile, Colombia, Peru and Argentina. The business was acquired from 
Empresas Indumotora S.A. 

Details of the provisional fair values of the identifiable assets and liabilities as at the date of acquisition are set out below: 

Assets and liabilities acquired, at provisional values1 
Intangible assets  
Property, plant and equipment  
Tax assets 
Inventory 
Trade and other receivables 
Other assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions  
Borrowings 
Tax liabilities 
Other liabilities 
Net assets acquired 
Distribution agreements recognised on acquisition (net of deferred tax) (see notes 11 and 16) 
Goodwill 
Purchase consideration 

2016
 £m 

3.6
29.6
9.7
73.0
67.4
2.2
29.9
(91.5)
(4.4)
(48.7)
(7.2)
(0.3)
63.3
112.2
51.2
226.7

1   Given the proximity of the acquisition prior to the year end, work is underway to identify the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. The value 

at which assets and liabiltiies are stated above are therefore provisional values largely based on book values at the acquisition date. 

Net cash in business acquired 
Borrowings in business acquired 

29.9
(48.7)
(18.8)

The goodwill arising on acquisition is attributable to the anticipated future cash flows of the acquired business and synergies 
expected to arise following integration with the Group’s existing business in South America. Specifically, the goodwill represents 
the premium paid to expand the Group’s presence in this important market and to create a scale Distribution platform across 
South America with attractive growth prospects. This provides a platform to deliver growth and improved returns far quicker than 
would have been achievable through organic expansion. 

During the year, the Group also acquired a number of sites in the UK in relation to the optimisation of our Jaguar Land Rover 
footprint ahead of the new combined site format being launched in the UK, and a site in Australia. Consideration for the 
acquisitions was £4.3m with goodwill arising on the transaction of £0.2m. 

b. Proforma full year information  
If the acquisition of the South American Distribution business had occurred on 1 January 2016, the approximate revenue and 
operating profit before exceptional items for the period ended 31 December 2016 of the Group would have been £8,203.1m 
and £384.3m respectively. This information has been estimated based on the management information of the acquired 
business prior to acquisition. 

c. Disposals 
During the year, the Group disposed of certain Jaguar Land Rover sites in the UK as part of the footprint optimisation referred to 
above, a site in Australia and finalised the liquidation of a joint venture in Greece. Disposal proceeds were £2.8m. 

In 2015, the Group disposed of a small number of dealerships in Australia and its interest in Excelease SA, a financial services 
business in Belgium, generating disposal proceeds of £5.4m and a profit on disposal of £0.6m. 

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

29 Guarantees and contingencies 

Guarantees, performance bonds and contingent liabilities 

2016 
£m 

58.4 

2015
£m 

31.2

Guarantees and contingencies largely comprise letters of credit issued on behalf of the Group in the ordinary course  
of business. 

The Group also has, in the ordinary course of business, commitments under foreign exchange instruments relating to the 
hedging of transactional exposures (see note 23). 

Franked Investment Income Group Litigation Order 
Inchcape is a participant in an action in the United Kingdom against HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the Franked 
Investment Income Group Litigation Order (FII GLO). There are 25 corporate groups in the FII GLO. The action concerns the 
treatment for UK corporate tax purposes of profits earned overseas and distributed to the UK. The resolution of test cases is 
incomplete. The current status of the test case is that a judgment on a range of issues of quantification was handed down by 
the Court of Appeal on 24 November 2016. HMRC have applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of 
Appeal’s judgment of November 2016 on all issues on which they were unsuccessful. The outcome of this application is not yet 
known. Inchcape is not a test case and its specific claim under the FII GLO has not been considered by the Courts.  

In September 2015 Inchcape filed an application at the High Court for summary judgment in respect of the Foreign Income 
Dividend (FID) component of the FII GLO. This is a claim for restitution of Advance Corporation Tax (ACT) paid under the FID 
regime and is a subsidiary component of the FII GLO. In January 2016, Henderson J handed down judgment in favour of a 
number of claimants in the GLO who had brought similar applications. HMRC agreed that that judgment should also apply to 
resolve Inchcape’s application in its favour. Subsequently, the Group received a payment from HMRC. The award under the 
summary judgment was £6.5m and this has been reported within other operating income. The net payment received was 
£3.5m after tax at 45%. This net payment is subject to refund if HMRC are granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court on the 
issue concerning FID claims and that appeal is then successful. 

No potential receipts have been recognised in the period to 31 December 2016 in the results of the Group in relation to the 
balance of the claim in the FII GLO due to the uncertainty of the amounts and eventual outcome given the test case has not 
yet completed nor has Inchcape’s specific claim been heard by the Courts.  

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30 Commitments 
a. Capital commitments 
Contracts placed for future capital expenditure at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred are as follows: 

Property, plant and equipment 
Computer software 

2016
£m 

22.9
–

2015
£m 

16.8
2.0

b. Lease commitments 
Operating lease commitments – Group as lessee 
The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various offices, warehouses and dealerships. These leases 
have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. None of these leases are considered to be individually significant. 

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: 

Within one year 
Between one and five years 
After five years 

2016
£m 

65.1
148.7
181.0
394.8

2015
£m 

53.7
122.7
192.8
369.2

Operating lease commitments – Group as lessor 
The Group has entered into non-cancellable operating leases on a number of its vehicles and certain properties. These leases 
have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights and are not individually significant to the Group. 

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

Within one year 
Between one and five years 
After five years 

2016
£m 

5.2
10.6
6.1
21.9

2015
£m 

4.1
8.6
6.7
19.4

Finance leases and hire purchase contracts 
The Group has finance leases and hire purchase contracts for various items of property, plant and equipment. These  
leases have varying terms, escalation clauses and renewal rights. Future minimum lease payments under finance leases  
and hire purchase contracts, together with the present value of the net minimum lease payments (included within borrowings), 
are as follows:  

Minimum lease payments: 
– Within one year 
– Between one and five years 
– After five years 
Total minimum lease payments 
Less: future finance charges 
Present value of finance lease liabilities 

2016
£m 

1.4
0.6
4.6
6.6
(1.9)
4.7

2015
£m 

0.8
1.6
3.0
5.4
(1.7)
3.7

c. Residual value commitments 
The Group has entered into agreements with leasing companies and other third parties to repurchase vehicles for a specified 
value at a predetermined date as follows: 

Vehicles subject to residual value commitments 

2016
£m 

87.8

2015
£m 

83.4

Residual value commitments comprise the total repurchase liability on all vehicles where the Group has a residual value 
commitment. These commitments are largely expected to be settled over the next three years. 

Where the repurchase commitment is in respect of a vehicle sold by the Group, the repurchase commitment is included within 
‘trade and other payables’. Included within the above are £10.7m (2015 - £9.1m) of residual value commitments that are 
included within ‘trade and other payables’. 

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Notes to the financial statements continued 

31 Related party disclosures 
a. Trading transactions 
Intra-group transactions have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. Details of transactions 
between the Group and other related parties are disclosed below: 

Other income paid to related parties 

Transactions   

Amounts outstanding 

2016
£m 

0.6

2015 

£m   

0.6   

2016 
£m 

0.1 

2015
£m 

0.1

All of the transactions arise in the ordinary course of business and are on an arm’s length basis. The amounts outstanding are 
unsecured and will be settled in cash. There have been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables.  
The Group has not raised any provision for doubtful debts relating to amounts owed by related parties (2015 – £nil).  

b. Compensation of key management personnel 
The remuneration of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee was as follows: 

Wages and salaries 
Post-retirement benefits 
Share-based payments 
Compensation for loss of office  

2016 
 £m  

6.4 
0.9 
5.8 
0.4 
13.5 

2015
 £m 

6.4
1.0
4.2
0.4
12.0

The remuneration of the Directors and other key management is determined by the Remuneration Committee having regard  
to the performance of individuals and market trends. Further details of emoluments paid to the Directors are included in the 
Directors’ Report on Remuneration. 

32 Foreign currency translation 
The main exchange rates used for translation purposes are as follows: 

Australian Dollar 
Euro 
Hong Kong Dollar 
Singapore Dollar 
Russian Rouble 

Average rates   

Year end rates 

2016 

1.82
1.23
10.51
1.87
90.72

2015   

2.04   
1.38   
11.85   
2.10   
93.72   

2016 

1.71 
1.17 
9.57 
1.78 
75.97 

2015 

2.02
1.36
11.42
2.09
107.30

33 Events after the reporting period 
There have been no events subsequent to the year end that require additional disclosure. 

