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FY2020 Annual Report · Inmobiliaria Colonial SOCIMI
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2020 Annual Report

Sustainably feed all Australians to help  
them lead healthier, happier lives

Coles Group Limited 
ABN 11 004 089 936

 
 
 
 
 
 
Coles  acknowledges  the  Traditional  Custodians  of  Country 
throughout  Australia  and  pays  its  respects  to  elders  past 
and present. We recognise their rich cultures and continuing 
connection to land and waters.

Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait  Islander  peoples  are  advised 
that  this  document  may  contain  names  and  images  of 
people who are deceased.

All  references  to  Indigenous  people  in  this  document  
are  intended  to  include  Aboriginal  and/or  Torres  Strait 
Islander people.

Forward-looking statements

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This report contains forward-looking statements in relation to Coles Group Limited (‘the Company’) and its controlled entities (together ‘Coles’ 
or ‘the Group’), including statements regarding the Group’s intent, belief, goals, objectives, initiatives, commitments or current expectations 
with respect to the Group’s business and operations, market conditions, results of operations and financial conditions, and risk management 
practices. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as ‘forecast’, ‘estimate’, ‘plan’, ‘will’, ‘anticipate’, 
‘may’, ‘believe’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘outlook’, ‘guidance’ and other similar expressions.

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These forward-looking statements are based on the Group’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, risk, regulatory and other 
relevant environments that will exist and affect the Group’s business and operations in the future. The Group does not give any assurance that 
the assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and 
other important factors, many of which are beyond the reasonable control of the Group, that could cause the actual results, performances 
or  achievements  of  the  Group  to  be  materially  different  from  future  results,  performances  or  achievements  expressed  or  implied  by  the 
statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this report speak only as 
at the date of issue. Except as required by applicable laws or regulations, the Group does not undertake any obligation to publicly update 
or  revise  any  of  the  forward-looking  statements  or  to  advise  of  any  change  in  assumptions  on  which  any  such  statement  is  based.  Past 
performance cannot be relied on as a guide to future performance.

Non-IFRS Information

This report contains IFRS and non-IFRS financial information. IFRS financial information is financial information that is presented in accordance 
with all relevant accounting standards. Retail or non-IFRS financial information is financial information that is not defined or specified under any 
relevant accounting standards and may not be directly comparable with other companies’ information.

Any non-IFRS financial information included in this report has been labelled to differentiate it from statutory or IFRS financial information. Non-IFRS 
measures are used by management to assess and monitor business performance at the Group and segment level and should be considered in 
addition to, and not as a substitute for, IFRS information. Non-IFRS information is not subject to audit or review.

Other Information

Photographs in our Annual Report may have been taken before social distancing restrictions were in place. The image of FightMND campaign 
director Bec Daniher with Coles team members on page 11 of this report was photographed by News Ltd / Newspix.

Front cover: In addition to the collection of unsold, edible food from our supermarkets and distribution centres, food and groceries to a retail 
value  of  $7.9  million  were  provided  to  SecondBite  and  Foodbank  this  year  in  response  to  increasing  demand  for  food  relief  as  a  result  of 
COVID-19. SecondBite CEO Jim Mullan said, ‘It’s incredible to see how our partnership with Coles has grown over the years and the impact this 
has had on the most vulnerable people in our community. Many shoppers wouldn’t be aware of the work that goes on behind the scenes to 
ensure edible unsold food ends up on the plates of those in need, rather than in landfill. We are proud to work with an organisation that is a 
clear leader with respect to both its social and environmental responsibilities.’

Contents

Overview

2020 performance

2020 highlights

  Message from the Chairman

 Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer’s report

  Our vision, purpose and strategy

How we create value

Sustainability snapshot

 Support for customers, suppliers and communities

  Governance at Coles

Operating and Financial Review

Board of Directors

Directors’ Report

Remuneration Report

Financial Report

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Shareholder Information

4

5

6

8

11

12

14

19

24

30

65

68

73

96

150

158

Welcome to the  
Coles Group  
2020 Annual Report

Our vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia 

and grow long-term shareholder value. 

Customers trust Coles, as part of the fabric of Australian 

society for more than 100 years, to provide great value 

food and drinks. 

We are known for our value, range and customer service 

through our extensive store network and for providing 

online shopping solutions across Australia.

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The Pergoliti family at Harvey Citrus in Western Australia received a grant from the Coles Nurture Fund in FY20 to extend its supply of WA-grown 
citrus over the summer and increase local employment by expanding its cool room facility and installing solar panels on its packing shed. 
Pictured is Andrew Pergoliti with his father Steve and daughter Alyssa.

Our purpose is to 
sustainably feed all 
Australians to help  
them lead healthier, 
happier lives. 

 
Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

2020  
performance

6.9%

Sales growth1

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88.2%

Customer satisfaction
for Supermarkets2

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5.0%

Supermarkets
sales density growth3

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$1.4bn

EBIT1

$362m

Net debt4

111%

Cash realisation5

57.5c

Dividends per share6

7pp

Improvement in team  
member engagement 
(percentage points)

18.3%

Improvement in total 
recordable injury
frequency rate7

1  On a non-IFRS basis. Refer to Non-IFRS Information section on page 39.
2  Q4 FY20, as measured by Tell Coles. 
3  Growth in sales per square metre on a moving annual total (MAT), or exit rate calculated on a rolling 12 months of data basis.
4  Calculated as interest-bearing liabilities less cash and cash equivalents. 
5  Calculated as operating cash flow excluding interest and tax, divided by EBITDA (excluding the impacts of AASB 16 and Significant items).
6  Comprising an interim dividend of 30.0 cents per share (paid) and a final dividend of 27.5 cents per share.
7  Refer to glossary of terms on page 49 for definition.

2020  
highlights

Highlights for the year spanned our business  
and store network, our customer base, our team of suppliers 
and our communities around Australia.

