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Inchcape

inch · LSE Communication Services
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FY2017 Annual Report · Inchcape
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Annual Report and 
Accounts 2017

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DRIVING
FORWARD

 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGIC REPORT
 IFC  Performance highlights
  2  Our business model
  4  Our routes to market
  6  Our customers
  8  Our partners
  10  Our people
  12  Our shareholders
  13  Key Performance Indicators
  14  Chief Executive’s review
  16  Our strategy
  20  Operating and financial review
  30  Risk management
  39  Our corporate responsibility

GOVERNANCE

  44  Board of Directors
  46  Chairman’s statement
  47  Corporate Governance Report
  59  Directors’ Report on Remuneration
  78  Directors’ Report

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc

  88 
  94  Consolidated income statement
  95  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
  96  Consolidated statement of financial position
  97  Consolidated statement of changes in equity
  98  Consolidated statement of cash flows
  99  Accounting policies
 109  Notes to the financial statements
 155  Five year record
 156  Company statement of financial position
 157  Company statement of changes in equity
 158  Accounting policies
 160  Notes to the financial statements

OTHER INFORMATION

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

SALES
£8.9bn

2016: £7.8bn

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
67.0p

2016: 59.6p

DIVIDEND PER SHARE
26.8p

2016: 23.8p

RETURN ON CAPITAL EMPLOYED
30%

2016: 30%

CASH RETURNED TO SHAREHOLDERS
£152.9m

2016: £200m

SHARE BUYBACK ANNOUNCED OF UP TO
£100m

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

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

1,252.1

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

Less: Segment operating expenses

(812.6)

Trading Profit

Less: Central Costs

439.5

Underlying profit generated by our Segments

(32.0)

Operating Profit (pre Exceptional Items)

407.5

Underlying profit generated by the Group

Less: Exceptional Items

Operating Profit

Less: Net Finance Costs

Profit before Tax

(12.6)

394.9

Statutory measure of Operating Profit

(25.0)

369.9

Statutory measure of profit after the costs of financing the Group

Add back: Exceptional Items

12.6

Profit Before Tax & Exceptional Items

382.5

One of the Group’s KPIs

DRIVING
FORWARD

2017 was another successful year in which we continued to drive  
forward strong performance. We have a business model which is unique: 
an international portfolio; a core strategic focus on global Distribution, 
supported by strategically important Retail businesses in selected markets; 
and a balanced set of value drivers. All of this is underpinned by our Ignite 
strategy, which has enabled us to grow in line with our expectations,  
both organically and through a targeted investment programme.

Progress across all five components of Ignite provides us with a strong 
foundation for evolution as the global automotive industry continues  
to undergo profound change. At Inchcape, we are moving fast to stay  
one step ahead of and benefit from these changes, to consistently drive 
progress and value for our customers, our OEM brand partners, our people 
and our shareholders.

inchcape.com

1 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDRIVING  
FORWARD 
OUR BUSINESS  
MODEL

Our unique business model is the foundation 
which unifies our core strengths, creating a strong 
platform for growth.

STRONG 
GLOBAL 
POSITION

LEADING  
OEM BRAND 
PARTNERSHIPS

DRIVEN 
BY TRUST

DIVERSIFIED 
REVENUE 
STREAMS

DISTINCT 
ROUTES TO 
MARKET

STRONG GLOBAL POSITION
Well-invested in 29 global markets.

LEADING OEM BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Long-standing partnerships with the  
world’s leading automotive OEM (Original 
Equipment Manufacturers) groups.

Trading profit contribution by region

Length of relationships (years)

50

47

30

29

28

25

Asia

36%

£439.5m

Emerging Markets

21%

Australia

23%

UK/Europe

20%

Across the Group, we leverage deep brand  
knowledge in all our 29 global markets.

We have specialised expertise in supply chain, marketing 
and sales, coupled with global controls.

We occupy a leading position within a fragmented 
industry. There are in excess of 850 largely independent 
automotive distributors operating in fewer than  
three markets. Our scale and reach means we are  
ideally positioned across geographies to capitalise  
on acquisition and growth opportunities ahead  
of our competitors.

Read more about our global position and 
operations on page 20

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

2 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

DISTINCT ROUTES TO MARKET
Creating value across the post-factory 
gate for our OEM brand partners.

DIVERSIFIED REVENUE STREAMS
Generating revenue at multiple points 
within the New and Used Car markets.

Trading profit split

Gross profit mix

79%
Distribution

21%
Retail

63%
Vehicles

37%
Aftersales

Distribution
Exclusive contracts with OEM brand partners in  
25 global markets, which includes ordering, forecasting,  
pricing, retail network management and transport  
and logistics services.

Vehicles
New and used vehicles sales, finance and  
insurance products for our OEM brand partners  
across all 29 global markets.

Retail
We retail for brands within the UK, Russia, Australia, 
Poland and China.

Aftersales
Servicing and parts provider for our OEM brand partners 
across all 29 global markets.

Learn about our role as an automotive 
Distributor within our value chain on page 4

Read more about how we generate revenue  
on page 22

inchcape.com

3 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDRIVING  
FORWARD 
OUR VALUE CHAIN

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

The fundamental strengths of our business model enable us  
to respond swiftly across the full spectrum of the value chain, 
where we act as either a Distributor, or in developed markets, 
a Retailer, or a combination of both.

MANUFACTURER
Design, development and manufacturing

DISTRIBUTOR
Distribution services 
include product 
specification, import 
and logistics, dealer 
network management, 
sales and marketing

Read about our automotive Distribution  
and Retail results within the Operating 
Review on page 20

OEM (ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS)

4 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
We work closely with our OEM brand partners  
prior to new model launches, providing key  
market insight for pricing, local fit requirements 
and sales volume gains precision.

IMPORT AND LOGISTICS
We oversee global Distribution with comprehensive 
local port or border-to-showroom capabilities.

DEALER NETWORK MANAGEMENT
We select and appoint an independent  
dealer network that best fits with our partners’ 
brands, and train and manage them to meet 
demanding standards.

SALES AND MARKETING
We design and execute ocal marketing and 
communications campaigns to promote sales 
and enhance the image of our partners’ brands.

RETAILER

Vehicle sales, customer engagement 
and retention, after sales servicing 
and parts

VEHICLE SALES
We provide the best New and Used Car buying 
experience through in-depth product knowledge 
and expertise across our global network.

CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT  
AND RETENTION
We seek to deepen relationships with  
our customers through retail techniques 
including tailored social media campaigns, 
loyalty strategies, rapid web response and  
affinity partners.

AFTERSALES AND SERVICING
State of the art facilities, expert technicians,  
and quality customer care – from routine 
servicing through to fixing major problems.  
We provide transparent assessments to  
build customer trust over the long term.

PARTS
The preferred provider of genuine branded  
parts enabled by our strong OEM brand  
partner relationships.

inchcape.com

5 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDRIVING 
FORWARD

The automotive industry is at an  
exciting and dynamic stage of 
evolution. Technology is enabling a 
pace of change and progress that  
puts the customer in the driver’s seat.

Developments in technology give us the opportunity to 
build an experience around every customer that delivers 
what they want, how and when they want it. Bringing  
this alive in a way that enhances our relationship with 
customers, and delivers the flexibility that digitisation 
offers, is a real opportunity for growth.

To deliver this new experience, our task is to anticipate 
customers’ needs and provide them with a digitally 
‘connected’ automotive experience that is easy,  
effective and enjoyable, every time they are in touch  
with Inchcape. That means providing solutions that 
improve their driving lives whatever stage they are  
at in their car ownership journey.

Inchcape aims to be a driver of change in our  
industry; we are focused on anticipating and taking 
advantage of emergent trends. With our global scale, 
depth of brand partnerships and commitment to 
delighting our customers, we are ideally placed to 
maximise the opportunity’s potential.

EXPERIENCE
Delivering excellent customer experience is at the core  
of our approach, and we continuously improve our 
customer insight to drive performance.

In 2017, we rolled out a new framework designed to 
fundamentally improve customer experience across a 
number of areas. We introduced more than 150 separate 
initiatives across the Group, in both Distribution and 
Retail, including: improvements to our digital presence 
with better websites that capture leads more effectively; 
new online calculators to help customers better 
understand our Finance and Insurance products;  
and improved communication with customers,  
both buyers and non-buyers.

We have significantly improved the NPS (Net Promotor 
Score) process, ensuring we have a more dynamic, 
responsive and relevant method of capturing and 
responding to customer feedback; and we now  
capture all of our reviews digitally on a monthly basis, 
supporting both our and our OEM partners’ needs.

Data-driven decision-making is key to improving  
the customer experience and we are working with  
world class business partners to help us deliver these 
improvements. This puts us ahead of most in our industry. 
We have rolled out Salesforce Marketing Cloud across 
eight of our markets, with the aim of having a centralised 
customer base where we can apply consistent and 
seamless experiences across all markets, through 
marketing customisation. It will also enable us to better 
manage communication with customers and automate 
a number of activities, improving our capacity and ability 
to respond to customers’ enquiries more efficiently.

Early Salesforce pilots have demonstrated its potential. 
For example, in Australia we have seen an increase in 
service reminder and email open rates, as well as online 
service bookings.

DIGITAL
Customers are becoming more and more likely to 
discover, explore and even begin their purchase with  
us online and we believe there is no reason why the 
immersive simplicity and flexibility of the online experience 
cannot be replicated in the automotive industry. At 
Inchcape, we are designing sales and service 
experiences that are built around the customer, 
seamlessly integrating our platforms to provide a 
consistent approach whether online or in the showroom.

We already have an online sales offering and complete 
digital journey that allows customers to immerse 
themselves in the brands we represent. Through  
these channels, we are developing new ways to  
gather customer insights to ultimately deliver better  
online solutions, whilst also enhancing the retail centre 
and ownership experience.

CHOICE
Today’s customer is choice-rich and time-poor. Until 
recently, people would visit a showroom four times before 
making a purchase. Now the average is just one and  
a half times. So we need to continue to stand out from 
the competition, giving customers the opportunity to 
navigate their experience with us on their terms and  
at their pace.

With our global presence and increasing Distribution  
and Retail contracts, we are expanding choice for our 
customers, whilst insuring that we deliver a consistent 
and uniquely Inchcape experience, wherever they  
are and through whichever channel they choose.

OUR
CUSTOMERS

We have piloted an external reviews measurement  
tool which is designed to improve the real time tracking 
of customer experience we provide online and offline. 
Through the pilot of this in the UK, our aggregate online 
customer experience rating, which includes Google  
and Trustpilot, increased by 24%.

“ With Inchcape, I know  

I will get great quality service, 
no matter the brand, both in  
the centre and online”

6 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

150

Customer Experience 
initiatives underway  
across the Group

Data-driven focus on 
digitally ‘connected’ 
automotive experience 
through Salesforce

Making every customer 
interaction with Inchcape 
easy, effective and 
enjoyable

Enhanced website  
visibility through content 
optimisation and design 
improvement, through 
Brightedge SEO tool

inchcape.com

7 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSGLOBAL SCALE
We are the world’s only independent multi-brand 
automotive Distributor and Retailer with a global 
presence. Managing a fine balance between developed 
and emerging markets across our 29-territory footprint, 
we provide market access and country expertise for 
many of the world’s leading premium and luxury brands 
through a balanced Distribution and Retail portfolio.

Our global scale truly sets us apart and delivers benefits 
to all of our stakeholders. For our OEMs, it ensures that 
they have a trusted partner as they seek to develop in 
new territories and, as they increase their global offering, 
so do we. There are a number of examples of this 
expansion over the last 12 months, including new 
contracts with BMW in Estonia and Guam as well as 
Peugeot and Citroën with Groupe PSA in Australia.

INFRASTRUCTURE
The business and management systems and processes 
we have in place ensure professional consistency and 
financial resilience across all our markets. And our focus 
on governance and risk management, value-added 
processes in Distribution and Retail, deep customer 
understanding and logistics capabilities, combine to  
give our OEM partners the reassurance they require.

TRUSTED PARTNERSHIP
Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted automotive 
Distributor and Retailer and, for our partners, success  
can be seen in our long-term relationships. This year  
we celebrated 50 years of working with Toyota, an 
achievement of which we are particularly proud, and 
with a further five key strategic relationships of 25 years  
or more, we are continuing to show that long-term trust 
and value sit at the heart of our offer.

We are proud to work with the best OEMs in the  
world and that many of them have chosen Inchcape to 
represent their brands, and deliver for their customers, in 
the global market place. These relationships are mutually 
beneficial and we continue to ensure that we place their 
business needs alongside ours to, together, deliver a 
world-class customer experience.

DRIVING 
FORWARD

Our long-term partnerships with  
many of the world’s leading vehicle 
manufacturers (Original Equipment 
Manufacturers or ‘OEM’s) are the 
beating heart of our business. Our 
criteria are demanding and rigorously 
applied: we want to work with OEM 
partners who are strategically positioned 
in growing markets, who are leading  
the rapid evolution of the automotive 
industry, and who hold customer 
service, trust and quality in the  
same regard as Inchcape.

When we find the right partner brands, 
we nurture the relationships to last and 
to deliver value far into the future. This  
is how we have successfully sustained 
OEM partnerships, some lasting more 
than 50 years.

OUR 
PARTNERS

“ 2017 marked the 50th 

anniversary of the Inchcape 
Toyota partnership. The 
relationship began in 1967 
through Inchcape’s business  
in Singapore, Borneo Motors. 
Today, Inchcape represents the 
Toyota Group in 19 countries 
around the world.”

8 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
Guam BMW contract won

Estonia BMW acquired

Australia Peugeot and 
Citroën contract won

Toyota & Inchcape 50 
years of partnership

Hino in Chile enters  
1,000 club

Expanded in four new 
markets with Subaru

Record market share for 
Subaru in Australia

Jaguar Land Rover 
Thailand win award 
and growth

Mercedes UK win service 
and parts award for 
second consecutive year

inchcape.com

9 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDRIVING 
FORWARD

At Inchcape, the talent and dedication 
of our people are central to our success 
and we recognise the importance of 
nurturing this vital resource.

Throughout our business and across our 
global locations, we have the ambition 
to be the best and most trusted 
employer in our industry, continuously 
seeking to lead the way in attracting, 
recruiting and developing the best 
talent. With a diverse workforce of over 
17,000 employees in 29 countries, we 
understand that our people have 
different needs and aspirations, and 
seek to provide them with the best 
support and development 
opportunities to enable them to 
drive their development and reach 
their full potential.

OUR  
PEOPLE

“ I haven’t seen this kind of 

investment in people in other 
companies. It’s so refreshing 
and I know it will drive our 
competitive advantage.  
I’m excited for the future”

DRIVE5 PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK
Every individual contributes to realising our success.  
In 2016 we launched DRIVE5, our global performance 
framework designed to support all of our people in the 
delivery of our Ignite strategic objectives, and we have 
now successfully embedded this across the Group.

The performance framework sets out what we stand for 
as an organisation, and describes what each of us need 
to do to enhance individual and team performance  
to best deliver our ambitions. The drivers within the 
performance framework outline the behaviours that 
support and build our culture – one of high performance 
through the development of strong relationships with our 
customers, our colleagues and our OEM brand partners 
– ultimately setting us apart from the competition.

DRIVING A GROWTH CULTURE
It is vital that every individual in the organisation is fully 
equipped to make their best contribution. This becomes 
even more important as the pace of change in the 
automotive industry increases. Strong leadership and  
a culture of continual learning and innovation are  
critical to our success, for today and the future.

Through DRIVE5 we actively encourage colleagues to 
consider their progress and development needs, have 
meaningful conversations with their managers, and  
set aside time to build skills and collaborate with their 
global network.

In 2017 we have further invested in supporting our people 
to drive their development, with the launch of a bespoke 
global development and collaboration platform. The  
new platform provides access at any time to the latest 
thinking, development content and enables individuals 
to share learning with global colleagues and leverage 
best practice across our 29 markets.

This builds on a strong digital offering already in place  
for our colleagues, and makes it easy, effective and 
enjoyable to use – in line with our approach to  
customer experience.

EQUIPPING OUR TEAMS FOR THE FUTURE
The journey to becoming the most trusted employer in 
our industry continues into 2018 and beyond, with clear 
direction and increasing momentum. We are working 
with all our people at every level of the organisation to 
build a stronger, better Inchcape for the benefit of all  
our stakeholders.

10 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inspiring a Growth 
Culture at Inchcape

Employees

17,000

DRIVE5 performance 
framework rolled out in

29 
countries

Digital learning  
and collaboration 
platform available

24/7

inchcape.com

11 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDRIVING  
FORWARD
SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

In everything we do, we continually  
aim to make a positive difference  
to the lives we touch. So we create 
engaging, memorable experiences  
for our customers. We build winning 
relationships with our OEM brand 
partners. We empower our people to 
enjoy fulfilling and rewarding careers. 
And we work hard to ensure we operate 
in a responsible and sustainable way.

Amid all this, we never forget that it is our 
shareholders who provide the capital 
that drives our operations forward. We 
are committed to building value for 
shareholders through the most efficient 
allocation of capital, be it through 
returns, or through value accretive M&A. 
This is why we have consistently grown 
our returns to shareholders every year 
since 2011.

CUMULATIVE CASH RETURNS (£m)

CONSISTENT RETURNS
Our exclusive Distribution contracts in key global markets, 
supported by strategic Retail agreements, drive strong, 
sustainable returns and underpin the Group’s consistent 
organic growth. We are well positioned for the future, as 
we continue to benefit from high barriers to entry and low 
capital-intensity requirements in our established territories.

SHORT TERM
We currently generate a return on capital employed of 
30% and have a strong annual free cash flow. Alongside 
our strong balance sheet position, this enables us both  
to continue our well supported dividend policy and 
continue investing in growth through the sensible 
allocation of excess free cash.

LONG TERM
Our cash generation enables us to continue 
consolidating our fragmented industry in global  
markets which offer us the greatest opportunities for 
growth, allowing us to build on our unique portfolio of 
exclusive Distribution contracts with the world’s leading 
automotive manufacturers. In addition, our diversified 
revenue streams and geographies protect us against  
the cyclical nature of the automotive industry.

Given our strong balance sheet and free cash flow 
position we have sufficient funds to enable this growth 
with a disciplined capital allocation policy that ensures 
excess cash is returned to shareholders.

2011 47

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018*

99

175 50

256

150

347

241

437

351

540

618

401

501

DIVIDENDS

SHARE BUYBACKS

*  2018 cumulative cash returns inclusive of 2017 final dividend and assuming completion of share buyback to a value of £100m.

12 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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. KPIs are stated in actual rates of exchange.

Sales

Operating margin

£8.9bn

2016: £7.8bn

£
6
.
5
b
n

£
6
.
1
b
n

£
6
.
7
b
n

£
6
.
8
b
n

£
8
.
9
b
n

£
7
.
8
b
n

4.6%

2016: 4.6%

4
.
3
%

4
.
4
%

4
.
8
%

4
.
7
%

4
.
6
%

4
.
6
%

Profit before tax and 
exceptional items

£382.5m

2016: £349.4m

£
3
8
2
.
5
m

£
3
4
9
.
4
m

£
3
0
3
.
2
m

£
3
1
2
.
1
m

£
2
7
4
.
6
m

£
2
4
7
.
0
m

12

13

14

15

16

17

12

13

14

15

16

17

12

13

14

15

16

17

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

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

The Group has delivered £8.9bn, 
growth of 14.2% vs. last year.

Operating profit (before 
exceptional items) divided  
by sales.

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

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

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

Operating margin at 4.6% is in 
line with the operating margin 
achieved in 2016.

In 2017 this increased by 9.5% to 
a record £382.5m.

Free cash flow

Return on capital employed

£313.9m

2016: £190.5m

30%

2016: 30%

3
0
%2
6
%2
2
%

2
2
%

3
0
%

3
0
%

£
1
0
2
.
0
m

£
8
6
.
4
m

£
2
9
2
.
0
m

£
3
1
3
.
9
m£
1
9
0
.
5
m

£
1
7
7
.
6
m

12

13

14

15

16

17

12

13

14

15

16

17

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 the Group’s ability 
to ‘Invest to Accelerate Growth’ 
and to make distributions to 
shareholders.

The Group delivered free  
cash flow of £313.9m, a 65% 
improvement on 2017.

For reconciliation of free cash flow,  
see page 29

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.

The Group delivered ROCE  
of 30%. 

inchcape.com

13 

Definition

Why we measure

2017 Highlights

Definition

Why we measure

2017 Highlights

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSChief Executive’s review

DRIVING
FORWARD

“Our diversified business model  
has continued to deliver growth, 
underpinned by our progress with  
the Ignite strategy, our foundation  
for the future.”

OVERVIEW
I am delighted to report another strong year of 
performance in 2017. We have continued to grow our 
global footprint, diversify our revenue streams, and evolve 
our business to meet the needs of the rapidly changing 
global automotive market.

Our Distribution business achieved strong organic 
growth, boosted by the successful integration of our 
business in South America, acquired in 2016, which  
has seen a trading profit performance ahead of plan. 
Our Distribution activities now contribute towards  
c.80% of Group profit, and are our strategic focus  
for future growth.

We embedded operations for Subaru in four new  
markets and gained market share in New Zealand as  
well as Australia, where we also successfully integrated 
the Peugeot and Citroën Distribution operations of 
Groupe PSA into our business.

Strengthening and deepening our relationships with  
our brand partners is a key focus of our Ignite strategy. 
This year, we celebrated 50 years of partnership with the 
Toyota Group, whom we now represent in 19 national 
markets. We also continued to strengthen our relationship 
with our key partner BMW, who awarded us sole 
Distribution contracts in Estonia and also in Guam,  
our first BMW Distribution contract in Asia, added in 
January 2018.

watch online 
inchcape.com/AR17

Our Retail businesses had a more challenging year,  
with growth in New Car sales slowing in some developed 
markets. The UK market declined in the second half of the 
year, putting pressure on margins. Both the Australia  
and UK Retail markets were also impacted by the product 
cycle of some brands that we represent. In Russia, by 
contrast, pleasingly we saw strong trading profit recovery 
largely supported by progress with Ignite in the region.

Although Distribution is our core focus for future growth, 
both organically and by M&A, our Retail operations 
remain strategically important. They underpin and 
enhance our relationships with our brand partners, and 
thus our Distribution business, and also provide proven 
Ignite best practice to leverage throughout the wider 
business. We therefore continue to invest for the long 
term development of Retail.

The Aftersales market continued to grow this year, with  
an 8% constant currency increase in gross profit for the 
Group, excluding the effects of the acquired Subaru and 
Hino Distribution business in South America. Performance 
in Retail was in-line with this strong performance and 
reinforces our confidence that further value creation 
resides in our Retail business beyond New Car sales. In 
addition, our focus on procurement has now achieved 
£20m of annualised cost savings, with further savings 
opportunities still targeted.

We know that the global automotive market is changing 
rapidly. For customers, the car buying experience is  
now increasingly digital and mobile, with many  
mo.re interactions taking place online, instead of in  

14 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Uniquely positioned  
to drive growth in  
a changing industry
The global automotive industry 
continues to evolve. Technology-driven 
trends are rapidly evolving customer 
behaviours and expectations. 
Digitisation, increasing automation, 
growing connectivity and the 
development and increasing 
deployment of the autonomous  
car are just some of the trends 
developing with consumer 
preferences. Our strategy focuses on 
leveraging opportunities from these 
exciting changes while building on 
Inchcape’s unique position as an 
independent, global multi-brand 
Distributor and Retailer.

retail centres. Inchcape is innovating fast to respond  
to changing customer behaviour and demands, and  
we remain focused on providing a differentiated and 
excellent quality of service, no matter where our 
customers choose to interact with us.

You can read more about the Inchcape Customer 
Experience programme on page 6.

TOP-LINE FINANCIAL RESULTS
You can read a more detailed overview of Group and 
regional performance in our Operating Review on page 
20 To give you a quick overview of progress, however,  
I will briefly outline the top line results and regional  
trends here.

Over 2017 Inchcape grew revenues 14% year-on-year  
in actual currency and 9% in constant currency, with 
earnings before exceptionals, interest and tax up 14% in 
actual currency and 9% in constant currency. Pleasingly, 
our free cash flow conversion was strong again in 2017  
at 77% and we ended the year with a net funds balance 
of £80m.

80% of our profits now come from fast-growing Emerging 
Markets and the APAC region, which we expect to drive 
robust organic growth over the medium term, boosted  
by strategic M&A.

We remain firmly focused on the efficient allocation of 
capital and have approved a new £100m share buyback 
to be completed over the next 12 months. We are also 
proposing a full year dividend of 26.8p per share, up 
13% year-on-year.

Regional overview
OUR DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS
Asia
In Asia we delivered double-digit profit growth, driven 
partly by a good performance in Singapore. Our 
Singaporean commercial vehicles business performed 
particularly well, growing volumes by 32% year-on-year.

Hong Kong performance was also encouraging, 
regaining stability following a challenging trading 
environment during 2016. In Thailand, we successfully 
embedded the Jaguar Land Rover Distribution business 
we acquired during 2016, and our strengthened 
presence in this market received recognition as we won 
the award for Retailer of the Year for Jaguar Land Rover 
Tapio, within the smaller operations category in Asia.

The profit growth across Asia was complemented by  
a reduction in overheads, achieved by the integration  
of our North and South Asia business, into one regional 
operation. This is an early indication of the effectiveness 
of the fixed-cost review that we announced in last year’s 
Annual Report.

Australasia
Australasian Distribution achieved profit growth of 12% in 
constant currency, excluding an unfavourable exchange 
rate between Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar. This 
was largely driven by the ongoing success of our Subaru 
Distribution operations in Australia that pleasingly gained 
market share, taking our position to 4.4%, a new full year 
record. The successful launch of the Subaru XV SUV and 
the popularity of the latest Impreza acted as strong 
performance boosts in 2017.

We also successfully integrated two new brands into  
our global portfolio – Peugeot and Citroën – following  
the win of the Groupe PSA contract. The performance of 
the PSA network was strong over the second half of the 
year, particularly following the September launch of the 
Peugeot 3008 SUV. Volumes have grown 46% under our 
ownership and we doubled market share. We see much 
further scope to continue building the Australian business 
for this new brand partner.

Emerging Markets
Emerging Markets Distribution operations performed 
exceptionally well in 2017, with overall profit growth in 
constant currency of 70% during the year. Without the 
contribution of our major acquisition in South America in 
December 2016, this stood at 11% at constant currency.

Following the acquisition, we successfully implemented a 
new regional structure across South America to unify the 
existing and new businesses. This new structure and the 
implementation of best practice contributed very strongly 
to the profit growth in the region, particularly thanks to an 
excellent performance by Subaru in Chile and Peru. We 
also saw good growth with Suzuki in Argentina, almost 
doubling our market share.

inchcape.com

15 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur Ignite strategy
Our results for 2017 reflect the progress 
we continue to make with our strategy 
for growth, Ignite.

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

Chief Executive’s review continued

BMW in South America continued to go from strength  
to strength in 2017, with market share increases in both 
Chile and Peru.

In Ethiopia, the political situation which led to disruption 
in 2016 improved over 2017, and a strong New Vehicle 
sales performance led a good recovery during the year.

Europe
Our European Distribution operations delivered solid 
revenue growth in 2017, reflecting a decline in Belgium 
and growth across all other markets, including strong 
growth in our Eastern European operations. Within the 
Greek New Vehicle market which continued to recover, 
growing by 12%, we delivered a good performance in our 
Toyota and Lexus business. This was supported by higher 
Finance and Insurance (F&I) profit, following strategic 
innovations, and improved New Vehicle margins.

Our Eastern European profit performance was strong, 
and we continue to benefit from structural growth,  
across our value drivers. A highlight for the year was the 
acquisition of the BMW Distribution operations for Estonia, 
complementing our existing presence and taking our 
Baltic BMW representation to two of the three markets.

OUR RETAIL OPERATIONS
Despite our strategic focus on Distribution, our Retail 
operations retain a key strategic importance, both as  
a pillar of our wider brand partner relationships and  
as a platform for our Aftersales and F&I value drivers.

At the start of 2017, we set out our expectations for a 
challenging year and predicted declining sales volumes 
in the UK New Car market. This proved to be the case, 
with an overall decline of 6% from the peak year of 2016. 
In this market context, margins have been under pressure 
and profit has consequently declined. As expected, our 
UK and Europe region saw profit this year reduced by 
17% at constant currency, with a marked downturn  
in the second half of the year.

We are therefore encouraged by our focus on  
Aftersales as a means of realising the inherent value in 
the UK’s record Total Industry Volume (TIV). This shows the 
advantage created by our diversified revenue streams, 
which give us a unique ability to deliver long-term stability 
in all market conditions.

Australia Retail was similarly impacted from our brand 
exposure in the market, but we were pleased with  
the Aftersales performance given our investments  
in the business.

The star performers among our Retail operations were 
those in Eastern Europe, where positive market trends 
have encouraged us to invest strongly for the future. In 
Poznan, Poland, we opened our third and largest BMW 
retail centre in the country, an investment that reflects  
our strong Retail growth in the region.

16 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

1.  LEAD IN CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

We recognise that digital technologies and expertise  
are vital to delivering a better customer experience.  
This conviction is at the heart of our new Inchcape 
Customer Experience programme, which aims to 
optimise the customer experience throughout buying 
and ownership.

Critically, this is a programme for the digital age, 
optimising data usage, professionalising processes  
and increasingly deploying new tools and techniques 
across all our markets to make interaction with us easy, 
effective and enjoyable for our customers, whether 
online, on a mobile device or in person.

You can read more about our Customer Experience 
Programme and activities on page 6.

2.  BECOME THE OEM’S PARTNER OF CHOICE

Strong relationships with our brand partners are 
absolutely central to performance delivery, and this  
has been a continued area of focus for us in 2017.

Key developments have included increasing our Subaru 
market share to 4.4% in Australia, being awarded our first 
BMW contract in Asia (in January 2018), winning the UK 
Mercedes-Benz awards for service and parts in the UK  
for an unprecedented second year, and delivering a 
good set of results for Subaru and Hino in our first year  
of trading these brands in South America, including 
entering the Hino 1,000 club for excellence in sales  
in Chile.

We have also strengthened relationships with our  
existing partners across new and existing territories, 
introduced new OEMs into our portfolio and have 
invested in improving the infrastructure and OEM  
footprint in our markets, where we represent them.

3.  DELIVER FULL POTENTIAL ON ALL
REVENUE STREAMS

In 2017, our Distribution Aftersales profits, excluding the 
acquisition in South America, grew 7% constant currency, 
reflecting targeted investment in this area, for example, in 
recruitment programmes for technicians in key markets.

Russia is also an excellent example of how Ignite is  
driving the business forward with meaningful profit growth 
year-on-year in what remains a challenging market for 
our brands. From the learnings the Russian team took 
from UK Retail pilots they have increased Used to New 
Car volumes from 47% over the second half of 2016 to 
68% in the second half of 2017. They have also grown 
Aftersales gross profit by 2% in constant currency by 
implementing UK practices in their contact centre. This 
is a good result against a declining 1-5 year Car Parc.

Over the year we also conducted an extensive 
global review of our Finance and Insurance  
(F&I) revenue streams. We know that there exists 
meaningful future opportunity to enhance our 
profitability through this revenue stream, through 
both improved selling processes and through the 
related products we offer.

4.  LEVERAGE OUR GLOBAL SCALE

There are efficiency gains to be made in almost 
every business structure. This is seldom more true 
than with a global organisation such as Inchcape, 
with 17,000 employees active in 29 markets across 
the world. Our focus on procurement efficiency has 
now achieved £20m of annualised cost savings, in 
line with our expectations, and we continue to see 
opportunities to further streamline our supply chain 
throughout the business.

Whilst an excellent outcome, leveraging our global 
scale is about more than efficiency savings. It is also 
about running our regional and local teams more 
effectively, sharing best practice throughout our 
Group, transferring knowledge and sharing our 
expert pan-regional resources to heighten the 
professionalism of all our operations. Our 
organisational structure and capabilities have  
been enhanced throughout the business to  
drive future sustainable growth.

5.  INVEST TO ACCELERATE GROWTH

Inchcape is one of a very few independent,  
global Distributors in a highly fragmented  
global marketplace. We are therefore a natural 
consolidator. The opportunity to drive growth  
through acquisitions to build our presence in  
key geographies, or to enhance OEM partner 
relationships, is considerable. Our OEMs are 
supportive and sometimes even initiators of 
acquisition opportunities.

During 2017, we focused on integrating strategic 
acquisitions from 2016 in our South American and 
Asian operations. The Subaru and Hino Distribution 
businesses in South America performed ahead of 
plan, contributing £30m of trading profit to our 2017 
full year results. Our acquisitions in Estonia and 
Australia also contributed to our earnings in our 
European and Australasian markets.