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Five year record 

The information presented in the table below is prepared in accordance with IFRS, as in issue and effective at that year  
end date. 

Consolidated income statement 
Revenue 

2016
£m 

2015
£m 

2014 
£m  

2013
£m 

2012
£m 

7,838.4

6,836.3

6,702.7 

6,524.9

6,085.4

Operating profit before exceptional items 
Operating exceptional items 
Operating profit 
Share of (loss) / profit after tax of joint ventures and associates 
Profit before finance and tax 
Net finance costs before exceptional items 
Profit before tax 
Tax before exceptional tax 
Exceptional tax 
Profit after tax 
Non-controlling interests  
Profit for the year 

Basic: 
– Profit before tax 
– Earnings per share (pence) 
Adjusted (before exceptional items): 
– Profit before tax 

– Earnings per share (pence) 
Dividends per share – interim paid and final proposed (pence) 

Consolidated statement of financial position 
Non-current assets 
Other assets less (liabilities) excluding net funds  

Net funds  
Net assets 

Equity attributable to owners of the parent 
Non-controlling interests 
Total shareholders’ equity 

359.1
(81.6)
277.5
(0.1)
277.4
(9.6)
267.8
(88.0)
11.5
191.3
(6.9)
184.4

267.8
43.2p

349.4

59.6p
23.8p

324.7
(49.5)
275.2
0.7
275.9
(13.3)
262.6
(74.9)
(4.8)
182.9
(7.1)
175.8

262.6
39.8p

312.1

52.1p
20.9p

318.4 
(47.4) 
271.0 
(1.9) 
269.1 
(13.3) 
255.8 
(68.6) 
– 
187.2 
(7.6) 
179.6 

255.8 
39.7p 

303.2 

50.2p 
20.1p 

286.9
(8.5)
278.4
–
278.4
(12.3)
266.1
(65.9)
0.6
200.8
(6.6)
194.2

266.1
41.8p

274.6

43.5p
17.4p

259.8
0.7
260.5
0.2
260.7
(13.0)
247.7
(60.8)
0.5
187.4
(5.9)
181.5

247.7
39.4p

247.0

39.1p
14.5p

1,563.4
(227.4)
1,336.0
26.5
1,362.5

1,343.9
18.6
1,362.5

1,259.1
(183.6)
1,075.5
166.4
1,241.9

1,219.0
22.9
1,241.9

1,341.2 
(233.3) 
1,107.9 
210.2 
1,318.1 

1,512.1
(135.9)
1,376.2
123.0
1,499.2

1,292.9 
25.2 
1,318.1 

1,470.0
29.2
1,499.2

1,464.4
(212.2)
1,252.2
276.2
1,528.4

1,502.6
25.8
1,528.4

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc 

Report on the Group financial statements 
Our opinion 
In our opinion: 

•  Inchcape plc’s Group financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s 

affairs as at 31 December 2016 and of its profit and cash flows 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; and 

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Article 4 

of the IAS Regulation. 

What we have audited 
The financial statements, included within the Annual Report & Accounts (the “Annual Report”), comprise: 

•  the Consolidated statement of financial position as at 31 December 2016; 
•  the Consolidated income statement for the year then ended; 
•  the Consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 
•  the Consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended; 
•  the Consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; and 
•  the accounting policies 
•  the notes to the financial statements, which include other explanatory information. 

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial statements and are identified as audited. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the financial statements is IFRSs as adopted by 
the European Union, and applicable law. 

Our audit approach 
Overview 
Materiality 

•  Overall group materiality: £17.5 million which represents 5% of profit before taxation and  

exceptional items. 

Audit scope 

•  We conducted our work in 19 countries covering 27 reporting units.
•  The reporting units where we conducted our audit work accounted for 94% of the Group’s revenues  

Areas of focus 

and 94% of the Group’s profit before taxation. 

•  Goodwill impairment assessment.
•  Manufacturers’ bonuses and rebates. 
•  Carrying value of inventory. 
•  Restructuring costs. 
•  Indumotora acquisition. 
•  Impairment of iPower software. 

The scope of our audit and our areas of focus 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) (“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”). 

We designed our audit by determining materiality and assessing the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.  
In particular, we looked at where the Directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant accounting 
estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. As in all of our audits 
we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including evaluating whether there was evidence of 
bias by the Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.  

The risks of material misstatement that had the greatest effect on our audit, including the allocation of our resources and effort, 
are identified as “areas of focus” in the table below. We have also set out how we tailored our audit to address these specific 
areas in order to provide an opinion on the financial statements as a whole, and any comments we make on the results of our 
procedures should be read in this context. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit. 

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

Area of focus 

Goodwill impairment assessment 
Excluding the recent acquisition of Indumotora, Inchcape plc 
has £333.8 million of goodwill generated from Cash 
Generating Units (“CGUs”) spanning five main countries as at 
31 December 2016. The risk is that this balance is overstated. 

For the CGUs which contain goodwill, the determination of 
recoverable amount, being the higher of value in use and fair 
value less costs to dispose, requires judgements on the part of 
management in valuing the relevant CGUs. Recoverable 
amounts are based on management’s view of future trading 
performance and profitability and the most appropriate 
discount and long term growth rates.  As required by 
accounting standards, management tests all CGUs 
containing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis. 

As described further in note 11, management has recorded 
an impairment charge of £24.9 million against the goodwill in 
its Lithuania and Estonia CGU’s, which represented the 
remaining goodwill for each CGU. 

Manufacturers’ bonuses and rebates 
In certain markets, principally the UK, the Group receives 
rebates which are based in part on sales targets set by the 
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The Group is also 
entitled to further OEM bonuses and rebates dependent on 
achieving other targets – including non-financial metrics. The 
quantum of these amounts is material. 

The manufacturers’ bonuses and rebates are usually 
determined by the OEMs and have varying terms, the majority 
of which are governed by annual agreements, whilst others 
are based on shorter term arrangements entered into during 
the year. 

We focused on this area as the amounts are material and 
because not all bonuses and rebates are directly linked to 
quantitative measures, which means that the recognition  of 
some of these amounts requires management judgement 
and estimation in determining whether they have been 
earned as at the balance sheet date. 

How our audit addressed the area of focus 
We evaluated management’s future cash flow forecasts and 
the process by which they were drawn up, including testing 
the underlying calculations and comparing them with the 
latest Board approved budgets. We challenged: 

•  projected vehicle volume and margin forecasts over the 
next five years by comparing them with external industry 
forecasts, where available, and historical and current 
results; 

•  the long-term growth rate used to extrapolate the cash 
flows beyond year five (the period covered by Board 
approved forecasts) into perpetuity, by comparing them 
with historical results and wider industry forecasts; and 

•  the discount rate, by independently calculating the cost of 

capital for the Group and any country risk premia. 

We evaluated the historical accuracy of budgets and 
forecasts, for example, comparing the budgets used in the 
prior year value-in-use model against the actual performance 
of the business in the current year. These procedures enabled 
us to assess the accuracy of the forecasting process. 

Where the difference between the value in use calculations 
and the carrying value of the CGU was more limited, we 
undertook downside sensitivity analysis on the key 
assumptions which were determined to be revenue growth 
and margins and we calculated the degree to which these 
assumptions would need to move before an impairment 
charge would have to be recognised.  

For the Lithuania and Estonia CGUs, where the assets are now 
recorded at their recoverable amount, we calculated the 
extent to which management’s assumptions would have to 
change for the impairment charge of £24.9 million to be 
materially misstated. 

We satisfied ourselves as to the reasonableness of the 
assumptions used and judgements made by management in 
determining the recoverable amount of each of the five main 
CGUs. We also confirmed the appropriateness of the related 
disclosures in note 11 of the financial statements. 

We understood and evaluated the controls and processes 
with respect to manufacturers’ bonuses and rebates.   

We reconciled the total of all credit notes received during the 
year from the OEMs to the amount recognised as income 
during the period.  On a sample basis, we tied through the 
amounts recognised as income from the credit note through 
to the actual cash received in the bank statement. 