1,500+ new products  

at everyday low prices 

Almost 

doubled 

capacity of Coles Online

$10bn+  

in Coles Own Brand sales

Tailored store format strategy 

70 renewals  

New transport hubs to 

Progress with Witron & Ocado

optimise logistics  

automation 

4,700+ 

Direct milk sourcing

Indigenous team members

with dairy farmers in VIC & NSW

$139m  

provided in community support

5

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Message from
the Chairman

The 2020 financial year was extraordinary for  
Coles and the whole Australian community as droughts, 
bushfires and COVID-19 created significant demands  
across our businesses.

Coles  strengthened  its  financial  position  during  the  year, 

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including  extending  the  term  of  our  debt  maturity  dates 

and,  at  year  end,  had  net  debt  of  $362  million,  a  30% 

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reduction on the prior year.

Leadership and team 

During the year we significantly expanded  our leadership 

team  with  the  appointment  of  new  Executives  in:  Liquor  – 

Darren  Blackhurst;  eCommerce  –  Ben  Hassing;  Emerging 

Businesses – George Saoud; Transformation – Ian Bowring; 

and  Corporate  Affairs  –  Sally  Fielke.  Under  the  leadership 

of our Chief Executive, Steven Cain, Coles has built a strong 

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The  2020  financial  year  was  extraordinary  for  Coles  and 

the  whole  Australian  community  as  droughts,  bushfires 

and  COVID-19  created  significant  demands  across  our 

businesses.  Pleasingly,  with  the  positive  engagement 

of  our  team  members,  our  suppliers,  our  customers  and 

governments we were able to adapt to new challenges at 

pace, with emphasis upon safety and performance.

Financial

leadership team with complementary skills which are well 

aligned to our vision of becoming the most trusted retailer 

in Australia and growing long-term shareholder value. 

We  also  saw  an  increase  of  more  than  5,000  team 

members at year end, as we responded to the significant 

surge  in  customer  demand  across  food  and  liquor  driven 

by COVID-19. This increase in part reflected our underlying 

business growth and in part the extra focus upon customer 

and team member hygiene and safety in response to the 

coronavirus pandemic.

With  our  commitment  to  increase  our  Aboriginal  and 

For the year ended 28 June 2020, our first full year as a relisted 

Torres  Strait  Islander  participation  levels  to  5%  of  our  total 

ASX company, we saw strong financial results. On a statutory 

team members by 2023, further progress was made during 

basis, total sales revenue was $37,408 million; earnings before 

the  year.  By  the  end  of  the  2020  financial  year  we  had 

interest  and  tax  were  $1,762  million;  and  net  profit  after  

surpassed 4,700 team members which was an increase of 

tax  was  $978  million  ($951  million  excluding  the  impacts  of 
AASB 16 Leases and Significant items).

more than 600 on the prior year.

supply,  logistics  and  services  for  the  exceptional  efforts 

reducing  our  electricity  needs  and 

increasing  our 

that  have  been  made  during  a  year  marked  by  so  many 

utilisation  of  renewable  energy  sources.  Full  details  of 

extraordinary events. 

Customers and community

Throughout  FY20  Coles  played  its  part  in  supporting  our 

customers and the Australian community as we engaged 

our  nearly  2,500  retail  outlets  and  rapidly  growing  online 

services.

In  times  of  community  stress,  large  corporations  have  the 

opportunity,  and  responsibility,  to  bring  much  needed 

resources to address special needs. During this last financial 

year  we  provided  special  support  to  the  emergency 

services  and  the  rural  fire  services  both  financially  and  in 

food  availability  at  the  time  of  the  East  Coast  bushfires; 

to  our  farmers  and  the  Country  Women’s  Association 

through  our  Coles  Nurture  Fund  as  we  responded  to  the 

these  initiatives  are  set  out  in  our  2020  Sustainability 

Report which is accessible at www.colesgroup.com.au.

Importantly  we  are  continually  working  with  our  suppliers 

to improve not only our Coles Own Brand and proprietary 

grocery  product  offerings  but  also  to  seek  to  ensure  we 

source  product  in  accordance  with  our  ethical  sourcing 

policy  and  requirements.  At  the  2019  Annual  General 

Meeting  concerns  were  raised  as  to  the  importance  of 

labour standards amongst suppliers and since that time we 

have increased our resources and efforts in this important 

area. Working with suppliers, unions and other stakeholders 

we  are  seeking  to  ensure  that  all  aspects  of  our  supply 

chain support our dual objectives of trust and sustainability. 

Board

drought-driven hardships experienced by so many in rural 

I extend a special thanks to all my fellow directors who have 

communities; and to the elderly and disabled to whom we 

greatly  contributed  to  the  progress  which  we  have  been 

provided special access to supermarkets and to our Coles 

able to make during this most unusual year. In particular, I 

Online Priority Service in response to the restrictions arising 

express appreciation on behalf of Coles to the contribution 

from COVID-19.

These  special  community  focused  activities  were 

in 

addition to our long-term support for national food rescue 

organisations, SecondBite and Foodbank; to children with 

cancer and their families through Redkite; to the crusade to 

address motor neurone disease – FightMND; as well as our 

made  by  Zlatko  Todorcevski,  who  is  retiring  at  the  end  of 

September 2020. Zlatko has been the Chairman of our Audit 

and Risk Committee since our demerger and has ensured 

that  our  systems  and  financial  procedures  have  been 

robust and secure for our status as an ASX listed company 

and his sound counsel has been greatly valued.

support of hospitals caring for sick children across Australia 

I also extend my thanks to our Chief Executive, Steven Cain. 

through the sale of Mum’s Sause; and many others.

Steven has driven the development and implementation of 

In total, our community support was more than $139 million 

comprising $125 million from Coles directly and $14 million 

contributed  by  Coles’  customers,  team  members  and 

suppliers. 

Technology and sustainability

Throughout  our  business  we  are  investing  for  the  future. 

This  investment  is  much  more  than  the  expansion  of  our 

footprint;  it  is  directed  at  how  we  can  become  more 

efficient  in  meeting  the  needs  of  our  customers  and  in 

doing so more responsibly.