Our intention, as stated previously, is to build and 
seek to actualise our M&A pipeline. Our exceptional 
ability to rapidly integrate new acquisitions also 
enables them to deliver value to the Group quickly.

inchcape.com

17 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSChief Executive’s review continued

I am particularly pleased with our Russian business 
performance in 2017 that recovered to report a £4m 
trading profit from broadly break even last year. While the 
market for New Vehicles strengthened during the year, 
government incentives to buy locally manufactured 
volume brands created a challenging sales environment,  
as we represent global premium brands. However, the 
emphasis on Used Car sales under our Ignite strategy 
proved very successful during 2017, and we saw 
substantial growth in this segment.

Overall, gross profit in constant currency in Retail 
Aftersales grew 8% over the year. This highlights the 
importance of maintaining a portfolio of business 
activities with diversified revenue streams.

Looking ahead, the market environment is expected to 
remain challenging. We are working to further develop 
profit streams in Used Cars and Aftersales, to counteract 
the uncertain environment for New Car sales. We are 
confident of further development in these businesses  
in 2018.

PEOPLE
Inchcape could not have achieved such a strong 
performance this year without the expertise and 
dedication of all our people, around the world. I never  
fail to be impressed by the strength of their passion and 
commitment. On behalf of the whole Board, I would  
like to thank them.

Creating exciting and rewarding career paths and 
developing the skills of our people are a key focus for 
Inchcape. Quite simply, we want to be renowned for 
being the best place to work in our industry.

During the year, we significantly enhanced the 
capabilities of our regional operations across the world, 
delivering a new marketing organisation, more efficient 
procurement, better sharing of best practice between 
national teams and clearer direction in delivering 
business objectives.

SOUTH AMERICA – AN OUTSTANDING 
RESULT FOR A YEAR OF INTEGRATION
The integration of the South American 
Distribution business, acquired in  
Dec 2016, generated £30m of trading 
profit over the year, driven by solid  
trading improvements.

We have seen double digit volume 
growth for Subaru, with record Subaru 
sales in Chile, Colombia and Peru.  
In addition Hino Chile have hit a very 
important milestone with more than  
1,000 trucks sold in Chile.

Our regional management integration 
was recently completed, combining  
the new and existing South American 
businesses into one. This should generate 
synergies in 2018, so we are expecting a 
good year for the business.

Colombia
Peru

Chile
Argentina

DIRECTORATE CHANGE
In January 2018, Ken Hanna, Chairman of the 
Inchcape Board of Directors, announced that  
he will retire from the Inchcape Board in May. 
Ken has been Chairman for nine years and  
has been a member of the Board since 2001. 
Ken has played an important role in steering 
Inchcape through the global financial crisis and 
in developing the Group’s strategy over the last 
decade. We all have a debt of gratitude to Ken 
and he will be proud, I know, of what the Group 
has achieved.

Nigel Stein will succeed Ken as Chairman.  
Nigel has been a Non-Executive Director of 
Inchcape plc since October 2015 and has a 
deep understanding of the Group, and has 
been part of the development of the Ignite 
strategy. He was appointed Chief Executive of 
GKN in January 2012 after a number of years in 
other senior roles within the company. Nigel has 
significant experience in the commercial vehicle, 
manufacturing and global automotive industry. 
He is a member of the Institute of Chartered 
Accountants of Scotland and former non-
executive Director of Wolseley plc. He is  
currently Chairman of the Automotive Council.

I look forward to working with Ken, Nigel  
and the rest of the Inchcape Board over the  
coming months to ensure a smooth and 
comprehensive handover.

18 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

BUILDING THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 
FOR THE FUTURE
Since the launch of Ignite in 2016, we have reorganised 
the business and invested to ensure we have the right 
capabilities within the business.

We have created new global roles to deliver many of  
the Ignite components and have also reorganised the 
business within regions in order to leverage scale at the 
more local level.

I would like to welcome the two newly appointed  
senior leaders who are now responsible for directing  
our businesses in Singapore and Hong Kong, Jasmmine 
Wong and Stevie Wong. Both Jasmmine and Stevie bring 
with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, and  
I look forward to seeing them build their operations over 
the years to come.

OUTLOOK
Our strong set of results for 2017 reflects the strength  
of our unique business model and focus on driving the 
Ignite strategy in our businesses. I am particularly pleased 
with the performance across our Distribution and Emerging 
Markets operations which more than mitigated the 
challenging Retail environments in the UK and Australia.

We have a diversified portfolio business, operating  
at all points of a vehicle’s life cycle, with a strategic  
focus on higher margin Distribution activities and higher  
growth geographies. Asia and Emerging Markets have 
performed strongly this year and our South American 
business, which we acquired in December 2016, is 
performing ahead of plan.

Our industry is changing rapidly and our ‘Ignite’ strategy 
has been designed to make sure that we stay one step 
ahead of those changes, and win from them. We expect 
to see the pace of change gather momentum and we 
are evolving our business to ensure that we maintain our 
market leading positions and unique relevance to our 
OEM brand partners and customers.

In summary, 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 unique spread of markets. Whilst we anticipate 
continuing challenges across some of our Retail 
operations, continued momentum across the rest of  
the Group gives us confidence that we will meet our 
expectations for 2018.

Stefan Bomhard
Group Chief Executive

OUR GLOBAL  
LEADERSHIP
TEAM

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.

Stefan 
Bomhard
Group Chief 
Executive

Richard 
Howes
Chief  
Financial 
Officer

Aris 
Aravanis
CEO 
Continental 
Europe

George 
Ashford
CEO Asia

Stéphane 
Chatal
Chief 
Information 
Officer

Alison 
Clarke
Chief Human 
Resources 
Officer

James 
Brearley
CEO 
Inchcape UK

Ruslan 
Kinebas
CEO 
Emerging 
Markets

Bertrand 
Mallet
Chief 
Development 
Officer

Nick  
Senior
CEO 
Australasia

View full biographies online at  
www.inchcape.com

inchcape.com

19 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating and financial review

DRIVING
FORWARD

Another year of earnings growth 
and strong cash generation
Group sales of £8.9bn are up 9.4% year-on-year. The 
Group saw organic sales growth in all regions with a 
particularly strong performance in Emerging Markets, 
growing by 14.4% excluding the acquired Subaru and 
Hino business in South America. We also saw a robust 
performance in Australasia. Together these regions offset 
slower top-line growth in UK and Europe and Asia. The 
Group delivered strong organic growth, excluding the 
South America acquisition, of 4.4%.

The Group delivered an operating profit before 
exceptional items of £407.5m, 8.8% up year-on-year and 
up 0.8% excluding the new South American operations. 
Our Distribution business continues to be the growth 
engine of the Group, with trading profit up 17.5% and, 
excluding the accretion of the new South American 
businesses, still growing strongly by 7.3%, with all regions 
demonstrating underlying growth over the period. Our 
operating margin is in-line with 2016 at 4.6%, with growth 
in our higher margin Distribution businesses offsetting 
margin pressure in some of our main Retail markets  
given a supply and demand imbalance, and adverse 
Australasian transactional currency.

Profit before tax and exceptional items of £382.5m  
is up 5.3% year-on-year, a solid performance in the 
context of a difficult Retail trading environment and the 
transactional currency headwind. Interest increased 
£15m at actual rates year-on-year, reflecting adverse 
foreign exchange, the financing of our South American 
acquisition, higher stock financing costs, a lower pension 
surplus and higher fixed rate US private placement costs.

The Group delivered strong free cash flow of £313.9m, up 
65% versus 2016, representing a conversion rate of 77%, 
ahead of the prior year level of 53%.

Working capital continues to be a key focus area and we 
ended the year at £11m, an improvement year-on-year  
of £78m, benefitting from structural improvements in our 
acquired South American business and Asia, in addition 
to year-on-year timing benefits across some of our 
markets. This improvement supported our strong cash 
conversion and free cash flow generation of £313.9m.

Richard Howes 
Chief Financial Officer 

Net capital expenditure in 2017 was £101m. This was 
ahead of the prior year, but consistent with our guidance 
that 2017 would include catch-up expenditure. We have 
invested to develop our facilities in the UK, including  
a number of projects for Jaguar Land Rover under  
the new Arch retail format, as well as important new 
developments in Emerging Markets and in Australia. We 
also continue to invest in our IT infrastructure, including 
our multi-year iPower ERP project and investments behind 
the digitisation of the customer experience.

Net cash at the end of the year was £80m.

Return on capital employed (ROCE) for the Group 
remained at 30%, reflecting disciplined management  
of the Group’s balance sheet.

During 2017, we completed the second half (£50m) of 
our 2016 announced £100m share buyback programme 
at an average price of 816p.

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 2018 outlook commentary is also referenced at constant currency.

20 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS – RESULTS

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

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Asia
Australasia

UK and Europe

Emerging Markets

Trading profit
Central costs
Operating profit

BUSINESS ANALYSIS

Sales
Distribution
Retail
Trading profit
Distribution
Retail

Year ended 
2017
£m
8,949.2
4.6%
382.5
313.9
30%

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

% change in 
constant 
currency
9.4%
–
5.3%

–

% change
14.2%
–
9.5%
64.8%
–

2017 
Exceptional 
items

2017 
Reported

£m
(0.1)
(0.1)

(8.0)

(3.5)

(11.7)
(0.9)
(12.6)

£m
157.6
102.0

81.8

86.4

427.8
(32.9)
394.9

2017

£m
157.7
102.1

89.8

89.9

439.5
(32.0)
407.5

2016 
Exceptional 
items

2016  

Reported

£m
(11.6)
(5.2)

(36.7)

(0.9)

(54.4)
(27.2)
(81.6)

£m
125.1
97.2

60.4

51.5

334.2
(56.7)
277.5

2016

£m
136.7
102.4

97.1

52.4

388.6
(29.5)
359.1

Year ended 
2017
£m

Year ended 
2016
£m

% change in 
constant 
currency

% change

4,203.4
4,745.8

3,424.4
4,414.0

22.7%
7.5%

16.5%
3.8%

346.3
93.2

283.3
105.3

22.2%
(11.5%)

17.5%
(14.2%)

DISTRIBUTION
The Distribution segment delivered a strong performance 
at constant currency, growing revenue year-on-year by 
16.5% and by 5.2% excluding the new South American 
operations. This was driven by strong growth in Asia, 
where Singapore benefitted from commercial vehicle 
strength, although it was dampened by slower growth  
in Hong Kong and some of the smaller markets in the 
Asia region. Our Emerging Markets, including our  
BMW businesses in Chile and Peru and our Toyota-led 
operations in Ethiopia, performed well. Australasia’s 
top-line growth was robust, supported by the new Subaru 
Impreza and XV models and a strong performance in  
our New Zealand business. Furthermore, our European 
Distribution operations delivered robust growth, driven  
by our Balkan and Baltic markets.

Trading profit grew ahead of sales, up 17.5% in constant 
currency and up 7.3% organically, excluding the new 
South America acquisition. Singapore, Australasia 
(despite a net negative £10m Yen transactional impact) 
and Ethiopia were key drivers of this performance.  
Group Distribution trading margin declined 10bps to 
8.2%, despite a strong improvement of 70bps in our Asia 
business underpinned by the benefit of greater cost 
efficiency as we better leverage our scale across the 
region. This was offset by the decline in the Australasia 
margin as a result of the transactional currency headwind 
and product margin mix, as well as the margin dilutive 
impact of the new South American business.

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.

inchcape.com

21 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating and financial review continued

RETAIL
The Retail segment delivered a resilient revenue 
performance, growing by 3.8% despite a challenging  
UK market and underperformance of some European 
brands in the Australian markets. All regional segments 
saw revenue growth, with strong performance in most  
of our European business and 15.4% revenue growth  
in Russia.

Trading profit declined by 14.2% year-on-year, with 
margins down 40bps. In the UK we have been impacted 
by a sharp contraction in New Car volumes leading to a 
supply and demand imbalance which has weighed on 
margins. Both the UK and Australia businesses felt margin 
pressure with some key European brand partners having 
relatively fewer new products launched in comparison  
to peers recently. Australia was also impacted by 
investments being made in the business for Aftersales as 
well as Finance and Insurance (F&I) regulation change.

Pleasingly 2017 saw a meaningful improvement in our 
Russian business, supported by strong growth under our 
Ignite focus on Used Cars. Whilst we have seen margin 
pressure across Vehicle sales, Aftersales gross profit  
within Retail grew 8.1%, highlighting the importance of 
Inchcape’s exposure across the life cycle of a vehicle.

VALUE DRIVERS
In line with our 2016 Annual Report we provide disclosure 
on the value drivers behind our revenue and profit.  
This includes:

 − Gross profit attributable to Vehicles – New Vehicles, 
Used Vehicles and the associated F&I income; and

 − Gross profit attributable to Aftersales, Service and Parts.

This 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’.

Over the year we saw 0.7% increase in Vehicle gross  
profit and 7.7% increase in Aftersales gross profit, both 
excluding the South America acquisition. Inchcape 
operates across the automotive value chain and over 
the year generated 37% of gross profit through Aftersales.

The increase in Distribution Vehicles gross profit of 27.1%, 
up 7.9% excluding the new South American operations, 
at constant currency reflects the organic levers of a 
strong underlying Emerging Market performance, higher 
New Vehicle margins in Asia supporting gross profit 
growth, offset partially by the transactional currency 
headwind of £10m in Australasia.

The Distribution Aftersales gross profit increase of 14.8%, 
up 7.4% excluding the new South American operations, 
was driven by the underlying Emerging Market growth  
as well as a strong growth in our Australasia segment, 
benefitting from a strong performance in our Subaru 
parts business.

The Retail business saw a 6.5% decline in Vehicles gross 
profit, reflecting the challenging market environment in 
the UK and Australia for New and nearly New Vehicles,  
as well as faster growth in our entry-level Subaru models, 
Impreza and XV in Australia.

A highlight of 2017 was stronger growth in our Russian 
operations where Vehicle gross profit growth improved 
from being down 7.0% for the first half of the year to being 
ahead by 2.5% for the full year, driven by the Ignite driven 
focus of improving our Used Car operations.

The Retail Aftersales gross profit increased by 8.1% 
year-on-year. This reflects strong growth in our Australasia 
segment due to increased technician headcount and 
extended trading hours in our Retail operations. This is 
coupled with solid growth in our UK operations, as we 
drove improvements though our operations by recruiting 
more technicians and introducing a new pay plan.

VALUE DRIVERS

Group

Distribution

Retail

Vehicles
Aftersales
Total
Vehicles
Aftersales
Total
Vehicles
Aftersales
Total

22 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Gross profit £m

% change

% change in 
constant currency

Year ended 2017
785.2
466.9
1,252.1
458.9
290.1
749.0
326.3
176.8
503.1

Year ended 2016
678.7
400.4
1,079.1
341.9
242.4
584.3
336.8
158.0
494.8

15.7%
16.6%
16.0%
34.2%
19.7%
28.2%
(3.1%)
11.9%
1.7%

10.4%
12.3%
11.1%
27.1%
14.8%
22.0%
(6.5%)
8.1%
(2.3%)

OUR OPERATING REGIONS

ASIA
Strong profit performance, leveraging  
our regional scale

AUSTRALASIA
Strong top-line growth despite  
currency headwinds

TRADING PROFIT CONTRIBUTION

Page 24

Page 25

Asia

36%

£439.5m

UK AND EUROPE
Challenging UK market, growth in Europe

Emerging Markets

Page 26

21%

EMERGING MARKETS
Strong performance across all key markets

Page 27

Australia

23%

UK/Europe

20%

inchcape.com

23 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating and financial review continued

ASIA
STRONG PROFIT 
PERFORMANCE,  
LEVERAGING OUR 
REGIONAL SCALE

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Sales
Trading profit
Trading margin %

£m  
Year ended 

£m  
Year ended 
2017

2016 % change
6.8%

1,700.6 1,591.6
136.7
8.6% 0.7ppt

157.7
9.3%

% change in 
constant 
currency
2.7%
15.4% 10.7%
0.7ppt

OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Our total Asian revenue growth of 2.7% was due to a strong 
performance in Singapore offset by lower growth across other 
markets including Hong Kong.

The Singaporean New Vehicle market grew by 5%, ahead of  
our expectations for the year, with the increase in availability of 
Certificates of Entitlements (COEs) and therefore good growth for 
the higher margin commercial vehicle segment. Our market share 
in Singapore expanded by 90bps to just under 15%, with new  
SUV models for Toyota supporting this growth, namely the CH-R 
and Harrier models, enabling us to compete strongly in this 
growing segment.

In Hong Kong, following a very challenging 2016 where the New 
Car market declined by 21%, the market stabilised and delivered 
6% growth in 2017. Our performance reflected this stabilisation, 
although was impacted to an extent by competitor clearance  
of lower demand stock, including diesel vehicles. Given our 
long-term focus on protecting our brand positioning we  
were careful within this trading environment.

Our Guam business won the Distribution rights for BMW in the 
fourth quarter of 2017, which represents a strong addition to our 
portfolio of brands in a country where we have consistently led  
the market for many years. Whilst the market for BMW is small, 
incremental business in an existing territory further builds on our 
relationship with a key existing brand partner. In Thailand our 

Jaguar Land Rover business, in its first full year of operation for 
Inchcape, performed in-line with our plan, albeit this was  
a small loss.

Trading profit for the segment in 2017 was up 10.7% year-on-year 
driven by the top-line factors outlined above and supported by 
improved overhead efficiency following the decision in 2016  
to operate all of Asia as one region and better leverage our 
significant scale. Trading profit for the period benefitted from a 
gain on disposal of a retail site in China following an ongoing 
review of our site portfolio; however the year-on-year impact for the 
segment was limited given a gain in the prior year on a property 
disposal in Hong Kong.

During 2017 we welcomed new executives to lead our Singapore 
and Greater China including Hong Kong businesses. Both new 
executives bring a great wealth of expertise to our Asia operations 
and position us well for the future in these dynamic markets.

OUTLOOK
We expect 2018 to be a challenging year for profit in Asia given 
the outlook for Vehicles in our largest profit contributor to the 
region, Singapore, where we expect a 15% decline in market 
volume. In addition we see a flat volume trend in the second 
largest profit market, Hong Kong. The region is focused on 
constantly improving the efficiency of the businesses and  
driving opportunities across our diverse value drivers.

BUSINESS MODEL
At the heart of the Asia region, we are the Distributor and exclusive Retailer for Toyota, Lexus, Hino and Suzuki 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 Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Route to market

Brands

Singapore

Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Brunei

Guam

Saipan

Thailand

China

Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Retail

24 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

AUSTRALASIA
STRONG TOP-LINE 
GROWTH DESPITE 
CURRENCY 
HEADWINDS

OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Our Australasia segment delivered revenue growth of 6.6% for the 
year, with Distribution and Retail growing at the same rate. Our 
Australasian segment saw profit decline in the year, reflecting a 
good underlying performance in our Distribution business offset by 
pressure in our Retail operations and a net c.£10m transactional 
currency headwind.

The Australian car market reached a new record level at just 
under 1.2m units, up 1% on 2016 and with growth continuing to be 
driven by the SUV segment, which expanded by 6%. Our Subaru 
operations achieved a new record for national volume at over 52k 
units, driving an excellent market share of 4.4%, 40bps ahead of 
2016 and at a global leading level. The new Subaru Impreza and 
XV models in 2017 benefitted our volume performance and a 
better supply of vehicles compared to recent years supported  
our growth. Our operations in Australia were expanded during 
2017, as we won the Distribution rights for Peugeot and Citroën to 
complement our existing business. PSA has delivered as planned 
with total volumes over the second half ahead by 46%, with 
market share more than doubling in the second half compared  
to the first half.

A number of premium and luxury European retail brands 
underperformed the market in 2017, placing pressure on our  
Retail performance during the year. In the fourth quarter of 2017 
we opened a new facility for Jaguar Land Rover in Sydney, in the 
Bondi area.

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

£m  
Year ended 
2017

£m  
Year ended 

1,641.0 1,429.1
701.3
727.8
102.4

% change in 
constant 
2016 % change
currency
14.8%
6.6%
14.9%
6.7%
14.7%
6.6%
(0.3%)
(7.4%)
34.6 (11.0%)
(17.4%)
(2.3%)
5.2%
67.8
7.2% (1.0ppt) (1.0ppt)
4.9% (1.1ppt) (1.1ppt)
9.3% (0.8ppt) (0.8ppt)

805.9
835.1
102.1
30.8
71.3
6.2%
3.8%
8.5%

Trading profit was below last year, with growth in our Distribution 
business reflecting the good volume performance but dampened 
by the significant £10m transactional currency headwind and 
margin mix of the Impreza and XV model launches. Our Retail 
profit performance reflected the model mix impact in our Subaru 
business, a challenging premium and luxury vehicle brand 
environment across both New and nearly New Vehicles as well  
as lower Finance and Insurance profit following industry changes 
and investment in the Aftersales business. Offsetting some of these 
headwinds, our Retail operations saw good profit growth in our 
Aftersales operations as we leverage the expanding Car Parc 
under our Ignite strategy and investments here. Our Retail business 
benefitted from a small increase in property profit year on year.

The Distribution margin decline was driven by the transactional 
currency headwind, while the factors listed in this section are the 
drivers of the decline in the Retail margin.

OUTLOOK
We expect to deliver a robust 2018 performance in Australasia. We 
see continued market share growth for our Subaru business, and 
are set to further benefit from an improved transactional currency 
pair, as well as continuing to build our PSA business and leverage 
our Ignite strategy to drive improvements in our Retail operations.

BUSINESS MODEL
We are the Distributor for Subaru in both Australia and New Zealand, in addition to Peugeot and Citroën in Australia.  
We also operate multi-franchise Retail operations in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. At the end of 2017, we owned  
35 retail centres and managed a network of 115 independent Subaru sites and 35 for Peugeot and Citroen. 

Country
Australia

Route to market
Distribution and Retail

Brands

Retail

New Zealand

Distribution

inchcape.com

25 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOperating and financial review continued

UK AND EUROPE
CHALLENGING UK 
MARKET, GROWTH 
IN EUROPE

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

£m  
Year ended 
2017

£m  
Year ended 

% change in 
constant 
2016 % change
currency
4.1%
4,229.2 4,062.9
2.2%
2.0%
3,291.3
3,356.1
1.3%
13.2%
771.6
873.1
5.8%
97.1
89.8
(7.5%)
(9.7%)
70.3 (16.4%)
58.8
(16.9%)
8.1%
15.7%
26.8
31.0
2.4% (0.3ppt) (0.3ppt)
2.1%
2.1% (0.3ppt) (0.3ppt)
1.8%
0.1ppt
3.5% 0.1ppt
3.6%

OPERATING PERFORMANCE
We delivered resilient revenue growth across our UK and Europe 
segment with revenue up 2.2%. This top line performance reflects 
low growth in the UK, with good performances across Greece and 
some of the smaller Balkan and Baltic markets.

The UK New Car market declined in 2017 by 6%, following five 
consecutive years of growth, which was in line with our outlook  
for the market. Our UK performance was bifurcated across brands 
which traded broadly in-line with the prior year and those which 
saw greater challenges across both gross profit for New and 
nearly New Vehicles. Trading during 2017 deteriorated notably for 
some of our brands into the second half of the year, with the first 
quarter particularly strong given a pull forward in demand ahead 
of Vehicle Excise Duty changes.

Under our Ignite strategy we continue to develop the 
sophistication of our Used Car trading and the quality of our 
Aftersales operations. Our UK profitability saw benefits in the year 
from procurement savings in the year and we remain focused on 
overhead discipline. Overall, our UK business delivered revenue of 
£3.0bn, up 0.6% on last year.

The Greek market was up 12% 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 gross profit per unit on New Vehicles as well as  
higher Finance and Insurance income to support strong 
profit growth.

In Belgium, the Passenger Car market grew by 3%. However, and 
consistent with recent years, the market remained competitive 
placing pressure on New Vehicle margins.

Our Balkan and Baltic operations continued to structurally grow 
across our value drivers in 2017. Supporting this organic growth  
we acquired the BMW Distribution operations for Estonia, 
complementing our existing presence and taking our Baltic  
BMW representation to two of the three markets.

The trading profit decrease of 9.7% year-on-year was driven by  
the reduced profitability of our UK operations partially offset  
by growth across the majority of our Western and Eastern 
European businesses.

OUTLOOK
We expect to deliver a resilient performance in 2018. This reflects  
a further expected decline in the UK New Vehicle market, and 
continued competitive environment, partially offset by our 
strategic push to expand and grow the profitability of our Used  
Car operations, as well as growth in our Aftersales business. In our 
Western European operations we expect a stable Belgian market 
and a continuation of the recovery of the Greek market. In Eastern 
Europe, we anticipate further expansion across our value drivers 
and benefit from the first full year of operation for our BMW 
business in Estonia.

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.

Brands

Country
UK

Belgium, Luxembourg, 
Greece, Romania, 
Bulgaria, Macedonia
Finland

Estonia

Latvia

Lithuania

Poland

Route to market
Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Distribution

Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Retail

26 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EMERGING 
MARKETS
STRONG 
PERFORMANCE 
ACROSS ALL  
KEY MARKETS

KEY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

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

£m  
Year ended 
2017
1,378.4
583.8
794.6
89.9
3.6
86.3
6.5%
0.6%
10.9%

£m  
Year ended 

2016 % change

% change in 
constant 
currency
82.6% 62.4%
754.8
421.4
15.4%
38.5%
333.4 138.3% 131.6%
71.6% 75.7%
52.4
0.4 800.0% 562.6%
52.0
70.4%
66.0%
6.9% (0.4ppt) 0.5ppt
0.5ppt
0.1% 0.5ppt
15.6% (4.7ppt) (3.9ppt)

OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Our Emerging Markets segment was again a growth engine for 
the Group in 2017, delivering 62.4% headline revenue growth and 
growing strongly organically at 14.4%, excluding the new South 
American business. The strong performance was driven by growth 
across all three regions within our Emerging Markets segment, 
Africa, South America and Russia.

Trading profit for the region increased significantly by 75.7%  
and strongly by 17.1% excluding the South American addition. 
Excluding Africa, all other Emerging Market sub regions saw 
margin growth in the year.

The new South American operations in Chile, Peru, Colombia and 
Argentina delivered on the growth trajectory we anticipated when 
acquiring the business. Within the country set Chile was the driver 
of the growth, offsetting some commercial vehicle challenges in 
Colombia. Trading profit for the business was £30.0m and strongly 
ahead of the level at the point we acquired the business. We 
recently integrated our South American businesses under one 
regional structure and anticipate synergies from this in 2018.

Our pre-existing South American BMW Distribution business, in 
Chile and Peru, delivered double-digit revenue and trading profit 
growth, led by the growth of our Chilean operations. The Chilean 
new passenger vehicle market was up by 18%, with BMW growing 
registrations by 32%. In Peru BMW registrations grew by 42% 
compared to the new passenger vehicle market growth of 5%.

In Africa we delivered a positive outcome as we continue to  
grow alongside the broader economy and leverage our long-term 
investment to expand our capacity across our value drivers. In  
the final quarter of 2017 we acquired additional land near Addis 
Ababa as we look to expand our Aftersales footprint. The Ethiopian 
currency devaluation of 35% in 2017 impacted our results 
translation into Sterling but locally we have started the process  
of passing on the inflationary increase without dampening 
demand materially to date.

Our Russian Retail business saw 15% revenue growth. The total 
Russian New Car market grew by 12% with Inchcape’s premium 
and luxury brands being flat year-on-year, but with  
the trend improving into the second half of the year. Our Ignite 
strategy focused on seeking Used Car opportunities across our 
markets saw excellent progress in Russia with a 70% increase 
year-on-year in Used Car volumes over the second half. Trading 
profit for our Russian business expanded from close to break-even 
to £3.6m and represented a margin improvement of 50bps to 0.6%.

OUTLOOK
We expect another year of strong profit growth in our Emerging 
Markets. Continued New Vehicle growth in our South American 
markets will underpin strength in this region and continue to 
contribute more vehicles into our Car Parcs for higher margin 
Aftersales. In Africa, we plan to continue to invest in this long-run 
growth market, but may see some pressure on reported results 
from the devaluation of the Ethiopian Birr in the second half  
of 2017. 

BUSINESS MODEL
In South America, we have BMW Distribution businesses in Chile and Peru as well as Subaru and Hino operations across these markets, 
Colombia and Argentina. Our business in Ethiopia is centred on Distribution and exclusive Retail for Toyota. In Russia we operate 22 Retail 
centres in Moscow and St Petersburg representing a number of our global OEM brand partners.

Country
Ethiopia & Djibouti

Route to market
Distribution and Exclusive Retail

Brands

Russia

Chile

Peru

Columbia

Argentina

Retail

Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Distribution and Retail

Retail

inchcape.com

27 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and financial review continued

CENTRAL COSTS
Unallocated central costs for the full year are £32.0m 
before exceptional items (2016: £29.5m). Our costs 
remain well controlled with moderate inflationary 
increases in our underlying costs. However, we have 
incurred £2m of costs relating to business development 
activities in the year.

NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS
Profits attributable to our non-controlling interests were 
£7.9m, compared to £6.9m in 2016. 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.

OPERATING EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
In 2017, the Group has recorded exceptional operating 
costs of £12.6m (2016: £81.6m). The charge in 2017  
is comprised of restructuring costs of £10.5m (2016: 
£24.8m) associated with the global cost reduction 
programme and £2.1m (2016: £8.8m) in relation to  
the acquisition and integration of the Subaru and  
Hino Distribution business in South America. In 2016,  
the exceptional charge also included a non-cash 
impairment of £24.9m in respect of the goodwill 
associated with businesses in Lithuania and Estonia  
and a non-cash impairment of £23.1m relating to 
superseded functionality within the iPower ERP  
system. Further detail can be found in note 2, p.117.

NET FINANCING COSTS
Net financing costs for the year are £25.0m (2016: 
£9.6m). The increase is due to increased levels of debt 
following the acquisition of the business in South America 
at the end of 2016, higher supplier financing costs, a 
lower return on the net pension asset as a result of the 
decrease in corporate bond rates used to discount 
pension liabilities, and a higher rate of fixed interest  
on the refinanced US Private Placement.

TAX
The effective tax rate for the year before exceptional 
items was 25.0% (2016: 25.2%). The underlying rate 
broadly reflects the Group’s profit mix and weighted 
average tax rate. The underlying tax rate in 2016 
included the impact of the Foreign Income Dividend 
claim receipt (on which tax at 45% was withheld) 
resulting in a marginally higher rate in that year. During 
2017, tax cash flow was £85.9m (2016: £99.5m) with the 
decrease principally driven by the timing of tax instalment 
payments in Australia resulting in a repayment in 2017.

FOREIGN CURRENCY
During the year, the Group derived a gain of £15.2m 
(2016: a gain of £32.5m) from the translation of its 
overseas profits before tax into Sterling at the 2017 
average exchange rate when compared with the 
average exchange rates used for translation in 2016.

DIVIDEND
The Board recommends a final ordinary dividend of 18.9p 
per ordinary share which is subject to the approval of 
shareholders at the 2018 Annual General Meeting. This 
gives a total dividend for the year of 26.8p per ordinary 
share (2016: 23.8p), an increase of 12.6% vs. 2016.

PENSIONS
In 2017, the IAS 19 net post-retirement surplus was  
£72.3m (2016: £37.3m), with the increase in the surplus 
driven 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 £2.7m (2016: £2.1m). We have agreed with the 
Trustees that future cash contributions will continue  
at broadly this level.

During 2017, Aviva has started to issue individual policies 
to members in relation to the liabilities of the transferred 
TKM pension scheme and it is expected that the 
remaining policies will be issued to members during  
the first half of 2018.

28 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSALS
During the year, the Group acquired premium 
automotive operations in Estonia, focused on exclusive 
distribution for BMW Group, from United Motors AS, 
entered into a distribution contract with Groupe PSA to 
distribute the Peugeot and Citroën brands in Australia 
and acquired four sites in Australia. The total cost of these 
acquisitions was £19.3m. In addition, the Group also 
made a completion payment of £4.4m in relation to the 
Subaru and Hino Distribution business in South America. 
In 2017, the Group also disposed of its Lexus operations  
in Shanghai, generating disposal proceeds of £5.6m.

In 2016, the Group acquired a multi-country scale 
Distribution business in South America focused on Subaru 
and Hino in the growth markets of Chile, Colombia, Peru 
and Argentina. The initial cost of the acquisition, net of 
cash acquired, was £196.8m.

In 2016, the Group also acquired and disposed 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. The Group also disposed of  
a site in Australia and finalised the liquidation of a joint 
venture in Greece. Consideration for the acquisitions  
was £4.3m and disposal proceeds were £2.8m.

FINANCING
In December 2016, the Group successfully concluded a 
US Private Placement (USPP) transaction, raising £210.0m 
with tenors of 7, 10 and 12 years to refinance existing 
USPP Loan Notes maturing in May 2017. In January 2017,  
the Group received £70.0m under the new Loan Note 
issuance with the balance of £140.0m received in May 
2017. During the year, the Group also repaid £138.5m of 
USPP Loan Notes which matured in May.