For bonus amounts held in the balance sheet as at 31 
December 2016, we performed subsequent receipts testing to 
the extent possible, agreeing the amounts recognised from 
the credit note through to the cash received in the bank 
statement.  

We also recalculated a sample of the year end accrued 
bonus accruals using the communication from the OEM and 
the data used in our audit of revenue. 

To address the risk that income had been recorded in the 
incorrect period, on a sample basis we agreed the 
information on the credit note on a vehicle by vehicle basis 
back to audited revenue information to validate the bonus 
had been earned in the correct period. 

No significant issues were identified during our testing. 

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

Area of focus 

How our audit addressed the area of focus 

Carrying value of inventory 
As at 31 December 2016, inventory of £1.5 billion was held 
across multiple locations. Inventory is  recorded at the lower of 
cost and net realisable value, being selling price less 
estimated selling costs. 

As gross margins on sales of vehicle inventory can be low and 
inventory is sometimes sold at a loss, provisions are recorded 
against inventory to write it down to management’s best 
estimate of its recoverable amount. Management has 
established a formal provisioning policy based on historical 
performance and their future trading forecasts. 

Restructuring costs 
Exceptional costs totalling £24.8 million have been recorded in 
the final quarter of 2016 relating to a global restructuring 
project principally consisting of employee and property 
related expenses.   

Determining whether the costs recorded as exceptional are 
directly related to the restructuring program is judgemental. 

Given the restructuring programme was announced close to 
year end, we have also focused on assessing whether the 
recognition criteria for recording restructuring provisions have 
been met in the current period and the judgements 
underpinning their valuation. 

We considered the Group’s past trading performance, 
including testing the levels of losses incurred on vehicle sales 
historically and subsequent to the year-end, to evaluate the 
level of provisioning and to assess the reasonableness and 
accuracy of management’s provisioning methodology. 

We established that the inventory provisions were reasonable 
by recalculating the inventory provisions in each country, 
using the provisioning policy, and comparing the results with 
the actual provision level. 

We also verified the completeness and accuracy of any 
additional provisions made by management outside of its 
standard policy where specific events or circumstances 
warranted additional provisioning. 

Our testing confirmed that the provisions were reasonable. 

For employee related costs we ensured that a valid 
expectation had been raised prior to year end through 
corroboration to public announcements and review of 
communication to the impacted individuals. 

We assessed the accuracy of the amounts recorded through 
review of cash paid to employees where possible and through 
review of supporting documentation such as employee 
contracts. 

We established that the property related provisions were 
reasonable by corroborating management’s calculations to 
supporting evidence such as third party estimates for 
reinstatement costs, rental agreements for onerous lease 
provisions and agreeing accelerated depreciation and 
impairment charges to the underlying books and records of 
the company.   

To ensure the costs classified as exceptional are directly 
related to the restructuring program, we held discussions with 
senior management of the group to understand the scope of 
the restructuring program and to confirm that the employee 
related costs relate to permanent reductions in headcount.   

Our testing confirmed that the provisions were reasonable 
and that  their classification as exceptional was in line with the 
Group’s accounting policy for exceptional items. 

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Indumotora acquisition 
On 22 December 2016, the Group completed the acquisition 
of certain operations of Empresas Indumotora S.A. 
(‘Indumotora’) in Chile, Peru, Argentina and Colombia 
primarily related to the distribution businesses of Subaru and 
Hino.  Goodwill of £51.2 million and intangible assets of £162.4 
million have been recognised on acquisition primarily relating 
to the acquired Subaru and Hino distribution agreements. The 
classification of the acquired distribution agreements as 
indefinite lived is judgemental. 

A provisional acquisition date balance sheet is disclosed in 
note 28 reflecting management’s best estimates of the fair 
values of the acquired assets and intangibles recognised.  

We focused on this areas as there is judgement involved in 
the identification and valuation of intangible assets.  

£8.8 million of acquisition related costs have been presented 
as exceptional costs in the Group income statement. 

Impairment of iPower software 
The Group has impaired £23.1 million of IT assets relating to 
the Group’s ERP roll out programme.  The impaired assets 
relate to functionality that has been superseded following 
changes to the Group’s IT strategy.  The related costs have 
been classified as exceptional. 

As at 31 December 2016, £14.8 million of IT cost relating to the 
ERP programme is held centrally and is not yet subject to 
amortisation.  Management has performed an impairment 
test and considers the carrying value of this remaining asset to 
be fully supportable. 

We obtained a detailed listing of the acquisition related costs 
and reconciled them to the underlying books of the Group 
with no significant differences noted.  We agreed a sample of 
the costs to supporting documentation such as invoices, and 
reviewed the nature of the costs incurred to ensure they were 
directly related to the acquisition. We confirmed that the 
inclusion of these costs as exceptional was in line with the 
Group’s accounting policy for exceptional items. 

We instructed the local statutory auditors in Colombia, Peru 
and Chile to audit and report to us on certain balances in the 
31 December 2016 balance sheet.  No issues above our 
reporting threshold were identified in their work and we were 
able to reconcile the reporting packages through to the 
consolidation with no issues noted. 

We engaged PwC Valuation experts to review Management’s 
provisional report on the fair value exercise on the acquisition 
balance sheet, including the valuation of the Subaru and 
Hino distribution agreements.  This review included validating 
the mechanical accuracy of the valuation model, assessing 
the appropriateness of the valuation methodology and 
challenging the key assumptions used in the model with 
reference to external data where possible.   

No significant issues were noted. 

We benchmarked the classification of the distribution 
agreements as indefinite lived to common industry practice, 
reviewed the length of existing OEM relationships held by the 
Group and considered the terms of the distribution contracts.  
On the basis of the procedures performed, we considered the 
classification as indefinite lived to be appropriate. 

We also confirmed the appropriateness of the related 
disclosures in note 28 of the financial statements. 

We assessed the accuracy of the impairment charge through 
re-performing management’s calculation and agreeing the 
balances back to the underlying books of the Group with no 
significant issues noted. 

To ensure the impairment was recorded in the appropriate 
period we verified whether the change in the Group’s IT 
strategy, the triggering event for the impairment, arose in the 
period through review of supporting documentation such as 
meeting minutes and internal communications.  We consider 
the recording of the impairment in this period to be 
appropriate. 

To obtain comfort over the recoverability of the remaining 
asset we:  

•  reviewed management’s roll out plan for the IT systems 
where costs continue to be held centrally to ensure that 
these systems are still expected to bring economic benefit 
to the Group; 

•  reviewed the anticipated allocation of central costs to those 

territories expected to benefit from future roll outs;  and  

•  where significant,  we considered these cost allocations in 

light of our work performed on goodwill impairment in those 
territories.  

We were satisfied that the remaining balance was 
recoverable. 

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Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the geographic structure of the Group, the accounting processes and controls, 
and the industry in which the Group operates.  

The Group structure is organised into four geographic operating segments (Australasia, UK and Europe, Asia, and Emerging 
Markets). The operating businesses are further categorised into two market channels – distribution and retail. The Group 
financial statements are a consolidation of 60 reporting units, comprising the Group’s operating businesses (within the four 
geographic segments and two market channels) and centralised functions. 

In establishing the overall approach to the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be performed at the 
reporting units by us, as the Group engagement team, or component auditors within PwC UK and from other PwC network firms 
and other firms operating under our instruction. Where the work was performed by component auditors, we determined the 
level of involvement we needed to have in the audit work at those reporting units to be able to conclude whether sufficient 
appropriate audit evidence had been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. We 
conducted our audit work in 19 countries covering 27 reporting units. The reporting units where we conducted our audit work 
accounted for 94% of the Group’s revenues and 94% of the Group’s profit before tax and exceptional items. We instructed and 
maintained regular contact with the component audit teams we used and evaluated the outcome of their work. Six 
components were visited by partners or Directors on the Group team.  

This together with additional procedures performed at the Group level, including audit procedures over consolidation 
adjustments, treasury, post retirement benefit, goodwill and litigation provisions gave us the evidence we needed for our 
opinion on the Group financial statements as a whole. 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and 
extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect  
of misstatements, both individually and on the financial statements as a whole.  