In every area there are opportunities where we can improve 

our  performance.  Our  progress  on  our  hallmark  projects 

of  automation  of  the  two  Witron  distribution  centres  in 

Queensland and New South Wales and the development 

of  the  two  Ocado  Online  customer  fulfilment  centres  in 

Victoria  and  New  South  Wales,  is  advancing  in  line  with 

our business plans. These two large projects are illustrative 

of  how  we  will  make  a  difference  to  our  future  operating 

effectiveness as we partner with global technology leaders 

our new strategy, the building of our leadership team, and 

the  competitive  positioning  of  the  business  in  this  rapidly 

changing world.

I am also very pleased to  welcome  our  new director  Paul 

O’Malley.  Paul  O’Malley  has  a  very  strong  financial  and 

commercial  background  within  prominent  ASX 

listed 

companies  which  will  complement  the  Board  and  our 

skills  mix.  Paul  will  join  the  Board  on  1  October  2020  and 

will stand for election at our 2020 Annual General Meeting 

which is being held virtually on 5 November 2020.

To  all  our  shareholders,  I  express  my  thanks  for  your 

continuing support of Coles and look forward to our making 

further progress in the year ahead.

James Graham AM
Chairman, Coles Group Limited

Team  member  safety  remains  a  priority  and  through 

with fit for purpose retail solutions.

Our  final  dividend  for  the  year  payable  on  29  September 

increased  training,  technology  and  commitment  we  saw 

2020  is  27.5  cents  per  share,  fully  franked,  which  together 

an  improvement  of  18.3%  in  our  total  recordable  injury 

with  our  interim  dividend  of  30.0  cents  per  share  paid  in 

frequency rate through the year.

March 2020, brings our full year dividend to 57.5 cents per 

share. This is a dividend payout equivalent to 82 per cent of 

our after tax profit (before Significant items). 

On  behalf  of  the  Board,  I  extend  our  thanks  to  all  Coles 

team  members  and  to  our  many  strategic  partners  in 

But  there  are  many  other  projects  throughout  our 

business  operations  where  new  technology  is  making 

a  difference.  Coles  is  committed  to  improving  how  we 

operate and to lessening our impact on the environment 

by  improving  our  packaging,  decreasing  our  waste, 

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Managing Director 
and Chief Executive 
Officer’s report

Since our successful demerger from Wesfarmers during the 2019 financial year, 
Coles  has been executing our refreshed strategy to transform our business and 
lay the foundations for long-term sustainable growth. COVID-19 has seen Coles 
classified as an ‘essential service’ and our focus has been on team and customer 
safety and supporting vulnerable Australians in our community.

for  those  most  in  need,  including  the  elderly,  was  then 

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introduced.

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We  also  worked  closely  with  government  experts  and  the 

Supermarkets Taskforce to formulate industry-wide hygiene 

and distancing protocols to keep our customers and team 

members safe and improve product supply.

Coles provided $3 million in gift cards to around 6,000 rural fire brigades across Australia to thank volunteer fire fighters for helping to keep rural communities safe. 

Coles CEO Steven Cain is pictured at Wauchope with NSW Rural Fire Service Mid Coast District Incident Controller Kam Baker, Wauchope and King Creek Rural Fire 

Brigade fire fighters, Coles NSW State General Manager Ivan and local Coles team members from the Lake Innes supermarket in Port Macquarie.

They  will  guide  the  day-to-day  decisions  and  actions  of 

We  have  prioritised  building  capabilities  in  a  number  of 

team  members,  shaping  the  way  we  work  together  to 

areas where COVID-19 has accelerated existing consumer 

get  things  done  as  we  continue  to  transform  Coles  for  a 

trends,  including  the  growth  of  online  shopping  and 

second  century  of  generating  long-term  returns  for  our 

cooking at home.

shareholders.

Inspire Customers

We  have  grown  our  convenience  offer,  with  dedicated 

convenience sections now in almost 150 supermarkets and 

with more than 240 new lines launched, including the new 

Coles Kitchen range from our recently acquired Jewel Fine 

Foods manufacturing facility in Sydney.

In  Liquor,  our  refreshed  strategy  is  focused  on  being  a 

simpler,  more  accessible,  locally  relevant  drinks  specialist 

with a differentiated offer, while our Exclusive Liquor Brands 

continue to collect accolades, bringing home a total of 372 

medals and awards during the year.

To manage the surge in volumes, our supply chain team set 

We  were  pleased  to  report  an  improvement  in  customer 

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up pop-up distribution centres in a matter of days to increase 

our capacity, while our recent investment in our integrated 

stock  replenishment  system  and  advanced  data  analytics 

helped  to  improve  availability  and  ensure  high-demand 

products were sent into stores to meet customer needs.

satisfaction across Supermarkets, Liquor and Express in the 

fourth quarter.

We  continued  tailoring  our  customer  offer  by  using  data-

driven  ranging  tools,  which  allowed  us  to  execute  one  of 

the largest range changes in Coles’ history and introduce 

As  the  community  adapted  to  the  ‘new  normal,’  demand 

more than 1,600 new product lines. 

I am pleased to say that we have made substantial progress 

against  each  of  the  pillars  of  our  strategy  despite  the 

challenges  the  2020  financial  year  has  presented,  as  our 

team worked hard to fulfil our purpose of sustainably feeding 

all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives.

for  food  and  liquor  remained  elevated  as  venue  closures 

and working from home meant customers were increasingly 

cooking  for  themselves  and  staying 

in  on  weekends. 

COVID-19  restrictions  reduced  traffic  on  the  road  and  fuel 

volumes at Coles Express.

We  delivered  trusted  value  through  our  campaigns  to  

Help  Lower  the  Cost  of  Breakfast,  Lunch  and  Dinner, 

Smarter Selling

including the introduction of more than 1,500 new products 

Our Smarter Selling strategy achieved cost savings in excess 

at everyday low prices, while sales of Own Brand grew by 

of $250 million, driven by the increased use of technology 

10% to exceed $10 billion for the first time – accounting for 

to drive efficiencies.

Together during COVID-19

As ever, it was the tremendous efforts of our team members 

more than 31% of supermarket sales.

that  made  everything  possible,  and  we  were  pleased  to 

As  a  designated  ‘essential  service’,  Coles  has  played  an 

be  able  to  recognise  their  outstanding  work  with  a  thank 

important role in ensuring Australians can safely access the 

you  payment  to  store  and  supply  chain  team  members, 

food, drinks and fuel they need. 

doubling the team member discount on shopping at Coles 

and subsidising their flu vaccinations.