In January 2017, the Group successfully concluded the 
second one year extension of the £400.0m Revolving 
Credit Facility with all the Group’s relationship banks 
participating. In the second half of the year, the Group 
entered into bilateral facilities totalling c.£100m with three 

new relationship banks with terms in line with those of the 
existing Revolving Credit Facilities. The Group now has 
committed facilities of c.£500m maturing January 2022.

In combination, these refinancing events extend the 
Group’s committed facilities at attractive financing rates.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
During the year, the Group invested £101.4m (2016: 
£72.1m) 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 
2017 the Group invested in greenfield sites and the 
enlargement of existing facilities, including the 
optimisation of the Jaguar Land Rover footprint in the  
UK, a new BMW site in Poznan in Poland, a new Jaguar 
Land Rover site in Sydney, Australia and further spend  
in our Ethiopian business.

CASH FLOW AND NET FUNDS
The Group delivered free cash flow of £313.9m (2016: 
£190.5m). After the payment of the final dividend for 
2016, the interim dividend for 2017 and buying back 
shares at a cost of £50.2m, the Group had net funds  
of £80.2m (2016: net funds of £26.5m).

Reconciliation of free cash flow

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

 £m

£m

389.5

32.1

421.6

(101.4)

(6.3)
313.9

(103.2)
(24.0)

25.8

inchcape.com

29 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk management

PLANNING
FORWARD

Managing our risks in a professional and 
consistent way allows us to operate with 
‘peace of mind’.

INCHCAPE PEACE OF MIND —  
OUR APPROACH TO RISK
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.

Led by the Group iPOM Committee, market and regional 
level iPOM Committees in each of our territories perform 
ongoing risk assessments which form the basis of the 
principal risk evaluations undertaken by the Group 
Executive Committee and functional heads.

Continuously reviewing and building on our 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.

During 2017 the Group iPOM Committee has reviewed 
the risk management framework and structure and has 
made several key improvements designed to:

 − clarify expectations of our leadership and employees;

 − reduce the reporting burden;

 − enhance leadership focus on quality and depth of risk 

assessment; and

 − build consistency of approach across the Group.

RISK MANAGEMENT GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

Direction & 
Oversight
Policy,  
Framework, 
Tools

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

Internal Audit
Review of internal controls, 
monitoring risk capture and 
mitigating actions

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Delegated responsibility from the Board for risk management, 
Internal Controls, compliance and whistleblowing

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Day-to-day management responsibility for  
execution of the Group strategy

GROUP IPOM COMMITTEE
Risk management oversight sits with the  
Group iPOM Committee

REGIONAL IPOM 
COMMITTEE
Day-to-day regional risk 
management sits with the 
iPOM Committee

FUNCTIONAL LEADERS
Provide expert assessment 
and co-ordinated input into 
the risk process

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

Risk  
Information
Identification,  
Evaluation, 
Management, 
Mitigation, 
Monitoring 

e
g
n
e

l
l

i

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

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

Regional Risk Champions
Market-based co-ordinators 
who collate regional risk 
management activity, 
including risk reports

Finance  
Leadership team
Provide independent 
challenge to the risk 
footprint at least annually

Market Management Teams

Risk Owners

Denotes new process for 2018

30 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
During the year the central risk function refreshed 
the Group’s approach to responding to a major 
incident which affects our people, our reputation 
or our continuity of operations. The ability to 
respond to a major crisis effectively and with 
pace has been identified as a key capability 
which underpins our efforts to address many  
of our key risks.

With input from the Group Communications, 
HR, Legal, Risk and IT departments, the review 
built upon our existing business continuity 
plans and focused on the key principles of 
crisis response, defining and clarifying 
responsibilities and authorities and, most 
importantly, the actions that can be taken to 
plan and prepare in advance our response to 
a range of given scenarios.

The team also developed detailed guidance 
and templates to enable each of our regional 
and market management teams to plan and 
prepare locally, with clear escalation protocols 
for Group level issues, while remaining consistent 
with the Group approach.

In addition to planning and preparation, 
detailed Response Action Plan documents 
tailored to individual core functions were 
developed to describe and enable the detailed 
actions and decisions to be taken in the first  
few hours and days of an incident. These are 
maintained in multiple formats both in physical 
copy and online to allow ease and speed of 
access when needed.

Aligned risk management to the regional 
management structure
The iPOM framework has been aligned with the new 
regional management structure of the Group. Regional 
iPOM Committees now oversee risk management activity 
across their own region and support the existing market 
iPOM Committees with risk evaluations and mitigating 
action tracking.

Operating under common, clearly defined terms  
of reference, and administered through designated 
regional risk champions, the regional committees are 
responsible for the oversight and delivery of risk agenda 
and consolidation of regional risk registers which will form 
the basis of the Group risk assessment.

Better leveraged functional expertise
We have introduced the requirement for Group  
functions to formally maintain their own ‘functional’ risk 
registers. Functional and department leads at Group 
level will record and monitor the principal risks within  
their particular areas of expertise. These function level risk 
registers act as a further check of completeness of our 
bottom-up risk assessment and ensure a more rounded 
evaluation with consistent, moderated action plans.

Reduced the reporting processes, but increased the 
focus on quality
The Group iPOM Committee has streamlined the 
reporting requirements for risk management by 
mandating that the frequency of both market and 
regional meetings will reduce to quarterly (from six times 
per year). The formal reporting burden to the Group has 
been reduced further in that each region will only be 
required to oversee and submit a full risk assessment  
and evaluation twice per year.

Streamlining the annual agenda in this way will reduce 
the reporting burden across operational teams, allowing 
for a greater focus on the quality of risk assessment and 
follow through of appropriate mitigating actions.

Consolidated internal guidance and policies
We have consolidated the various risk management 
policies, procedures, templates and forms which are  
in existence into a single Enterprise Risk Management 
(“ERM”) Manual.

Delivered interactively through iConnect, the ERM 
Manual will enable our market and regional iPOM 
Committees, and leadership teams, to deliver high 
quality, well-articulated risk evaluations and mitigating 
action plans to address the key risks in line with Group 
expectations, corporate governance requirements  
and accepted standards.

inchcape.com

31 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

INCHCAPE PRINCIPAL RISK FOOTPRINT
The principal risk footprint comprises the most significant 
risks that could cause the greatest damage to the 
reputation or financial strength of the Company if 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 further detail on pages 
34 to 36, are a subset of our principal risks which we 
believe could have the most immediate and damaging 
impact and therefore are of particular focus to the Group 
iPOM and Executive Committees, under oversight of  
the Board.

We recognise, and are actively managing, further risks 
(both at Group level and within individual business units) 

PRINCIPAL RISKS
The principal risks to achievement of our strategy are:

Key risks

as identified by our comprehensive risk management 
process, but these are deemed less material than the  
17 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.

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

 6

 7

 8

Loss of distribution contract with major brand partner

Significant retrenchment of credit available to customers, dealer network or Inchcape plc negatively impacts 
vehicle sales and/or operational capability

Brand failure or major interruption to OEM operations or product supply negatively impacts vehicle sales

Major loss of confidential or sensitive data results in financial penalty and/or reputational damage

Failure to extract value from acquisitions

Impact of disruptive technologies and/or new entrants to the industry threatens our position in the value chain

Failure to engage the next generation of (connected) customers impacts on revenues and/or OEM relations

Fluctuations in exchange rates with negative impact on financial performance

Other principal risks

 9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Interruption to iPower or major systems failure impacts on ability to service customers and/or operational 
efficiency

Failure to safeguard our customers and employees by not consistently applying EH&S standards across  
the Group

Internal controls failure of sufficient scale to materially affect financial performance or 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. domestic tax reform in markets in which we operate, or 
changes to transfer pricing rules as a result of the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Sharing initiative

Social, political and regulatory instability leads to market interruption and/or threat to safety

Changes in legislation directly affecting customer demand

Failure to comply with changes in laws and regulations leads to sanctions, financial penalty and/or  
reputational damage

Failure to attract, retain and develop our people leads to knowledge drain and operational inefficiency

32 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

T
C
A
P
M

I

h
g
H

i

i

m
u
d
e
M

w
o
L

  Existing risk

  Amended risk

 3

 1

 2

 5

 4

 6

 9

10

16

 11

12

17

 7

 8

13

Low

14

Medium

LIKELIHOOD

15

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.

AMENDMENT/CONSOLIDATIONS
 − The risk ‘impact of disruptive technologies and/or 
methods of engaging the next generation of 
customers’ has been split into two separate risks  
to reflect our approach to managing the factors 
underlying these risks and the potential impact.  
The new risks added are

 − Impact of disruptive technologies and/or new 

entrants to the industry threatens our position in  
the value chain.

 − Failure to engage the next generation of 

(connected) customers impacts on revenues  
and/or OEM relations.

 − The risk of social, political and regulatory instability in 
Emerging Markets has been widened to remove the 
restriction to Emerging Markets to reflect the potential 
for instability in all our markets, not only those that are 
not emerging.

 − We have broadened our view of tax related risks to 

encompass all areas of tax compliance recognising 
changes in tax legislation in our markets, including but 
not limited to the new laws surrounding facilitation of 
tax evasion in the UK.

 − We have included a reference to product supply 
interruption in the existing risk around interruption  
to OEM operations.

inchcape.com

33 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Risk management continued

KEY RISKS

Description

Impact

Principal mitigating activity

LOSS OF DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT WITH MAJOR BRAND PARTNER

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, may have a significant 
long-term impact on revenue and profit. The underlying  
factors which could contribute to this risk may include:

 − Failure to deliver a sufficiently attractive value proposition to 

brand partners.

 − Consistent failure to deliver to standards or targets in major 

markets or across multiple markets.

 − Failure to deliver on growth strategy or defend our business 

model against new entrants.

 − Major fraud, bribery, data security or other systemic 

compliance failure.

 − 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.

 − 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 

whistleblowing 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 NEGATIVELY IMPACTS VEHICLE SALES  
AND/OR OPERATIONAL CAPABILITY

Economic shocks 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:

 − Difficulty in securing credit for customers and floor  

plan financing.

 − Independent dealers face challenges obtaining credit.

 − Funding unavailable, or unaffordable, for Inchcape  

Group either from commercial lenders or from  
supplier-related funding.

Adverse impact  
on retail volumes.

 − Maintenance of accounts with  

relationship banks.

Dealers unable to 
finance inventory, 
impacting Distribution 
volumes.

 − 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.

 − Adequate cash reserves maintained.

 − Headroom funding model to monitor  

cash flow.

34 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Description

Impact

Principal mitigating activity

BRAND FAILURE OR MAJOR INTERRUPTION TO OEM OPERATIONS OR  
PRODUCT SUPPLY NEGATIVELY IMPACTS VEHICLE SALES

An event undermining the reputation of one of our brand 
partners could lead to the failure of that partner, with a resultant 
loss of our contract.

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 OEM 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.

 − Established monitoring procedures to 

anticipate and address product recalls  
and quality issues.

 − Monitoring of product recall events and 

continuous liaison with OEM 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 

brand partners regarding competitiveness of 
models.

MAJOR LOSS OF CONFIDENTIAL OR SENSITIVE DATA RESULTS IN FINANCIAL  
PENALTY AND/OR REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE

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 
and/or OEM brand 
partner relationship 
and erosion  
of reputation.

Adverse financial 
impact as a result of 
civil or criminal action.

 − Global IT security team in place.

 − Clear IT security policies and procedures.

 − Clearly understood data protection standards 

and processes.

 − Information assets defined and  

security controls benchmarked to  
ensure best practice.

 − Minimum standards developed  

and implemented.

FAILURE TO EXTRACT VALUE FROM ACQUISITIONS

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

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

Inefficient  
or ineffective  
use of capital.

Lost revenue 
opportunities.

Adverse impact on 
control environment.

 − Specialist Business Development team to 

oversee acquisition process.

 − Central synergy plan developed to  

inform business development activity  
and due diligence.

 − Detailed acquisition planning.

 − Group and regional functions facilitate 

business integration, with external support 
where needed.

 − Financial, legal and reputational due 
diligence performed in advance on  
all acquisitions.

 − Post-acquisition reviews and detailed 

integration processes.

inchcape.com

35 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

Description

Impact

Principal mitigating activity

IMPACT OF DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND/OR NEW ENTRANTS TO THE  
INDUSTRY THREATENS OUR POSITION IN THE VALUE CHAIN

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 Distribution and  
Retail model.

Specific risk factors include electrification of  
vehicle drivetrains, automated vehicles and 
connected cars. 

Volume and margin 
are adversely 
impacted across  
our markets.

Adverse impact on 
value of Retail sites.

Reduced ability to  
drive demand/margin.

 − Brand diversification.

 − Business performance reviews and regular  

margin monitoring.

 − Continuous review of operating procedures and 

commercial offering to ensure potential is maximised.

 − Continuing dialogue with OEM brand 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.

FAILURE TO ENGAGE THE NEXT GENERATION OF (CONNECTED) CUSTOMERS  
IMPACTS ON REVENUES AND/OR OEM RELATIONS

The digitalisation of the customer journey and 
growth of online customer platforms presents  
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 OEM 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.

Volume and  
margin are adversely 
impacted across  
our markets.

Adverse impact on 
value of Retail sites.

Reduced ability to  
drive demand/margin.

Loss of customer 
relationships and 
possibly reduction  
in loyalty.

 − Investment in omni-channel brand experience.

 − Leading in customer experience a core part of the  
Ignite strategy, including controlled use of digital 
communications channels.

 − Business performance reviews and regular  

margin monitoring.

 − Continuous review of operating procedures and 

commercial offering to ensure potential is maximised.

FLUCTUATIONS IN EXCHANGE RATES WITH NEGATIVE IMPACT  
ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

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

Negative transactional 
impact on trading 
profits.

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

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 in recent years.

Adverse translational 
impact on profitability.

 − Hedging of net currency flows.

 − Geographically diverse operations.

36 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

The Group iPOM Committee meets a minimum of four 
times a year to manage oversight of risk, at Group level 
and throughout the markets. The purpose of the iPOM 
Committee is to ensure that:

 − 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 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.

Regional iPOM Committees provide direct oversight of 
our risk management activity across each region. They 
meet quarterly to review the principal risks and mitigating 
action plans for all markets within the region, ensuring 
completeness of the assessments and that risks are  
being adequately addressed.

Administered by Regional Risk Champions on  
behalf of the Committee Chair, the Regional iPOM 
Committees provide formal risk reporting to the Group 
iPOM Committee.

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 which are consistent across the Group.

The Board carried out an assessment of the Group’s 
principal risks during the year. The Board considered the 
risks most likely to impact the business and achievement 
of the Ignite strategy. To reflect the changing business 
environment the principal risks were updated during  
the review and the changes are given on page 33.

Risks are also considered throughout the year as part  
of the Board’s review of each strategic objective of  
the Ignite strategy. This enables the Board to ensure  
that the nature and extent of risks the Group is willing  
to take in achieving its strategic objectives is at an 
acceptable level.

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 reviews the effectiveness of the risk 
management process throughout the year via regular 
reporting from the Corporate Assurance and Internal 
Audit functions. The information considered by the  
Audit Committee allows it to:

 − Assess the effectiveness of the risk management 
system and internal control processes in place  
across the Group;

 − Review compliance with the Minimum Control 

Framework and Enterprise Risk Management Manual;

 − Monitor progress against action plans for particular 
risks and controls where failures or gaps have been 
identified; and

 − Review fraud and whistleblowing reports and assess 

the remedial actions taken by management.

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 55.

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.

inchcape.com

37 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSRisk management continued

VIABILITY STATEMENT
The Group’s business model and strategy are outlined 
on pages 2 to 19 and the long-term viability of Group 
is intrinsically linked to the 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 our OEM brand partners. Based on the 
longevity of our relationships with OEM brand partners, 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 
brand 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.

OEM RELATIONSHIP
NO. OF YEARS

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 a Distribution contract with a major brand 

partner in its largest market;

 − brand failure or major interruption to OEM operations 

or product; and

 − a significant retrenchment of credit available  
to customers, dealer networks or the Group.

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 in  
its largest market 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 cashflow headroom under the 
extreme scenarios tested.

On the basis of an assessment of the principal risks,  
and on the assumption that the principal risks set out  
on pages 32 to 36 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 2020.

50

47

30

29

28

25

50

40

30

20

10

0

38 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Our corporate responsibility

DRIVING
TRUST

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

We have an ambition to be the world’s 
most trusted automotive Distributor  
and Retailer, and our Corporate 
Responsibility (CR) strategy is a  
key enabler in delivering this goal.

In 2017 we made good progress on our CR agenda and 
demonstrated our ongoing commitment to embedding 
our CR across Inchcape globally.

Our CR initiatives are focused on the five areas below, to 
align activities throughout the Group, and create value 
for all our stakeholders.

 − Building sustainable communities

 − Driving a Health & Safety culture

 − Managing our business sustainably

 − Listening to our customers and OEM brand partners

 − Growing sustainable talent

The following report highlights the activities that have 
taken place during the year in support of our local 
communities, the management of our carbon and 
emissions, as well as detail on how we maintain and 
promote a health and safety culture. Activities around 
our Customers, Brand Partners and People are addressed 
in the Strategic Report on pages 1 to 10.

The work of the CR Committee is set out in the Corporate 
Governance Report on page 58. 

DRIVING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
At Inchcape we are passionate about supporting local 
charities that benefit the communities in which we live 
and work. Every year our colleagues in all countries look 
for projects to enhance the community and focus their 
charitable work. The organisation supports colleagues 
with time off and resources to volunteer or organise 
events. The projects we support make a difference to the 
communities and recipients and also build engagement 
as teams work on causes close to their hearts. All of their 
endeavours support our vision to be the most trusted 
automotive Distributor and Retailer. This year there are 
many stories illustrated in the case studies. Over 2017,  
to further build our CR culture, we shared CR stories  
and best practice on our new intranet iConnect, to 
create momentum through sharing great ideas and 
success stories.

CASE STUDY
The Greek team this year provided the charity 
ELEPAP with a Toyota Aygo as the main prize in 
their annual Lottery. They have supported the 
charity in this way for six consecutive years.

ELEPAP has helped more than 100,000 children 
with physical disabilities by supporting them 
throughout their childhoods and into adulthood. 
ELEPAP’s objective is to provide integrated 
rehabilitation services to children and their 
families, within a safe and familiar environment, 
and more than 1,500 children participate in  
the daily therapeutic, counselling and 
educational programmes.

Christina Marougka-Katsouridis, ELEPAP  
General Secretary, and Clairie Chatzigianni, 
Communication and Public Relations Director  
at TOYOTA Hellas, presented the car to the  
lucky winner in April.

inchcape.com

39 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur corporate responsibility continued

Inchcape UK supported cancer charity Macmillan 
during 2017 and held various events throughout  
the year. Overall, the partnership with Macmillan  
has been hugely successful, raising £125,000 in two 
years purely through colleague fundraising. It is  
an incredible achievement and Macmillan has 
awarded Inchcape UK the ‘Building a Partnership’ 
award for their efforts in driving engagement and 
reaching their fundraising target.

THE GREAT INCH CAKE BAKE OFF
Inchcape UK’s competition for the most creative 
cake received fantastic engagement, and included 
cakes in the shapes of a Mercedes key fob, the BMW 
logo and our Inchcape vision and strategy. It was  
a great success and as such will become an  
annual competition.

THE COLLA-BEAR-ATOR CHALLENGE
The challenge was to transport a teddy bear  
from Sunderland to Exeter ensuring he visited  
every Inchcape centre along the way. The name  
of the challenge comes from DRIVE5, Inchcape’s 
Performance Framework. The ‘I collaborate’ 
Performance Driver supports our objective of being 
the ‘Partner of Choice’ and shows colleagues’ 
commitment to working together to share knowledge 
and ideas to make a stronger, more successful 
business. The bear travelled across the UK, with many 
highlights along the way including a visit to Chester 
Zoo, Colchester Football Ground and the set of 
Coronation Street. The bear arrived safety in Exeter, 
with donations collected along the way, before 
being auctioned off in support of Macmillan.

in p

artnership with

THE
COLLA-BEAR-ATOR
CHALLENGE

LAND ROVER TOGETHER FOR THE FLOOD
During 2017 floods in Southern Thailand caused 
devastation with hundreds of homes submerged 
without warning. The team at Inchcape’s Jaguar 
Land Rover operations commissioned several 
Land Rovers to deliver a thousand bottles  
of drinking water and other goods to those 
affected, including the Bang Sai Temple and 
Bann Hua Lam Phu School at Pak-Panang 
district, Nakhon Sri Thammarat province.

Mr. Charnchai Mahantakhun, Manager Director, 
said, “We got to see many smiles both from our 
team and from those affected by the flood and 
I would like to thank our employees and our 
customers for their help and support.”

HELPING A SCHOOL IN  
VYSHNY VOLOCHYOK
Our colleagues in Russia raised money for  
the Vyshny Volochyok boarding school which 
has 105 pupils, including 15 orphans and 64 
disabled children. The donation was used to buy 
chemistry, biology and English textbooks along 
with art materials and, much to the children’s 
delight, sweets.

The visit was so successful that the team is setting 
up a mentoring programme to provide help and 
advice to the children, and to provide a support 
network when the children leave school.

40 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

DRIVING A HEALTH & SAFETY CULTURE
The health and safety of our people and customers is the 
cornerstone of our business practices. We are committed 
to the promotion of safe, healthy behaviours and 
practices to avoid illness or injury on our sites or in our 
care. Our ambition is for zero avoidable safety incidents, 
which we can achieve by continually challenging our 
existing efforts, building on existing best practices and 
committing resource and investment where needed.

To assess the current Health & Safety culture within the 
Group, we undertook a detailed review of all markets’ 
performance against these elements:

 − management focus and culture

 − policy, procedure and practice

 − resources, training and competence

 − compliance, reporting and monitoring

 − incident management

Each of our senior country CEOs and Managing Directors 
undertook a detailed assessment of their location’s 
performance against the above key drivers based on  
a set of criteria under each element. The assessment 
included an explanation of the current activity, a rating 
of its effectiveness, and a description of the evidence. 
The assessments were co-ordinated, reviewed and 
benchmarked centrally by the Group Risk function.

Following the review, we developed a Group-wide 
improvement programme and, alongside each market, 
began to develop specific action plans to embed new 
policies and best practices within their countries.

PROGRESS TO DATE
During 2017 we have made real progress against  
our plan:

 − We have created two new senior roles in Asia and 
Europe to coordinate our strategy and coach 
the in Market leads to ensure we are delivering 
against plan.

 − We have now rolled out the Asia IT tracking system, 
Cintellate, to all of Asia Pacific to improve reporting 
and analysis.

 − A new overarching policy statement which sets out 
accountabilities and responsibilities for our senior 
leaders, and all staff.

 − Detailed Health & Safety standards, to serve as an 
operational benchmark across all markets raising  
our processes to a common standard, regardless  
of local legislation.

 − A more comprehensive self-audit process and 

template which enables all markets to evaluate  
their own compliance with our standards.

 − A comprehensive accident reporting procedure  

which we have widened to include hazards and near 
misses, even where no injury has occurred.

 − A clear resourcing plan at both market and regional 
level, including appointment or engagement of 
dedicated Health & Safety experts to oversee 
compliance and continuous improvement,  
and use of external experts where required.

CASE STUDY: INCHCAPE CHILE
In recognition of the high quality of its health and safety performance standards, Inchcape in Chile has once 
again received the Outstanding Award for its certification in PEC (Programa Empresa Competitiva) from the 
Mutual de Seguridad C.Ch.C (Mutual Insurance Society of Chile).

The PEC is a nationwide programme, designed to promote excellence and continuous improvement in 
occupational health and safety management. It consists of a risk prevention tool made up of 10 different 
modules such as Personal Protection Equipment Management and Emergency Plans and Procedures, and 
helps to generate a business culture that promotes a safe workspace through the active participation of  
an entire organisation.

Claudia Norambuena, HR Director and Health & Safety lead in Chile, notes:

“The only way of maintaining health and safety excellence is by continually making the workplace safe for 
everyone. We regularly talk about and promote safety at work for the continuous improvement of it in all 
corners of the organisation. During 2017 we are carrying out a very similar programme for all branches.”

inchcape.com

41 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSOur corporate responsibility continued

CASE STUDY
Brian Dalby, recently appointed OHSS Manager  
for Asia Pacific, is now rolling out the successful 
framework he implemented in Australia to our Asia 
region, leveraging our global scale to share best 
practices across the Group.

Brian commented: “In Australia we moved away 
from simply being reactive to H&S incidents to  
being pro-active in the prevention of incidents and 
ultimately building the self awareness that really 
underpins a strong health & safety culture. This is 
what we aim to do in Asia.”

Brian explains how he intends to achieve this ambition.

What do you think the biggest challenge is when 
building a Health & Safety culture?
Undoubtedly the biggest consideration is winning  
the hearts and minds of the people. You can be 
competent at Health & Safety by understanding  
and following processes and procedures, but to  
be outstanding you have to build that culture of 
self-awareness where it really matters to people.

How will you address that?
The first step was to get buy-in from the regional 
leadership team, which we’ve already done at  
the very start as we presented the roadmap for 
success. The next step is to work out where we are  
by establishing a benchmark based on site baseline 
audits. That tells us where to focus and how much 
work we need to do to bring everyone up to standard.

I follow a system based approach, giving everyone  
in the business access to a centrally controlled 
management, training and reporting solution that 
we use to manage all aspects of Health & Safety.  
This really makes it easy for our people to know  
what they need to do, when and how.

How will you know that you have succeeded?
We’ll set up a comprehensive set of KPIs, as we have 
in Australia, to measure not only our success, but  
the level of engagement that we have from people 
using the system. That way we can continually 
improve and best focus our resources to do that.  
It goes without saying that it is important that we do 
independently audit our sites periodically to ensure 
that the standards are maintained on the ground.

DRIVING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
During 2017 we continued working with The Carbon Trust 
to understand our carbon footprint and explore how we 
can effectively manage and reduce our emissions and 
plan for a sustainable future.

with the Group Executive Committee to consider whether 
adopting science-based targets would be appropriate 
for the Group. It was agreed that further case studies 
would be carried out for Australia and Asia and work  
is continuing in 2018 on these projects.

With this assistance, we have been reviewing a science-
based target approach to carbon emissions reduction  
to ensure that our operations are directly aligned with  
the reductions consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 
commitment to keep global warming below 2°C above 
the pre-industrial average.

The Carbon Trust carried out a case study of our business 
in Continental Europe, which includes both Retail and 
Distribution operations. The case study looked at two 
methodologies which would best represent our business, 
Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach (“SDA”) and the 
Corporate Finance Approach to Climate-Stabilising 
Targets (“C-Fact”). The case study looked at the growth 
assumptions for floor space and economic value added. 
Target modelling results were given for SDA scope 1&2 
and C-Fact scope 1&2 for target years 2020, 2025 and 
2030. The modelling formed the base for discussions  

Following the successful case study in Continental 
Europe, The Carbon Trust carried out various energy 
assessments on a selection of sites to identify carbon 
reduction projects. The opportunities for investment to 
improve energy efficiency are representative of potential 
opportunities across the full portfolio of sites throughout 
the European region.

The energy audit completed in November 2017  
identified several projects for consideration such as 
lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, air 
compressors and energy management. The audit also 
identified more long-term projects such as renewable 
energy sources.

The next step will be for the CR working group, the Group 
Executive Committee and the CR Committee to analyse 
the results and to agree an action plan for 2018.

42 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Intensity ratio
The Group’s intensity ratio is revenue per tonne of  
CO2e. This allows for a fair comparison over time of CO2e 
emissions given the growth trajectory envisaged for the 
Group and cyclical variations in business activity.

2017 results
The 2017 data includes the various businesses acquired 
during the year including the South American business.  
It also includes the JLR Distribution business in Thailand 
which was acquired in 2016.

Whilst emissions have increased during the year due to 
the growth in business operations, the tCO2e per £m has 
decreased year-on- year.

Greenhouse gas emissions
Data is collected for our scope one and scope  
two emissions:

 − Energy – electricity and fuel usage

 − Transport – movement of cars and parts

Methodology
The methodology used to calculate the Group’s 
greenhouse gas emissions is based on the Environmental 
Reporting Guidelines, and uses both BEIS 2017 conversion 
factors and international electricity emissions factors as 
published in the International Energy Agency’s CO2 
Emissions from Fuel Combustion (2017 edition).

Data collection and reporting period
Data has been collected for all markets from 1 January 
2017 to 31 December 2017. The level at which we report 
is by business unit for each market. This covers our  
Retail operations, Distribution operations and business 
service operations.

Total greenhouse gas emissions in 2017

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 2017
12,081
49,121
61,202

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

Change in 
emissions
+3%
+9%
+8%

Year ended  
31 Dec 2017
8,949
61,202
6.8

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

Change
+14%
+8%
-5%

inchcape.com

43 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSBoard of Directors

DRIVING INCHCAPE
FORWARD

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 
Coats plc where  
he was Chief 
Financial Officer.

Richard is a 
chartered 
accountant.

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.

Jerry Buhlmann
Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed:
March 2017

Rachel Empey
Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed:
May 2016

Skills and experience:
Jerry has over 30 
years’ experience  
in the media and 
advertising industries. 
More recently he was 
CEO of Aegis Group 
PLC from 2010 – 2013, 
and following the 
acquisition of Aegis 
Group by Dentsu Inc. 
become CEO of 
Dentsu Aegis, a post 
he retains today.

Jerry is also a director 
of Madison Sports 
Group and the 
Media Trust

Committee 
membership:
Remuneration, CR 
and Nomination 
Committees.

Skills and experience:
Rachel was 
appointed Chief 
Financial Officer of 
Fresenius SE & Co. 
KGaA, a top 
healthcare company 
listed on the DAX 
index, on August 
2017.

Previously Rachel  
was Chief Financial 
and Strategy  
Officer of Telefónica 
Deutschland Holding 
AG (“Telefónica 
Deutschland”).

Rachel is a chartered 
accountant.

Committee 
membership:
Audit and 
Nomination 
Committees.

Ken Hanna
Chairman

Appointed:
September 2001

Ken Hanna will  
retire from the Group 
following the AGM  
on 24 May 2018.

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.

Chair of Shooting 
Star Chase.

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

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

44 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
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 extensive 
remuneration 
experience as  
the Remuneration 
Committee Chair  
of Travis Perkins plc, 
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, Chairman of 
Scandinavian 
Tobacco Group A/S 
and non-executive 
Chairman of Belfast 
City Airport.

Committee 
membership:
Remuneration, Audit 
and Nomination 
Committees.

Nigel Stein
Non-Executive 
Director
Appointed:
October 2015

Subject to his 
re-appointment  
by shareholders at 
the AGM on 24 May 
2018, Nigel Stein will 
become Chairman 
following Ken 
Hanna’s retirement.

Skills and experience:
Nigel became Chief 
Executive of GKN in 
January 2012 and 
retired in December 
2017. 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 an Advisory 
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

DRIVING THE
GOVERNANCE CULTURE

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present 
Inchcape’s Corporate Governance Report for the year 
ended 31 December 2017. 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.

As previously announced, I will be retiring as Chairman 
following the AGM in May and I am delighted that Nigel 
Stein will become Chairman after my departure. Nigel 
has considerable skills and expertise with a proven track 
record both at a financial and operational level and  
as a Non-Executive Director. A Q&A with Nigel is given  
on page 48.

I have been on the Board of Inchcape since 2001  
and at that time the Group had recently become  
an automotive only business following a successful 
divestment programme in 1999. Since then, Inchcape  
has become the leading independent multi-brand 
automotive Distributor and Retailer with acquisitions in  
the UK, Russia, Australia and most recently South America. 
As a Board we have had to tackle some challenging 
conditions as well as the many successes over the years 
and it is a testament to our strong leadership that we were 
able to navigate these successfully. It also shows that 
Inchcape has a proven and resilient business model.  
In fact, over the years the Group has developed into  
a highly focused and agile business and is in a strong 
position to successfully deliver on its Ignite strategy  
and to deal with the many changes likely to affect  
the automotive industry in the years to come.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my years with Inchcape, 
especially working with so many talented colleagues both 
on the Board and in the business, and I know that I am 
leaving the Group in very good hands.

DIVIDEND
The Board is pleased to recommend payment of a final 
dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 18.9p. 
This gives a total dividend for 2017 of 26.8p, a 13.0% 
increase on 2016 (23.8p). Subject to approval at the 
Annual General Meeting on 24 May 2018, the final 
dividend will be paid on 22 June 2018 to shareholders of 
the Company on the register of members at the close of 
business on 18 May 2018.