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

Overall Group materiality 
How we determined it 
Rationale for benchmark applied  We believe that profit before taxation and exceptional items is the primary measure used 

£17.5 million (2015: £15.6 million). 
5% of profit before taxation and exceptional items. 

by the shareholders in assessing the performance of the Group, and is a generally 
accepted auditing benchmark. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £870,000  
(2015: £800,000) as well as misstatements below that amount that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Going concern 
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement, set out on pages 79 to 80, in relation to going 
concern.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation 
to the Directors’ statement about whether they considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
financial statements. We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.  

As noted in the Directors’ statement, the Directors have concluded that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in 
preparing the financial statements. The going concern basis presumes that the Group has adequate resources to remain in 
operation, and that the Directors intend it to do so, for at least one year from the date the financial statements were signed.  
As part of our audit we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis is appropriate. However, because 
not all future events or conditions can be predicted, these statements are not a guarantee as to the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern. 

150

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
Other required reporting 
Consistency of other information and compliance with applicable requirements 
Companies Act 2006 reporting 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

•  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; and; 

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.  
In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we are required to report if we have identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report.  
We have nothing to report in this respect. 

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting 
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•  information in the Annual Report is: 

−  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 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. 

− 

•  the statement given by the Directors on pages 79 to 80, in accordance with provision C.1.1 of the 
UK Corporate Governance Code (“the Code”), that they consider the Annual Report taken as  
a whole to be fair, balanced and understandable and provides the information necessary for 
members to assess the Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy is 
materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group acquired in the course of performing  
our audit. 

We have no exceptions
to report. 

We have no exceptions
to report. 

•  the section of the Annual Report on pages 50 to 53, as required by provision C.3.8 of the Code, 

describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately address matters 
communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 

We have no exceptions 
to report. 

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity  
of the Group 
Under ISAs (UK & Ireland) we are required to report to you if we have anything material to add or to draw attention to in relation to: 

•  the Directors’ confirmation on pages 84 to 85 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision 
C.2.1 of the Code, 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. 

We have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to. 

•  the disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and explain how they are being 

managed or mitigated. 

•  the Directors’ explanation on page 38 of the Annual Report, in accordance with provision C.2.2  
of the Code, 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 have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to. 

We have nothing material 
to add or to draw 
attention to. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of  
the principal risks facing the Group and the Directors’ statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review 
was substantially less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries and considering the Directors’ process 
supporting their statements; checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the Code; and 
considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge acquired by us in the course of performing our audit.  
We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Adequacy of information and explanations received 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, we have not received all the information and 
explanations we require for our audit. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

www.inchcape.com 

151 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

Directors’ remuneration 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration 
specified by law are not made. We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Corporate governance statement 
Under the Listing Rules we are required to review the part of the Corporate Governance Statement relating to ten further 
provisions of the Code. We have nothing to report having performed our review. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit 
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of  
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and ISAs  
(UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the parent company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into 
whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. 

What an audit of financial statements involves 
An audit involves obtaining evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient to give 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or error.  
This includes an assessment of:  

•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Group’s circumstances and have been consistently applied and  

adequately disclosed;  

•  the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by the Directors; and  
•  the overall presentation of the financial statements.  

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming our  
own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the financial statements. 

We test and examine information, using sampling and other auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of controls, 
substantive procedures or a combination of both.  

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial information in the Annual Report to identify material inconsistencies with  
the audited 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. With respect to the Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report, we consider whether those reports include the disclosures required by applicable legal requirements. 

Other matter 
We have reported separately on the parent company financial statements of Inchcape plc for the year ended 31 December 
2016 and on the information in the Directors’Remuneration Report that is described as having been audited. 

Neil Grimes 
(Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
28 February 2017 

152

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
Company statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2016 

Fixed assets 
Intangible assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment in subsidiaries 

Current assets 
Trade and other receivables: 
– Amounts due within one year 
– Amounts due after more than one year 
Cash and cash equivalents 

Trade and other payables – amounts falling due within one year 
Net current assets  

Total assets less current liabilities 

Notes 

2016
£m 

2015
£m 

3 
4 
5 

6 
6 
7 

8 

17.3
1.5
1,629.4
1,648.2

–
–
1,631.5
1,631.5

271.1
134.4
7.3
412.8

95.6
300.6
11.6
407.8

(264.1)
148.7

(6.8)
401.0

1,796.9

2,032.5

Trade and other payables – amounts falling due after more than one year 

9 

(732.8)

(758.3)

Provisions for liabilities  
Net assets 

Equity 
Ordinary shares 
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 
Total shareholders’ funds 

11 

(2.0)
1,062.1

(4.6)
1,269.6

13 

42.2
146.7
138.4
734.8
1,062.1

43.8
146.7
136.8
942.3
1,269.6

The financial statements on pages 153 to 169 were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2017 and were signed  
on its behalf by: 

Stefan Bomhard, 
Group Chief Executive 

Registered Number: 609782 

Inchcape plc 

Richard Howes 
Chief Financial Officer

www.inchcape.com 

153 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2016 

At 1 January 2015  

45.0

146.7

135.6

  Notes 

Share capital
£m 

Share premium 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve
£m 

Profit for the year 
Total comprehensive income for the year  

Dividends 
Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape 
Employee Trust 
Share buy back programme 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
At 1 January 2016  

Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive income for the year  

Dividends 
Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape 
Employee Trust 
Share buy back programme 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
At 31 December 2016 

14

13

14

13

–
–

–

–
(1.2)
–
43.8

–
–

–

–
(1.6)
–
42.2

–
–

–

–
–
–
146.7

–
–

–

–
–
–
146.7

–
–

–

–
1.2
–
136.8

–
–

–

–
1.6
–
138.4

Retained 
 earnings  
£m 

1,015.2 

119.1 
119.1 

Total
£m 

1,342.5

119.1
119.1

(91.1) 

(91.1)

(18.9) 
(91.4) 
9.4 
942.3 

(8.7) 
(8.7) 

(18.9)
(91.4)
9.4
1,269.6

(8.7)
(8.7)

(90.2) 

(90.2)

(10.9) 
(109.8) 
12.1 
734.8 

(10.9)
(109.8)
12.1
1,062.1

Share-based payments include a net tax charge of £nil (2015 – net tax charge of £0.2m (deferred tax charge of £0.8m and a 
current tax credit of £0.6m)). 

154

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies 

General information 
These financial statements are prepared for Inchcape plc (the Company) for the year ended 31 December 2016.  
The Company is the ultimate parent entity of the Inchcape Group (the Group). 

Basis of preparation 
These financial statements were prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure 
Framework (FRS 101). 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention modified for fair values in accordance with  
the Companies Act 2006. As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, no separate profit and loss account 
is presented for the Company. 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with FRS 101 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates.  
The Directors of Inchcape plc manage the Group’s risks at a group level rather than an individual business unit or company 
level. Further information on these risks and uncertainties, in the context of the Group as a whole, are included within the  
Group disclosures on pages 34 to 37. 

The following exemptions from the requirements of IFRS have been applied in the preparation of these financial statements,  
in accordance with FRS 101: 

•  Paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2, ‘Share-based payment’ (details of the number and weighted average exercise  

price of share options, and how the fair value of goods and services received was determined) 

•  IFRS 7, ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ 
•  Paragraphs 91 to 99 of IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’ (disclosure of valuation techniques and inputs used for fair  

value measurement of assets and liabilities) 

•  Paragraph 38 of IAS 1, ‘Presentation of financial statements’ comparative information requirements in respect of: 

•  paragraph 73(e) of IAS 16, ‘Property, plant and equipment’; 
•  paragraph 118(e) of IAS 38, ‘Intangible assets’ (reconciliations between the carrying amount at the beginning and  

end of the period) 

•  The following paragraphs of IAS 1, ‘Presentation of financial statements’: 

•  10(d) (statement of cash flows), 
•  10(f) (a statement of financial position as at the beginning of the preceding period when an entity applies an accounting  
policy retrospectively or makes a retrospective restatement of items in its financial statements, or when it reclassifies items in  
its financial statements), 

•  16 (statement of compliance with all IFRS), 
•  38A (requirement for minimum of two primary statements, including cash flow statements), 
•  38B-D (additional comparative information), 
•  40A-D (requirements for a third statement of financial position), 
•  111 (cash flow statement information), and 
•  134-136 (capital management disclosures) 

•  IAS 7, ‘Statement of cash flows’ 
•  Paragraph 30 and 31 of IAS 8, ‘Accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and errors’ (requirement for the 

disclosure of information when an entity has not applied a new IFRS that has been issued but is not yet effective) 

•  Paragraph 17 of IAS 24, ‘Related party disclosures’ (key management compensation) 
•  The requirements in IAS 24, ‘Related party disclosures’ to disclose related party transactions entered into between two  

or more members of a group. 