As demand surged in early March, we worked collaboratively 

with  suppliers,  governments  and  industry  stakeholders  to 

I am immensely proud of the way we truly worked as one 

increase  our  supply  chain  capacity  and  also  introduced 

Coles  team  to  support  our  customers,  our  suppliers,  our 

Community  Hour  to  serve  the  vulnerable  and  emergency 

communities  and  each  other.  To  further  strengthen  our 

services workers.

culture,  in  June  we  launched  our  Coles  values:  Customer 

obsession,  Passion  and  pace,  Responsibility,  and  Health 

Coles Online briefly suspended service in March and April 

and happiness.

in  part  due  to  limited  and  uncertain  product  availability, 

with  capacity  almost  doubling  across  home  delivery  and 

These  values  are  supported  by  our  LEaD  behaviours  of 

contactless  Click  &  Collect  at  service  desks  and  to  the 

Look  ahead,  Energise  everyone  and  Deliver  with  pride, 

car boot. Coles Online Priority Service, focusing on service 

and  were  developed  with  input  from  our  team  members. 

Our values.

Our behaviours.

8

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

To our millions of customers across almost 2,500 
supermarkets, convenience and liquor stores, I thank 
you for your understanding, patience, respectfulness 
and adherence to the new social distancing 
guidelines that keep us all safe.

Our vision, purpose
and strategy

This 

included  streamlining  our  Store  Support  Centre 

and 

implementing  new  systems  across  Finance  and 

Procurement, more efficient use of logistics so more trucks 

carry both inbound and outbound loads, new technology 

to  help  our  store  teams  order  the  right  amount  of  stock, 

Looking ahead

In the 106 years since Coles was founded as a single store 

in Melbourne’s Collingwood, our Company has weathered 

many challenges. Few of them would be greater than those 

reduced energy consumption through use of LED lights and 

that we have faced over the past financial year.

Our vision 
Become the most trusted retailer in Australia  
and grow long-term shareholder value.

refrigeration  control  systems,  and  improved  measures  to 

reduce stock loss in stores.

Further  progress  was  also  made  in  tailoring  our  store 

formats to the needs of local communities, with 70 renewals 

I am extremely grateful for and proud of the resilience that 

our more than 118,000 team members have demonstrated 

in their response to the ongoing challenges that we face as 

a community, and for their dedication to safely serving our 

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completed  during  the  year,  including  10  Format  A,  31 

customers with a smile.

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Format C and three Coles Local supermarkets.

The  first  of  our  two  distribution  centres  being  built  by 

global  automation  experts  Witron  is  under  construction  in 

Queensland, and the second facility in New South Wales is in 

the approvals stage. Meanwhile we have entered long-term 

I would like to thank the Board for their support and valuable 

guidance  throughout  the  year,  and  our  leadership  team 

for  their  tireless  efforts  to  ensure  our  business  could  keep 

doing  what  it  does  best  while  simultaneously  making  the 

necessary changes to set Coles up for long-term success.

leases  to  underpin  the  development  of  automated  online 

customer fulfilment centres in Victoria and New South Wales 

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Our financial position

d4a   

To  our  millions  of  customers  across  almost  2,500 

supermarkets,  convenience  and  liquor  stores,  I  thank  you 

for  your  understanding,  patience,  respectfulness  and 

adherence  to  the  new  social  distancing  guidelines  that 

In  line  with  our  objective  of  providing  shareholders  with 

sustainable earnings growth and attractive dividends, we 

keep us all safe. To our suppliers and community partners, 

none  of  what  has  been  achieved  could  have  happened 

without  your  collaboration,  innovation  and  hard  work  for 

delivered  a  total  shareholder  return  of  31.7%  for  the  year. 

which I thank you sincerely.

Total  dividends  of  57.5  cents  per  share  were  declared  in 

relation to FY20.

On a retail basis, full year sales revenue increased by 6.9% 

And finally to our shareholders – we will continue to transform 

Coles  into  the  most  trusted  retailer  in  Australia  and  deliver 

long-term sustainable returns for you, your families and millions 

to  $37,408  million  with  sales  revenue  growth  across  all 

of beneficiaries in Australia and beyond.

segments, and we were pleased to mark a return to growth 

in full-year Group EBIT – up 4.7% to $1,387 million on a retail 

basis – the first increase since FY16.

Importantly,  we  had  begun  to  see  benefits  of  the  new 

strategy prior to the onset of COVID – providing assurance 

that Coles will be a stronger, more sustainable business long 

after the pandemic.

Steven Cain 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer,  

Coles Group Limited

Our purpose 
Sustainably feed  
all Australians to help 
them lead healthier, 
happier lives.

Smarter Selling 
through efficiency and 
pace of change.

Win Together 
with our team 
members, suppliers 
and communities.

Inspire Customers 
through best value 
food and drink 
solutions to make 
lives easier.

10

11

 
 
How we  
create value

We are driven by our purpose to sustainably feed  
all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier  
lives, which means we need to consider our social  
and environmental impacts in all that we do.

Nurture  
Fund

Innovation
R&D

Coles
Online

Coles
Strategy

Five 
Freedoms 
for animal 
welfare

Australian farmers  
and producers

Suppliers, processors  
and packaging

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Convenience

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Transport and  
distribution

Retail and  
store network

Team  
members

Customers and  
community

Coles Supermarkets has an 

Thousands of suppliers provide us with 

Working with our logistics partners, 

We support local economic growth 

With more than 118,000 team 

Through community partnerships, 

Australian-first sourcing policy to 

Own Brand and proprietary branded 

we are reducing our environmental 

through investment in new stores and 

members, including the largest 

we are supporting Australians and 

provide our customers with quality 

products. We are working with Own 

footprint through more efficient fleet 

infrastructure, while continuing to 

number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait 

reducing our environmental impact. 

Australian-grown fresh produce. 