2018 OUTLOOK
Inchcape has delivered a strong set of results for 2017 
supported by initiatives within our Ignite strategy. The 
South American acquisition has been a key component 
of these results. Overall, Inchcape’s diversified revenue 
streams and geographic exposure continue to provide  

46 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

watch online 
inchcape.com/AR17

a strong platform for continued growth in the medium 
term. The fundamentals of the business model remain 
strong with strong cash conversion over the year 
indicative of that.

The Group continues to identify opportunities to  
leverage our scale and respond to the slower market 
outlook in some of our businesses, in particular the UK 
and Singapore. We have already taken action to protect 
the profitability of our business and see meaningful 
opportunity for further efficiencies. In addition, we  
expect other regions, in particular our Emerging  
Markets business, to see continued strong growth.

I hope you find this report informative and I would like to 
take this opportunity to thank my Inchcape colleagues 
for all their hard work in 2017 and I wish them, and the 
Group, all the very best for the future.

Ken Hanna
Chairman

Corporate Governance Report

STATEMENT OF CODE COMPLIANCE
The Company was compliant with the provisions of the 2016 UK Corporate Governance Code throughout the 
year. The Code can be found on the FRC’s website www.frc.org.uk

The information required under DTR 7 is given on pages 46 to 86 and forms part of this report.

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE

The Board of 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 59

Committee Report  
page 56

Committee Report  
page 58

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

July

October

December

South American acquisition update 

Full year results, Annual Report and  
Accounts, final dividend, share buyback,  
2017 AOP update
Modern Slavery Statement
2016 internal Board evaluation results

Ignite strategy – Lead in customer experience

Annual Strategy Review 

Annual General Meeting

Interim results, interim dividend, share buyback
Talent planning

Market review – Continental Europe

Overseas visit to Santiago, Chile
Annual Risk Review

Ignite strategy – OEM partner of choice
Market review – Emerging Markets 

9+3 update, 2018 Annual Operating Plan
Delegated Authorities Policy
Defence Planning
External Board evaluation

Market review – Ethiopia

inchcape.com

47 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCorporate Governance Report continued

The Board also has strongly governance-focused 
committees which give assurance to the Board on  
the matters delegated to them. I also see the Board’s  
very open and constructive relationship with the Chief 
Executive, Stefan Bomhard, and the rest of the Executive 
Committee as one of its strengths. As such, the Board has 
a deep understanding of the Ignite strategy, how this is 
being delivered, and the risks to the Group. Preserving 
this transparent dialogue and way of working is very 
important to me.

What do you see as the main focus for your first year 
as Chairman?
My first priority will be to ensure there is a smooth, 
seamless transition when Ken steps down in May. I want 
to make sure we keep a strong Board and Executive 
team, with good succession plans for both, therefore  
the diversity agenda at Board and Executive level will  
be as much of a focus for me as it has been in the past.

I’m very much looking forward to my first year as 
Chairman, especially as the Group is growing and the 
pace of change in the industry is accelerating. This is an 
exciting time and it’s important for the Board to keep the 
strategy in focus to ensure Inchcape is well-positioned to 
seize the opportunities which will arise.

As Chairman, clearly I also want to ensure Inchcape 
maintains its reputation for strong corporate governance 
and as a Board we will spend time considering the 
implications of the upcoming governance changes 
during 2018.

What is the importance of the Board’s role in  
shaping, monitoring and overseeing Inchcape’s 
company culture?
The ‘tone’ of any organisation starts at the top. I believe 
the culture and behaviours of an organisation need to  
be demonstrated at all levels and the Board has a pivotal 
role to play shaping Inchcape’s culture, in support of 
Stefan and the Executive team as they seek to deliver  
the strategic and operational objectives.

Inchcape’s Ignite strategy, centred around our vision  
of becoming the most trusted automotive Retailer and 
Distributor, ultimately helps to steer our people to deliver 
against our objectives in the right way. And Stefan is  
very clear in setting expectations and leading by  
example every day by fostering a culture of trust  
and personal accountability.

As the Board, we also seek to foster a culture of trust  
and respect amongst our team. This means having open, 
constructive and supportive discussions whilst recognising 
our accountability for our actions. In this way I believe we 
will provide the best service to all Inchcape stakeholders 
and drive long-term value creation.

Nigel Stein
Non-Executive Director

 What are you most looking forward to when you 
become Chairman?
I feel honoured to be given the opportunity to Chair 
Inchcape, a company with a fantastic history and track 
record of success. In my time on the Board I have found 
everyone I have worked with to be of the highest quality. 
I am looking forward to working with them to take 
Inchcape on to even greater success, in an evolving 
industry, which I’m sure will be both challenging and 
extremely rewarding.

After the AGM in May, as part of my induction as 
Chairman, I will travel to some of our global operations 
that I have not previously visited, to meet more colleagues 
and develop an even deeper understanding of ‘how we 
do business’ at Inchcape. During 2018, I also plan to 
meet shareholders and other investors to hear their  
views on Inchcape.

You’ve been on the Board for two years now. What do 
you think the strengths of the Inchcape Board are?
Inchcape has a strong Board led by Ken Hanna,  
an excellent Chairman. During his many years with 
Inchcape, Ken has built a Board with a good mix  
of Directors, some of whom are very experienced in  
the Company or industry, some of whom bring new 
perspectives to the NED role. This balance of skills  
and experience increases the Board’s effectiveness.

48 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

OVERSEAS VISIT
In 2017, the Board visited the businesses in Santiago, Chile which 
included the existing BMW business, William Balfour, and the South 
American businesses acquired from Indumotora in  
December 2016.

The Board were given regular updates on the integration of the South 
American businesses throughout the year and the Emerging Markets 
leadership team have managed a smooth and successful transition. 
Initial on-boarding was completed by 31 March 2017 with emphasis 
on functional alignment with the Inchcape Group and 
communication of the Inchcape culture cascaded down the 
organisation.

In addition, a new regional communication channel was launched 
The new businesses quickly became part of the Inchcape family  
and it was a pleasure to meet our new colleagues in October. 

BOARD EVALUATION
The 2017 Board evaluation was externally facilitated in 
accordance with provision B6.2 of the 2016 UK Corporate 
Governance Code. Several consultants were considered 
by the Chairman and Company Secretary and it was 
determined that Independent Board Evaluation (“IBE”) 
be appointed to perform the external review. IBE has  
no other connection to the Company.

After a comprehensive briefing and the provision of 
support material from the Chairman and Company 
Secretary, Lisa Thomas of IBE carried out the review  
from July to September with the results presented to the 
Board at the November meeting. Lisa observed the July 
Board and Audit Committee meetings followed by one  
to one interviews over the next few months with the  
Board members. In addition, IBE met with the Company 
Secretary, Chief HR Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief 
Business Development Officer and the CEOs of Emerging 
Markets and Europe. IBE also spoke with the external 
auditors and remuneration consultants to obtain a 
comprehensive view of the operation of the Board. 
Feedback was taken on the main Board, each of the 
committees, the Chairman and the individual Directors. 
Reports were based on the information and views 
supplied during interviews. IBE’s recommendations  
for the Board’s action plan were based on the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and best practice.

The broad message from the Directors during the course 
of the review was that they were very satisfied with many 
areas of the Board’s operation. A particular strength was 
felt to be Board culture, which was described as open, 
respectful and transparent, allowing the Board to support 
management and challenge them in a constructive 
manner. Board processes were said to be smooth  
and well-functioning, and agendas focused on the  
right issues over the last year. The consensus view was 
that whilst the Board is collaborative and focused, it 
nonetheless presented tough challenge. Other areas  

‘Inchcape Lighthouse’ made from spare parts 
by Alejandro Urra, Evelyn Vergara and Ester 
Campos, Inchcape LatAm for the Board visit.

of strength were felt to be shareholder relationships, and 
the clarity of the Ignite strategy, which was thought to be 
well understood and executed through the Company, 
and well monitored and scrutinised by the Board.

During the course of the review, IBE made a number  
of recommendations for the Board’s consideration.  
Of those, the Board has identified the following for its 
immediate action plan for 2018:

 − Ensuring that future Board composition always 
maximises challenge to management as they 
crystallise the longer-term strategy beyond Ignite,  
by keeping Board skills and terms under regular  
review and in line with strategy.

 − Expanding the work of the Nomination Committee to 

enable broader discussions amongst Board members 
about NED and Executive succession, development 
and learning, and maintain the balance between 
experienced Directors, future Chairs and newer  
‘PLC’ NEDs.

 − Expanding the work of the Nomination Committee to 
cover items of governance to ensure appropriate 
focus for the Group.

 − Reviewing the Board pack to broaden the spectrum  
of information provided to the Board, for example on 
competitors, or international territories, especially as 
future strategy discussions develop.

The Senior Independent Director reviewed the feedback 
on the Chairman, which was universally positive. Board 
members have appreciated the Chairman’s Company 
experience and guidance, his open and inclusive 
chairing style, as well as his excellent and balanced 
relationships with the Executive Directors.

The Chairman reviewed the individual Directors  
reports and discussed the feedback with each Director, 
in order to formulate personal development plans for 
2018 and develop goals for each with regard to their 
Board contribution.

inchcape.com

49 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAudit Committee Report

ENSURING 
INTEGRITY AND 
CONTROLS 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
I am pleased to present the report of the Audit 
Committee for the year ended 31 December 2017. 
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.

Audit tender
During the year the Committee successfully completed 
an audit tender process which is detailed on pages 54 to 
55. PwC and its predecessor firms have been the Group’s 
auditor for over 20 years and I would like to  
take this opportunity to thank PwC for their hard work  
and dedication to the Company over the years.

I am pleased that Deloitte LLP has agreed to accept the 
role of auditor subject to shareholder approval at the 
2018 AGM in May. The team from Deloitte shadowed 
PwC during the 2017 year-end audit in order to ensure  
a seamless transition.

Internal Audit and risk management
The Committee approved an Internal Audit Charter and 
agreed that an external evaluation of the Internal Audit 
function would be considered in 2019. Further information 
on Internal Audit can be found on page 52.

The Risk Management function refreshed the risk 
management approach and framework which were 
approved by the Committee and the Board. Further 
information can be found on page 51 and in the  
Risk Management Report on pages 30 to 38.

The Internal Audit and Risk reports are now considered 
separately by the Audit Committee in order to enhance 
focus on enterprise risk management and further the 
independence of the Internal Audit team.

The key activities of the Committee are given in the table 
on page 51 and the following pages set out the work 
carried out by the Committee during the year, the 
significant issues considered, and the key decisions 
made by the Committee.

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

John Langston
Chair of the Audit Committee

50 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

John Langston
Chair of the Audit Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Alison Cooper 

resigned February 2017

Rachel Empey

Nigel Northridge 

Nigel Stein

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.

 − 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 and considering reports of 
the external auditor.

In addition to the significant issues considered by the 
Committee which are given on page 53, the Committee 
also considered the following matters for the year ended 
31 December 2017:

 − Information security; and

 − A review of the South American business’s tax 

governance.

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

May 

July

 − Annual Report and Accounts including financial statements, accounting judgements, IFRS 8,  

changes to KPIs, impairment review, going concern, viability statement and acquisition accounting 
(see page 53)

 − PwC auditor report, PwC independence review

 − Internal Audit and Risk Management Report

 − Tax update, Group Litigation update

 − Approval of Non-Audit Services Policy and review of non-audit services 

 − PwC Internal controls review, PwC effectiveness review

 − Internal Audit and Risk Management Report

 − Information Security Report

 − Risk and Compliance Resourcing

 − Group Audit tender 

 − Interim results including accounting judgements and going concern

 − PwC interim report, PwC 2017 Audit Plan

 − Internal Audit and Risk Management Report

 − Non-Audit Services update, Tax update, Group Litigation update

November

 − Group Audit Tender 

 − Group Audit tender

 − Impairment testing review, ERP systems useful life review

 − PwC Audit Plan update

 − Internal Audit Report including IA strategy, IA charter and 2018 Internal Audit Plan

 − Risk Management Report

 − Inchcape LatAm Tax update

 − Review of terms of reference and committee membership, adoption of new terms of reference for 2018

RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL CONTROL
The Committee is responsible for ensuring that:

 − 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 Group has adopted the three lines of defence 
model. The first line of defence is the Group’s 
organisational activities, policies and procedures 
implemented by local management teams. The second 
line of defence comprises oversight functions and Group 
or regional management who set direction and define 
policy. Further information can be found in the Risk 
Management Report on pages 30 to 38.

The third line of defence is Internal Audit. Each  
function provides independent challenge to the levels  
of assurance provided by the first two lines of defence.

This approach allows the Audit Committee and the  
Board to provide effective risk oversight. Regular reports 
from Internal Audit and the external auditors give an 
overview of the control environment including findings 
from its reviews of the Minimum Control Framework and 
other financial, operational and compliance controls. 
Further information is given on page 53.

Risk management
During the year the Committee:

 − Reviewed and approved the risk management 

approach and framework (further details are given in 
the Risk Management Report on pages 30 to 38);

 − Received a report on the refreshed incident response 
plan which was updated to provide guidance to  
each market on how to prepare and deal with  
major incidents and when to escalate to Group;

 − Received an update on the Health & Safety 
Framework (further details are given in the  
CR Report on pages 39 to 43); and

 − Received regular updates on all reports made  
to the InConfidence whistleblowing service – to  
ensure the issues raised are being dealt with and 
considered by the appropriate person to ensure 
independent investigation.

The Committee assesses management’s response to any 
identified risk areas and, where necessary, challenges 
the suggested mitigating plans to ensure that suitable 
actions are being taken.

inchcape.com

51 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAudit Committee Report continued

INTERNAL AUDIT
In July 2017, a new Head of Internal Audit joined the 
Group and introduced an updated Global Internal  
Audit Strategy. The key components of the new strategy 
include a specific focus on internal control governance, 
setting up a regional presence of the audit function 
globally, and further improvements to the audit process 
in line with expected professional development and  
the Ignite strategy.

This approach was approved by the Committee in 
November and will be rolled out in 2018.

During the year the Committee also:

 − Reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Plan  

for 2018;

 − Monitored progress against the 2017 plan throughout 

the year;

 − Reviewed the status of open audit issues;

 − Reviewed and approved the Internal Audit Charter;

 − Received updates on internal control failings and 

reviewed the appropriateness of mitigation actions  
put in place by management;

 − Received updates on risk based reviews for Treasury 
activities, incentives and Finance and Insurance.

The effectiveness of the Global Internal Audit Strategy will 
be assessed by the Committee in 2018.

The Group Head of Audit 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, if required.

EXTERNAL AUDIT
Auditors effectiveness and independence
The Committee is responsible for assessing the robustness 
of the external audit process. It does this by:

 − Monitoring the implementation and fulfilment of the 

audit plan.

 − Reviewing and assessing the auditors reports on the 

significant accounting judgements and its challenge 
to management.

 − 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.

52 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

To assist the Audit Committee with the assessment of 
PwC’s effectiveness, management complete an annual 
effectiveness survey. This approach provides the Audit 
Committee with information on the overall efficiency, 
integrity and effectiveness of the external audit, views  
of the senior finance personnel in each of the Group’s 
principal territories together with Group Finance, Tax  
and Company Secretariat. 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 from the 2016 audit, reviewed by the Audit 
Committee in 2017, indicated that the overall score 
remained broadly consistent with the prior year which,  
in the context of significant corporate activity during  
the year with the South American acquisition, impairment 
of certain iPower assets and the restructuring 
programme, is a satisfactory result.

Two areas were identified for improvement, Chile and  
UK Retail. Scores in Chile declined year-on-year whilst  
the average score in the UK Retail business was below 
the Group averages, and PwC reported on the 
opportunities for improvement in these areas.

PwC also updated the Committee on the areas for 
improvement identified in the prior year and the actions 
taken to resolve the issues, reporting that the scores in 
these areas had improved year-on-year which include 
improving efficiency of audit procedures and the 
approach to the year end cycle.

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, Neil Grimes, has been in place 
for three years.

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.

Acquisition 
accounting
(see note 28  
on page 151)

The issue and management’s view
Management presented details on the acquisition accounting for the South American business acquired in 
December 2016, together with other acquisitions in the period, and the judgements applied in preparing the 
Group’s results for the year ended 31 December 2016 and 2017 and the period ended 30 June 2017. These 
judgements included the initial purchase price allocation, the alignment of accounting policies and the 
determination of any associated fair value adjustments.

Conclusion reached by the Committee
The Committee concluded that the business combination had been accounted for appropriately and in line 
with the principles set out in IFRS 3, Business Combinations.

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
The Committee received reports from management which covered the acquisition accounting process  
and which demonstrated how the accounting principles had been applied. The Committee reviewed  
the judgements made and considered the application of the accounting principles to be appropriate. 

Asset impairment
(see notes 11 and 12 
on pages 129 to 132)

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 indefinite life intangibles arising as a result of business acquisitions. 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 goodwill, indefinite life intangibles and properties 
reviewed exceeded book value and as such no impairment was required.

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
The Committee noted that there had been a decrease in new vehicle registrations in the UK in the second  
half of the year, that the sensitivity analysis prepared by management on the UK goodwill value-in-use model 
incorporated reasonably possible changes to the key assumptions and that the outcome of the sensitivity 
analysis indicated that value-in-use continued to exceed book value.

Changes to KPIs

The issue and management’s view
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) disclosed in the Strategic Report provide insight into how the Board 
monitors the Group’s strategic and financial performance. Management reviewed the existing KPIs in light  
of the change of leadership and the Ignite strategy and proposed certain changes.

Conclusion reached by the Committee
The Committee reviewed the proposed changes and management’s rationale for change. The Committee 
agreed to the addition of ROCE, which is a key measure of the Ignite objective to invest to accelerate growth  
as it demonstrates the Group’s ability to drive better returns for investors on the capital invested. The Committee 
also agreed to the replacement of trading margin with operating margin and cash from operations with free 
cash flow. The Committee also agreed to the removal of trading profit, working capital and like-for-like sales.

Rationale for the Committee’s conclusion
The Committee concluded that the changes to the KPI disclosure better align the KPIs with the Ignite strategy 
and management have strengthened the KPI disclosure by adding a short narrative for each, highlighting  
why it is measured and its link to the Ignite strategy, which provides enhanced understanding for stakeholders. 

Minimum Control 
Framework (“MCF”)

The issue and management’s view
The Committee conducted a detailed review of the progress against the MCF in each market including a  
review of inventory controls in significant markets. The 2017 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 Head of Internal Audit at each meeting setting out the 
compliance across the Group, detailed findings from audits and recommended mitigation plans for identified 
control gaps.

inchcape.com

53 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAudit Committee Report continued

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. As disclosed last 
year, the Audit Committee commenced a tendering 

process in 2017 which is set out below. The Audit 
Committee recommended to the Board that Deloitte LLP 
be appointed as the Group’s auditor for the year ended 
31 December 2018. A resolution to appoint Deloitte LLP 
will be put to shareholders at the AGM on 24 May 2018.

AUDIT TENDER PROCESS

November 2016

 − Audit tender process commences

May 2017

July 2017

 − Audit Committee and management consider suitable audit firms to determine 

their capabilities and prospective audit partners

 − A short list of audit firms is agreed including two audit firms outside of the  

‘big four’. 

 − Two of the firms confirm they will actively participate in the audit tender.

 − A Decision Making Panel consisting of John Langston and Nigel Northridge 

along with the Chief Financial Officer, Group Financial Controller and Group 
Head of Internal Audit was appointed

 − Selection criteria agreed by the Audit Committee

August/September 2017

 − Request for proposal document drafted and approved by the Decision  

Making Panel

 − Scoring matrix agreed by the Decision Making Panel

 − Sent to audit firms for their consideration

September 2017/
October 2017

 − Site visits scheduled for Russia, Chile, Singapore and UK

 − Meetings held with key stakeholders including Tax, Treasury and  

Group IS functions.

 − Secure online data room made available to audit firms to support  

tender submissions. 

November 2017

 − Tenders submitted and formal presentations made to the Decision  

Making Panel

 − Results of the selection criteria scoring matrix presented to the Audit Committee

 − Audit Committee makes its decision on preferred firm and makes  

a recommendation to the Board for approval

 − Board approved the appointment of Deloitte LLP

May 2018

 − Resolution to appoint new auditor put to shareholders at the 2018 Annual  

General Meeting. 

SELECTION CRITERIA
A range of candidates was considered, including audit 
firms outside the big four accounting firms. The Decision 
Making Panel agreed the selection criteria and agreed 
which firms would be invited to tender. The selection 
criteria included:

 − Key elements of the proposal and why it meets 

company needs

 − General aspects of the audit firm – geographical 

coverage, office size in relevant markets, 
independence, conflicts of interests

 − Understanding of the business and industry – audit 

credentials in Automotive/Distribution, demonstration 
of understanding of Inchcape’s business, industry 
thought leadership

54 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 − Audit approach – proposed scope, coverage  

and rotation, approach to technical judgements, 
approach to testing controls, availability of audit tools, 
time management

 − Audit planning – timetable, regional teams, approach 

to working with management, internal quality 
assurance processes, approach to resolving issues.

 − Partner and team – details of lead partner and  
their skill set, team structure, continuity and  
succession planning

 − Fees and terms.

INVITATION TO TENDER
KPMG LLP and Deloitte LLP were invited to tender. EY  
were also invited to tender but decided not to participate 
due to other services they currently provide to the Group 
including tax advice and other non-audit services. Given 
the Group’s global footprint, the Committee decided  
not to invite firms outside of the ‘big four’ which were 
being considered.

Each firm submitted a detailed tender document which 
included a presentation and a proposal for external 
audit services setting out technical expertise, scope  
and practical audit approach.

FINAL SELECTION
The Committee agreed that both firms submitted 
excellent, professional and thorough tender proposals. 
However, after taking into account the process as a 
whole, the views of colleagues who met with each firm 
and the presentations and results of the scoring matrix, 
the Committee identified Deloitte LLP as the preferred 
new external auditor. Deloitte LLP shadowed PwC  
during the 2017 external audit process.

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 provision of permitted non-audit services will only be 
approved by the Audit Committee if:

 − Engagement of the auditor to provide the services 

does not impair the independence or objectivity of  
the external auditors;

 − The skills and experience of the external 

auditors makes it the most suitable supplier of the 
non audit service;

 − The auditor does not have a conflict of interest due  

to a relationship with another entity; and

 − The aggregate fees incurred for permitted non-audit 

services relative to the audit fee do not exceed 70% of 
the average audit fee over the previous three years.

Permitted non-audit services above a certain level  
are approved on a case-by-case basis by the Audit 
Committee. During 2017, PwC carried out the interim 
review. No other permitted non-audit services were 
provided by PwC.

TERMS OF REFERENCE
Companies are required to go through a formal  
process of considering their internal audit and control 
procedures, assessing the effectiveness of the external 
audit process and overseeing the relationship with their 
external auditors. As part of this process, it is essential that 
the audit committee is properly constituted with a clear 
remit and identified authority, and that it has processes  
in place to enable directors serving on audit committees 
to perform their role.

The Audit Committee’s responsibilities are set out in  
its terms of reference. Compliance with the terms of 
reference is reviewed annually. During 2017, ICSA:  
the Governance Institute updated its model terms of 
reference for audit committees. The updated terms  
of reference reflect the April 2016 revisions to the UK 
Corporate Governance Code and the FRC Guidance  
on Audit Committees. They also take into account the 
changes to the Code in 2014 which required directors  
to publish a viability statement. The terms of reference  
are based on updated guidance and best practice  
as carried out in UK listed companies.

The Audit Committee carried out a review of its terms of 
reference during the year and approved the adoption of 
the updated terms for 2018. The new terms can be found 
on the website at www.inchcape.com/governance.

inchcape.com

55 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNomination Committee Report

ENSURING AN 
EFFECTIVE BOARD

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
I am pleased to present the report of the Nomination 
Committee for the year ended 31 December 2017.  
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.

 − 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.

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. 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 key consideration when planning  
the succession of Board members.

The length of service of the Non-Executive Directors  
and the Board’s diversity policy are also considered  
by the Committee to ensure the appropriateness of 
succession plans.

Ken Hanna
Chair of the Nomination Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jerry Buhlmann – joined March 2017  Nigel Northridge 

Rachel Empey 

John Langston 

Coline McConville 

Nigel Stein 

Till Vestring

Nigel Northridge will complete nine years’ service in July 
2018, however he has agreed to remain on the Board for 
a further 12 months to assist with the Chairman transition.

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. Jerry Buhlmann’s induction consisted of 
meetings with key senior management. He also met with 
the Group’s remuneration consultants, Kepler Associates, 
to gain an understanding of the Group’s remuneration 
structure and culture for rewarding performance, and 

 3

2

4

 1

5

 1

Length of
service 

Gender

Nationality

2

Experience

4

 1

2

 1

 3

 1   – 0 – 3 years  4

 2   – 3 – 6 years  4

 3   – 6+ years  2

 1   – Male  8

 2   – Female  2 

 1

 2

 3

 4

– German  2 

– Australian  1 

– British  6 

– Irish  1 

3

 1

 2

 3

 4

 5

2

– Finance  4 

– Retail  2 

– Automotive  1 

– Consultancy  2 

– Media & Digital  1 

56 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Committee meeting 

Key activities 

March

 − Appointment of Jerry Buhlmann as a Non-Executive Director.

 − Approval of the Nomination Committee Report in the Annual Report and Accounts, time commitment, 

policy on multiple board appointments, election/re-election at AGM, length of service.

November 

 − Review of skills and experience, update on Board and Chairman succession, independence of 

Non-Executive Directors, review of terms of reference and committee membership.

Makinson Cowell, to gain an understanding of  
the views of the Group’s shareholders. To provide an 
understanding of the Group’s operations inductions for 
new Directors also include a visit to a dealership. James 
Brearley, CEO UK Retail, gave Jerry an in-depth tour of the 
flagship VW dealership in Chiswick which included a 
comprehensive overview of the UK businesses.

APPOINTMENT PROCESS
The Lygon Group was appointed to assist with the search 
for Non-Executive Directors during the year. The Lygon 
Group has worked with the Group for several years and is 
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. The Lygon Group is a signatory to  
the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Executive Search 
Firms and does not have any other connection to the 
Company. The Company continually updates its list of 
potential candidates, taking into account the Ignite 
strategy, the business needs of the Group and the 
Board’s diversity policy, and should the situation arise 
when a Director departs unexpectedly, the recruitment 
process can begin immediately.

Nigel Northridge, Senior Independent Director, led the 
Chairman succession planning process during the year. 
The Nomination Committee met without the presence of 
Nigel Stein to consider the Chairman succession and 
formally approved his appointment in January 2018.

DIVERSITY POLICY
The Committee recognises the benefits of having a diverse 
Board and sees this as an essential element in delivering 
the Group’s strategic objectives. We value diversity of skills 
and industry experience as well as background, race, age 
and gender as we believe this adds fresh perspectives 
which enrich our decision making and the aim of the 
policy is to reflect this ethos. The Board’s policy on diversity 
is a verbally agreed principles based policy. It is clearly 
understood by our recruitment consultants and is taken 
into account when considering succession planning and 
external hires. The Board considers all aspects of diversity 
to be relevant and all Board appointments are made  
on merit and in the context of the skills and experience 
needed for the Board to be effective. The Board has  
not set specific targets, however aims to achieve the 
recommendations in the Hampton-Alexander and  
Parker Reviews.

The Board philosophy on diversity is also reflected 
throughout Inchcape where we employ a diverse 
workforce across 29 countries. We value the unique 
contribution that each person brings to Inchcape and  
we aim to employ people who reflect the diverse nature of 
society, regardless of age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, 
race, colour, religion, ethnic origin and political belief. The 
Group has not set specific targets, however the case study 
shows the work carried out during in 2017.

Ken Hanna
Chairman

CREATING DIVERSE OPPORTUNITIES IN 
THE WORKPLACE
We have made good progress on further 
strengthening and diversifying the talent pool 
during the year. The focus on ensuring we have 
diverse short-lists has meant we have increased 
our gender diversity in the business while going for 
the best candidate for the job. We have recruited 
women to the following senior positions: General 
Manager, Singapore; Managing Director, Greater 
China; General Manager PSA Australia; Group 
Financial Controller, Group Head of Internal Audit 
and Head of Investor Relations. Progress is also 
being made in initiatives for revised role definition 
and reward to help the business attract 
candidates from other sectors. In the UK,  
we are also:

 − Actively engaging with key forums, the wider 

community and education bodies to promote 
and encourage more females into the 
automotive profession

 − Examining labour flows and female progression 

within the business

 − Reviewing the Diversity and Inclusion culture 
across the business and identifying potential 
opportunities and obstacles

 − Considering setting goals for greater  

female inclusion/representation throughout  
the recruitment process (both internal  
and external)

 − Reviewing family friendly policies and  

working practices to identify opportunities

 − Reviewing the requirement for unconscious 

bias training.

inchcape.com

57 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSCR Committee Report

ENSURING  
FOCUS ON 
SUSTAINABILTY 

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
I am pleased to present the report of the CR Committee 
for the year ended 31 December 2017.

I am delighted that Jerry Buhlmann joined the Committee 
in 2017. Jerry is the Chief Executive of Dentsu Aegis  
and his experience gained from their own sustainability 
strategy will no doubt add a new focus to our sustainability 
discussions and development in the future.

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. This is 
why this Committee consists of both independent Non-
Executive Directors and Executive Committee members,  
to ensure that we have a clear understanding of what  
CR means to the business and how we can ensure that 
an effective CR culture is embedded within the whole of 
the organisation.

The key stakeholders for the Group: People, OEM brand 
Partners and Customers, have detailed updates in the 
Strategic Report on pages 1 to 43.

The Committee also reviewed progress in the  
following areas:

Health & Safety
During the year we continued to drive a ‘Health & Safety 
culture’ within the organisation. A detailed evaluation  
of the current processes was undertaken which has  
resulted in:

 − A refreshed, overarching policy statement which sets 

out accountabilities and responsibilities.

 − Detailed Health & Safety standards, to serve as an 
operational benchmark raising our processes to a 
common standard.

 − A more comprehensive self-audit process which 

enables all markets to evaluate their own compliance 
with our standards.

 − A comprehensive accident reporting procedure which 

includes hazards and near misses.

 − A clear resourcing plan to oversee compliance and 

continuous improvement.

Communities
The Committee has been excited to hear about the 
inspiring community work carried out by so many of 
Inchcape’s businesses.

The Company encourages community involvement,  
fund raising and donations through both Company 
partnership and by individuals. We are now building  
an internal community where colleagues can share  
their stories and best practice.

Till Vestring
Chair of the CR Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Stefan Bomhard 

Jerry Buhlmann 

Alison Clarke 

Ken Hanna 

Coline McConville

Committee 
meeting 

Key activities 

March

 − CR Committee Report in Annual Report  

and 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. 

Environment
The Committee has continued to look at the ways we 
can manage and reduce our carbon emissions and 
understand what the environmental impacts of our 
operations are globally and concrete initiatives are  
being evaluated on the work done.

We continue to work with The Carbon Trust to explore 
how adopting a science-based target approach to 
carbon reduction would work for us. During the year an 
comprehensive energy audit pilot was completed for 
Continental Europe which will be reviewed during 2018  
to ascertain where we can make a difference. We have 
a very diverse business and it is important to us that we 
adopt the approach which will not just deliver short-term 
results but will help us build an effective reduction 
programme for the next 30 years and beyond.

Further information on these key stakeholders is given in 
the CR Report on pages 39 to 43.

58 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Till Vestring
Chair of the CR Committee

Directors’ Report on Remuneration

ENSURING 
ALIGNMENT OF 
PERFORMANCE  
AND REWARD

DEAR SHAREHOLDER
I am pleased to present the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2017.  
This report should be read in conjunction with the 
Compliance Report on pages 82 to 86.

The Annual Report on Remuneration (the“Report”) and 
the Remuneration Policy (the “Policy”) were both voted  
on by shareholders at the AGM in May 2017. The Report 
received a vote in favour of 97.13% and the Policy 
received a vote in favour of 96.79%. As we undertook  
a comprehensive engagement process with our 
shareholders, their views were clearly understood  
when considering the Policy. I believe that the positive 
voting result is a testament to the engagement of  
the Committee, management and investors.

The Committee was further strengthened during 2017 
with the addition of Nigel Stein and Jerry Buhlmann as 
members. Both Jerry and Nigel have extensive executive 
and operational experience from their respective  
CEO roles and will be able to add views from a wider 
workforce perspective to the Committee’s deliberations.

2017 PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES AND AWARDS
The Group has delivered sales of £8.9bn, operating profit 
before exceptional items of £407.5m, EPS of 67.0p 
(adjusted) and ROCE of 30%. The rewards payable for 
the Executive Directors as a result of the Group’s 
performance are set out on pages 70 to 73, along with 
long-term incentive awards granted during the year.