Going concern 
After making enquiries, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue  
in operation. Accordingly, the Directors are satisfied that it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the 
Annual Report and Accounts. 

Foreign currencies 
Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into Sterling at closing rates of exchange and differences  
are taken to the income statement. 

Finance costs 
Finance costs consist of interest payable on the Private Placement borrowing. Costs are recognised as an expense in the  
period in which they are incurred. 

Investments 
Investments in subsidiaries are stated at cost, less provisions for impairment. 

www.inchcape.com 

155 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Accounting policies continued 

Other intangible assets 
Intangible assets, when acquired separately from a business (including computer software), are carried at cost less 
accumulated amortisation and impairment losses. Costs comprise purchase price from third parties as well as internally 
generated development costs where relevant. Amortisation is provided on a straight line basis to allocate the cost of the asset 
over its estimated useful life, which in the case of computer software is five years. 

Property, plant and equipment 
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Cost comprises  
the purchase price and directly attributable costs of the asset and includes, where relevant, capitalised borrowing costs. 
Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis to allocate the cost of the asset over its estimated useful life, which in the case 
of computer hardware is five years.  

Deferred tax 
Deferred income tax is accounted for using the liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statements. 

In principle, deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and 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. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference is due to goodwill arising on a business 
combination, or to an asset or liability, the initial recognition of which does not affect either taxable or accounting income. 

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, joint ventures  
and associates, except where the Company is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that 
the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the liability is 
settled using rates enacted or substantively enacted at the end of the reporting period. Deferred tax is charged or credited in 
the income statement, except when it relates to items credited or charged directly to shareholders’ equity, in which case the 
deferred tax is also dealt with in shareholders’ equity. 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are only offset where there is a legally enforceable right of offset and there is an intention to 
settle balances net. 

Provisions 
Provisions are recognised when the Company has a present obligation in respect of a past event, it is more likely than not that 
an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and where the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are 
discounted when the time value of money is considered material. 

Share capital 
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. 

Where the Company purchases its own equity share capital (treasury shares), the consideration paid is deducted from 
shareholders’ funds until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or 
reissued, any consideration received is included in shareholders’ funds. 

Dividends 
Final dividends proposed by the Board of Directors and unpaid at the year end are not recognised in the financial statements 
until they have been approved by the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. Interim dividends are recognised when 
they are paid. 

Share-based payments 
The Company operates various share-based award schemes. The fair value at the date at which the share-based awards are 
granted is recognised in the income statement (together with a corresponding increase in shareholders’ equity) on a straight 
line basis over the vesting period, based on an estimate of the number of shares that will eventually vest. At the end of each 
reporting period, the Company revises its estimates of the number of awards that are expected to vest. The impact of any 
revision is recognised in the income statement with a corresponding adjustment to equity. 

For equity-settled share-based awards, the services received from employees are measured by reference to the fair value of the 
awards granted. With the exception of the Save As You Earn scheme, the vesting of all share-based awards under all schemes 
is solely reliant upon non-market conditions, therefore no expense is recognised for awards that do not ultimately vest. Where an 
employee cancels a Save As You Earn award, the charge for that award is recognised as an expense immediately, even 
though the award does not vest. 

Financial instruments 
The Company’s policies on the recognition, measurement and presentation of financial instruments under IFRS 7 are the same 
as those set out in the Group’s accounting policies on pages 93 to 99. 

156

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
Notes to the financial statements 

1 Auditors’ remuneration 
The Company incurred £0.1m (2015 – £0.1m) in relation to UK statutory audit fees for the year ended 31 December 2016. 

2 Directors’ remuneration 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

2016
£m 

4.2
0.2
0.3
4.7

2015
£m 

4.1
0.3
0.4
4.8

Further information on Executive Directors’ emoluments and interests is given in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration which 
can be found on pages 57 to 77. 

3 Intangible assets 

Cost 
At 1 January 2016 
Transfer from Group company 
At 31 December 2016 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 
At 1 January 2016 
Transfer from Group company 
Impairment of computer software 
At 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2015 

Computer 
software
£m 

–
36.4
36.4

–
(2.5)
(16.6)
(19.1)

17.3

–

Total
£m 

–
36.4
36.4

–
(2.5)
(16.6)
(19.1)

17.3

–

Impairment 
During the year, the Group has made configuration changes to the iPower system to better reflect the Ignite strategy. This has 
resulted in a number of areas of functionality being superseded and as such, we have recorded an exceptional, non-cash 
impairment charge of £16.6m. 

4 Property, plant and equipment 

Cost 
At 1 January 2016 
Transfer from Group company 
At 31 December 2016 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
At 1 January 2016 
Impairment of plant, machinery and equipment 
At 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

Net book value at 31 December 2015 

Plant,
machinery 
and
equipment
£m 

–
1.8
1.8

–
(0.3)
(0.3)

1.5

–

Total
£m 

–
1.8
1.8

–
(0.3)
(0.3)

1.5

–

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

5 Investment in subsidiaries 

Cost 
At 1 January 
Disposals 
At 31 December 

Provisions 
At 1 January 
Provisions for impairment 
At 31 December 

Net book value 

2016 
£m 

2015
£m 

1,712.6 
(1.6)
1,711.0 

1,712.6
–
1,712.6

(81.1)
(0.5)
(81.6)

(76.9)
(4.2)
(81.1)

1,629.4 

1,631.5

The Directors believe that the carrying value of the individual investments is supported by their underlying net assets. 

An impairment charge of £0.5m has been recognised in the year (2015 – £4.2m) to ensure that the carrying value of the 
individual investments is stated at the lower of cost and estimated recoverable amount.  

6 Trade and other receivables 

Amounts due within one year 
Current tax asset 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

Amounts due after more than one year 
Deferred tax asset (note 10) 
Amounts owed by Group undertakings 

2016 
£m 

2015
£m 

0.7 
270.4 
271.1 

0.7 
133.7 
134.4 

–
95.6
95.6

1.7
298.9
300.6

Amounts owed by Group undertakings that are due within one year consist of current account balances that are interest free 
and repayable on demand, as well as intercompany loans that bear interest at rates linked to source currency base rates. 

Amounts owed by Group undertakings that are due after more than one year bear interest at rates linked to source currency  
base rates. 

7 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents 

8 Trade and other payables – amounts falling due within one year 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings 
Private Placement 
Other taxation and social security payable 
Other creditors 

2016 
£m 

7.3 

2016 
£m 

35.7 
223.6 
1.8 
3.0 
264.1 

2015
£m 

11.6

2015
£m 

2.2
–
1.4
3.2
6.8

The Company has an amount of US$275m under the Private Placement which bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.94% per annum 
and is repayable in 2017. 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand. 

158

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9 Trade and other payables – amounts falling due after more than one year 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings  
Private Placement 

2016
£m 

602.1
130.7
732.8

2015
£m 

461.9
296.4
758.3

The Company has an amount of US$160.8m under the Private Placement which bears interest at a fixed rate of 6.04% per 
annum and is repayable in 2019. 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are repayable in more than one year and bear interest at rates linked to source currency 
base rates.  

10 Deferred tax 

Net deferred tax asset / (liability) 
At 1 January 2016 
Charged to the income statement 
At 31 December 2016 

11 Provisions for liabilities  

At 1 January 
Released to the income statement 
At 31 December 

Share-
based 
payments 
£m 

Other timing 
differences
£m 

0.7 
(0.7) 
– 

1.0
(0.3)
0.7

2016
£m 

4.6
(2.6)
2.0

Total
£m 

1.7
(1.0)
0.7

2015
£m 

4.6
–
4.6

Provision has been made for warranties, indemnities and other litigation issues in relation to motors and non-motors business 
exits, based on expected outcomes. These provisions are expected to be settled within the next three to five years. 