Brand suppliers to improve Own Brand 

movements. We are also ensuring 

reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

Islander team members in Australia’s 

Our work with SecondBite and 

By doing this, we are supporting 

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customers are provided with quality, 

Australian farmers and growers who 

labelling on Own Brand products to 

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help customers recycle. REDcycle 

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products. Our support includes the 

soft plastics recycling is available 

provide us with healthy, quality 

$50 million Coles Nurture Fund.

in our supermarkets.

safe products by conducting 

selected quality checks when 

produce arrives at our fresh produce 

distribution centres, with additional 

checks for chilled products.

Innovation is key to providing online 

private sector, our workforce reflects 

Foodbank provides Australians in 

grocery and convenient shopping 

the diversity of our customers and 

need with healthy, nutritious food that 

experiences to make life easier for our 

the community. A safe and inclusive 

might otherwise go to waste. Disaster 

customers. Providing safe, responsibly 

workforce for all is our priority.

relief and business continuity plans 

sourced, nutritious products at 

competitive prices is fundamental.

support customers and communities 

in times of extreme weather events 

and other crises.

Our economic value creation

Our sustainability achievements1

Suppliers 

Team members 

Shareholders

Governments

Community

$29.9bn

$4.8bn

$873m

$2.6bn

$139m

supplier and  

payments and benefits 

total dividends  

cash taxes paid  

community  

services spend

to team members

paid

and collected

support

Sustainable  

communities 

Sustainable 
products 

Sustainable  

environmental practices 

Meals to people in need 

since 2003 (equivalent of) 

147m+

Best Sustainable Seafood 

Supermarket in Australia 

Awarded by MSC. Holder  

of the award since 2017

Broadest range of RSPCA  

Pieces of flexible plastic 

through REDcycle since 2011

1bn+

Funds to Redkite since 2013 

$38m

Approved products of any  

Waste diverted from landfill

79%

major Australian supermarket

Grants announced for 15 

producers through Coles 

Nurture Fund in FY20

Own Brand products 

$3.6m

displaying Health  

Star Rating 

2,400+

Greenhouse gas emissions 

(Scope 1 and 2) from 2009

 36.5%

All figures above are as at 28 June 2020, with the exception of community support (30 June 2020).

1  All references are as at 30 June 2020, with the exception of funds to Redkite which is as at 28 June 2020.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
Sustainability  
snapshot

Just over a year ago, we launched 
our vision to become the most trusted 
retailer in Australia and grow long-term 
shareholder value. We also launched 
our purpose to sustainability feed  
all Australians to help them lead 
healthier, happier lives.

Central to that purpose is trust and 
that means delivering against our key 
sustainability pillars.

Drought,  devastating  bushfires,  a  global  pandemic  –  2020 

brought challenges of exceptional scale. In this extraordinary 

year, our team members, suppliers and customers rose to the 

challenges and provided essential supplies to Australians in 

need, helping to bring our vision and purpose to life.

Central to that vision and purpose is trust. We will build trust by 

continuously improving our management, performance and 

reporting in regard to social and environmental impacts and 

opportunities under the three key pillars of our Sustainability 

Strategy  –  Sustainable  communities,  Sustainable  products 

and Sustainable environmental practices.

We contribute to the following  
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

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Together with Michelin-starred chef and Coles ambassador Curtis Stone, Coles 
announced a new partnership with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden 
Foundation in February 2020. Providing thousands of children across Australia 
access to a pleasurable food education program helps them develop a healthy 
relationship with food, self-confidence and life skills.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Sustainable products

Sustainable  products  focuses  on  healthy  food  choices 

We  want  to  make  life  easier  for  our  customers  by  offering 

and  healthy  lifestyles.  It  also  means  sourcing  products 

quality,  safe  and  trusted  products  –  sourced  in  an  ethical 

responsibly  and  ethically.  It  includes  our  commitment  to 

and  transparent  way  –  to  help  them  make  healthy  and 

animal welfare and to responsibly sourced seafood.

sustainable choices.

We  introduced  new  health  food  ranges  including  vegan 

As customers’ needs are changing, we continue to offer new 

and  vegetarian  options,  and  supported  healthy  lifestyle 

ranges and products. An affordable healthy food range was 

programs.  Our  new  three-year  partnership  with  the 

launched in FY20 and we provided more meat-free protein 

Stephanie  Alexander  Kitchen  Garden  Foundation  gives 

alternatives.  Our Own Brand food and drink standard range 

thousands of children, at more than 2,000 schools and early 

is now free of artificial colours and artificial flavours.

learning  centres,  access  to  food  education  to  help  them 

develop a healthy relationship with food.

We  are  committed  to  providing  our  customers  with  safe, 

high-quality  Own  Brand  products.  Our  commitment  is 

In  FY20,  Coles  was  awarded  the  MSC  Best  Sustainable 

supported  by  our  rigorous  supplier  requirements,  our 

Seafood  Supermarket  in  Australia.  The  MSC  has  named 

auditing and inspection program and in-store standards.

Coles holder of the award since 2017, recognising that we 

have  the  widest  eco-labelled  fresh  seafood  range  of  any 

Australian supermarket.

Julie and her son, Reece, with Mum’s Sause, which was launched in July 2019 
to raise funds to help sick children in hospitals across Australia as part of the 
Curing Homesickness initiative.

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Victorian dairy farmer Peter Hemphill (pictured with his grandchildren) was 

among 15 producers awarded a Coles Nurture Fund grant in FY20.

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Sustainable communities

Sustainable communities involves supporting our customers, 

Sustainable  communities  means  creating  a  workplace 

team  members  and  producers.  It  is  about  investing  in  and 

for  more  than  118,000  team  members  that  reflects  the 

giving back to the community and doing the right thing by 

communities  in  which  they  live  and  work.  With  more  than 

farmers, suppliers and their workers.