The Committee is satisfied that the total remuneration 
received by Executive Directors in 2017 appropriately 
reflects the Company’s performance over the year and  
is consistent with the approach taken for other relevant 
employees. The Committee is also satisfied that the 
approach to setting the remuneration underpins the 
effective and proper management of risk by rewarding 
fairly for sustainable profit growth and long-term returns 
for shareholders.

2018 key activities
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. We are not expecting any changes for 
the coming year and the Committee will continue to 
keep up to date with evolving corporate governance 
throughout 2018, including the new Corporate 
Governance Code to be issued in the summer, and will 
carefully consider this and other guidance particularly on 
the CEO pay ratio, cap on total pay opportunities and 
employee engagement to ensure that our remuneration 
arrangements meet stakeholder interests.

Coline McConville
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jerry Buhlmann 

Ken Hanna 

Coline McConville

Nigel Northridge 

Nigel Stein 

Till Vestring

Committee 
meeting 

Key activities 

February 

 − 2016 Directors’ Report on Remuneration,  

2016 annual bonus pay-out, achievement of 
performance targets for long-term incentives, 
senior management 2017 remuneration 
proposals, new Remuneration Policy 

May 

 − Shareholder approval for the Remuneration 

Policy, amendment to LTI plan rules to 
incorporate malus and clawback.

November

 − Review SAYE, review of trends in remuneration, 

gender pay reporting, review of terms of 
reference and Committee membership.

Gender pay gap
In addition to its other activities, the Committee reviewed 
the gender pay gap disclosure for the UK business which 
will be published on its website www.inchcape.co.uk,  
in due course. We have a commitment to become an 
increasingly gender diverse business and our planned 
initiatives for revised role definition and reward offering  
will help improve the results. Further details of the steps 
taken by the UK business will be given in the disclosure.

Coline McConville
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

inchcape.com

59 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSREMUNERATION
AT A GLANCE

WHAT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS EARNED DURING 2017 (£’000)

£3,047

1,373

728

214
19

713

£1,368

409

421

124

2
412

 − 2.5% salary increase in 2017

 − 30% pension supplement

 − Benefits include medical cover, company car and  

life assurance

 − LTIP – the figures are based on the value of awards 

using the average share price from 1 October 2017  
to 31 December 2017 of 780.0p

 − The figure for Stefan Bomhard relates to the PSP  

and CIP award granted to him in 2015

 − The figure for Richard Howes relates to the RH 
award granted to him when he joined the 
Company in 2016

Details of actual performance achieved are given on 
pages 70 to 73.

Stefan 
Bomhard

Richard 
Howes

Base  
salary

Benefits

Pensions

Annual  
bonus

LTIP

ALIGNMENT OF PERFORMANCE AND REMUNERATION FOR 2017

ANNUAL BONUS
To motivate and reward the achievement of the 
Company’s strategic and operational objectives

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES
To motivate and reward performance linked to long-
term success

DRIVE  
GROWTH
KPI: Revenue

£8.9bn

DRIVE  
PERFORMANCE
KPI: Operating Profit

£407.5m

INCREASE EARNINGS AND RETURNS

KPI: EPS

67.0p

KPI: ROCE

30%

DELIVER STRATEGY
KPI: annual objectives

Progress of Ignite

REWARD
101.46% of salary

LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE
Performance Period

2015 – 2017

REWARD

PSP

79.6%

CIP

1.59:1 match

Further information on annual bonus and long-term incentive plans can be found on pages 70 to 73 respectively.

60 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ Report on Remuneration continued

PART 1 —  
DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION
POLICY

This section of the report sets out the remuneration policy approved by shareholders at the AGM on 25 May 2017.  
The principal changes compared to the previously approved policy are as follows and the full policy is given on  
pages 61 to 68:

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

strategic measures

•  Clawback and malus provisions 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 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

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.

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.

Opportunity

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

Annual 
bonus

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

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.

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

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

60% of salary payable  
for target performance.

Bonus payouts 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.

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

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.

12% of salary payable for 
entry level performance.

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. 

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61 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.

62 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 − 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. No such discretion was 
exercised during 2017.

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
The Committee regularly reviews the appropriateness of 
performance measures used by the Group.

 − The annual bonus measures have been selected  
to incentivise sustainable growth in profits. The  
matrix structure provides 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.

 − 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 has 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 be difficult to set a relevant and 
robust comparator group for assessing relative TSR 
performance and there would be some difficulty in 
cascading many of the other measures appropriately 
down the organisation.

 − 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 
appropriately stretching, and that the maximum will 
only be achievable for truly outstanding performance. 
Please see page 74 for further details on the  
target ranges.

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63 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

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%

77%

Fixed: base salary, benefits and pension

Variable: annual bonus, PSP and CIP

Short-term vs. long-term (%)

41%

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. 400 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 country and 
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. 20 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.

64 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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.

The votes received at the 2017 AGM on the 2016 Directors’ 
Report on Remuneration and the Remuneration Policy 
are provided on page 77.

inchcape.com

65 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

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 2018 salaries and the 2018 long-term incentive grants.

Stefan Bomhard – Group Chief Executive
Total remuneration (£’000s)

Richard Howes – Chief Financial Officer
Total remuneration (£’000s)

4,000

3,200

2,400

1,600

800

0

£ 4,178

50%

27%

£ 1,940

27%

23%

£ 970

100%

50%

23%

Minimum

On-Target

Maximum

4,000

3,200

2,400

1,600

800

0

£ 2,382

50%

£ 1,106
27%

£ 553

100%

23%

50%

27%

23%

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:
The projected values exclude the impact of share price movements and dividend accrual. 

Element

Assumptions

Fixed remuneration

Total remuneration comprises base salary, benefits and pensions

Base salary – effective from 1 April 2018

Benefits – as provided in the single figure table on page 69

Pension – cash in lieu of pension

Variable pay

Annual bonus

No payout

Target payout (40% of maximum)

Maximum payout

Minimum

On-target

Maximum

CIP

PSP

No vesting

Assumes full voluntary investment

Threshold match of 0.5:1

Maximum vesting

No vesting

Threshold vesting (25% of maximum) Maximum vesting

66 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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

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

Annual bonus

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

PSP

CIP

Other

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

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

300% of salary

100% of salary

The combined 
maximum is not 
intended to exceed 
400% 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.

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 employees below Board level are typically no higher than for Executive Directors.

Non-Executive Directors
In recruiting a new Non-Executive Director, the Committee will use the policy as set out in the table on page 65.  
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.

inchcape.com

67 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

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

Annual bonus

Circumstance

Resignation.

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

Change of control.

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.

Treatment

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.

Payment/vesting date (if relevant)

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

1 April 2015

11 April 2016

Notice period

12 months

12 months

Unexpired term

To retirement age

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.

68 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

PART 2 —  
ANNUAL REPORT ON
REMUNERATION

The names of the Committee members are given on 
page 59 and their biographies can be found on pages 
44 to 45. The work of the Committee during the year is 
summarised in the letter to shareholders on page 59 and 
given in full detail in the following report.

The following section provides details of how the 
Company’s remuneration policy was implemented during 
the financial year to 31 December 2017 and how it will be 
implemented in the financial year to 31 December 2018.

SINGLE TOTAL FIGURE OF REMUNERATION (AUDITED)
The table below sets out the total remuneration received by the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2017:

Name

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

2017

2016

Base  
salary/fees 
£’000

Taxable  
benefits (a) 
£’000

Single-year  
variable (b) 
£’000

Multiple-year 
variable (c) 
£’000

Pension (d) 
£’000

Other (e) 
£’000

Total 
£’000

Current Executive Directors 

Stefan Bomhard

Richard Howes 

713
412

Current Non-Executive Directors (f)

Ken Hanna 

Jerry Buhlmann*

Rachel Empey

John Langston 

Coline McConville

Nigel Northridge 

Nigel Stein

Till Vestring 

320
50
60
75
75
81
60
70

688
294

320
–
36
75
75
81
60
70

19
2

84
1

728
421

424 1,373
–
184

3
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

2
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Previous Non-Executive Directors

Alison Cooper*

Total

10

60
1,926 1,759

–
24

–

–
87 1,149

–

–
608 1,373

–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–

214
124

207
88

0

0 3,047 1,403
923

409 356 1,368

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

323
50
60
75
75
81
60
70

322
–
36
75
75
81
60
70

–
338

–
295

–

–

60
409 356 5,219 3,105

10

*  Jerry Buhlmann joined the Group during the year. Alison Cooper left during the year.
a  Taxable benefits comprise car allowance, medical cover and mileage allowance.
b  Payment for performance during the year under the annual bonus, including amounts paid in shares.
c  The 2017 figure for Stefan Bomhard is based on awards vesting during the year, valued on the average share price from 1 October 2017 to  
31 December 2017 of 780.0p. Richard Howes joined the Group in 2016 and therefore did not receive an award in 2015. Actual performance 
against targets is given on page 72.

d  During the year the Executive Directors received a cash supplement of 30% of base salary in lieu of pension contributions.
e  The 2017 figure for Richard Howes is the value of the RH award which was granted to him as a buyout on joining the Company, which 

becomes exercisable on 11 April 2018, based on the average share price from 1 October 2017 to 31 December 2017 of 780.0p. See page 73 
for actual performance against targets. The 2016 figure for Richard Howes includes the value of the award granted in lieu of forfeited 
incentives from his previous employer and the embedded value of the 2016 SAYE at date of grant.
The fees of the Chairman, Non-Executive Directors and the Senior Independent Director are given on page 70.

f 

inchcape.com

69 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

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 2018 were determined taking into account this benchmarking data, as well as the other factors detailed in 
the policy table.

The salaries for 2016, 2017 and 2018 are set out below, together with the average increases across the Group.

Name
Stefan Bomhard
Richard Howes
Average increase across Group

1 April 2016
£700,000 
£405,000
3.4%

1 April 2017
£717,500 
£415,125
2.18%

1 April 2018
£746,200 – 4.0% increase
£425,503 – 2.5% increase
2.5%

The Committee carefully considered Stefan Bomhard’s salary in relation to market positioning and his strong leadership. 
The Committee agreed a 4% increase in salary as appropriate which, although above the average increase across the 
Group, is within the range of increases offered to other employees. Richard Howes’ salary was increased  
by 2.5% which is 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 2018.

ANNUAL BONUS
The annual bonus is based on annual financial performance measures and non-financial measures. The non-financial 
measures may include personal objectives linked to the delivery of the Ignite strategy. The measures are selected to 
incentivise sustainable growth and the financial matrix is designed to provide a balanced focus between commercial 
and cash initiatives. The non-financial measures are selected each year to reinforce the Group’s strategic objectives.

The maximum opportunity is 150% of salary which is payable for achieving stretch performance against all measures. 
Any bonus earned above 100% of salary is automatically invested into the CIP. Bonus payouts in 2017 are subject to 
malus and clawback provisions.

In line with the Committee’s commitment to disclose bonus targets, the table on page 71 illustrates targets, 
performance and resulting bonus outcomes for the Executive Directors for the 2017 bonuses.

2017 BONUS
In recent years our annual bonus has been based purely on financial performance and customer service levels against 
targets. For 2017, the Committee agreed that 80% of the bonus should be based on financial performance of revenue 
and operating profit and 20% of the bonus should be based on strategic objectives, therefore linking an individual’s 
bonus outcome to their contribution to the Ignite strategy.

The principles for setting the new framework are such that it:

 − Drives the desired behaviours underpinned by our Performance Drivers

 − May be easily cascaded through the organisation to reinforce alignment of our collective goals

 − Has clear measures and targets

The strategic element of bonus performance is aligned with Ignite

Lead in customer experience
Customer service innovation, including 
progress on the digital customer journey

Deliver full potential on all our revenue streams
Developing business opportunities and 
improving focus on all our revenue streams

Become the OEM partner of choice
Improving strategic business partnerships 
with our OEM brand partners

Leverage our global scale
Improvement in business processes

70 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

ACTUAL PERFORMANCE AGAINST TARGETS:

Stefan  
Bomhard

Richard  
Howes

Revenue

Threshold £7,962.1m

Target £8,381.2m

Stretch £8,800.3m

Max 30%

% of salary

£000

Financial measures

Strategic measures

Total payment

Actual performance

£8,550.9m

Operating profit

Threshold £341.6m

Target £379.5m

Stretch £417.5m

28.5%

101.46% £727,976

Actual performance

£389.3m

Revenue

Threshold £7,962.1m

Target £8,381.2m

Stretch £8,800.3m

Max 30%

% of salary

£000

Actual performance

£8,550.9m

Operating profit

Threshold £341.6m

Target £379.5m

Stretch £417.5m

28.5%

101.46% £421,186

Actual performance

£389.3m

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.

Lead in customer experience
We set ourselves some very stretching internal targets for customer experience, one which was narrowly missed by 1.9% 
and the other which was met at threshold. We also successfully initiated a number of process changes over the year to 
improve our ability to turn NPS feedback into actions and further strengthen our customer experience.

Become the OEM partner of choice
In order to improve our strategic business partnerships with our OEM brand partners we set ourselves a number of 
stretching targets based on our OEMs expectations for unit volume, market share and customer satisfaction. Over the 
year we improved our delivery against our OEMs expectations, exceeding the agreed targets.

Deliver full potential on all revenue streams
As a means of recognising the need to have diversification of value drivers and to deliver strong returns in all market 
conditions, we have focused on improving productivity, deepening our expertise and investing in technicians to 
maximise the potential of our current assets. Further, we set – and met – stretch targets on improvements on Finance 
and Insurance with additional focus on the development of new products and services which will lead to improvement 
in profit from an additional revenue stream in many markets.

Leverage our global scale
Our dedicated focus on procurement has achieved £20m of annualised cost savings.

ANNUAL BONUS FOR 2018
The maximum annual bonus opportunity in 2018 will remain unchanged from previous years and will be 150% of salary.

For the Executive Directors, 80% of the bonus will be based on the same financial performance matrix as 2017, which is 
linked to revenue and operating profit, and 20% of the bonus will be based on a basket of specific, measurable 
objectives that relate to the Ignite strategy.

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%
Threshold

72%
48%
36%
Target

120%
96%
72%
Stretch
Operating profit

Basket of strategic measures

Given the close link between performance targets and the longer-term strategy and the advantage this may give 
competitors, the 2018 targets are not disclosed in this report because of their commercial sensitivity. The Committee 
intends to publish the financial targets and provide more detail on the basket of strategic measures in next year’s 
Directors’ Report on Remuneration. 

inchcape.com

71 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

AWARDS VESTING DURING THE YEAR
In 2015, Inchcape granted awards under the PSP and CIP schemes which vested dependent on certain performance 
targets over three years to 31 December 2017. Richard Howes joined the Group in 2016 and therefore did not receive 
an award. 

2015 Normal PSP/CIP
Three year EPS growth p.a. (75% weighting)
Less than 5%
5%
13%
Between 5% and 13%

2015 Enhanced PSP
Three year EPS growth p.a.
Less than 13%
18%
Between 13% and 18%

2015 vesting of PSP/CIP

Award
Normal PSP

Enhanced PSP
Total (overall vesting outcome of normal PSP)

CIP

Total (overall vesting outcome of CIP)

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

Vesting %
0%
100%
Straight line basis

Performance measure
EPS
ROCE
EPS

Performance measure
EPS
ROCE

Wtg.
75%
25%
100%

Wtg.
75%
25%

Vesting outcome (% of element)
72.8%
100%
0%
79.6%

Vesting outcome (% of element)
1.46:1 match
2:1 match
1.59:1 match

Stefan Bomhard was granted a 2015 PSP and 2015 CIP award and is therefore entitled to the following shares on vesting:

Interest held

Vesting %

Interest vesting

Vesting date

Assumed 
market price (p)1 

Estimated value

Stefan Bomhard 
Normal PSP
Enhanced PSP
CIP

143,734
15,971
77,408

79.6%
0.0%
79.6%

114,412
0
61,616

17 April 2018
17 April 2018
17 April 2018

780.0p
780.0p
780.0p

£892,416
£0
£480,605

1  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 2017.

SB award
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 10.0p. Vesting is dependent 
on continued employment.

On 1 April 2017, the second tranche (68,375 options) vested at a share price of 841.5p. The remaining options will vest 
on 1 April 2018, dependent on continued employment. During the year he exercised the first and second tranches of 
the SB award. Further details are given on page 74.

72 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

RH award
As disclosed in last year’s report and detailed in the single figure table for 2016, 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 10.0p 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. On 11 April 2017, 
the first tranche of this award (25,879 options) vested at a share price of 842.0p.

 − 73,150 nil-cost options; award will vest on 11 April 2018 dependent on 2015 PSP performance conditions being met. 
The option is structured as the PSP with 90% as ‘normal’ awards and 10% as ‘enhanced’ awards. This award is in lieu 
of forfeited incentives from his previous employer which had performance conditions attached to the award. As 
disclosed on page 72, 79.6% of the ‘normal’ element will vest and the 10% ‘enhanced’ element will lapse. Therefore 
52,404 options will vest on 11 April 2018.

AWARDS MADE DURING THE YEAR
Awards were made to the Executive Directors and other senior executives under the PSP and CIP. The PSP awards were 
granted as a percentage of salary and both Stefan Bomhard and Richard Howes were granted PSP awards at 180% of 
salary.

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 2017 are as follows:

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

Threshold level performance will result in 25% of the 2017 PSP and CIP awards vesting.

Awards made during the year are:

Stefan Bomhard
PSP
CIP

Richard Howes
PSP
CIP

Date of grant

Share  
price  
(p)1

Number of  
shares/options 
awarded

Face value  
at grant2

Performance period

Exercise period

26 May 2017
27 June 2017

836.5p
769.0p

150,982 £1,262,964
£709,379

92,247

Jan 2017 – Dec 2019
Jan 2017 – Dec 2019

May 2020 – May 2021
June 2020 – Dec 2021

26 May 2017
27 June 2017

836.5p
769.0p

87,354
53,371

£730,716
£410,423

Jan 2017 – Dec 2019
Jan 2017 – Dec 2019

May 2020 – May 2021
June 2020 – Dec 2021

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

inchcape.com

73 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report on Remuneration continued

LONG-TERM INCENTIVES FOR 2018
The PSP and CIP awards for 2018 will be granted with the following weightings and targets. Stefan Bomhard and Richard 
Howes will both be granted a PSP award to the value of 180% of base salary in 2018 and will be invited to participate in 
the CIP in line with policy.

2018 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+ pension scheme. Neither Stefan Bomhard nor Richard Howes 
participated in the pension scheme.

For 2018, this arrangement remains unchanged.

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 2017.

Stefan Bomhard
Jerry Buhlmann
Rachel Empey
Ken Hanna
Richard Howes
John Langston
Coline McConville
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein
Till Vestring

Shares held at
31 December
2017
160,624
15,000
6,760
70,000
30,566
4,299
2,977
28,391
10,102
40,777

Share award held

Options held

Subject to 
performance 
conditions
740,650
n/a
n/a
n/a
390,658
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

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

Not subject to 
performance 
targets
68,375
n/a
n/a
n/a
51,759
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

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

Vested but
not yet 
exercised
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

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

There have been no changes to the number of shares held by the Directors between 31 December 2017 and 26 
February 2018.

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 175% and 
58% of salary respectively as at 31 December 2017.

Awards exercised during the year
Stefan Bomhard exercised the first and second tranches of the SB award during 2017.

The first tranche (70,131 shares including dividend shares accrued) was exercised on 27 March 2017. The share price 
on exercise was 842.5p. He sold 33,472 shares upon exercise to cover tax and costs and kept the remaining 36,659 
shares. The second tranche (72,374 shares including dividend shares accrued) was exercised on 21 June 2017. The 
share price on exercise was 776.5p. He sold 34,579 shares upon exercise to cover tax and costs and kept the remaining 
37,795 shares.

John McConnell, who left the Group in February 2016, exercised his 2013 PSP award (91,037 shares) on 5 April 2017. He 
sold 42,241 shares to cover tax and costs and kept the remaining 48,296 shares. The share price on the date of exercise 
was 828.0p

There were no further exercises in 2017.

74 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

PERCENTAGE CHANGE IN GROUP CHIEF 
EXECUTIVE REMUNERATION
The table shows the percentage change in Group Chief 
Executive remuneration from 2016 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 2016 to 2017 

Group Chief Executive
3.7%
(77.4)%
18.8%
171.7%
(0.18)%

Senior management
2.84%
0%
–
45.2%
13.1%

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.

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 buybacks) from 2016 to 2017.

As at 31 December 2017, £50.2m had been returned to 
shareholders under the share buyback programmes.

The Directors are proposing a final dividend for 2017 of 
18.9p per share (2016: 16.8p).

Relative importance of spend on pay (£M)

600

400

200

0

+13.8%

90.2 102.7

(53.5)%
108.0 50.2

Dividend

Share buy back

+2.4%
531.0 544.0

Employee
remuneration

2016

2017

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 2017
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 

415m
41m
22m

21m
7m

inchcape.com

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 nine year period to 31 December 
2017. 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 nine years to 31 December 2017
Value of £100 invested at 1 January 2009

Value of £100 invested at 1 January 2009

1600

1200

800

400

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Inchcape 

FTSE mid 250 excluding investment trusts 

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

2016

n/a

2017

n/a

2,9062

1,403

3,047

100%

100%

52%

68%

48%

100%

56.8%

40.3%

67.6%

0%

0%

100%

100%

66%

68%

n/a4

n/a5

79.6%

1  The amount for André Lacroix reflects remuneration received until he left the Group in March 2015.
2  The amount for Stefan Bomhard is pro-rated for time in role and includes relocation allowance and the share award made in lieu of his 

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 2017

SHAREHOLDER CONTEXT
The table below shows the advisory vote on the 
Remuneration Report at the 2017 AGM.

For (including discretionary)
Against
Total votes cast  
(excluding votes withheld)
Votes withheld1
Total votes cast  
(including votes withheld)

Total number  

of votes
334,960,188
9,887,728

344,847,916
4,070,387

348,918,303

The table below shows the binding vote on the 
Remuneration Policy at the 2017 AGM

For (including discretionary)
Against
Total votes cast  
(excluding votes withheld)
Votes withheld1
Total votes cast  
(including votes withheld)

Total number 
of votes 
337,335,918
11,173,431

348,509,349
408,954

348,918,303

% of 
votes cast
97.13%
2.87%

100%

% of 
votes cast
96.79%
3.21%

100%

1  Withheld votes are not included in the final proxy figures as they 

are not recognised as a vote in law.

EXIT PAYMENTS DURING THE YEAR
None.

PAYMENTS TO PAST DIRECTORS
No payments were made to past Directors in 2017.

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 Group plc, for which he received a fee of 
£84,000 during 2017.

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 were paid fees of 
£80,664.09 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

inchcape.com

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:

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.

Stefan Bomhard
Jerry Buhlmann – joined March 2017
Alison Cooper – resigned February 2017
Rachel Empey
Ken Hanna
Richard Howes
Coline McConville
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein
Till Vestring

In accordance with the 2016 UK Corporate Governance 
Code, the Directors will stand for election or re-election  
at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 May 2018, 
apart from Alison Cooper who left the Group in February 
2017 and Ken Hanna who will step down from the Board 
following the AGM.

The Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 
2017 comprises pages 78 to 81 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 30 to 45, 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 2016 UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the information required under 
DTR7 is given in the Corporate Governance Report  
on page 47.

RESULTS AND DIVIDENDS
The Group’s audited consolidated financial statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2017 are shown on 
pages 94 to 172. The Board recommends a final ordinary 
dividend of 18.9p per ordinary share. If approved at the 
2018 AGM, the final ordinary dividend will be paid on 22 
June 2018 to shareholders registered in the books of the 
Company at the close of business on 18 May 2018. 
Together with the interim dividend of 7.9p per ordinary 
share paid on 6 September 2017, this makes a total 
ordinary dividend for the year of 26.8p per ordinary  
share (2016 – 23.8p).

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  

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 
2017 and until the date of approval of this report.

SHARE CAPITAL
As at 31 December 2017, the Company’s issued share 
capital of £41,501,828 comprised 415,018,286 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 ON 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 25 May 2017, the  
Company was authorised to make market purchases  
of up to 42,081,616 ordinary shares (representing 
approximately 10.0% of its issued share capital).

In the year ended 31 December 2017, the Company 
purchased, for cancellation, 6,129,028 ordinary shares  
of 10.0p each at a cost of £50.2m, representing 1.48%  
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 buyback programme.

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 

78 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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
Aberdeen Asset 
Management 

Number of 
shares

Date notified

Percentage  

notified

66,365,020 06/09/2017
26,771,128 27/02/2017

15.99
6.35

20,690,060 13/06/2017

4.95 

Source TR-1 notifications. These are updated on the  
Company’s website.

There have been no changes to the number of shares 
held by Directors between 31 December 2017 and 26 
February 2018.

RESTRICTIONS ON VOTING RIGHTS
There are no restrictions on voting rights.

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 2017, the  
Trust’s shareholding totalled 553,678 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 2017 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 2017 and 26 
February 2018.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual 
Report and the financial statements in accordance with 
applicable law and regulation.

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have prepared the group financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European  
Union and parent company financial statements in 
accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted 
Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure 
Framework”, and applicable law). Under company law 
the Directors must not approve the financial statements 

unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair  
view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent 
company and of the profit or loss of the group and 
parent company for that period. In preparing the 
financial statements, the Directors are required to:

 − select suitable accounting policies and then apply 

them consistently;

 − state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the 
European Union have been followed for the group 
financial statements and United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards, comprising FRS 101, have been followed for 
the Company financial statements, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in  
the financial statements;

 − make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent; and

 − prepare the financial statements on the going 

concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 
that the Group and parent company will continue  
in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and 
explain the Group and parent company’s transactions 
and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Group and parent company  
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements 
and the Directors’ Remuneration Report comply with the 
Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group financial 
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.

The Directors are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Group and parent company 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 parent company’s website. Legislation  
in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and 
dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

The Directors consider that the Annual Report and 
Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess the Group and parent 
company’s performance, business model and strategy.

Each of the Directors, whose names and functions are 
listed in Board of Directors confirm that, to the best of  
their knowledge:

 − the parent company financial statements, which have 
been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom 
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United 
Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 
“Reduced Disclosure Framework”, and applicable 
law), give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, 
financial position and loss of the company;

inchcape.com

79 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

 − the Group financial statements, which have been 

prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by  
the European Union, give a true and fair view of the 
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the 
Group; and

 − the Directors’ Report includes a fair review of the 
development and performance of the business  
and the position of the Group and parent company, 
together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that it faces.

The Directors considered the key messages contained  
in the Strategic Report along with the disclosures  
made throughout to ensure that they are consistent, 
transparent and a true reflection of the business. The 
Directors also reviewed supporting documentation  
which addresses specific statements made in the  
report and the evidence to support those statements.

Following this review, the Directors consider, when  
taken as a whole, that the Annual Report and Accounts 
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 for the next 12 months.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The appointment and replacement of Directors is 
governed by the Company’s Articles of Association, the 
2016 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 brand 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 2017, or was entered into 
during the year for any Director and/or connected 
person (2016 – none).

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
The greenhouse gas emissions are given in the 
Environment section of the Corporate Responsibility 
Report on page 43.

EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT
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.

In 2017, our new performance and talent framework, 
DRIVE5, was rolled out across the Group. The framework 

80 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

sets performance expectations, behaviours and values 
for our people and was developed using inputs from 
colleague and customer focus groups, and incorporates 
our OEM brand partners’ existing frameworks of skills and 
behaviours to ensure that we can deliver against our 
stakeholders’ expectations in support of our ambition  
to be the world’s most trusted Retailer and Distributor.

EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
None.

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:

The Company has various employee policies in place 
covering a wide range of issues such as family friendly 
policies, employment rights and equal opportunities. 
Policies are implemented at a local level and comply 
with any relevant legislation in that market. All policies  
are available on the Group’s intranet and compliance  
is monitored at local level.

HUMAN RIGHTS
We embrace, support and respect the human rights  
of everyone we work with and we comply fully with 
appropriate human rights legislation in the countries  
in which we operate. We don’t use or accept forced, 
bonded or involuntary prison or child labour. We only 
employ people who choose to work freely and respect 
their rights to equal opportunities and freedom  
of association.

ANTI-BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION
The Company has in place an anti-bribery and 
corruption training programme which employees are 
required to complete. This programme is being refreshed 
in 2018 and employees will be required to undertake a 
new online training module which will also be included  
in the induction programme for new employees where 
applicable. Our anti-bribery and corruption policy sets 
out our zero tolerance stance to bribery and corruption. 
Compliance is monitored via reports to InConfidence,  
the whistleblowing line, and adherence to other relevant 
policies such as the gifts and hospitality policy.

PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL RISK FACTORS
These risks are shown on pages 32 and 36.

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 2017 is as follows:

Male

80%

Female 
2

20%

Total

10

8

Board 
Senior 
management 
80
All employees 12,510

Section Information
1 

Interest capitalised

2 

4

5

6

7

8

9

10
11

12
13

14

Publication of unaudited  
financial information
Details of long-term incentive 
schemes
Waiver of emoluments by  
a director
Waiver of future emoluments  
by a director
Non pre-emptive issues of equity 
for cash
Non pre-emptive issue by a major 
subsidiary undertaking
Parent participation in a placing 
by a listed subsidiary
Contracts of significance
Provision of services by a 
controlling shareholder
Shareholder waiver of dividends
Shareholder waiver of future 
dividends
Agreements with controlling 
shareholders

Page
Not material  
to the Group
76 (TSR Graph)

72 – 74

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable
Not applicable

79
79

Not applicable 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The AGM will be held at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday, 24 May 
2018 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.

The Group’s current auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
have decided not to seek re-election at the AGM. As such, 
the Directors are recommending to shareholders the 
appointment of Deloitte LLP as the Group’s auditor for the 
year ended 31 December 2018. A resolution to appoint 
Deloitte LLP as auditor will be proposed at the AGM.

74.8%
98
18 18.4%
73.2% 4,583 26.8% 17,093

The Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report were 
approved by the Board and have been signed by the 
secretary of the Company.

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 141 to 147.

Tamsin Waterhouse
Group Company Secretary

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81 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CODE
This section sets out the Company’s compliance with the 2016 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 81.

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 drive the right culture throughout the organisation to achieve the strategic 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 pages 44 to 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
Jerry Buhlmann*
Alison Cooper*
Rachel Empey
Ken Hanna
Richard Howes
John Langston
Coline McConville
Nigel Northridge
Nigel Stein
Till Vestring 

Board

Scheduled/attended
6/6
4/3
2/2
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6
6/6

Audit
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nomination 
Committee

CR  

Committee

Scheduled/attended
–
–
1/1
4/4
–
–
4/4
–
4/4
4/4
–

Scheduled/attended
–
1/0
–
–
2/2
–
–
2/2
2/2
–
2/2

Scheduled/attended
–
1/0
1/1
2/2
2/2
–
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2
2/2

Scheduled/attended
2/2
1/0
–
–
2/2
–
–
2/2
–
–
2/2

*  Jerry Buhlmann joined during the year. Alison Cooper left during the year. Jerry Buhlmann was unable to attend the Board and Committee 

meetings in November 2017 due to a prior commitment before joining the Board.

A.2. Division of responsibilities
The Chairman and Group Chief Executive have separate 
roles and responsibilities.

Ken Hanna, as Chairman, is responsible for leading an 
effective Board, ensuring timely, accurate and relevant 
information is received by Board members, planning the 
composition of the Board and is Chair of the Nomination 
Committee.

Stefan Bomhard, as Group Chief Executive, 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 ensures  
that appropriate time is allocated to discuss each 
agenda item. He is also responsible for ensuring there is  
a culture of openness and debate and that constructive 
relationships exist between the Non-Executive Directors 
and Executive Directors.

The feedback on the Chairman’s performance from the 
external evaluation was universally positive with the Board 
members noting that his style is open and inclusive.

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.

82 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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.

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 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 2017.

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 56 to 57. 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 
eight years and his tenure is subject to rigorous annual 
review. He will complete nine years’ service in July 2018. 
The Board has carefully considered his length of service 
and his continued performance in accordance with the 
Code and agreed that it would be beneficial for Nigel to 
continue as Senior Independent Director for a further 12 
months to provide continuity for Nigel Stein during his first 
year as Chairman. It is the intention  
that Nigel Northridge will retire at the 2019 AGM.

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.

The Board understands that the Executive Directors can 
gain valuable business experience as a non-executive 
director of another company. The Group’s policy is to limit 
non-executive directorships within a FTSE 100 company  
to one appointment only. Stefan Bomhard is also a 

Other directorships held by Directors are given in their 
biographies on pages 44 to 45.

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 the Group 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. Details of the induction for 
Jerry Buhlmann are given on page 56.

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 overseas  
Board meeting held in Santiago the Board received a 
presentation from the former president of the Bank of 
Chile on the economic and political outlook for South 
America which provided the Board with a unique 
perspective on this important region for the Group.