12 Contingent liability 

The Company is party to composite cross guarantees between banks and its subsidiaries. The Company’s contingent liability 
under these guarantees at 31 December 2016 was £7.3m (2015 – £11.6m), equal to the carrying value of its cash and cash 
equivalents at the end of the period (see note 7). 

In addition, the Company has given performance guarantees in the normal course of business in respect of the obligations of 
Group undertakings amounting to £84.7m (2015 – £34.7m). 

13 Share capital  
a. Allotted, called up and fully paid up 

Ordinary shares 
At 1 January 
Cancelled under share buy back  
At 31 December 

2016 
Number 

2015  
Number   

2016
£m 

2015
£m 

436,810,096 448,741,789   
(15,805,287) (11,931,693)  
421,004,809 436,810,096   

43.8
(1.6)
42.2

45.0
(1.2)
43.8

b. Share buy back programme 
During the year, the Company repurchased 15,805,287 (2015 – 11,931,693) of its own shares through purchases on the London 
Stock Exchange, at a cost of £108.2m (2015 – £90.8m). The shares repurchased during the year were cancelled, with none held 
within treasury shares at the end of the reporting period. An amount of £1.6m (2015 – £1.2m), equivalent to the nominal value  
of the cancelled shares, has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve. Costs of £1.6m (2015 – £0.6m) associated with 
the transfer to the Company of the repurchased shares and their subsequent cancellation have been charged to the profit and 
loss reserve. 

c. Substantial shareholdings 
Details of substantial interests in the Company’s issued ordinary share capital received by the Company at 28 February 2017 
under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have been disclosed in the significant shareholdings section of the Corporate 
Governance Report.  

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159 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
   
Notes to the financial statements continued 

13 Share capital continued 
d. Share options 
At 31 December 2016, options to acquire ordinary shares of 10.0p each in the Company up to the following numbers under the 
schemes below were outstanding as follows:  

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option 
price (£) 

Number of ordinary  
shares of 10.0p each 

Exercisable until 

Option 
price (£) 

The Inchcape 1999 Share Option Plan  
– approved (Part II – UK) 

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option  
Scheme – approved 

1,503 

1,615 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00   91,646 

3.10   430,584 

  752,660 

  777,105 

1 May 2017 

1 May 2018 

1 May 2019 

1 May 2020 

– unapproved (Part I – UK) 

  Recruitment and Retention Plan 

2,501 

5,448 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00   206,881 

3.10   124,909 

31 March 2025 
10 April 2026 

4.76

5.40

5.78

5.63

0.10

0.10

– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 

296,329 

47,763 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00  

3.10  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 770,102 (2015 – 631,253) ordinary shares in the Company held by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust, a general discretionary trust whose beneficiaries include current and former employees of the Group 
and their dependants. The book value of these shares at 31 December 2016 was £5.5m (2015 – £4.5m). The market value of 
these shares at both 31 December 2016 and 28 February 2017 was £5.4m and £5.8m respectively (31 December 2015 – £5.0m, 
14 March 2016 – £4.5m). 

e. Share-based remuneration 
Inchcape plc has two employees, the Group Chief Executive and the Group Finance Director. 

The terms and conditions of the Company’s share-based payment plans are detailed in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration. 

The charge arising from share-based transactions during the year was £2.5m (2015 – £1.9m), all of which is equity-settled. 

The weighted average exercise price of shares exercised during the period was £nil (2015 – £nil). 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December 2016 is 8.6 years  
(2015 – 9.2 years) and the range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £0.10 to £5.78  
(2015 – £0.10 to £5.78). 

14 Dividends 
The following dividends were paid by the Company: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2016 of 7.0p per share  
(30 June 2015 – 6.8p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2015 of 14.1p per share  
(31 December 2014 – 13.8p per share) 

2016 
£m 

29.9 

60.3 
90.2 

2015
£m 

30.0

61.1
91.1

A final proposed dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 16.8p per share amounting to £70.6m is subject to 
approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2016. 

160

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Related Undertakings 
In accordance with Section 409 of the Companies Act 2006 a full list of subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures as at 31 
December 2016 is shown below: 

Subsidiaries 
Name and address 

Argentina 
Entre Ríos 2550, Martínez, Buenos Aires 
Distribuidora Automatriz Argentina SA 
Indumotora Argentina SA 

Australia 
Level 2, 4 Burbank Place, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153 
AutoNexus Pty Ltd 
Bespoke Automotive Australia Pty Ltd 
Inchcape Australia Ltd  
Inchcape Automotive Retail Pty Ltd 
Keystar Motors Pty Ltd 
SMLB Pty Ltd 
Subaru (Australia) Ltd 
TCH Unit Trust 
Trivett Automotive Group Pty Ltd 
Trivett Bespoke Automotive Pty Ltd 
Trivett Classic Garage Pty Ltd 
Trivett Classic Group Finance Pty Ltd 
Trivett Classic Holdings Pty Ltd 
Trivett Classic Pty Ltd 
Trivett Motorcycles Pty Ltd 
Trivett P/L 
Trivett Tyres Pty Ltd 

Belgium 
Leuvensesteenweg 369, 1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe 
Autoproducts NV 
Car Security NV 
Toyota Belgium NV/SA 

Boulevard Industriel 198, 1070 Anderlecht 
Garage Francorchamps SA 
Inchcape Retail Belgium 

Brunei 
KM3.6, Jalan Gadong, Bandar Seri Begawan 
Champion Motors (Brunei) Sdn Bhd 
NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd 
NBT Services Sdn Bhd 

Bulgaria 
163 Tsarigradsko Shosse Str, Sofia 
Inchcape Brokerage Bulgaria EOOD 
TM Auto EOOD 
Toyota Balkans EOOD 

(i) 

(ii) 

(iii) 
(iv) 

Percentage owned 

100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
90%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%
100%

70%
70%
70%

100%
100%
100%

www.inchcape.com 

161 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Chile 
Av. La Dehesa 265, Santiago, Región Metropolitana 
Mobility Services Chile SA 
Universal Motors SA 
Williamson Balfour Motors SA 
Williamson Balfour SA 

19 Ruta 5 Norte, 100, Lampa 
Automotriz Autocar SA 
Camiones y Buses Indumotora SA 
Hino Chile SA 

455 Santa Rosa, Santiago 
Indumotora Internacional SA 

537 Santa Rosa, Santiago 
Subaru Chile SA 

Apoquindo 3721, Piso 13, Las Condes, Santiago 
Indigo Chile Holdings SpA 

Francisco Bilbao 0102, Providencia Santiago 
Indigo One SA 

China 
405 Shi Guang Road, Yang Pu District, Shanghai 
Inchcape Investment Holding (China) Ltd 

110 Jiurui Avenue, International Auto Park, Kiujiang Economic & Technological Development Zone, 
Jiujiang City, Jiangxi 
Jiujiang Inchcape Premium Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

755 Gaoxin Avenue, Nanchang, Jiangxi 
Nanchang Inchcape Premium Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

Suite 208, Tower 1, 1135 Bo Tou Road, Yang Pu District, Shanghai 
Shanghai Hongshi Consultancy Co Ltd 

Suite 319, Tower A, 169 Taigu Road, China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 
Shanghai Bell Rock Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

405 Shi Guang Road, Yang Pu District, Shanghai 
Shanghai Inchcape Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

6 Yu Yue Middle Road, Dou Men Town, Paojiang Industrial Zone, Shaoxing 
Shaoxing Inchcape Lexus Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

QC-1, Keqiao Economic Development Zone, East of Jin Keqiao Avenue, South of Kehai, Shaoxing 
Shaoxing Inchcape Premium Auto Sales & Service Co Ltd 

162

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

Percentage owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Colombia 
78-20 Avenida el Dorado, Bogotá 
Distribuidora Hino de Colombia SAS 
Impoquing Motor SAS 
Matrase SAS 
Praco Didacol SAS 

Cook Islands 
First Floor, BCI House, Avarua, Rarotonga 
IB Enterprises Ltd 

Djibouti 
Route de Venise – Djibouti Free Zone – LOB 124, PO Box 2645 
Red Sea Automotive FZCO 

Estonia 
Läike tee 38, Peetri küla, Rae vald, Harjumaa 75312 
Inchcape Motors Estonia OU 

Ethiopia 
Bole Sub City, Kebele 03, H.Nr. 2441, Addis Ababa 
The Motor & Engineering Company Of Ethiopia (Moenco) Ltd 