4,700  Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait  Islander  team  members, 

Coles is proud to be the largest private sector employer of 

Coles  Supermarkets  has  an  Australian-first  sourcing  policy 

to provide our customers with quality Australian-grown fresh 

Indigenous Australians.

produce as a first priority. In FY20, 96% of fresh produce, by 

A  company-wide  Human  Rights  Strategy  was  introduced 

volume, was sourced from our supply partners from all over 

in  FY20,  including  a  refreshed  Ethical  Sourcing  Policy  and 

Australia, excluding floral, nuts, dried fruit, sauces, dressings 

supplier requirements.

and  packaged  salads.  In  FY20,  100%  of  fresh  lamb,  pork, 

chicken,  beef,  milk  and  eggs  and  100%  of  Own  Brand 

frozen vegetables were Australian grown.

In  a  first  for  the  Australian  retail  sector,  Coles  worked  with 

three key unions to develop the Coles Ethical Retail Supply 

Chain  Accord  which  aims  to  achieve  a  safe,  sustainable, 

During  the  year,  we  announced  $3.6m  in  Coles  Nurture 

ethical and fair retail supply chain for workers regardless of 

Fund  grants  provided  to  15  recipients  who  are  improving 

their employment, citizenship or visa status.

their sustainability, rebuilding after bushfires and producing 

more Australian made food and beverages.

More about our community partnerships and support can 

be found in our 2020 Sustainability Report.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Support for  
customers, suppliers 
and communities 

Coles supported farmers and communities dealing with  
the impact of drought conditions across many parts of 
Australia during the past year. With help from our community 
partners, we also provided much-needed assistance to  
flood-affected communities.

Responding to drought and floods

Over the past two financial years, Coles has committed 

more  than  $18  million  to  drought  relief.  In  FY20,  Coles  

donated  $1  million  from  the  Coles  Nurture  Fund  to  the 

Country  Women’s  Association’s  Drought  Relief  Fund 

to  distribute  to  farming  families  affected  by  drought. 

In  addition,  Coles  raised  a  further  $864,476  for  the 

CWA  Drought  Appeal  through  customer  donations 

at  supermarkets  and  liquor  stores  and  from  the  sale  of  

$2 donation cards in the lead-up to Christmas. 

Together, these funds donated and raised by Coles in FY20 

for  the  CWA  Drought  Appeal  resulted  in  more  than  920 

farming families receiving grants to help them pay household 

expenses such as medical, energy and grocery bills. 

During  October  and  November  2019,  Coles  donated 

Coles Tenterfield Store Manager Kyle (left) with Tenterfield Shire Councillor 
and NSW Farmers local branch chair Bronwyn Petrie (middle), Tenterfield 
Shire Deputy Mayor Greg Sauer (right) and local residents Howard and 
Carmel with one of many truckloads of donated bottled water. Coles 
donated around 140,000 litres of bottled water to local communities in 
northern New South Wales of which around 100,000 litres was donated to 
Tenterfield residents.

and  delivered  around  140,000  litres  of  drinking  water  to 

Amid heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of Queensland in 

local  communities  in  northern  New  South  Wales  including 

Tenterfield,  Guyra,  Glen  Innes,  Ebor  and  Armidale,  where 

local  catchments  were  depleted  by  the  combination  of 

February 2020, Coles converted its delivery of goods from 
rail to road to ensure food and groceries could reach our 
customers.

drought and bushfires. 

To  help  people  and  communities  to  recover  from  the 
bushfires,  we  also  launched  a  fundraising  appeal  for  Red 
Cross. By raising $3.2 million for bushfire support, our funds 
enabled Red Cross to provide grants to hundreds of people 
to help them meet immediate needs, make repairs, cover 
hospital costs or re-establish a safe place to live.

Campaigns to support farmers

With  many  fresh  produce  suppliers  finding  their  crops 
impacted  by  drought  during  the  year,  Coles  worked  with 
farmers  to  vary  our  product  specifications  and  worked 
with industry stakeholders to encourage customers to look 
beyond a few surface imperfections. This provided valuable 
support  to  farmers  by  helping  them  sell  their  crops  at  the 
best possible price, while ensuring ongoing supply of great 
quality Australian fruit and vegetables for our customers.

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Team members at our Coles Local Rose Bay store wear polo shirts made 
from 65% recycled plastic bottles.

Sustainable environmental practices

REDcycle 

soft  plastics  collection 

is  offered 

in  our 

supermarkets.  Since  the  program  began  at  Coles  in  2011, 

Sustainable  environmental  practices  means  reducing  the 

more  than  one  billion  pieces  of  soft  plastic  have  been 

impact of our own operations as well as making it easier for 

diverted from landfill.

customers to reduce their environmental impact.

As  a  food  retailer,  we  love  food  and  do  not  want  it  to  go 

to waste. Every  Coles supermarket and distribution centre 

is  connected  with  a  food  waste  solution,  something  first 

We  are  facing  into  the  impacts  of  climate  change  and 

need to adapt to respond to extreme weather events and 

to maintain security of food supply. More information about 

our response to climate change is in the Risk Management 

achieved  at  the  end  of  FY19.  Our  first  choice  for  unsold, 

section of this report.

edible  food  is  to  donate  it  to  food  rescue  organisations. 

Following that, we have other food waste solutions including 

donation to farmers and animal or wildlife services, organics 

collections and in-store food waste disposal equipment.

Coles  has  a  responsibility  to  support  our  team  members, 

customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live 

and work and is committed to making a positive difference.

Packaging  continues  to  be  a  focus.  In  November  2019, 

Coles won the APCO’s large retailer industry award for our 

achievements  in  sustainable  packaging  design,  recycling 

Understanding  and  meeting  these  responsibilities  are  key 

to achieving our vision to becoming Australia’s most trusted 

retailer and growing long-term value for our shareholders.

initiatives and product stewardship.

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19

Flooding caused havoc on roads in some parts of New South Wales and 
Queensland in early 2020 while some areas barely received a drop of rain. 
Pictured is a Coles truck at Warriewood in northern Sydney in February.

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Bushfires

Bateman’s Bay

Coles regularly supports Australians through times of hardship 
and natural disaster. During the summer bushfires , we played 
an important role in supporting affected communities and 
emergency services with direct donations and fundraising to 
support longer-term relief.