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 2017.

inchcape.com

83 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

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.

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 and Ken Hanna who will retire from  
the Board following the AGM. The biographies of the 
Directors can be found on pages 44 to 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
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 and the strategy and business model are set 
out on pages 2 to 19.

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.

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 confirms it carries out a robust 
review of the principal risks facing the Company on an 
annual basis and the Audit Committee reviews risks on 
an ongoing basis as part of their delegated responsibilities.

The risk management and internal control systems are 
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.

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 30 to 38. 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 Board has delegated responsibility for reviewing the 
effectiveness of the system of internal controls to the Audit 
Committee. Further information can be found in the Audit 
Committee Report on page 50 to 55.

In addition to the reviews carried out by the Audit 
Committee, the key control processes, described below, 
enable the Directors to review the effectiveness of the risk 
management and internal control systems throughout  
the year:

 − 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.

 − Each business unit is required to implement a  

rigorous set of internal controls covering operations, 
financial and compliance. The Chief Executive Officer 
and Finance Director of each business unit provide 
annual written confirmation that the effectiveness  
of the internal control systems has been reviewed, 
adhered to and remains appropriate.

84 

Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 − Appropriate regulatory training including anti-bribery is 
in place in all business units and is monitored by the 
Head of Corporate Assurance.

The risk management and internal controls 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 confirms that these systems were in 
place during 2017 and up to the date of this report.

The Directors are satisfied that the Group’s risk 
management and internal control systems accord  
with the FRC’s Guidance on Risk Management, Internal 
Control and Related Financial and Business Reporting.

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 
the internal control and risk management systems are 
effective, to review the Group’s whistleblowing 
procedures and to establish and maintain 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 four independent 
Non-Executive Directors. Of the four, John Langston, 
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 
Head of Audit attend the Committee meetings along with 
the external auditor. Other senior executives, such as the 
Group Tax Director and Group General Counsel, attend 
during the year to present to the Committee.

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, and report their findings to the Audit 
Committee on a regular basis.

The Committee is supported by a number of sources  
of internal assurance from within the Group in order to 
review the control environment on an on-going basis and 
it also assesses the effectiveness of the system of internal 
control on an annual basis by considering any material 
control weaknesses identified by the external auditors as 
a result of their audit. There have been no significant 
changes to the control environment and the Audit 
Committee has concluded that the Group’s internal 
system of controls was effective during the year.

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 55.

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 59 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, encourage the right behaviours 
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.

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSDirectors’ Report continued

Further details can be found in the Directors’ Report on 
Remuneration given on pages 59 to 77.

E. RELATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS
E.1 Dialogue with shareholders
The Head of Investor Relations, Group Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer met with approx. 200 investors 
and potential investors during the year. Roadshows are held 
regularly during which the Group’s strategy and financial 
performance are discussed with investors. Ken Hanna also 
met with several major shareholders to discuss various 
strategic and governance topics.

A dialogue with shareholders ensures that the Company is 
fully aware of shareholders’ views and their expectations of 
the Group’s strategy and performance both in the short and 
long-term. The views of shareholders are communicated to 
the Board after each meeting and through regular Investor 
Relations reports, and analysts and brokers briefings.

We will be holding a Capital Markets Day on  
6 June 2018. Further details of this event will be available  
on www.inchcape.com

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, its performance and its strategy.

The Board encourages participation of private 
shareholders at the AGM however, the Board 
understands that it is not always possible for shareholders 
to attend in person. Shareholders are encouraged  
to contact the Company with any questions they  
wish to raise with the Board of Directors via the  
Company Secretary.

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 votes 
received for the resolutions put to shareholders at  
the AGM are available on the Company’s website.

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.

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. 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

  88  Report of the auditors

  94  Consolidated income statement

  95  Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

  96  Consolidated statement of financial position

  97  Consolidated statement of changes in equity

  98  Consolidated statement of cash flows

  99  Accounting policies

 109  Notes to the financial statements

 155  Five year record

 156  Company statement of financial position

 157  Company statement of changes in equity

 158  Accounting policies

 160  Notes to the financial statements

OTHER INFORMATION
 172  Shareholder information

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc 

REPORT ON THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

Opinion 
In our opinion: 
•  Inchcape plc’s Group financial statements and parent company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give a true 
and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the Group’s 
profit and cash flows for the year then ended; 

•  the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union; 
•  the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure 
Framework”, and applicable law); and 

•  the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and,  

as regards the Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”), which 
comprise: the consolidated and company statements of financial position as at 31 December 2017; the consolidated income 
statement and statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated statement of cash flows, and the consolidated and 
company statements of changes in equity for the year then ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which include  
a description of the significant accounting policies. 

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit Committee. 

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

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

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not 
provided to the Group or the parent company. 

Other than those disclosed in note 3 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the 
parent company in the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017. 

88 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
Our audit approach 
Overview 

Materiality

•  Overall Group materiality: £19,100,000 (2016: £17,500,000), based on 5% of profit before taxation 

and exceptional items. 

•  Overall parent company materiality: £20,600,000 (2016: £16,200,000), based on 1% of total assets.

•  We conducted our work in 20 countries covering 28 reporting units. 
•  The reporting units where we conducted our audit work accounted for 97% of the Group’s 

Audit scope

revenue and 93% of the Group’s profit before taxation. 

Key audit 
matters

•  Goodwill and acquired intangible assets impairment assessment. 
•  Manufacturer’s bonuses and rebates. 
•  Carrying value of inventory. 

The scope of our audit 
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we looked at where the Directors made subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain.  

We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Group and the industry in which it 
operates, and considered the risk of acts by the Group which were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including 
fraud. We designed audit procedures at Group and significant component level to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk 
of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud 
may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. We 
focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to a material misstatement in the Group and parent company financial 
statements, including, but not limited to, Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules, UK tax legislation and equivalent local laws and 
regulations applicable to significant component teams. Our tests included, but were not limited to, review of the financial 
statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation, review of correspondence with legal advisors, enquiries of 
management, review of significant component auditors’ work and review of internal audit reports in so far as they related to the 
financial statements. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-
compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we 
would become aware of it. 

We did not identify any key audit matters relating to irregularities, including fraud. As in all of our audits we also addressed the 
risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias 
by the Directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.  

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

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Goodwill and acquired intangible assets  
impairment assessment 
Inchcape plc has £391.8 million of goodwill generated 
from Cash Generating Units (“CGUs”) spanning seven 
countries as at 31 December 2017 and indefinite lived 
intangible assets of £170.7 million relating principally to 
the acquired Subaru and Hino distribution agreements. 
The risk is that these balances are overstated. 
The determination of recoverable amount of both  
the CGUs containing goodwill and the indefinite lived 
intangible assets, being the higher of value in use and 
fair value less costs to dispose, requires judgements  
on the part of management. 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 and indefinite life intangible assets 
for impairment on an annual basis. 
The risk is most prominent in the UK Retail CGU, given 
the limited headroom between the carrying value of 
goodwill and calculated value in use. 

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 elements of these amounts  
requires management judgement and estimation  
in determining whether they have been earned as  
at the balance sheet date. 

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. 

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. 
We challenged management on the appropriateness of its 
sensitivity calculations, in particular the assumptions relating to 
revenue growth/decline, gross and operating margins, and the 
level of working capital required to support trading. We determined 
that the goodwill calculations were most sensitive to forecast revenue 
growth and sales margins whilst the indefinite lived intangible assets 
were most sensitive to discount rates and revenue growth. 
For all CGUs and the indefinite lived intangible assets, we 
calculated the degree to which these assumptions would need to 
move before an impairment charge would have to be recognised. 
We satisfied ourselves as to the reasonableness of the assumptions 
used and judgements made by management in determining that 
there was no need to impair the carrying value of goodwill or 
indefinite lived intangible assets. 

We understood and evaluated the controls and processes with 
respect to manufacturers’ bonuses and rebates. 
We performed reconciliation of the bonuses recognised in the 
income statement to credit notes obtained from the OEMs and  
to the bank statement during the period. 
We reconciled the year-end accrued bonus to the detailed listing; 
performing subsequent receipts testing for the accrued income 
balance at year-end. 
We recalculated a sample of the year-end accrued bonuses  
using the communication from OEMs and previously audited 
revenue information. 
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. 

90 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Carrying value of inventory 
As at 31 December 2017, inventory of £1,768.6 million is 
held across multiple locations. Inventory should be 
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. 

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 independently 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. 

We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the parent company to communicate in our report. 

How we tailored the audit scope 
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the parent company, the accounting processes and 
controls, and the industry in which they operate. 

We conducted our work in 20 countries covering 28 reporting units. 

The reporting units where we conducted our audit work accounted for 97% of the Group’s revenues and 93% of the Group’s 
profit before taxation. 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and 
extent of our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect  
of misstatements, both individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.  

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

Group financial statements 

Parent company financial statements 

Overall materiality 

£19,100,000 (2016: £17,500,000). 

£20,600,000 (2016: £16,200,000). 

How we determined it  5% of profit before taxation and exceptional items. 

1% of total assets. 

Rationale for  
benchmark applied 

We believe that profit before taxation and exceptional 
items is the primary measure used by the shareholders 
in assessing the performance of the Group, and is a 
generally accepted auditing benchmark. 

  We believe that total assets is the most 

appropriate measure as Inchcape Plc acts  
as an investment holding parent company 
rather than a profit oriented trading company. 

For each component in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. 
The range of materiality allocated across components was between £1,000,000 and £12,000,000. Certain components were 
audited to a local statutory audit materiality that was also less than our overall Group materiality. 

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £1,000,000 
(Group audit) (2016: £870,000) and £1,000,000 (parent company audit) (2016: £810,000) as well as misstatements below those 
amounts that, in our view, warranted reporting for qualitative reasons. 

Going concern 
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows: 

Reporting obligation 

  Outcome 

We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw attention 
to in respect of the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about 
whether the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern 
basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements and the Directors’ 
identification of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and the parent 
company’s ability to continue as a going concern over a period of at least 
12 months from the date of approval of the financial statements. 

  We have nothing material to add or to 
draw attention to. However, because  
not all future events or conditions can  
be predicted, this statement is not a 
guarantee as to the Group’s and parent 
company’s ability to continue as a  
going concern. 

We are required to report if the Directors’ statement relating to going concern in 
accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit. 

  We have nothing to report. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent auditors’ report to the members of Inchcape plc continued 

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

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

With respect to the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, we also considered whether the disclosures required by the UK 
Companies Act 2006 have been included.  

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006, 
(CA06), ISAs (UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and 
matters as described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated). 

STRATEGIC REPORT AND DIRECTORS’ REPORT 
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the Strategic Report and 
Directors’ Report for the year ended 31 December 2017 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in 
accordance with applicable legal requirements. (CA06) 

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and parent company and their environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report. (CA06) 

THE DIRECTORS’ ASSESSMENT OF THE PROSPECTS OF THE GROUP AND OF THE PRINCIPAL RISKS 
THAT WOULD THREATEN THE SOLVENCY OR LIQUIDITY OF THE GROUP 
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding: 

•  The Directors’ confirmation on pages 84 to 85 of the Annual Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of 

the principal risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency 
or liquidity. 

•  The disclosures 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 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 to report having performed a review of the Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust 
assessment of the principal risks facing the Group and 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 UK 
Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”); and considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge and 
understanding of the Group and parent company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules). 

OTHER CODE PROVISIONS 
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when:  

•  The statement given by the Directors, on page 80, that they consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and parent company’s 
position and performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and 
parent company obtained in the course of performing our audit. 

•  The section of the Annual Report on pages 50 to 55 describing the work of the Audit Committee does not appropriately 

address matters communicated by us to the Audit Committee. 

•  The Directors’ statement relating to the parent company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure 

from a relevant provision of the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors. 

DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with 
the Companies Act 2006. (CA06) 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE AUDIT 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the financial statements 
As explained more fully in the Directors’ responsibilities section of the Directors’ Report set out on pages 79 to 80, the Directors 
are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as they determine is 
necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud 
or error. 

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

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

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

Use of this report 
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the 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. 

OTHER REQUIRED REPORTING 

Companies Act 2006 exception reporting 
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 

•  certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or 
•  the parent company 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.  

Appointment 
We were appointed on 31 October 1958 to audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 1958 and 
subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 60 years, covering the years ended 
31 December 1958 to 31 December 2017. 

Neil Grimes (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors 
London 

26 February 2018 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Consolidated income statement 
For the year ended 31 December 2017 

Revenue 

Cost of sales 

Gross profit 

 Before 
exceptional 
items 
2017
£m 

Exceptional 
items
(note 2)
2017
£m 

Notes

 Before 
exceptional 
items  
2016 
£m 

Exceptional 
items 
(note 2) 
2016 
£m  

Total
2017
£m 

Total
2016
£m 

1, 3

8,949.2

(7,697.1)

1,252.1

–

–

–

8,949.2

7,838.4 

(7,697.1) (6,759.3) 

1,252.1

1,079.1 

– 

7,838.4

–  (6,759.3)

– 

1,079.1

Net operating expenses  

3

(844.6)

(12.6)

(857.2)

(720.0) 

(81.6)

(801.6)

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) 

407.5

(12.6)

394.9

359.1 

(81.6)

277.5

–

407.5

14.6

(39.6)

382.5

(95.8)

286.7

13

6

7

8

9

9

–

–

(0.1) 

(12.6)

394.9

14.6

359.0 

17.0 

(39.6)

(26.6) 

–

–

(12.6)

369.9

349.4 

2.7

(93.1)

(88.0) 

(9.9)

276.8

261.4 

268.9

7.9

276.8

64.6p

63.9p

– 

(81.6)

– 

– 

(81.6)

11.5 

(70.1)

(0.1)

277.4

17.0

(26.6)

267.8

(76.5)

191.3

184.4

6.9

191.3

43.2p

42.6p

The notes on pages 109 to 154 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

94 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
For the year ended 31 December 2017 

Profit for the year  

Other comprehensive (loss) / income: 

Items that will not be reclassified to the consolidated income statement 

Notes 

2017 
£m 

2016 
£m

276.8

191.3

Defined benefit pension scheme remeasurements  

5 

37.9

(60.3)

Current tax recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

Deferred tax recognised in consolidated statement of comprehensive income 

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 

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

Total comprehensive income for the year  

Total comprehensive income attributable to: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

16 

16 

–

(5.5)

32.4

15.5

(68.1)

(5.0)

(57.6)

(25.2)

251.6

0.1

10.8

(49.4)

(35.3)

215.3

10.5

190.5

141.1

332.4

243.3

8.3

251.6

324.5

7.9

332.4

The notes on pages 109 to 154 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2017 

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  

2017  
£m  

2016 
£m 

11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
5 

639.5 
802.0 
4.2 
7.3 
44.8 
37.0 
105.9 

614.5
778.6
4.1
3.6
50.9
31.7
80.0

  1,640.7 

1,563.4

17  1,768.6 
463.5 
15 
0.2 
14 
52.4 
23 
10.1 
926.9 

18 

1,549.4
446.0
0.2
160.1
13.6
645.2

  3,221.7 

2,814.5

19 

13.8 

3.2

  3,235.5 

2,817.7

  4,876.2 

4,381.1

20  (2,235.5) (1,911.6)
(53.6)
23 
(68.5)
(37.0)
(481.7)

(21.6)
(73.7)
(27.2)
(534.5)

21 
22 

  (2,892.5) (2,552.4)

20 
21 
16 
22 
5 

(22.6)
(32.3)
(78.5)
(361.9)
(33.6)

(18.0)
(32.7)
(80.8)
(292.0)
(42.7)

(528.9)

(466.2)

  (3,421.4) (3,018.6)

  1,454.8 

1,362.5

24 

41.6 
146.7 
139.0 
(83.6)
25 
26  1,190.5 

42.2
146.7
138.4
(25.6)
1,042.2

  1,434.2 

1,343.9

20.6 

18.6

1,454.8 

1,362.5

The notes on pages 109 to 154 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial 
statements on pages 94 to 154 were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2018 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Stefan Bomhard, 
Group Chief Executive 

Richard Howes, 
Chief Financial Officer 

96 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2017 

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 2016  

43.8

146.7

136.8

(215.1) 1,106.8 

1,219.0 

22.9

1,241.9

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive income /  
(loss) for the year 

Total comprehensive income  
for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 

Share buyback programme 

Net purchase of own shares by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust 

Dividends: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

At 1 January 2017  

Profit for the year 

Other comprehensive (loss) /  
income for the year 

Total comprehensive income /  
(loss) for the year  

Share-based payments, net of tax 

4,16 

Share buyback programme 

24 

(0.6)

Net purchase of own shares by the 
Inchcape Employee Trust 

Dividends: 

– Owners of the parent 

– Non-controlling interests 

At 31 December 2017 

10 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(1.6)

–

–

–

4,16 

24 

10 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

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) 

–

–

–

–

–

– 

– 

(12.2)

6.9

1.0

7.9

–

–

–

–

191.3

141.1

332.4

11.3

(109.8)

(10.9)

(90.2)

(12.2)

42.2

146.7

138.4

(25.6) 1,042.2  1,343.9 

18.6

1,362.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.6

–

–

–

–

268.9 

268.9 

7.9

276.8

(58.0)

32.4 

(25.6) 

0.4

(25.2)

(58.0)

301.3 

243.3 

8.3

251.6

–

–

–

–

–

11.0 

11.0 

(50.2) 

(50.2) 

(11.1) 

(11.1) 

(102.7) 

(102.7) 

–

–

–

–

11.0

(50.2)

(11.1)

(102.7)

– 

– 

(6.3)

(6.3)

41.6

146.7

139.0

(83.6) 1,190.5  1,434.2 

20.6

1,454.8

The notes on pages 109 to 154 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

Share-based payments include a net tax credit of £0.8m (current tax credit of £0.4m and a deferred tax credit of £0.4m)  
(2016 – net tax charge of £0.8m (current tax credit of £0.2m and a deferred tax charge of £1.0m)). 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes 

27a 

 2017  
£m 

 2016
£m 

500.4 

(85.9)

14.6 

(39.6)

389.5 

382.8

(99.5)

12.4

(24.1)

271.6

28 

28 

(23.7)

(201.1)

5.6 

(103.2)

(24.0)

25.8 

2.8

(71.1)

(22.7)

21.7

(119.5)

(270.4)

(50.2)

(11.1)

210.0 

(138.5)

(119.3)

(1.4)

10 

(102.7)

(6.3)

(219.5)

(109.8)

(10.9)

–

–

133.3

(1.2)

(90.2)

(12.2)

(91.0)

27b 

50.5 

(89.8)

416.0 

(49.9)

416.6 

375.3

130.5

416.0

Notes 

 2017 
£m 

2016 
£m 

18 

18 

22 

820.0 

106.9 

473.7

171.5

(510.3)

(229.2)

416.6 

416.0

Consolidated statement of cash flows 
For the year ended 31 December 2017 

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 buyback programme 

Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape Employee Trust 

Cash inflow from Private Placement loan notes 

Repayment of Private Placement loan notes 

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from other borrowings 

Payment of capital element of finance leases 

Equity dividends paid  

Dividends paid to non-controlling interests 

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase / (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 109 to 154 are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

98 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. Where appropriate, comparative information has been reclassified to conform to the 
presentation in the current year. 

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 2018 subject to 
EU endorsement. 

•  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). 
•  Annual improvements (2015 – 2017). 

Management are currently reviewing the new standards to assess the impact that they may have on the Group’s reported 
position and performance. Management do not expect that the adoption of the standards listed above will have a material 
impact on the financial statements of the Group, except as noted below: 

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments 
IFRS 9 brings together the classification and measurement, impairment and hedge accounting aspects of the International 
Accounting Standards Board’s project to replace IAS 39. The full impact of adopting IFRS 9 on the Group’s consolidated 
financial statements will depend on the financial instruments that the Group holds during 2018 as well as on economic 
conditions and judgements made as at the year end. The Group has performed a preliminary assessment of the potential 
impact of adopting IFRS 9 based on the financial instruments and hedging relationships as at the date of initial application. 

Classification and measurement 
IFRS 9 amends the classification and measurement of financial assets: 

•  Financial assets will either be measured at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI) or fair 

value through profit or loss (FVTPL); 

•  Financial assets are measured at amortised cost or FVTOCI if certain restrictive conditions are met. All other financial assets 

are measured at FVTPL; and 

•  All investments in equity instruments will be measured at fair value. For those investments in equity instruments that are not 

held for trading, there is an irrevocable election to present gains and losses in other comprehensive income (OCI). Dividends 
will be recognised in profit or loss. 

Based on the Group’s preliminary assessment, there will be no impact on the classification and measurement of the following 
financial assets held by the Group: available for sale financial assets, trade and other receivables, cash and short-term deposits. 
There will also be no change in the accounting for any of the Group’s financial liabilities. 

Impairment 
The new impairment model in IFRS 9 is now based on an ‘expected loss’ model rather than an ‘incurred loss’ model. Under the 
impairment approach in IFRS 9, it is not necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. 
Instead, an entity should account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses. A simplified 
impairment model is applicable to trade and other contractual receivables with maturities that are less than 12 months. For 
trade and other contractual receivables with maturity longer than 12 months, entities have a choice of applying the complex 
three stage model or the simplified model. The Group expects to apply the simplified approach to recognise lifetime expected 
credit losses for its trade receivables as required or permitted by IFRS 9. The Group’s preliminary calculation of the loss allowance 
for these assets as at 1 January 2018 indicates that it is not materially different to the loss allowance calculated under IAS 39. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSAccounting policies continued 

Hedge accounting 
On initial application of IFRS 9, an entity may choose, as its accounting policy, to continue to apply the hedge accounting 
requirements of IAS 39 instead of the hedge accounting requirements of IFRS 9. The Group has elected to apply IFRS 9 hedge 
accounting requirements because they are more closely aligned with the way that the Group manages its risks. Under the new 
hedge accounting requirements: 

•  The 80-125% highly effective threshold has been removed; 
•  Risk components of non-financial items can qualify for hedge accounting provided that the risk component is separately 

identifiable and reliably measurable; 

•  An aggregated position (i.e. combination of a derivative and a non-derivative) can qualify for hedge accounting provided 

that it is managed as one risk exposure; 

•  When entities designate the intrinsic value of options, the initial time value is deferred in OCI and subsequent changes in time 

value are recognised in OCI; 

•  When entities designate only the spot element of a forward contract, the forward points can be deferred in OCI and 

subsequent changes in forward points are recognised in OCI. Initial foreign currency basis spread can also be deferred in 
OCI with subsequent changes recognised in OCI; and 

•  Net foreign exchange cash flow positions can qualify for hedge accounting. 

The Group currently applies hedge accounting to: 

•  the Group’s cross currency interest rate swaps that are used to hedge the fixed interest rate risk and the forward foreign 

currency risks associated with the Group’s Private Placement loan notes denominated in US dollars; and 

•  the transactional currency exposures on the purchases of vehicles and parts in a currency other than an operating unit’s 

functional currency. 

An assessment of the Group’s hedging relationships under IFRS 9 has been performed and it has been determined that the 
relationships will qualify as continuing hedging relationships under the new standard and that the application of IFRS 9 will not 
have a material impact on the Group’s consolidated financial statements. 

The Group has elected not to restate comparatives on initial application of IFRS 9. 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers 
IFRS 15 establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with 
customers. It supersedes the previous revenue recognition guidance including IAS 18 Revenue and IAS 11 Construction 
Contracts, and is effective for the Group from 1 January 2018. The Group will therefore adopt IFRS 15 for the year ending 
31 December 2018 and will adopt the full retrospective approach with restatement of comparatives. 

The core principle of IFRS 15 is that an entity should recognise revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to 
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or 
services. Specifically, the standard introduces a five-step approach to revenue recognition: 

•  Step 1: Identify the contract(s) with a customer 
•  Step 2: Identify the performance obligations in the contract 
•  Step 3: Determine the transaction price 
•  Step 4: Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract 
•  Step 5: Recognise revenue when (or as) each performance obligation is satisfied 

The following revenue streams have been identified as being impacted by the adoption of the new standard: 

Area 

Current treatment 

New treatment under IFRS 15 

The provision of extended warranties 
to customers over and above the 
OEM warranty where the Group acts 
as the principal in the supply of the 
warranty service. 

The Group provides an estimate 
of the cost of fulfilling the future 
obligation on the sale of the 
vehicle. The cost of fulfilling the 
obligation when it arises is then 
charged against the provision. 

A proportion of revenue will be allocated to 
the extended warranty obligation and 
deferred to the balance sheet. The revenue 
will subsequently be recognised over time 
along with the costs incurred in fulfilling any 
warranty obligations. 

The sale of vehicles which are subject to 
a buyback commitment and the 
possibility of the buyback being 
exercised by the customer is not highly 
likely as the buyback price set is below 
the expected market value. 

Revenue and profit associated 
with vehicles sold subject to a 
buyback commitment are deferred 
and recognised over the period 
of the commitment. 

Payments made by a Distribution 
business to a dealer in the form of a 
discount, rebate, credit note or some 
other form of incentive. 

In most cases, these are deducted 
from revenue. 

Revenue is recognised in full when the 
vehicle is sold. However, an estimate of the 
value of the buyback payments is deducted 
from revenue and deferred to the balance 
sheet. Similarly, an estimate of the value of 
the vehicles to be returned is deducted from 
cost of sales and also deferred to the 
balance sheet. 

The new standard clarifies that all 
transactions that fall within this category 
should be accounted for as reduction in 
revenue by the Distributor and not as an 
expense within cost of sales. 

100 

100 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

Area 

Current treatment 

New treatment under IFRS 15 

Additional services included in the sale  
of a vehicle to a customer as part of  
the total vehicle package (e.g. free 
servicing, roadside assistance, fuel 
coupons etc) where the Group is acting 
as a principal in the fulfilment of the 
service at a future date, rather than 
simply as an agent in selling the 
additional service and with no 
continuing obligation. 

Varies dependent on the 
conclusions reached with regards 
to whether the Group is acting as 
principal or agent. Where the 
Group is acting as an agent, 
revenue is recognised in full on  
the sale of a vehicle. Where the 
Group is acting as principal, 
revenue is deferred. 

Vehicle registration and similar fees 
which are charged to the customer  
on the sale of a vehicle and which  
are collected by the Group on behalf  
of an authority. 

In most, but not all, cases these are 
excluded from revenue. 

The new standard set outs more 
comprehensive guidance on principal  
and agent relationships. 

Where the Group acts as principal, the  
value of the additional services should be 
separately identified, deducted from revenue, 
recognised as deferred revenue on the 
balance sheet and subsequently recognised 
as revenue when the service is provided, or 
over the period to which the service relates. 

Where the Group acts as an agent, the net 
amount retained after the deduction of any 
costs paid to the principal is recognised as 
revenue. If a product or service is provided 
free to a customer, then the costs paid to the 
principal should be deducted from revenue 
rather than charged to cost of sales. 

The new standard set outs more 
comprehensive guidance on principal and 
agent relationships. 

As a consequence of the new guidance, 
where it is concluded that the Group is  
acting as an agent of a government in the 
collection of such fees, the amount of the 
vehicle registration fee should be excluded 
from revenue. 

The Group estimates that the net impact of applying IFRS 15 to its reported results for the year ended 31 December 2017 would 
have been a reduction in operating profit of c.£1m. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of the agency versus 
principal considerations on certain revenue streams, however these are not expected to have an impact on reported profit. 

IFRS 16 Leases 
IFRS 16 introduces a comprehensive model for the identification of lease arrangements and accounting treatments for both 
lessees and lessors. IFRS 16 will supersede the current guidance on leases including IAS 17 and the related interpretations when 
it becomes effective for the Group’s financial year commencing 1 January 2019. 

Under IFRS 16, the distinction between operating leases (off balance sheet) and finance leases (on balance sheet) are removed 
for lessee accounting and replaced with a model where a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability are recognised for all 
leases by lessees. As a result, all leases will be on balance sheet except for short-term leases and leases of low value assets. 

The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation. The lease 
liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. Subsequently, the lease liability is adjusted for interest 
and lease payments. As a consequence, earnings before interest, depreciation, amortisation and tax (EBITDA) will increase 
because operating lease expenses currently included in EBITDA will be recognised instead as amortisation of the right-of-use 
asset and interest expense on the lease liability. However, there will be an overall reduction in profit before tax in the early years 
of a lease because the amortisation and interest charges will exceed the current straight line expense incurred under IAS 17. In 
addition, the classification of cash flows will also be affected because operating lease payments under IAS 17 are presented 
within operating cash flows, whereas under IFRS 16 the payments will be split into a principal and interest portion which will be 
presented as financing and operating cash flows respectively. 

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inchcape.com 101 

101 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Accounting policies continued 

As at 31 December 2017, the Group has non-cancellable operating lease commitments of £410.7m (see note 30). A preliminary 
assessment indicates that these arrangements will meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 and hence the Group will 
recognise a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability in respect of all these leases unless they qualify as short-term or low 
value leases. The new requirement to recognise a right-of-use asset and related lease liability is expected to have a significant 
impact on the amounts recognised in the Group’s financial statements. Management are currently assessing the potential 
impact and at this stage it is not practicable to provide a reasonable estimate of the financial effect until this review is complete. 

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. 

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 

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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. 

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. 

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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 three to eight 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. 

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Accounting policies continued 

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.  

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’. 

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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: 

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 2017, the insurance company 
had started to issue individual policies to members and £51.2m of liabilities had been derecognised together with the 
associated asset. The remainder of the bulk purchase annuity has been accounted for as an asset of the scheme and valued 
on the same basis as the liabilities that it matches. 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Accounting policies continued 

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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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 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. 

Following the acquisition of the BMW Distribution operations in Estonia, operations with similar economic characteristics in UK 
and Europe have been reclassified from Retail to Distribution in the prior period comparatives for consistency. 

2017 

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 

 Asia  
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m  

1,103.2
(268.1)
835.1

1,059.2
(186.1)
873.1

71.3
(0.1)

71.2

31.0
(5.2)

25.8

1,700.6 
– 
1,700.6 

157.7 
(0.1) 

794.6 
– 
794.6 

86.3 
(2.4) 

Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution 
£m 

4,657.6
(454.2)
4,203.4

346.3
(7.8)

157.6 

83.9 

338.5

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2017 

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  

805.9 
– 
805.9 

30.8 
– 

 Australasia  
£m 

 UK
 and Europe
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets
£m 

Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

3,356.1
–
3,356.1

583.8
–
583.8

4,745.8
–
4,745.8

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

9,403.4 
(454.2) 
8,949.2 

 Central 
£m  

 Total
£m 

– 
– 
– 

9,403.4
(454.2)
8,949.2

58.8
(2.8)

3.6
(1.1)

93.2
(3.9)

439.5 
(11.7) 

(32.0) 
(0.9) 

407.5
(12.6)

30.8 

56.0

2.5

89.3

427.8 

(32.9) 

394.9

–
394.9
14.6
(39.6)
369.9
(93.1)
276.8

Net finance costs of £25.0m 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: 

2017 

UK  
Rest of the world  
Group  

Gross profit for Distribution and Retail activities is analysed as follows: 

2017 

Distribution  
Retail  
Group  

£m

3,049.0
5,900.2
8,949.2

 Vehicles
£m 

 Aftersales 
£m  

 Total
£m 

458.9
326.3
785.2

290.1 
176.8 
466.9 

749.0
503.1
1,252.1

110 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2017 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Other non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

 Asia 
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m 

 Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution
£m 

170.9

282.0

341.1

282.6 

1,076.6

(362.0)

(250.9)

(346.2)

(235.5) 

(1,194.6)

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2017 

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 

 Asia 
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets  
£m 

11.4
–
2.8

3.1
–
1.9
–
–

1.0

9.3
8.9
3.8

1.4
1.8
0.8
–
–

13.1

9.7
9.9
0.3

10.7
4.8
2.6
–
–

14.3

17.0 
0.8 
1.5 

6.8 
0.2 
0.9 
– 
– 

0.2 

 Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution 
£m 

47.4
19.6
8.4

22.0
6.8
6.2
–
–

28.6

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

www.inchcape.com 

111 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

1  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2017 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Other non-current assets  
Segment liabilities  

Other liabilities  
Net assets  

 Australasia 
£m 

 UK
and Europe 
£m 

 Emerging 
Markets  
£m 

Retail  

 Total  
Retail  
£m 

 Total 
£m 

212.6

862.0

124.3 

1,198.9 

2,275.5

(207.3)

(843.5)

(69.0) 

(1,119.8) 

1,004.8
1,595.9
(2,314.4)

(1,107.0)
1,454.8

Segment assets include net inventory, receivables and derivative assets. Segment liabilities include payables, provisions and  
derivative liabilities. 