Finland 
Ansatie 6 a C, 01740 Vantaa, Kotipaikka, Helsinki 
Inchcape Motors Finland Oy 

Greece 
48 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, Halandri 15231 
British Providence SA 
Eurolease Fleet Services SA 
Toyota Hellas SA 
Inchcape Incredit SA 

11th Km, National Road Thessaloniki-Airport, Thessaloniki 60371 
Polis Inchcape Thessaloniki SA 

517 Vouliagmenis Avenue, Hlioupoli, Athens 16341 
Polis Inchcape Athens SA 

Guam 
443 South Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, Guam 96913 
Atkins Kroll Inc 

Percentage owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

94%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

www.inchcape.com 

163 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Hong Kong 
22nd Floor, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, North Point 
British Motors Ltd 
Crown Motors Development Ltd 
Crown Motors Ltd 
Future Motors Ltd 
Inchcape Asia Pacific Ltd 
Inchcape Finance (HK) Ltd 
Inchcape Hong Kong Ltd 
Inchcape Motor Leasing Limited 
Inchcape Motor Services Ltd 
Inchcape South China Ltd 
Nova Motors Ltd 

Ireland 
7th Floor, Hume House, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 
Inchcape Finance (Ireland) Ltd 

Ivory Coast 
01 BP 3893, Abidjan O1 
Distribution Services Cote d'Ivoire SA 
Toyota Services Afrique SA 

Latvia 
4a Skanstes Street, Riga, LV-1013 
Baltic Motors Imports SIA 
Baltijas Ipasumum Fonds SIA 
BM Lizings SIA 
Ermans SIA 
Inchcape Motors Latvia SIA 

Paula Stradina 29, Ventspils, LV-3602 
Ventmotors SIA 

Lithuania 
Laisves av. 137, Vilnius, LT-06118 
UAB Autovista 
UAB Autovytaras 
UAB Inchcape Motors 

Luxembourg 
24 Rue de l’Ouest, L-2273  
Car Company Luxembourg 

6 ZAI Bourmicht L-8070, Bertrange 
Grand Garage de Luxembourg 

193 Route d’Arlon, L-1150 
Jaguar Luxembourg 
Yat Fung Motors Ltd 

164

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Percentage owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

(v) 

100%

100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

67%
67%
67%

100%

100%

100%
100%

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Macau 
No. 223-225, Av. Do Dr. Rodrigo Rodrigues, 8/F Nam Kwong Building, Apt B-C 
Nova Motors (Macao) Ltd 

Macedonia 
21 8th September Boulevard, 1000 Skopje 
Toyota Auto Center DOOEL 

Netherlands 
Strawinskylaan 3127, Atrium Building, 8th Floor, 1077 ZX Amsterdam 
Inchcape International Group BV 
Inchcape T Property BV 
Inchcape T.B.V. 
Inchcape Moscow Holdings BV 
Inchcape Moscow Motors BV 
Olimp BV 

New Zealand 
C/- Bell Gully, Level 22, Vero Centre, 48 Shortland Street, Auckland 
Inchcape Motors NZ Ltd 

Panama 
Vía General Nicanor A. de Obarrio (Street 50), Plaza Bancomer 
lIaother SA 
Ilachile SA 

Peru 
Av. Republica de Panama 3330, San Isidro 15047, Lima 27 
Inchcape Motors Peru SA 
IMP Distribuidora SA 

Av. Morro Solar 812, Santiago de Surco 
Autocar del Peru SA 
Distribuidora del Peru SA 
Indumotora del Peru SA 
Rentas y Immobiliaria Sur Andina SA 

Poland 
Al. Prymasa Tysiąclecia 64, 01-424 Warszawa 
Inchcape Motors Polska Sp z.o.o 

Al. Karkonoska 61, 53-015 Wroclaw 
Interim Cars Sp z.o.o 

Romania 
Pipera Boulevard No 1, Voluntari, Ilfov, 077190  
Inchcape Motors Srl 
Inchcape Real Estate Srl 
Toyota Romania Srl 

Percentage owned 

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%
100%

100%
100%

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Russia 
Building 1, 18 2-ya Magistralnaya street, Moscow 123290 
Inchcape Management Services Rus LLC 
LLC Inchcape Holding 

31 Litera A, Rustaveli Street, St Petersburg 195273 
Inchcape Olimp LLC 

Building 8, Kievskoe Shosse 24 km, Kartmazovo Village, Settlement Moskovskiy, Moscow 
142784 
Inchcape T LLC 

10 Seslavinskaya Street, Moscow 121309 
LLC Autopark 
LLC Autoproject 

36 Yaroslavskoe Shosse, Moscow 129337 
LLC Borishof 1 

87 Litera A, ul. Sofiyskaya, St Petersburg 192289 
LLC Concord 

Building 22, 18 2-ya Magistralnaya Street, Moscow 123290 
LLC Musa Motors JLR 
LLC Musa Motors Volvo 

41 ul. Kuznetsovskaya, St Petersburg 196105 
LLC Orgtekhstroy 

Saipan 
PO Box 500267, MP 96950-0267 
Atkins Kroll (Saipan) Inc 

Singapore 
33 Leng Kee Road, 159102  
Borneo Motors (Singapore) Pte Ltd 
Century Motors (Singapore) Ltd 
Champion Motors (1975) Pte Ltd 
Inchcape Automotive Services Pte Ltd 
Inchcape Motors Private Ltd 

Thailand 
No. 4332 Rama IV Road, Prakhanong Sub-District, Klongtoey District, Bangkok 
Inchcape (Thailand) Company Ltd 
Inchcape Services (Thailand) Ltd 

Percentage owned 

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%

166

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15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

United Kingdom 
Inchcape House, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1HT 
Armstrong Massey (York) Ltd 
Armstrong Massey Holding Ltd 
Autobytel Ltd 
Automobiles of Distinction Ltd 
Bates Motors (Belcher) Ltd 
Casemount Holdings Ltd 
Castle Motors (York) Ltd 
Chapelgate Holdings Ltd 
Chapelgate Motors Ltd 
D J Smith Ltd 
Dane Motor Company (Chester) Ltd 
European Motor Holdings Ltd 
Ferrari Concessionaires Ltd 
Gerard Mann Ltd 
H A Fox Ltd 
Inchcape East (2) Ltd 
Inchcape East (Acre) Ltd 
Inchcape East (Brook) Ltd 
Inchcape East (Hill) Ltd 
Inchcape East (Holdings) Ltd 
Inchcape East (Properties) Ltd 
Inchcape East Ltd 
Inchcape Estates Ltd 
Inchcape Fleet Solutions Ltd 
Inchcape Motors International Ltd 
Inchcape Motors Pension Trust Ltd 
Inchcape Pension Trustee Ltd 
Inchcape Midlands Ltd 
Inchcape North West Group Ltd 
Inchcape North West Ltd 
Inchcape Park Lane Ltd 
Inchcape Retail Ltd 
Inchcape Trade Parts Ltd 
Inchcape Transition Ltd 
Inchcape UK Ltd 
Inchcape UK Corporate Management Ltd 
James Edwards (Chester) Ltd 
L&C Auto Services (Croydon) Ltd 
L&C Auto Services Ltd 
L&C Banstead Ltd 
Malton Motors Fleet Ltd 
Malton Motors Ltd 
Mann Egerton & Co Ltd 
Mill Garages Ltd 
Nexus Corporation Ltd 
Normand Heathrow Ltd 
Normand Ltd 
Normand Motor Group Ltd 
Normand Trustees Ltd 

Percentage owned 

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%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

(vi) 

(vii) 
(viii) 

www.inchcape.com 

167 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15 Related Undertakings continued 
Name and address 

Northfield Garage (Tetbury) Ltd 
Notneeded No. 144 Ltd 
Notneeded No. 145 Ltd 
Packaging Industries Ltd 
Penta Watford Ltd 
Smith Knight Faye (Holdings) Ltd 
Smith Knight Faye Ltd 
The Cooper Group Ltd 
Tozer International Holdings Ltd 
Tozer Kemsley Millbourn Automotive Ltd 
Wyvern (Wrexham) Ltd 