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Firefighter donations

Food donations

Red Cross donations

To acknowledge the amazing 
courage and dedication of 
volunteer firefighters, Coles 

Coles donated food, water 

Through Coles Supermarkets,  

and other essentials to bushfire-

Coles Liquor stores and Coles Express 

affected communities and 

stores, we launched an appeal for 

donated $3 million in gift cards  

emergency services.

to over 6,000 rural fire brigades 

across Australia in December 2019.

We worked with Foodbank, 

the Red Cross Disaster Relief and 

Recovery Fund in November 2019.

donating 47 pallets of food, fresh 

By double matching customer 

This provided essential funds  

fruit, UHT milk, coffee, tea and 

donations for a specific period, 

for brigades to stock up supplies  

snacks for relief centres, aged care 

Coles contributed more than 

of food and essentials for their 

facilities and emergency services.

$1 million and together with our 

stations or run a thank you event 

with their members.

The gift cards were distributed 

via the NSW Rural Fire Service, 

Queensland Rural Fire Service, 

We supported animal sanctuaries 

and zoos including Mogo Zoo 

customers provided more than  

$3.2 million to the fund. 

(Bateman’s Bay), Adelaide Koala 

Our donations enabled Red Cross 

and Wildlife Hospital, Kangaroo 

to provide emergency assistance, 

Island Wildlife Network, and Live 

psychological first aid and longer-

Country Fire Authority in Victoria,  

Stock SA with donations of fruit, 

term community support to 

SA  Country Fire Service, Tasmanian 

vegetables and animal feed.

Australians affected by bushfires. 

Fire Service, the ACT Rural Fire 

Service, Bushfire Volunteers (WA), 

WA Volunteer Fire and Rescue 

Service, WA Volunteer Fire and 

Emergency Service and Bushfires NT.

John, Regional Manager, at the Bateman’s Bay store (top left), Coles State General Manager for South Australia and Northern Territory, Sophie, at a fundraising 

trivia night that raised funds for people affected by the Cudlee Creek and Kangaroo Island bushfires (top right), the burnt remains of a Coles team member’s 

house and car (middle left), residents evacuated as fires sweep through Bateman’s Bay in New South Wales (middle right) and fire trucks re-fuelling at the Moss 

Vale Coles Express during the bushfires (bottom).

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
COVID–19

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our role as an essential 
service to the community, and we worked closely with 
government and industry bodies to ensure all Australians had 
safe access to essential food and groceries. 

Safety our greatest priority

and vulnerable customers on Mondays, Wednesdays and 

Fridays; and to emergency services and healthcare workers 

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Since  the  outbreak  of  COVID-19,  Coles  has  played  an 

on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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important  role  in  providing  an  essential  service  to  the 

community  while  prioritising  the  safety  of  our  team 

members and customers.

To 

further  support  more  vulnerable  Australians,  we 

established  Coles  Online  Priority  Service  (COPS)  in  April 

to  offer  home  delivery  and  Click  &  Collect  services  to 

Team  member  and  customer  safety  is  our  highest  priority, 

customers who were unable to visit a store.

and  Coles  followed  the  expert  advice  from  state  and 

federal  health  authorities  on  how  to  reduce  the  risk  of 

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infection in our stores and through our supply chain.

The frequency with which we clean our stores was increased, 
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safety  screens  and  floor  decals  were  installed  to  assist  with 

social distancing measures including the introduction of limits 

Another way we provided extra support to disadvantaged 

people was by donating additional food and groceries to 

our food relief partners, Foodbank and SecondBite, during 

COVID-19. In addition to the food we regularly donate from 

our stores and distribution centres, we donated extra food 

and  groceries  to  the  retail  value  of  nearly  $7.9  million  to 

Foodbank  and  SecondBite  to  distribute  to  food  charities 

on the number of customers in stores at our busiest times.

across Australia.

Responding to demand

To  help  address  the  unprecedented  customer  demand 

seen early in the outbreak, we invested in our supply chain, 

opening  pop-up  distribution  centres  in  New  South  Wales, 

Victoria and Queensland. 

We  introduced  product  limits  on  the  most  in-demand 

products so that more customers could access essentials.

We  also  worked  with  suppliers  to  prioritise  production  of 

groceries  they  could  deliver  in  the  greatest  volume  until 

demand returned to more normal levels.

Prioritising our vulnerable citizens

In  April,  we  also  teamed  up  with  Indigenous  corporations 

and  local  charities  to  deliver  and  donate  more  than  80 

pallets – the equivalent of 50 tonnes – of food and grocery 

essentials  to  Indigenous  communities  across  the  Northern 

Territory. 

Recruiting Australians in store

To  serve  more  customers,  replenish  shelves  faster,  keep 

stores cleaner and offer employment for Australians whose 

jobs  had  been  impacted  by  COVID-19,  we  recruited 

thousands of additional casual team members.

More  security  guards  were  also  employed 

to  help  

manage customer numbers and keep customers and team 

We  also  provided  Australia’s  elderly  and  most  vulnerable, 

members safe.

together  with  emergency  and  healthcare  workers,  with 

better access to groceries by introducing Coles Community 

Hour  at  all  our  supermarkets  across  Australia  in  March. 

This  initiative,  which  ran  until  May  8,  involved  temporarily 

changing  our  trading  hours  to  7am  to  8pm  on  weekdays 
and dedicating the first hour of trade exclusively to elderly 

Team  members  working  throughout  the  challenging 

period  were 

rewarded  for  their  extraordinary  efforts  

with  an  additional  team  member  discount  and  a  thank  

you payment for those working in stores and supply chain.

Throughout COVID-19, we prioritised the safety of our team members and customers, providing Australians access to essential goods and services, and 

supporting communities and people in need. Customers at Coles Southland (top), Brisbane mother Anna with her daughter Olivia using sanitiser in  

store (middle left), Salvation Army’s Major Brendan Nottle with Coles Online team member Matthew and Collingwood Football Club Director of Stadia  

and Community, David Emerson, with donations of 2,000 convenience meals as well as frozen vegetables and pantry items for residents in Magpie Nest’s 

housing program which accommodates people who have been sleeping rough on Melbourne’s streets and women fleeing domestic violence (middle right); 

and Coles Eastland Store Support Manager Drew delivers groceries to 97 year-old World War II veteran Des (bottom right).