2017 

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 
0.1 
1.5 

1.5 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2.7 

48.5
7.8
1.8

15.6
3.6
4.2
–
–

40.9

7.3
–
0.3

4.3
–
2.6
–
–

1.6

 Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

56.9
7.9
3.6

21.4
3.6
6.8
–
–

45.2

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

 Central  
£m 

 Total 
£m 

104.3 
27.5 
12.0 

43.4 
10.4 
13.0 
– 
– 

73.8 

0.1 
– 
14.2 

0.4 
– 
0.8 
– 
– 

104.4
27.5
26.2

43.8
10.4
13.8
–
–

(2.0) 

71.8

Net provisions include inventory, trade receivables impairment and other liability provisions. 

112 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

 Asia  
£m 

 Emerging 
 Markets 
£m  

937.4
(165.8)
771.6

26.8
(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

Distribution 

 Total
 Distribution 
£m 

3,815.4
(391.0)
3,424.4

283.3
(44.7)

(5.3)

125.1 

51.5 

238.6

www.inchcape.com 

113 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 

3,291.3
–
3,291.3

421.4
–
421.4

4,414.0
–
4,414.0

 Total pre 
Central  
£m 

8,229.4 
(391.0) 
7,838.4 

 Central 
£m  

 Total
£m 

– 
– 
– 

8,229.4
(391.0)
7,838.4

34.6 
(4.7) 

70.3
(4.6)

0.4
(0.4)

105.3
(9.7)

388.6 
(54.4) 

(29.5) 
(27.2) 

359.1
(81.6)

29.9 

65.7

–

95.6

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 

341.9
336.8
678.7

242.4 
158.0 
400.4 

584.3
494.8
1,079.1

114 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1  SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS CONTINUED 

2016 

Segment assets and liabilities  
Segment assets  

Other current assets  
Other 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

228.3

372.2

276.0 

1,006.3

(354.4)

(177.5)

(329.4)

(184.4) 

(1,045.7)

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

4.1
7.4
1.3

1.5
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 
– 
– 

44.0
19.2
5.2

16.4
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. 

www.inchcape.com 

115 

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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  
Other 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

743.6

116.7 

1,039.5 

2,045.8

(160.5)

(736.2)

(74.5) 

(971.2) 

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 

23.7
8.1
2.4

15.1
4.1
5.6
–
–

28.2

2.1
–
1.2

3.9
–
3.2
–
–

0.6

 Retail 

 Total 
Retail 
£m 

26.9
8.1
7.9

21.2
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. 

116 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2  EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS 

Restructuring costs 
Acquisition of businesses 
Goodwill impairment (see note 11) 
Impairment of software and associated assets (see notes 11 and 12) 
Total exceptional items before tax 
Exceptional tax (see note 8) 
Total exceptional items 

2017
 £m 

(10.5)
(2.1)
–
–
(12.6)
2.7
(9.9)

2016 
 £m 

(24.8)
(8.8)
(24.9)
(23.1)
(81.6)
11.5
(70.1)

During the year the Group has incurred restructuring costs of £10.5m (2016 – £24.8m) as part of a Group-wide programme 
commenced in 2016 to better align the organisation with the Ignite strategy. The costs incurred comprise headcount reduction 
and costs associated with the redevelopment of the third party Retail network in certain markets. 

Exceptional costs of £2.1m (2016 – £8.8m) have been incurred in connection with the acquisition and integration of the Subaru, 
Hino and associated Distribution businesses in South America which were acquired in 2016. 

In 2016, the Group made configuration changes to the iPower system to better reflect the Ignite strategy, resulting in a non-cash 
impairment charge of £23.1m, and impaired the carrying value of goodwill relating to businesses in Lithuania and Estonia. 

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 

2017 
£m 

8,222.8
726.4
8,949.2

2016 
£m 

7,232.1
606.3
7,838.4

Net operating 
expenses before 
exceptional 
items 
2017
 £m 

 Exceptional 
items 
2017
 £m 

483.3
375.2
(13.9)
844.6

–
12.6
–
12.6

 Net 
operating 
expenses 
2017
 £m 

483.3
387.8
(13.9)
857.2

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  

2017
 £m 

2016
 £m 

43.8
10.4
13.8
–
–
–
1.6
(10.6)
71.3

38.0
10.6
14.9
24.9
22.8
1.3
1.1
(12.7)
62.8

Profit on the sale of property, plant and equipment in 2017 relates to the sale of surplus sites in Australia and Russia. In 2016, the 
Group disposed of surplus assets in Australia and Russia and rationalised its service facilities in Hong Kong and its Retail portfolio 
in the UK. 

www.inchcape.com 

117 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 LLP 

Audit fees – firms other than PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  

e. Staff costs 

Wages and salaries  
Social security costs  
Other pension costs  
Share-based payment charge 

 2017 
£m  

2016
£m 

0.5 

2.1 
0.1 
– 
– 
0.1 
2.8 

0.4 

 2017 
£m  

524.2 
50.5 
23.5 
10.2 
608.4 

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

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 59 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 

2017
Number 

539
852
2,742
2,903
7,036

Distribution 

2016
Number 

490
787
3,104
1,314
5,695

2017
Number 

1,163
6,723
–
1,718
9,604

Retail   

2016 
Number   

1,065   
6,416   
–   
1,587   
9,068   

2017 
Number  

1,702 
7,575 
2,742 
4,621 
16,640 
149 
16,789 

Total 

2016
Number 

1,555
7,203
3,104
2,901
14,763
132
14,895

Average monthly number of employees in the Emerging Markets Distribution segment in 2017 includes the employees of the 
Distribution business in South America acquired on 22 December 2016. 

118 

118 
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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
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 £10.2m (2016 – £12.1m), 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: 

2017 

Outstanding at 1 January 
Granted 
Exercised 
Lapsed 
Outstanding at 31 December  

Exercisable at 31 December  

2016 

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 

£4.48
£6.66
£3.41
£5.74
£5.36

£3.33

4,630,496
1,457,828
(1,082,419)
(660,226)
4,345,679

355,159 
– 
(284,480) 
(1,613) 
69,066 

2,051,995 
675,726 
(441,502) 
(387,946) 
1,898,273 

1,286,746
637,223
(423,530)
(114,603)
1,385,836

410,145

69,066 

77,365 

34,346

Weighted average 
 exercise price* 

Performance
Share Plan 

Executive Share 
Option Plan 

£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 

Save As You 
 Earn Plan 

2,148,491 
806,099 
(493,270) 
(409,325) 
2,051,995 

Other 
Share Plans 

1,190,277
509,333
(295,759)
(117,105)
1,286,746

7,431 

100,825

*  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 2017 is 2.7 years (2016 – 3.2 years). 

The range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £0.10 to £6.66 (2016 – £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 2017 and 31 December 2016: 

Performance

 Share Plan   

Save As You 

 Earn Plan   

Other
 Share Plans 

2017 

2016   

2017 

2016   

2017 

2016 

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 

£8.46
£8.15
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£8.46

£6.85
£6.98
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
3.0 years
n/a
n/a
£6.85

£8.44
£7.74
£6.66
3.0 years
23.0%
3.2 years
0.5%
2.9%
£1.81

£6.57   
£6.51   
£5.63   
3.0 years   
23.9%   
3.2 years   
0.1%   
3.2%   
£1.14 

£7.82
£8.16
n/a
2.5 years
n/a
2.5 years
n/a
n/a
£7.82

£6.89
£7.22
£0.10
2.7 years
30.8%
3.7 years
0.9%
n/a
£6.86

*  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 2017 or 2016. 

The expected life and volatility of the options are based upon historical data. 

www.inchcape.com 

119 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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. Across the schemes a number of exercises have been undertaken to 
significantly mitigate these key funding risks. 

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 defined accrued benefit 
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 currently pays deficit reduction contributions  
of £1.1m 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. 

120 

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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 attained age 
method. The actuarial valuation determined that the duration of the liabilities was approximately 11 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) 
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 2017, approximately 20% of the individual member policies had been issued by Aviva. The remainder of 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 £6.2m (2016 – £5.4m). There are outstanding 
contributions of £0.2m at the year end (2016 – £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.  

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTSNotes to the financial statements continued 

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 

2017
% 

3.1
3.0
2.5

3.2
2.1

2016 

%   

3.8   
3.2   
2.6   

3.3   
2.3   

2017 
% 

3.8 
2.3 
1.9 

2.1 
n/a 

2016
% 

3.8
1.8
2.0

2.4
n/a

The rate of increase in healthcare costs is 5.4% (2016 – 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 23.9 years (2016 – 23.8 years) for current pensioners and 25.8 
years (2016 – 25.6 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: 

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 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2017
£m 

2016
£m 

(1,007.2)
1,083.0
75.8
(0.7)
75.1

(1,081.2)
1,129.3
48.1
(0.8)
47.3

2017
£m 

(47.6)
46.2
(1.4)
(1.4)
(2.8)

2016 

£m   

(55.1)  
46.6   
(8.5)  
(1.5)  
(10.0)  

2017 
£m 

(1,054.8) 
1,129.2 
74.4 
(2.1) 
72.3 

Total 

2016
£m 

(1,136.3)
1,175.9
39.6
(2.3)
37.3

105.5
(30.4)
75.1

79.5
(32.2)
47.3

0.4
(3.2)
(2.8)

0.5   
(10.5)  
(10.0)  

105.9 
(33.6) 
72.3 

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   

2017
£m 

(14.2)
(1.6)
(27.7)
29.2
(14.3)

2016
£m 

(10.0)
(1.9)
(33.6)
37.9
(7.6)

2017
£m 

(3.1)
(0.1)
(0.9)
0.8
(3.3)

2016 

£m   

(3.2)  
(0.1)  
(0.8)  
0.7   
(3.4)  

2017 
£m 

(17.3) 
(1.7) 
(28.6) 
30.0 
(17.6) 

122 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

80.0
(42.7)
37.3

Total 

2016
£m 

(13.2)
(2.0)
(34.4)
38.6
(11.0)

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
5  PENSIONS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS CONTINUED 
The amounts recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income are as follows: 

Actuarial gains / (losses) on liabilities: 
– Experience gains 
– Changes in demographic assumptions 
– Changes in financial assumptions 
Actuarial gains on assets: 
– Experience gains 

Analysis of the movement in the net asset / (liability): 

At 1 January 
Amount recognised in the consolidated income statement 
Contributions by employer 
Actuarial gains / (losses) recognised in the year 
Effect of foreign exchange rates 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2017
£m 

2016
£m 

2017
£m 

2016 

£m   

2017
£m 

4.2
12.3
(0.6)

13.7
29.6

18.5
(9.8)
(217.3)

145.5
(63.1)

1.4
–
(0.1)

7.0
8.3

1.3   
–   
0.9   

0.6   
2.8   

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2017
£m 

47.3
(14.3)
12.5
29.6
–
75.1

2016
£m 

108.4
(7.6)
9.6
(63.1)
–
47.3

2017
£m 

(10.0)
(3.3)
1.7
8.3
0.5
(2.8)

2016 

£m   

(9.5)  
(3.4)  
1.7   
2.8   
(1.6)  
(10.0)  

5.6
12.3
(0.7)

20.7
37.9

2017
£m 

37.3
(17.6)
14.2
37.9
0.5
72.3

Changes in the present value of the defined benefit obligation are as follows: 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

At 1 January 
Current service cost 
Interest expense on plan liabilities 
Actuarial gains / (losses):  
– Experience gains 
– Changes in demographic assumptions 
– Changes in financial assumptions 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid  
Plan settlements 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

2017
£m 

(1,082.0)
(14.2)
(27.7)

2016
£m 

(887.8)
(10.0)
(33.6)

4.2
12.3
(0.6)
(0.1)
49.0
51.2
–

18.5
(9.8)
(217.3)
(0.1)
58.1
–
–
(1,007.9) (1,082.0)

2017
£m 

(56.6)
(3.1)
(0.9)

1.4
–
(0.1)
–
5.6
–
4.7
(49.0)

Total 

2016
£m 

19.8
(9.8)
(216.4)

146.1
(60.3)

Total 

2016
£m 

98.9
(11.0)
11.3
(60.3)
(1.6)
37.3

Total 

2016
£m 

(937.8)
(13.2)
(34.4)

2016 

£m   

2017
£m 

(50.0)   (1,138.6)
(17.3)
(28.6)

(3.2)  
(0.8)  

1.3   
–   
0.9   
–   
4.4   
–   
(9.2)  

5.6
19.8
12.3
(9.8)
(0.7)
(216.4)
(0.1)
(0.1)
54.6
62.5
51.2
–
4.7
(9.2)
(56.6)   (1,056.9) (1,138.6)

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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:  
– Experience gains 
Contributions by employer 
Contributions by employees 
Benefits paid 
Plan settlements 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2017
£m 

1,129.3
29.2
(1.6)

13.7
12.5
0.1
(49.0)
(51.2)
–
1,083.0

2016
£m 

996.2
37.9
(1.9)

145.5
9.6
0.1
(58.1)
–
–
1,129.3

2017
£m 

46.6
0.8
(0.1)

7.0
1.7
–
(5.6)
–
(4.2)
46.2

2016 

£m   

40.5   
0.7   
(0.1)  

0.6   
1.7   
–   
(4.4)  
–   
7.6   
46.6   

2017 
£m 

1,175.9 
30.0 
(1.7) 

20.7 
14.2 
0.1 
(54.6) 
(51.2) 
(4.2) 
1,129.2 

At the end of the reporting period, the percentage of the plan assets by category were as follows: 

Equities (quoted) 
Corporate bonds (quoted) 
Government bonds (quoted) 
Investment funds (unquoted) 
Bulk purchase annuity 
Other (unquoted) 

United Kingdom 

Overseas   

2017 

2016 

2017 

2016   

2017 

4.2%
–
–
53.6%
18.9%
23.3%
100.0%

7.6%
2.6%
0.1%
42.6%
24.4%
22.7%
100.0%

75.9%
18.2%
0.5%
–
–
5.4%
100.0%

70.8%   
17.9%   
1.4%   
–   
–   
9.9%   
100.0%   

7.1% 
0.7% 
– 
51.4% 
18.2% 
22.6% 
100.0% 

Total 

2016
£m 

1,036.7
38.6
(2.0)

146.1
11.3
0.1
(62.5)
–
7.6
1,175.9

Total 

2016 

10.1%
3.2%
0.1%
40.9%
23.4%
22.3%
100.0%

Investment funds and other assets include equities, bonds, property, derivatives and liability driven investments. Virtually all the 
equities and bonds have quoted prices in active markets. Derivatives and liability driven investments can be classified as Level 2 
instruments and property as Level 3 instruments.  

The schemes had no directly held employer related investment during the reporting period. The schemes’ investment managers 
may potentially hold a small investment in Inchcape plc either through index weightings or stock selection (less than 0.5% of 
their respective fund values). 

124 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
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 schemes 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 

2017 

£m   

+44.8 
-42.1 
-28.8 
+29.6 
+39.3 

2016
£m 

+43.5
-49.7
-37.8
+33.9
+37.4

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 2018 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.  

www.inchcape.com 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 
Capitalised borrowing costs 
Total finance costs 

2017  
£m 

7.2 
1.4 
6.0 
14.6 

2017  
£m 

7.7 
6.0 
0.2 
(34.3) 
33.1 
24.3 
2.7 
(0.1) 
39.6 

 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

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% (2016 – 2.0%). 

126 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
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 
Total tax charge 

2017
£m 

3.9
98.3
102.2

2.2
(0.5)
103.9
(10.8)
93.1

2016
£m 

6.0
79.2
85.2

(1.5)
(1.2)
82.5
(6.0)
76.5

95.8
(2.7)
93.1

88.0
(11.5)
76.5

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. 

Factors affecting the tax expense for the year 
The effective tax rate for the year after exceptional items is 25.2% (2016 – 28.6%). The underlying effective tax rate before the 
impact of exceptional items is 25.0% (2016 – 25.2%). The weighted average tax rate is 24.0% (2016 – 24.1%). 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 24.0% (2016 – 24.1%) 

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 
Total tax charge  

2017
£m 

369.9
88.8

 2016
£m 

267.8
64.6

2.9
(3.5)
(0.8)
2.1
1.3
5.1
–
(3.2)

–
0.2
0.2
93.1

9.9
(4.9)
(2.2)
(2.2)
1.5
3.2
1.6
(1.7)

3.9
1.0
1.8
76.5

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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. 

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 year governments in a number of markets in which the Group operates implemented tax reform programmes  
which included significant rule changes or reductions in corporate tax rates, or both. As such the tax charge for the year 
includes the estimated cost of the transition tax resulting from US tax reforms in relation to the Group’s operations in Guam and 
Saipan included in “Taxes on undistributed earnings” (£1.8m). This amount is partially offset by remeasurement of deferred tax  
balances at the new US corporate tax rate of 21% included in “Other items (including tax rate differentials and changes)” (£0.4m). 

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 

 2017 
£m 

276.8 
(7.9) 
268.9 
9.9 
278.8 

64.6p 
63.9p 
67.0p 
66.3p 

2016
£m 

191.3
(6.9)
184.4
70.1
254.5

43.2p
42.6p
59.6p
58.9p

 2017 
number  

2016
number 

417,209,998 

428,090,784

(1,181,859) 
416,028,139 
4,735,677 

(1,182,428)
426,908,356
5,534,805

420,763,816 

432,443,161

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 buyback 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 buyback 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. 

128 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
10  DIVIDENDS 
The following dividends were paid by the Group: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2017 of 7.9p per share  
(30 June 2016 – 7.0p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 16.8p per share  
(31 December 2015 – 14.1p per share) 

2017
£m 

32.7

70.0
102.7

2016
£m 

29.9

60.3
90.2

A final proposed dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 18.9p per share amounting to £78.4m is subject to approval 
by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2017. 

11  INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost 
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 1 January 2017 
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 2017 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 
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 1 January 2017 
Amortisation charge for the year 
Businesses sold 
Disposals 
Retirement of fully amortised assets not in use 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

 Goodwill
£m 

 Distribution 
agreements
£m 

 Computer 
software 
£m  

Other 
intangible 
assets
£m 

490.2
51.4
(0.6)
–
–
–
58.0
599.0
8.0
–
–
–
–
(2.0)
605.0

(144.9)
–
(24.9)
–
–
(44.2)
(214.0)
–
–
–
–
0.8
(213.2)

391.8

385.0

–
162.4
–
–
–
–
–
162.4
9.2
–
–
–
–
(0.9)
170.7

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

170.7

162.4

131.6 
2.7 
– 
22.4 
(1.9) 
(5.9) 
14.2 
163.1 
(0.4) 
(0.3) 
26.1 
(0.2) 
(4.3) 
(1.8) 
182.2 

(58.5) 
(14.9) 
(22.8) 
1.3 
5.9 
(7.9) 
(96.9) 
(13.8) 
0.2 
0.1 
4.3 
0.8 
(105.3) 

76.9 

66.2 

–
0.9
–
–
–
–
–
0.9
(0.9)
–
0.1
–
–
–
0.1

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

0.1

0.9

 Total 
£m 

621.8
217.4
(0.6)
22.4
(1.9)
(5.9)
72.2
925.4
15.9
(0.3)
26.2
(0.2)
(4.3)
(4.7)
958.0

(203.4)
(14.9)
(47.7)
1.3
5.9
(52.1)
(310.9)
(13.8)
0.2
0.1
4.3
1.6
(318.5)

639.5

614.5

As at 31 December 2017, capitalised borrowing costs of £nil (2016 – £nil) were included within ‘computer software’. No 
borrowing costs were capitalised during the year (2016 – £nil). 

During the year, the Group reviewed the useful life of ERP software assets in use in the business. As a result of this review, the 
useful life was changed from five years to eight years. This change has been applied prospectively and has resulted in a 
reduction in the amortisation charge for the year of c.£3m. 

www.inchcape.com 

129 

inchcape.com 129 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 
Asia 
Australasia Retail 
Australasia Distribution 

UK Retail 
South America 
Singapore 
Australia Retail 
Peugeot Citroën Australia 

2017 
£m 

265.7 
54.7 
22.4 
47.0 
2.0 

391.8 

2016
£m 

265.6
51.2
22.8
45.4
–

385.0

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 2017.  

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, and 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. 

Sensitivities 
A reasonably possible change in a key assumption will not cause a material impairment of goodwill in any of the CGU groups. 
However, the Group’s value in use calculations are sensitive to a change in the key assumptions used. 

The base case value in use calculation for the UK Retail CGU resulted in headroom of approximately 24%. Given the  
current trading conditions in the UK Retail market, sensitivities were applied to the base case calculation to model a 1% 
underperformance against forecast revenue, with no consequential changes to other assumptions, which reduced the 
headroom to approximately 10%. 

130 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
12  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost 
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 1 January 2017 
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 2017 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
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 1 January 2017 
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) 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 

At 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

Plant,
machinery 
and
equipment
£m 

Land and
buildings
£m 

659.2
26.2
–
45.2
(6.8)
–
–
(4.2)
79.7
799.3
0.8
(3.4)
68.0
(12.9)
–
–
(16.1)
(12.6)
823.1

(130.9)
–
(14.7)
1.2
(1.0)
–
–
1.0
(16.5)
(160.9)
1.3
(19.3)
3.3
–
–
4.4
2.1

(169.1)

654.0

638.4

193.8
7.3
(0.1)
25.8
(15.7)
(1.0)
(1.5)
–
28.1
236.7
(0.4)
(0.8)
36.4
(15.0)
(1.4)
0.4
–
(8.8)
247.1

(125.7)
0.1
(23.3)
14.9
(0.3)
0.6
1.5
–
(19.2)
(151.4)
0.6
(24.5)
10.5
0.7
(0.4)
–
5.2

(159.3)

87.8

85.3

Subtotal 
£m 

853.0 
33.5 
(0.1) 
71.0 
(22.5) 
(1.0) 
(1.5) 
(4.2) 
107.8 
1,036.0 
0.4 
(4.2) 
104.4 
(27.9) 
(1.4) 
0.4 
(16.1) 
(21.4) 
1,070.2 

(256.6) 
0.1 
(38.0) 
16.1 
(1.3) 
0.6 
1.5 
1.0 
(35.7) 
(312.3) 
1.9 
(43.8) 
13.8 
0.7 
(0.4) 
4.4 
7.3 

(328.4) 

741.8 

723.7 

Interest
in leased
vehicles
£m 

66.5
–
–
27.3
–
(25.4)
–
–
8.0
76.4
–
–
27.5
–
(22.4)
–
–
(1.4)
80.1

(18.9)
–
(10.6)
–
–
9.9
–
–
(1.9)
(21.5)
–
(10.4)
–
11.4
–
–
0.6

(19.9)

60.2

54.9

Total
£m 

919.5
33.5
(0.1)
98.3
(22.5)
(26.4)
(1.5)
(4.2)
115.8
1,112.4
0.4
(4.2)
131.9
(27.9)
(23.8)
0.4
(16.1)
(22.8)
1,150.3

(275.5)
0.1
(48.6)
16.1
(1.3)
10.5
1.5
1.0
(37.6)
(333.8)
1.9
(54.2)
13.8
12.1
(0.4)
4.4
7.9

(348.3)

802.0

778.6

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.  

www.inchcape.com 

131 

inchcape.com 131 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 

2017 
£m 

0.9 

2017 
£m 

445.8 
43.8 
164.4 
654.0 

2016
£m 

1.8

2016
£m 

432.1
34.1
172.2
638.4

Land and buildings includes properties with a net book value of £10.8m (2016 – £10.6m) that are let to third parties on a short-
term basis. 

As at 31 December 2017, £5.1m (2016 – £5.0m) of capitalised borrowing costs were included within ‘land and buildings’, £0.1m 
of which was capitalised in 2017 (2016 – £nil). 

13  INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES 
Details of the interests held by the Group in joint ventures and associates can be found in note 15 to the Inchcape Plc 
Company financial statements on page 164. Amounts recognised in the statement of financial position in respect of joint 
ventures and associates are as follows: 

2017 
£m 

4.1 
– 
– 
0.1 
4.2 

2017 
£m 

– 
9.9 
9.9 
(1.5) 
– 
(1.5) 
8.4 

2017 
£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2016
£m 

5.3
(1.6)
(0.1)
0.5
4.1

2016
£m 

–
9.0
9.0
(0.8)
–
(0.8)
8.2

2016
£m 

–
(0.2)
(0.2)
–
(0.2)

At 1 January 
Disposals 
Share of loss after tax of joint ventures and associates  
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December  

Net assets of joint ventures and associates 

Non-current assets  
Current assets 
Total assets 
Current liabilities 
Non-current liabilities 
Total liabilities 
Net assets 

Results of joint ventures and associates 

Revenue 
Expenses 
Loss before tax 
Tax 
Loss after tax of joint ventures and associates  

132 

132 
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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
  
   
   
   
 
 
 
13  INVESTMENTS IN JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES CONTINUED 

Summarised financial information of joint ventures and associates

Opening net assets at 1 January 
Loss for the year 
Disposals 
Other comprehensive income for the year 
Closing net assets at 31 December 

Carrying value of interest in joint ventures and associates 

2017
£m 

8.2
–
–
0.2
8.4

4.2

2016
£m 

10.6
(0.2)
(3.2)
1.0
8.2

4.1

As at 31 December 2017, no guarantees were provided in respect of joint ventures and associates borrowings (2016 – £nil). 

14  AVAILABLE FOR SALE FINANCIAL ASSETS 

At 1 January  
Businesses acquired 
Disposals 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes 
At 31 December 

Analysed as: 

Current 
Non-current 

Assets held are analysed as follows: 

Equity securities 
Bonds 
Other 

2017
£m 

3.8
4.4
(0.1)
(0.6)
7.5

2017
£m 

0.2
7.3
7.5

2017
£m 

6.3
0.5
0.7
7.5

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

‘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. 

www.inchcape.com 

133 

inchcape.com 133 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
   
   
  
  
  
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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: 

2017
 £m 

309.4
(10.2)
299.2
122.2
42.1
463.5

Current   

2016 
 £m    

295.7   
(8.6)  
287.1   
115.6   
43.3   
446.0   

Non-current 

2016
 £m 

–
–
–
41.2
9.7
50.9

2016
 £m 

(6.7)
(1.0)
(1.1)
0.8
0.7
(1.3)
(8.6)

2017 
 £m  

– 
– 
– 
40.0 
4.8 
44.8 

2017 
 £m  

(8.6) 
(1.9) 
(1.6) 
0.3 
1.2 
0.4 
(10.2) 

2017 

2016 

Neither past 
due nor 
impaired
£m 

195.1

213.3

Total
£m 

309.4

295.7

 Past due but not impaired 

0 – 30 days
£m 

30 – 90 days 
£m 

> 90 days 
£m 

Impaired
£m 

54.0

39.2

29.0 

19.8 

21.1 

14.8 

10.2

8.6

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.  

134 

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Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16  DEFERRED TAX 

Net deferred tax (liability) / asset  
At 1 January 2017 
Credited to the consolidated income 
statement 
(Charged) / credited to equity and 
other comprehensive income  
Businesses acquired 
Effect of foreign exchange rate 
changes 
At 31 December 2017 

Analysed as: 

Deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities 

Pension and 
other post-
retirement 
benefits
£m 

(11.4)

0.4

(5.5)
–

(0.1)
(16.6)

Cash flow 
hedges
£m 

Share-based 
payments
£m 

Tax
 losses
£m 

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation
£m 

Provisions 
and other 
timing 
differences 
£m 

Distribution
 agreements
£m 

Total
£m 

7.4

0.5

(5.0)
(0.2)

–
2.7

2.5

0.4

0.4
–

(0.1)
3.2

4.7

2.7

–
0.7

0.1
8.2

(12.2)

10.1 

(50.2)

(49.1)

3.8

–
5.1

3.0 

– 
1.2 

–

–
–

0.5
(2.8)

(0.6) 
13.7 

0.3
(49.9)

2017
 £m 

37.0
(78.5)
(41.5)

10.8

(10.1)
6.8

0.1
(41.5)

2016
 £m 

31.7
(80.8)
(49.1)

Measured at relevant local statutory rates, the Group has an unrecognised deferred tax asset of £36m (2016 – £38m) relating to 
tax relief on trading losses. The unrecognised asset represents £174m (2016 – £167m) of losses which exist within legal entities 
where forecast taxable profits are not probable in the foreseeable future. 

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets of £23m (2016 – £23m) relating to capital losses. The asset represents £136m 
(2016 – £138m) of losses at the UK standard rate of 17.0% (2016 – 17.0%). 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 £3.3m 
(2016 – £3.2m) 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 £13.8m (2016 – £17.0m) offset by deferred tax assets on trade related accounting provisions in the Group’s 
operating companies £27.5m (2016 – £27.1m). 

The deferred tax liability on distribution agreements of £49.9m (2016 – £50.2m) has been recorded as a result of the business 
acquisitions during 2016. 

The deferred tax asset on tax trading losses of £8.2m (2016 – £4.7m) relates to territories and entities where future taxable profits 
are considered probable. 

www.inchcape.com 

135 

inchcape.com 135 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

17  INVENTORIES 

Raw materials and work in progress 
Finished goods and merchandise  

2017 
£m 

20.3 
1,748.3 
1,768.6 

2016
£m  

19.5
1,529.9
1,549.4

Vehicles held on consignment which are in substance assets of the Group amount to £189.5m (2016 – £205.1m). 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 £56.5m (2016 – £51.5m) 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 £7,156.6m (2016 – £6,316.3m). The write down of inventory to net realisable 
value recognised as an expense during the year was £52.5m (2016 – £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 

2017 
 £m  

820.0 
106.9 
926.9 

2016
 £m  

473.7
171.5
645.2

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 2017, the weighted 
average floating rate was 0.3% (2016 – 0.4%). 

£67.3m (2016 – £78.0m) 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 2017, short-term deposits have a weighted average period to maturity of 21 days (2016 – 16 days). 

136 

136 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
19  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 

Assets held for sale 

2017
 £m 

13.8

2016 
 £m  

3.2

Assets held for sale relate to surplus properties within the UK and Russia, 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 

2017
 £m 

75.6
424.0
1,356.5
58.2
303.1
0.1
18.0
2,235.5

Current   

2016  
 £m    

67.4   
378.2   
1,128.1   
43.9   
274.9   
0.1   
19.0   
1,911.6   

Non-current 

2016 
 £m  

0.6
–
7.2
–
10.2
–
–
18.0

2017
 £m 

1.0
–
10.0
–
11.6
–
–
22.6

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 2017, trade payables includes 
£1,032.4m (2016 – £927.7m) of liabilities where payment is made on deferred terms and which were subject to a weighted 
average interest rate of 2.3% (2016 – 2.6%). 

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. 

www.inchcape.com 

137 

inchcape.com 137 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

21  PROVISIONS 

At 1 January 2017 
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 2017 

Analysed as: 

Current 
Non-current 

Product 
warranty 
£m 

Vacant 
leasehold 
£m 

Litigation  
£m 

36.0
3.2
16.2
(4.2)
0.2
(13.6)
(0.5)
37.3

8.4
–
1.0
(0.6)
–
(6.8)
(0.3)
1.7

3.4 
– 
0.3 
(2.1) 
– 
– 
– 
1.6 

Other  
£m 

21.9 
0.2 
13.2 
(4.9) 
– 
(11.1) 
(0.4) 
18.9 

2017 
£m 

27.2 
32.3 
59.5 

Total 
£m 

69.7
3.4
30.7
(11.8)
0.2
(31.5)
(1.2)
59.5

2016
£m 

37.0
32.7
69.7

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 and Hong Kong. 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. 

138 

138 
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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
22  BORROWINGS  

2017 

Current 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Finance leases  

Non-current 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 
Finance leases  

Total borrowings 

Floating rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

0.5
1.1
–
0.5

0.9
1.1
–
1.0
0.6

£m 

510.3
19.9
–
530.2

37.0
109.4
–
146.4
676.6

Fixed rate 

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate 
% 

Total interest 
bearing  
£m 

On which
no interest
is paid 
£m 

–
5.3
3.7
4.7

5.3
3.0
7.0
3.1
3.1

510.3 
22.5 
1.7 
534.5 

41.1 
319.4 
1.4 
361.9 
896.4 

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

£m 

–
2.6
1.7
4.3

4.1
210.0
1.4
215.5
219.8

Bank overdrafts include £508.0m (2016 – £180.2m) held in cash pooling arrangements which have not been offset in the 
consolidated statement of financial position (see note 23b). 

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

2017
Total 
£m 

510.3
22.5
1.7
534.5

41.1
319.4
1.4
361.9
896.4

2016
Total 
£m 

229.2
24.7
226.5
1.3
481.7

159.6
129.0
3.4
292.0
773.7

The above analysis is presented after taking account of the cross currency fixed to floating interest rate swap on the US dollar 
Private Placement loan notes of US$161m (2016 – 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 US dollar Private Placement loan notes which includes a fair value basis adjustment of £9.8m (2016 – £1.2m). 