22a St James's Square, London, SW1Y 5LP 
Cavendish 1 Ltd 
Inchcape Baltic Motors Ltd 
Inchcape (Belgium) Ltd 
Inchcape BMI Ltd 
Inchcape Corporate Services Ltd 
Inchcape Finance plc 
Inchcape Hellas Funding (unlimited) 
Inchcape Hellas UK (unlimited) 
Inchcape Imperial (unlimited) 
Inchcape Investments (no 1) Ltd 
Inchcape Investments (no 2) Ltd 
Inchcape International Holdings Ltd 
Inchcape Latvia Ltd 
Inchcape Management (Services) Ltd 
Inchcape Overseas Ltd 
Inchcape Russia (UK) Ltd 
Inchcape (Singapore) Ltd 
Kenning Motor Group Ltd 
St Mary Axe Securities Ltd 

PO Box 33, Maison Trinity, Trinity Square, St Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands GY1 4AT 
St James's Insurance Ltd 

4th Floor 115 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4JN 
Inchcape Investments & Asset Management Ltd 

United States of America 
The Corporation Company, 30600 Telegraph Road Bingham Farms, MI 48025  
Baltic Motors Corporation 

Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington DE 19801 
SS Acquisition Corporation 

(ix) 

(x) 

Percentage owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%
88%
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%

168

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2016

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15 Related Undertakings continued 

Joint Ventures 
Name and address 

Greece 
48 Ethnikis Antistaseos Street, Halandri 15231 
Tefin SA 

United Kingdom 
116 Cockfosters Road, Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN4 0DY 
Enterprise Car Finance Ltd 

Charterhall House, Charterhall Drive, Chester, Cheshire CH88 3AN 
Inchcape Financial Services Ltd 

Unless stated below, all holdings have one type of ordinary share capital: 

(i)  Ordinary A and Ordinary B shares 

(ii)  Ordinary shares, B Class shares, J Class shares and L Class shares 

(iii)  Ordinary shares and E Class shares 

Percentage owned 

50%

49%

49%

(xi) 

(xii) 

(iv)  Ordinary shares, A Class shares, C Class shares, D Class shares and E Class shares 

(v)  Ordinary shares, redeemable cumulative preference shares and non-redeemable preference shares 

(vi)  Ordinary shares, Ordinary A shares and 8% non-cumulative redeemable preference shares 

(vii) Ordinary shares and redeemable cumulative preference shares 

(viii) Ordinary shares and redeemable cumulative preference shares 

(ix)  Ordinary A and Ordinary B shares 

(x)  Ordinary A and Ordinary B shares 

(xi)  Ordinary A and Ordinary B shares 

(xii)  Ordinary A and Ordinary B shares 

www.inchcape.com 

169 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc 

Report on the parent company financial statements 
Our opinion  
In our opinion, Inchcape plc’s parent company financial 
statements (the “financial statements”): 

Adequacy of accounting records and information and 
explanations received 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report  
to you if, in our opinion: 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or 

•  adequate accounting records have not been kept by the 
parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have 
not been received from branches not visited by us; or 
•  the financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration Report to be audited are not in agreement  
with the accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Directors’ remuneration 
Directors’ remuneration report – Companies Act 2006 opinion 
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report  
to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance 
with the Companies Act 2006. 

Other Companies Act 2006 reporting 
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report  
to you if, in our opinion, certain disclosures of Directors’ 
remuneration specified by law are not made. We have  
no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

Responsibilities for the financial statements and  
the audit 
Our responsibilities and those of the Directors  
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities set out 
on pages 79 to 80, the Directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied 
that they give a true and fair view.  

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the 
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and  
ISAs (UK & Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with  
the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.  

This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and 
only for the parent company’s members as a body in 
accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these 
opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any other 
purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or 
into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed 
by our prior consent in writing. 

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the parent 

company’s affairs as at 31 December 2016; 

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with United 
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 
•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements  

of the Companies Act 2006. 

What we have audited 
The financial statements, included within the Annual Report, 
comprise: 

•  the Company statement of financial position as at 31 

December 2016; 

•  the Company statement of changes in equity for the year  

then ended; and 

•  the notes to the financial statements, which include a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other 
explanatory information.  

Certain required disclosures have been presented elsewhere  
in the Annual Report, rather than in the notes to the financial 
statements. These are cross-referenced from the financial 
statements and are identified as audited. 

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in 
the preparation of the financial statements is United Kingdom 
Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced 
Disclosure Framework” and applicable law (United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Other required reporting 
Consistency of other information and compliance with 
applicable requirements 
Companies Act 2006 reporting 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of 
the audit: 

•  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; and 

•  the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been 

prepared in accordance with applicable legal 
requirements. 

In addition, in light of the knowledge and understanding of 
the parent company and its environment obtained in the 
course of the audit, we are required to report if we have 
identified any material misstatements in the Strategic Report 
and the Directors’ Report. We have nothing to report in this 
respect.  

ISAs (UK & Ireland) reporting 
Under International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) 
(“ISAs (UK & Ireland)”) we are required to report to you if, in 
our opinion, information in the Annual Report is: 

•  materially inconsistent with the information in the audited 

financial statements; or 

•  apparently materially incorrect based on, or materially 

inconsistent with, our knowledge of the parent company 
acquired in the course of performing our audit; or 

•  otherwise misleading. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility. 

170

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What an audit of financial statements involves 
We conducted our audit in accordance with ISAs (UK & 
Ireland). An audit involves obtaining evidence about the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements sufficient 
to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements 
are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud 
or error. This includes an assessment of: 

•  whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the 

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.  

We primarily focus our work in these areas by assessing the 
Directors’ judgements against available evidence, forming  
our own judgements, and evaluating the disclosures in the 
financial statements. 

We test and examine information, using sampling and other 
auditing techniques, to the extent we consider necessary to 
provide a reasonable basis for us to draw conclusions. We  
obtain audit evidence through testing the effectiveness of 
controls, substantive procedures or a combination of both. 

In addition, we read all the financial and non-financial 
information in the Annual Report to identify material 
inconsistencies with the audited financial statements and to 
identify any information that is apparently materially incorrect 
based on, or materially inconsistent with, the knowledge 
acquired by us in the course of performing the audit. If we 
become aware of any apparent material misstatements or 
inconsistencies we consider the implications for our report.  
With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we 
consider whether those reports include the disclosures 
required by applicable legal requirements.  

Other matter 
We have reported separately on the Group financial 
statements of Inchcape plc for the year ended  
31 December 2016.  

Neil Grimes 
(Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 
28 February 2017

www.inchcape.com 

171 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Shareholder Information 

Registered office 
Inchcape plc 
22a St James’s Square 
London SW1Y 5LP 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7546 0022 
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7546 0010 
Registered number: 609782 
Registered in England and Wales 

Advisors 
Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and 
Registered Auditors 

Share registrars 
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
Registrar’s Department, The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol BS99 7NH 
Tel: +44 (0) 370 707 1076 

Solicitors 
Slaughter and May 

Corporate brokers 
Deutsche Bank 
JP Morgan Cazenove 

Inchcape PEPs 
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) replaced Personal Equity 
Plans (PEPs) as the vehicle for tax efficient savings. Existing PEPs 
may be retained. Inchcape PEPs are managed by The Share 
Centre Ltd, who can be contacted at PO Box 2000, Oxford 
House, Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP21 8ZB 
Tel: +44 (0) 1296 414144 

Inchcape ISA 
Inchcape has established a Corporate Individual Savings 
Account (ISA). This is managed by Equiniti Financial Services 
Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex 
BN99 6DA 
Tel: 0870 300 0430 

International callers: 
Tel: +44 121 441 7560 
More information is available at www.shareview.com 

Financial calendar 
Annual General Meeting 
25 May 2017 

Announcement of 2017 Interim Results 
27 July 2017 

172

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2016 

 
 
Explore our website for access to our latest  
Annual Report and more. 

The 2016 Online Annual Report includes:

•  How we are Driving our Strategy
•  a searchable PDF of the Annual Report 
•  download prior year Annual Reports
•  Inchcape videos – watch and learn more about 

Inchcape and what we do

www.inchcape.com/annualreport

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Inchcape plc

22a St James’s Square  
London SW1Y 5LP

T +44 (0) 20 7546 0022 
F +44 (0) 20 7546 0010

www.inchcape.com 
Registered number 609782