£15.6m of the Group’s bank loans are secured by term deposits placed under a standby letter of credit and related facility 
arrangements (2016 – £nil). The Group’s bank overdrafts are secured by related offsetting cash balances held under pooling 
arrangements. The Group’s remaining borrowings are unsecured. 

At 31 December 2017, the committed funding facilities of the Group comprised a syndicated revolving credit facility of £400m 
(2016 – £400m), bilateral revolving credit facilities of £101m (2016 – £nil), US dollar Private Placement loan notes totalling 
US$161m (2016 – US$436m) and sterling Private Placement loan notes totalling £210m (2016 – £nil). 

The £400m syndicated revolving credit facility was entered into in January 2015 and after exercising extension options the expiry 
date is January 2022. At 31 December 2017, £25m of the £400m was drawn down (2016 – £135m). In 2017, three new bilateral 
revolving credit facilities totalling £101m were entered into all with expiry dates of January 2022. As at 31 December 2017, £12m 
was drawn on these facilities (2016 – £nil). 

www.inchcape.com 

139 

inchcape.com 139 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

22  BORROWINGS CONTINUED 
In December 2016, the Group concluded a US Private Placement transaction raising £210m to refinance existing US Private 
Placement borrowings which matured in May 2017. During 2017, the Group received funds under the new facilities as follows: 

Funding date 
Amount borrowed 
Fixed rate coupon 
Maturity date 

January 2017
£30.0m
3.02%
May 2027

January 2017
£40.0m
3.10%
May 2029

May 2017 
£70.0m 
2.85% 
May 2024 

May 2017
£70.0m
3.12%
May 2027

All of the Group’s remaining US$161m US dollar Private Placement loan notes are swapped into Sterling and are all repayable in  
May 2019. 

The table below sets out the maturity profile of the Group’s existing 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 US$161m (2016 – US$436m) of the 
Private Placement. 

2017 

Fixed rate 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
Private Placement 

2016 

Fixed rate 
Bank loans 
Finance leases 

Floating rate 
Bank overdrafts 
Bank loans 
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 

2.6 
– 
1.7 

510.3 
19.9 
– 

2.8
–
–

–
–
109.4

1.3
–
0.1

–
–
–

–
–
0.1

–
–
–

– 
– 
0.1 

– 
37.0 
– 

– 
210.0 
1.1 

– 
– 
– 

6.7
210.0
3.1

510.3
56.9
109.4

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

140 

140 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2017 

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 

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 

–
419.0
–
–
419.0

–
–
–
–
419.0

7.5
–
–
–
7.5

–
–
–
–
7.5

–
–
52.4
–
52.4

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–
(21.6)
–
(21.6)
30.8

(2,068.2) 
– 
(896.4) 
(2,964.6) 
(2,964.6) 

– 
– 
– 
926.9 
926.9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
926.9 

 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 

7.5
419.0
52.4
926.9
1,405.8

(2,068.2)
(21.6)
(896.4)
(2,986.2)
(1,580.4)

 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 

141 

inchcape.com 141 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

23  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 
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 2017 
Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other receivables 
Total 

As at 31 December 2016 
Derivative financial assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Other receivables 
Total 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

56.9
926.9
1.0
984.8

168.4
645.2
2.5
816.1

(4.5)
–
(0.3)
(4.8)

(8.3)
–
(0.6)
(8.9)

52.4
926.9
0.7
980.0

160.1
645.2
1.9
807.2

(2.7) 
(508.0) 
– 
(510.7) 

(21.9) 
(180.2) 
– 
(202.1) 

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 2017 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Other payables 
Total 

As at 31 December 2016 
Derivative liabilities 
Bank overdrafts 
Other payables 
Total 

£m 

£m 

£m 

£m 

(26.1)
(510.3)
(0.3)
(536.7)

(61.9)
(229.2)
(0.6)
(291.7)

4.5
–
0.3
4.8

8.3
–
0.6
8.9

(21.6)
(510.3)
–
(531.9)

(53.6)
(229.2)
–
(282.8)

2.7 
508.0 
– 
510.7 

21.9 
180.2 
– 
202.1 

Cash 
collateral 
received 

£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Cash 
collateral 
paid 

£m 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Net 
amount 

£m 

49.7
418.9
0.7
469.3

138.2
465.0
1.9
605.1

Net 
amount 

£m 

(18.9)
(2.3)
–
(21.2)

(31.7)
(49.0)
–
(80.7)

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. 

142 

142 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
23  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS CONTINUED 

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 Japanese yen exchange rate with both the Australian dollar and 
Chilean peso. 

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. 

Instruments approved for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk 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 loan notes that expire in 2019, bank borrowings, supplier related finance and the returns available on 
surplus cash. In December 2016 the Group entered into agreements to issue new 3.0% fixed interest rate Private Placement loan 
notes to refinance the floating rate loan notes that matured in May 2017 (see note 22).  

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 2017 with all other variables held constant. 

2017 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian rouble 
Australian dollar 

2016 
Sterling 
Euro 
Russian rouble 
Australian dollar 

Increase
in basis 
points 

 Effect on profit 
before tax
£m 

75
50
500
100

75
50
500
100

(4.8)
–
(0.9)
(2.7)

(6.8)
0.1
(1.7)
(3.1)

www.inchcape.com 

143 

inchcape.com 143 

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 exceptions are our business in Australia, which purchases vehicles and parts in Japanese 
yen, and our business in South America, which purchases vehicles in Japanese yen and US dollars. 

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$161m 
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.  

2017 
Yen 
Yen 

2016 
Yen 
Yen 

Increase / 
(decrease) in 
exchange 
rate  

 Effect on
 equity
£m 

+10% 
-10% 

+10% 
-10% 

–
(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 
BBB+ 
BBB- 
No rating* 

Derivative 
assets 
£m 

29.5
22.5
–
0.4
–
–
52.4

2017   

 Short-term 
deposits 

£m   

3.1   
–   
37.8   
0.6   
12.0   
53.4   
106.9   

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

*  Counterparties in certain markets in which the Group operates do not have a credit rating. 

144 

144 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 £820.0m (2016 – £473.7m) 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 2017 and 2016 
based on expected contractual undiscounted cash flows:  

2017 

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 

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 

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

895.3
390.7
–
1.7
1,287.7

(516.0)
(1,981.1)
(12.5)
(2,509.6)
(1,221.9)

Less than 
3 months 
£m 

634.8
342.0
0.1
2.2
979.1

(231.1)
(1,681.6)
(23.4)
(1,936.1)
(957.0)

Between 
3 to 12 
months
£m 

31.6
19.0
0.2
10.8
61.6

(31.9)
(79.5)
(12.4)
(123.8)
(62.2)

Between 
3 to 12 
months
£m 

10.4
44.5
0.1
243.6
298.6

(265.2)
(95.1)
(173.1)
(533.4)
(234.8)

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

– 
8.2 
– 
178.3 
186.5 

–
1.1
7.3
–
8.4

926.9
419.0
7.5
190.8
1,544.2

(173.2) 
(7.6) 
(131.4) 
(312.2) 
(125.7) 

(242.5)
–
–
(242.5)
(234.1)

(963.6)
(2,068.2)
(156.3)
(3,188.1)
(1,643.9)

Between  
1 to 5 years  
£m 

Greater than 
5 years 
£m 

Total 
£m 

– 
10.0 
0.2 
203.7 
213.9 

(162.8) 
(10.2) 
(137.7) 
(310.7) 
(96.8) 

–
4.5
3.4
–
7.9

645.2
401.0
3.8
449.5
1,499.5

(138.2)
–
–
(138.2)
(130.3)

(797.3)
(1,786.9)
(334.2)
(2,918.4)
(1,418.9)

www.inchcape.com 

145 

inchcape.com 145 

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 

–
1.3
1.3

52.4
–
52.4

–
6.2
6.2

2017 

Total 
£m 

52.4
7.5
59.9

Level 1
£m 

Level 2 
£m 

Level 3
£m 

2016 

Total 
£m 

–
1.6
1.6

160.1 
– 
160.1 

–
2.2
2.2

160.1
3.8
163.9

–

(21.6)

–

(21.6)

–

(53.6) 

–

(53.6)

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 2017. 

The Group’s derivative financial instruments comprise the following: 

Cross currency interest rate swaps 
Forward foreign exchange contracts  

 2017
£m 

49.7
2.7
52.4

Assets   

 2016 

£m    

155.0   
5.1   
160.1   

2017 
£m  

– 
(21.6) 
(21.6) 

Liabilities 

2016
£m 

–
(53.6)
(53.6)

The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from fair value hedges amounted to a gain 
of £1.2m (2016 – gain of £1.0m). The ineffective portion recognised in the consolidated income statement that arises from cash 
flow hedges amounted to a gain of £nil (2016 – £nil). 

146 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 (2016 – 12 months). 

The nominal principal amount of the outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts relating to transactional exposures  
at 31 December 2017 was £910.4m (2016 – £1,078.7m). 

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 2017 are expected to be released to the consolidated income statement within  
12 months of the end of the reporting period (2016 – 12 months). 

Fair value hedge 
At 31 December 2017, the Group had in place three cross currency interest rate swaps. Two of these total US$200m, which 
hedge changes in the fair value of the Group’s 12 year Private Placement loan notes. Under these swaps, the Group receives 
fixed rate US dollar interest of 6.04% on US$200m and pays GBP LIBOR +90bps.  

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$200m swaps. Under this swap, the Group pays US dollar interest of 6.04% on US$39.2m and 
receives GBP LIBOR +214bps. 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 

2017 

30.1%

2016 

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. 

2017 

60.0
n/a
n/a

2016 

300.9
n/a
n/a

www.inchcape.com 

147 

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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 
Allotted under share option schemes 
Cancelled under share buy back 
At 31 December 

2017
Number 

2016 
Number 

2017 
£m 

421,004,809
142,505
(6,129,028)
415,018,286

436,810,096 
– 
(15,805,287) 
421,004,809 

42.2 
– 
(0.6) 
41.6 

2016
£m 

43.8
–
(1.6)
42.2

b. Share buyback programme 
During the year, the Group repurchased 6,129,028 (2016 – 15,805,287) of its own shares through purchases on the London 
Stock Exchange at a cost of £49.8m (2016 – £108.2m). The shares repurchased during the year were cancelled, with none held 
within treasury shares at the end of the reporting period. An amount of £0.6m (2016 – £1.6m), equivalent to the nominal value  
of the cancelled shares, has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve. Costs of £0.4m (2016 – £1.6m) 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 26 February 2018 
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 2017, 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) 
2 
3 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

– unapproved (Part I – UK) 
1,001 
4,836 
– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 
60,000 
3,224 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

19 May 2019 
7 April 2020 

The Inchcape SAYE Share Option Scheme  
– approved 

2.00   54,095 
3.10   620,451 
  584,479 
  639,248 
  Recruitment and Retention Plan 

1 May 2018 
1 May 2019 
1 May 2020 
1 May 2021 

2.00   68,375 
3.10   124,909 

31 March 2025 
10 April 2026 

5.40
5.78
5.63
6.66

0.10
0.10

2.00  
3.10  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 493,012 (2016 – 770,102) 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 2017 was £3.5m (2016 – £5.5m). The market value of 
these shares at 31 December 2017 and 26 February 2018 was £3.9m and £3.5m respectively (31 December 2016 – £5.4m, 
28 February 2017 – £5.8m). 

148 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25  OTHER RESERVES  

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 1 January 2017 
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 2017 

Translation 
reserve 
£m 

Hedging 
reserve
£m 

Total other 
reserves
£m 

(211.7) 

(3.4)

(215.1)

– 
– 
– 
211.9 
0.2 

– 
– 
– 
(67.3) 
(67.1) 

(59.3)
27.3
9.6
–
(25.8)

30.5
(16.5)
(4.7)
–
(16.5)

(59.3)
27.3
9.6
211.9
(25.6)

30.5
(16.5)
(4.7)
(67.3)
(83.6)

The effect of foreign exchange rate changes includes a gain of £2.0m (2016 – £0.6m) on the sale and 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 buyback programme 
Net purchase of own shares by Inchcape Employee Trust 
Dividends paid (note 10) 
At 31 December 

2017 
£m 

2016
£m 

1,042.2

1,106.8

268.9
37.9
(5.5)
301.3
11.0
(50.2)
(11.1)
(102.7)
1,190.5

184.4
(60.3)
10.9
135.0
11.3
(109.8)
(10.9)
(90.2)
1,042.2

www.inchcape.com 

149 

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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* 
(Increase) / decrease in interest in leased vehicles 
Payments in respect of operating exceptional items 
Other non-cash items  
Cash generated from operations 

* 

Includes additional payments of £2.7m (2016 – £2.1m). 

b. Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds 

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  
Net cash outflow / (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 and cash equivalents as per the statement of financial position 
Borrowings – disclosed as current liabilities 
Add back: amounts treated as debt financing (see below) 
Cash and cash equivalents as per the statement of cash flows 
Debt financing 
Borrowings – disclosed as current liabilities and treated as debt financing (see above) 
Borrowings – disclosed as non-current liabilities 
Fair value of cross currency interest rate swaps 
Debt financing 
Net funds 

2017 
£m  

 2016
£m 

394.9 
12.6 
13.8 
43.8 
(10.6) 
10.2 
(239.6) 
(31.7) 
343.2 
(4.2) 
3.1 
(1.0) 
(32.1) 
(2.0) 
500.4 

2017 
£m  

50.5 
49.2 
99.7 
(47.2) 
1.2 
– 
53.7 
26.5 
80.2 

 2017  
£m  

926.9 
(534.5) 
24.2 
416.6 

(24.2) 
(361.9) 
49.7 
(336.4) 
80.2 

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 

645.2
(481.7)
252.5
416.0

(252.5)
(292.0)
155.0
(389.5)
26.5

150 

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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. Given the proximity of the acquisition 
prior to the 2016 year end, the assets and liabilities acquired were presented at provisional fair values largely based on book 
values at the acquisition date.  

During the year, adjustments have been made to the assets and liabilities acquired as permitted by IFRS 3 ‘Business 
Combinations’. These fair value adjustments, presented below, were not material and therefore prior periods have not been 
restated. These changes, together with the finalisation of the purchase consideration, have resulted in an increase in the 
amount of goodwill recognised on acquisition of £3.8m. 

Provisional fair 
values 

Fair value 
adjustments 

Final fair values 

£m 

£m 

 £m 

Assets and liabilities acquired  
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 

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 

(1.3) 
(0.6) 
0.2 
(3.2) 
(4.3) 
4.4 
– 
– 
(0.2) 
– 
5.6 
– 
0.6 
– 

3.8 
4.4 

2.3
29.0
9.9
69.8
63.1
6.6
29.9
(91.5)
(4.6)
(48.7)
(1.6)
(0.3)
63.9
112.2

55.0
231.1

During the year, the Group also acquired premium automotive operations in Estonia, focused on exclusive distribution for BMW 
Group, from United Motors AS; Northstar Motor Group and Bayford City Peugeot in the Australasia Retail segments; and entered 
into a distribution contract with Groupe PSA to distribute the Peugeot and Citroën brands in Australia. The total cost of these 
acquisitions was £19.3m with total goodwill and other indefinite life intangible assets arising on the transactions of £13.4m. 

b. Proforma full year information  
The businesses acquired in the year contributed £64.0m revenue and £1.1m operating profit before exceptional items to the 
Group’s reported figures between the dates of acquisition and 31 December 2017. 

If the acquisitions had occurred on 1 January 2017, the approximate revenue and operating profit before exceptional items for 
the year ended 31 December 2017 of the Group would have been £9,022.7m and £408.3m respectively. 

c. Disposals 
In 2017, the Group disposed of its Lexus operations in Shanghai generating disposal proceeds of £5.6m. 

www.inchcape.com 

151 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

29  GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES 

Guarantees, performance bonds and contingent liabilities 

2017 
£m 

101.4 

2016
£m 

58.4

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. 

As reported previously, HMRC has applied to the Supreme Court for permission to appeal the Court of Appeal’s judgment  
of November 2016. However, the Supreme Court had deferred making a decision on HMRC’s permission appeal pending  
the judgment in Littlewoods Retail versus HMRC. Although the Supreme Court handed down its judgment in Littlewoods on 
1 November 2017, the Court has not yet considered HMRC’s permission appeal any further. Therefore, resolution of the test  
case in the FII GLO remains incomplete. 

As a consequence, no further receipts have been recognised in the year to 31 December 2017 in relation to the balance of 
Inchcape’s 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. 

152 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
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 

2017
£m 

41.3

2016
£m 

22.9

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 

2017
£m 

70.7
171.2
168.8
410.7

2016
£m 

65.1
148.7
181.0
394.8

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 

2017
£m 

5.1
9.5
5.1
19.7

2016
£m 

5.2
10.6
6.1
21.9

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 

2017
£m 

1.8
0.6
1.9
4.3
(1.2)
3.1

2016
£m 

1.4
0.6
4.6
6.6
(1.9)
4.7

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 

2017
£m 

88.0

2016
£m 

87.8

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 £12.8m (2016 – £10.7m) of residual value commitments that are 
included within ‘trade and other payables’. 

www.inchcape.com 

153 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2017
£m 

0.6

2016 

£m   

0.6   

2017 
£m 

0.1 

2016
£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 (2016 – £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  

2017 
 £m  

6.7 
0.6 
4.0 
– 
11.3 

2016
 £m 

6.4
0.9
5.8
0.4
13.5

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 
Chilean peso 
Euro 
Hong Kong dollar 
Singapore dollar 
Russian rouble 

Average rates   

Year end rates 

2017 

2016   

2017 

2016 

1.69
843.40
1.15
10.11
1.79
75.56

1.82   
915.94   
1.23   
10.51   
1.87   
90.72   

1.73 
832.35 
1.13 
10.57 
1.81 
77.88 

1.71
826.59
1.17
9.57
1.78
75.97

33  EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD 
There have been no events subsequent to the year end that require additional disclosure. 

154 

154 
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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

2017
£m 

2016
£m 

2015 
£m  

2014
£m 

2013
£m 

8,949.2

7,838.4

6,836.3 

6,702.7

6,524.9

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 equity 

407.5
(12.6)
394.9
–
394.9
(25.0)
369.9
(95.8)
2.7
276.8
(7.9)
268.9

369.9
64.6p

382.5

67.0p
26.8p

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

1,640.7
(266.1)
1,374.6
80.2
1,454.8

1,434.2
20.6
1,454.8

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 

1,341.2
(233.3)
1,107.9
210.2
1,318.1

1,219.0 
22.9 
1,241.9 

1,292.9
25.2
1,318.1

1,512.1
(135.9)
1,376.2
123.0
1,499.2

1,470.0
29.2
1,499.2

155 

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

inchcape.com 155 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of financial position 
As at 31 December 2017 

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 

2017 
£m 

2016
£m 

3 
4 
5 

6 
6 
7 

8 

20.1 
1.5 
1,649.1 
1,670.7 

17.3
1.5
1,629.4
1,648.2

54.2 
330.2 
6.3 
390.7 

271.1
134.4
7.3
412.8

(20.6) 
370.1 

(264.1)
148.7

2,040.8 

1,796.9

Trade and other payables – amounts falling due after more than one year 

9 

(1,145.5) 

(732.8)

Provisions for liabilities  
Net assets 

Equity 
Ordinary shares 
Share premium 
Capital redemption reserve 
Retained earnings 
Total shareholders’ funds 

11 

13 

– 
895.3 

(2.0)
1,062.1

41.6 
146.7 
139.0 
568.0 
895.3 

42.2
146.7
138.4
734.8
1,062.1

The Company reported a loss for the financial year ended 31 December 2017 of £13.0m (2016 – a loss of £8.7m). The financial 
statements on pages 156 to 172 were approved by the Board of Directors on 26 February 2018 and were signed on its behalf by: 

Stefan Bomhard 
Group Chief Executive 

Registered Number: 609782 

Inchcape plc 

Richard Howes 
Chief Financial Officer 

156 

156 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity 
For the year ended 31 December 2017 

At 1 January 2016  

43.8

146.7

136.8 

  Notes 

Share capital
£m 

Share premium 
£m 

Capital 
redemption 
reserve 
£m 

Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive loss for the year  

Dividends 
Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape 
Employee Trust 
Share buyback programme 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
At 1 January 2017  

Loss for the year 
Total comprehensive loss for the year  

Dividends 
Net purchase of own shares by the Inchcape 
Employee Trust 
Share buyback programme 
Share-based payments, net of tax 
At 31 December 2017 

14

13

14

13

–
–

–

–
(1.6)
–
42.2

–
–

–

–
(0.6)
–
41.6

–
–

–

–
–
–
146.7

–
–

–

–
–
–
146.7

– 
– 

– 

– 
1.6 
– 
138.4 

– 
– 

– 

– 
0.6 
– 
139.0 

Share-based payments include a net tax charge of £nil (2016 – £nil). 

Retained 
 earnings  
£m 

942.3 

Total
£m 

1,269.6

(8.7) 
(8.7) 

(8.7)
(8.7)

(90.2) 

(90.2)

(10.9) 
(109.8) 
12.1 
734.8 

(13.0) 
(13.0) 

(10.9)
(109.8)
12.1
1,062.1

(13.0)
(13.0)

(102.7) 

(102.7)

(11.1) 
(50.2) 
10.2 
568.0 

(11.1)
(50.2)
10.2
895.3

www.inchcape.com 

157 

inchcape.com 157 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies 

GENERAL INFORMATION 
These financial statements are prepared for Inchcape plc (the Company) for the year ended 31 December 2017.  
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 32 to 36. 

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. 

158 

158 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
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 eight 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 99 to 108. 

www.inchcape.com 

159 

inchcape.com 159 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
Notes to the financial statements 

1  AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION 
The Company incurred £0.1m (2016 – £0.1m) in relation to UK statutory audit fees for the year ended 31 December 2017. 

2  DIRECTORS’ REMUNERATION 

Wages and salaries 
Social security costs 
Pension costs 

2017 
£m 

4.4 
0.3 
0.3 
5.0 

2016
£m 

4.2
0.2
0.3
4.7

Further information on Executive Directors’ emoluments and interests is given in the Directors’ Report on Remuneration which 
can be found on pages 59 to 77. 

Computer 
software 
£m 

36.4 
11.3 
(8.1)
39.6 

(19.1)
(0.4)
(19.5)

20.1 

17.3 

Plant, 
machinery 
and 
equipment 
£m 

1.8 
– 
1.8 

(0.3)
– 
(0.3)

1.5 

1.5 

Total
£m 

36.4
11.3
(8.1)
39.6

(19.1)
(0.4)
(19.5)

20.1

17.3

Total
£m 

1.8
–
1.8

(0.3)
–
(0.3)

1.5

1.5

3  INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Cost 
At 1 January 2017 
Additions 
Transfer to Group companies 
At 31 December 2017 

Accumulated amortisation and impairment 
At 1 January 2017 
Amortisation charge for the year 
At 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

4  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Cost 
At 1 January 2017 
Additions 
At 31 December 2017 

Accumulated depreciation and impairment 
At 1 January 2017 
Amortisation charge for the year 
At 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2017 

Net book value at 31 December 2016 

160 

160 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5  INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 

Cost 
At 1 January 
Disposals 
At 31 December 

Provisions 
At 1 January 
Provisions for impairment 
Reversal of provisions for impairment 
At 31 December 

Net book value 

2017
£m 

2016
£m 

1,711.0
–
1,711.0

1,712.6
(1.6)
1,711.0

(81.6)
(0.3)
20.0
(61.9)

(81.1)
(0.5)
–
(81.6)

1,649.1

1,629.4

The Directors believe that the carrying value of the individual investments is supported by their underlying net assets. 

An impairment charge of £0.3m has been recognised in the year (2016 – £0.5m), together with the reversal of impairment 
charges in previous periods of £20.0m (2016 – £nil), to ensure that the carrying value of the individual investments is stated at 
the lower of cost and estimated recoverable amount. The reversal of impairment charges in previous periods arose as a result of 
an increase in the underlying net assets of the relevant subsidiaries. 

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 

2017
£m 

2016
£m 

–
54.2
54.2

0.3
329.9
330.2

0.7
270.4
271.1

0.7
133.7
134.4

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 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings are interest free and repayable on demand. 

2017
£m 

6.3

2017
£m 

16.5
–
2.3
1.8
20.6

2016
£m 

7.3

2016
£m 

35.7
223.6
1.8
3.0
264.1

www.inchcape.com 

161 

inchcape.com 161 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

9  TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES – AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR 

Amounts owed to Group undertakings  
Private Placement 

2017 
£m 

817.3 
328.2 
1,145.5 

2016
£m 

602.1
130.7
732.8

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. 

In December 2016, the Group concluded a US Private Placement transaction raising funds to refinance existing US Private 
Placement borrowings which matured in May 2017. During 2017, the Group received funds totalling £210m under the new 
facilities as follows: 

Funding date 
Tranche amount 
Fixed rate coupon 
Maturity date 

January 2017
£30.0m
3.02%
May 2027

January 2017
£40.0m
3.10%
May 2029

May 2017 
£70.0m 
2.85% 
May 2024 

May 2017
£70.0m
3.12%
May 2027

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 
At 1 January 2017 
Charged to the income statement 
At 31 December 2017 

11  PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES  

At 1 January 
Released to the income statement 
At 31 December 

Other timing 
differences 
£m 

0.7 
(0.4)
0.3 

2017 
£m 

2.0 
(2.0)
– 

Total
£m 

0.7
(0.4)
0.3

2016
£m 

4.6
(2.6)
2.0

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 2017 was £6.3m (2016 – £7.3m), 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 (2016 – £84.7m). 

13  SHARE CAPITAL  
a. Allotted, called up and fully paid up 

Ordinary shares 
At 1 January 
Allotted under share option schemes 
Cancelled under share buyback  
At 31 December 

2017 
Number 

2016  
Number   

2017 
£m 

2016
£m 

142,505

421,004,809 436,810,096   
–   
(6,129,028) (15,805,287)  
415,018,286 421,004,809   

42.2 
– 
(0.6)
41.6 

43.8
–
(1.6)
42.2

b. Share buy back programme 
During the year, the Company repurchased 6,129,028 (2016 – 15,805,287) of its own shares through purchases on the London 
Stock Exchange, at a cost of £49.8m (2016 – £108.2m). The shares repurchased during the year were cancelled, with none held 
within treasury shares at the end of the reporting period. An amount of £0.6m (2016 – £1.6m), equivalent to the nominal value  
of the cancelled shares, has been transferred to the capital redemption reserve. Costs of £0.4m (2016 – £1.6m) 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 26 February 2018 
under the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 have been disclosed in the significant shareholdings section of the Corporate 
Governance Report.  

162 

162 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
13  SHARE CAPITAL CONTINUED 
d. Share options 
At 31 December 2017, 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 

2 

3 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00   54,095 

3.10   620,451 

  584,479 

  639,248 

1 May 2018 

1 May 2019 

1 May 2020 

1 May 2021 

– unapproved (Part I – UK) 

  Recruitment and Retention Plan 

1,001 

4,836 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00   68,375 

3.10   124,909 

31 March 2025 
10 April 2026 

5.40

5.78

5.63

6.66

0.10

0.10

– unapproved overseas (Part I – Overseas) 

60,000 

3,224 

19 May 2019 

7 April 2020 

2.00  

3.10  

Included within the retained earnings reserve are 493,012 (2016 – 770,102) 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 2017 was £3.5m (2016 – £5.5m). The market value of 
these shares at both 31 December 2017 and 26 February 2018 was £3.9m and £3.5m respectively (31 December 2016 – £5.4m,  
28 February 2017 – £5.8m). 

e. Share-based remuneration 
Inchcape plc has two employees, the Group Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer. 

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 £2.1m (2016 – £2.5m), all of which is equity-settled. 

The weighted average exercise price of shares exercised during the period was £0.10 (2016 – £nil). 

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the share options outstanding at 31 December 2017 is 7.8 years  
(2016 – 8.6 years) and the range of exercise prices for options outstanding at the end of the year was £0.10 to £6.66  
(2016 – £0.10 to £5.78). 

14  DIVIDENDS 
The following dividends were paid by the Company: 

Interim dividend for the six months ended 30 June 2017 of 7.9p per share  
(30 June 2016 – 7.0p per share) 
Final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2016 of 16.8p per share  
(31 December 2015 – 14.1p per share) 

2017
£m 

32.7

70.0
102.7

2016
£m 

29.9

60.3
90.2

A final proposed dividend for the year ended 31 December 2017 of 18.9p per share amounting to £78.4m is subject to 
approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability as at 31 December 2017. 

www.inchcape.com 

163 

inchcape.com 163 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 2017 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  
Trivett Automotive Retail Pty Ltd 
Inchcape European Automotive Pty Ltd 
SMLB Pty Ltd 
Subaru (Aust) Pty 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 

164 

164 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

(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%

 
  
 
 
 
15  RELATED UNDERTAKINGS CONTINUED 

Name and address 

Chile 
Av. La Dehesa 265, Santiago, Región Metropolitana 
Mobility Services Chile SpA 
Universal Motors SpA 
Williamson Balfour Motors SpA 
Williamson Balfour SA 

19 Ruta 5 Norte, 100, Lampa 
Automotriz Autocar SA 
Hino Chile SA 
Inchcape Camiones y Buses SA 

455 Santa Rosa, Santiago 
Inchcape Latam Internacional SA 

537 Santa Rosa, Santiago 
Subaru Chile SA 

Apoquindo 3721, Piso 13, Las Condes, Santiago 
Indigo Chile Holdings SpA 
Inchcape Commercial Chile SA 

China 
405 Shi Guang Road, Yang Pu District, Shanghai 
Inchcape Investment Holding (China) Ltd 

4109, Wu Gong Shan Avenue, Wang Cheng District, Nanchang, Jiangxi  
Jiangxi Inchcape Auto Sales & Services Co 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 

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 

Percentage
owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

www.inchcape.com 

165 

inchcape.com 165 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 OÜ 

Ethiopia 
Bole Sub City, Kebele 03, H.Nr. 2441, Addis Ababa 
The Motor & Engineering Company Of Ethiopia (Moenco) S.C. 

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 

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 

166 

166 
Inchcape Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

Percentage
owned 

100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

94%

100%

100%
100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

 
 
 
 
15  RELATED UNDERTAKINGS CONTINUED 

Name and address 

Hong Kong 
22nd Floor, Citicorp Centre, 18 Whitfield Road, North Point 
British Motors Ltd 
Crown Motors Ltd 
Future Motors Ltd 
Inchcape Asia Pacific Ltd 
Inchcape Finance (HK) Ltd 
Inchcape Hong Kong Ltd 
Inchcape Mobility Limited 
Inchcape Motor Services Ltd 
Mega EV 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 Ipasumu 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 

Percentage
owned 

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%

www.inchcape.com 

167 

inchcape.com 167 

STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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 
Yat Fung Motors 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 

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 

(i) 

Av. Morro Solar 812, Santiago de Surco 
Autocar del Peru SA 
Distribuidora Automotriz del Peru SA 
Indumotora del Peru SA 
Rentas e Inmobiliaria 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 

168 

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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 

Russia 
Building 1, 18 2-ya Magistralnaya street, Moscow 123290 
LLC Inchcape Management Services Rus  
LLC Inchcape Holding 

31 Litera A, Rustaveli Street, St Petersburg 195273 
LLC Inchcape Olimp  

Building 8, Kievskoe Shosse 24 km, Kartmazovo Village, Settlement Moskovskiy, Moscow 142784 
LLC Inchcape T  

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 

Spain 
C.Monte Esquinza, 26-2º dcha , 28010 Madrid 
Inchcape Inversiones España, SLu  

Thailand 
No. 4332 Rama IV Road, Prakhanong Sub-District, Klongtoey District, Bangkok 
Inchcape (Thailand) Company Ltd 
Inchcape Services (Thailand) Co Ltd 

Percentage
owned 

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%

100%

100%
100%

www.inchcape.com 

169 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

15  RELATED UNDERTAKINGS CONTINUED 

Name and address 

United Kingdom 
Inchcape House, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1HT 
Armstrong Massey (York) Ltd 
Armstrong Massey Holdings 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 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 

170 

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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%

(vi) 

(vii) 
(vii) 

 
  
 
 
 
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 

(vii) 

(vii) 

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%

www.inchcape.com 

171 

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STRATEGIC REPORTGOVERNANCEFINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
  
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements continued 

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%

(i) 

(i) 

(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 

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 
24 May 2018 

Announcement of 2018 Interim Results 
26 July 2018 

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 
Independent Auditors 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and 
Statutory 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 
Herbert Smith Freehills 

CORPORATE BROKERS 
Deutsche Bank 
JP Morgan Cazenove 

172 

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Inchcape plc Annual Report and Accounts 2017 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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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