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Governance  
at Coles

In our first full year as a listed entity, Coles’ corporate governance 
framework has been integral to our response to the events of FY20.  
We are committed to the highest standards of corporate governance 
and believe that a robust and transparent governance framework is 
central to our success.

The Group’s FY20 key corporate governance highlights and focus areas included:

Overseeing Coles’ response to the unforeseen national  

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and global challenges presented during FY20 including  

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Board

their impact on our team members, customers, suppliers  

and local communities.

Hosting the Company’s first Annual General Meeting in 

November 2019, conducting the first Board performance  

review and adopting the new Coles values which build on  

Chairman James Graham AM addresses shareholders at the first Coles Annual General Meeting in November 2019.

Corporate governance framework

Board role and responsibilities

Coles’ 2020 Corporate Governance Statement contains a 

The Board provides leadership and approves the strategic 

comprehensive  overview  of  our  corporate  governance 

direction  and  objectives  of  the  Group  in  the  long-term 

framework  and  highlights  and 

is  available  at 

interests  of,  and  to  maximise  value  to,  shareholders.  The 

www.colesgroup.com.au/corporategovernance.

Board  is  accountable  to  shareholders  for  the  overall 

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Strategy

Risk management

Diversity  
and inclusion

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Executing the first year of our strategy, with good progress 

made on delivering our vision to ‘Become the most trusted 

retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value’ 

underpinned by our three strategic pillars: Inspire Customers, 

Smarter Selling and Win Together. This includes progress 

against our eight strategic KPIs, which were laid out to 

measure the success of our strategy.

Implementing initiatives that continue to drive an uplift in our risk 

management maturity. This has entailed the establishment of 

our risk appetite framework, including definition, measurement, 

monitoring and reporting of risk appetite for our material risks. 

We also implemented a technology platform to facilitate the 

management of risks and major compliance programs.

Continuing our progress towards achieving our Better  

Together objectives, including in relation to gender diversity, 

with the proportion of men and women across the entire  

Coles workforce for FY20 being 49.3% men and 50.7% women. 

In addition, at the end of FY20 we employed more than 4,700 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across our stores, 

distribution centres and store support centres, representing 

3.8% of team members.

Audit and Risk  

Nomination  

Committee

Committee

People and 

Culture 

Committee

Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer

Executive Leadership Team

Coles Team Members

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25

performance  of  the  Company,  having  regard  to  the 

interests  of  other  stakeholders,  including  team  members, 

customers, suppliers and the broader community.

The  Board  has  a  charter  that  outlines  its  responsibilities, 

including powers that are expressly reserved to the Board, 

and powers that are specifically delegated to the CEO and 

management.

Board composition

The Constitution states that the number of directors shall be 

not less than three directors and not more than 10 directors. 

Other than the Managing Director, directors may not retain 

office  without  re-election  for  more  than  three  years  or 

past  the  third  annual  general  meeting  following  their  last 

election  or  re-election.  Any  newly  appointed  directors 

are  required  to  seek  election  at  the  first  annual  general 

meeting after their appointment.

The   Board   will   review   periodically   its   composition 

and  the  duration  of  terms  served  by  directors,  upon 

recommendation from the Nomination Committee.

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Board skills matrix

SKILL/

EXPERIENCE EXPLANATION

The  Board  recognises  the  importance  of  having  directors 

who possess a broad range of skills, background, expertise, 

diversity and experience in order to facilitate constructive 

decision-making  and 

facilitate  good  governance 

processes and procedures.

The  Board,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  Nomination 

Committee, determines the composition, size and structure 

requirements for the Board and will regularly review its mix 

of skills to make sure it covers the skills needed to address 

existing  and  emerging  business  and  governance  issues 

relevant to the Company.

The current mix of skills and experience represented on the 

Board is set out in the skills matrix below:

Number of Directors  

with the requisite skill

Experience serving on boards in diverse industries and for 
a range of organisations, including public listed entities 
or other large, complex organisations. An awareness of 
global practices and trends. Experience in implementing 
high standards of governance in a large organisation and 
assessing the effectiveness of senior management.

Effective senior leadership in a large, complex organisation 
or public listed company. Successfully leading organisational 
transformation and delivering sustained business success, 
including through line management responsibilities.

Senior executive or other experience in financial accounting 
and reporting, internal financial and risk controls, corporate 
finance and/or restructuring, corporate transactions, including 
ability to probe the adequacies of financial and risk controls.

Demonstrated ability to identify and critically assess strategic 
opportunities and threats and to develop and implement 
successful strategies to create sustained, resilient business 
outcomes. Ability to question and challenge on delivery  
against agreed strategic planning objectives.

Experience overseeing or implementing a company’s culture 
and people management framework, including succession 
planning to develop talent, culture and identity. Board or 
senior executive experience in applying remuneration policy 
and framework, including linking remuneration to strategy 
and performance, and the legislative and contractual 
framework governing remuneration.

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Understanding of and experience in identifying and 
monitoring key risks to an organisation and implementing 
appropriate risk management frameworks and procedures 
and controls.

Senior management experience in the retail and fast moving 
consumer goods (FMCG) industry, particularly in the food 
and liquor industry, including an in-depth knowledge of 
merchandising, product development, exporting, logistics 
and customer strategy.

Advanced understanding of customer service delivery 
models, benchmarking and oversight.

Senior executive experience in managing or overseeing the 
operation of supply chains and distribution models in large, 
complex entities, including retail suppliers.

Senior manager or equivalent experience in national or 
international business, providing exposure to a range of 
interstate or international political, regulatory and business 
environments.

Experience in property development and asset management.

Senior executive experience in consumer and brand 
marketing and in e-commerce and digital media, including  
in the retail industry.

Expertise and experience in the adoption and implementation 
of new technology. Understanding of key factors relevant to 
digital disruption and innovation, including opportunities 
to leverage digital technologies and cyber security and 
understanding the use of data and analytics.

Identification of key health and safety issues, including 
management of workplace safety, and mental and physical 
health. Experience in managing and driving environmental 
management and social responsibility initiatives, including  
in relation to sustainability and climate change.

Senior management experience working in diverse political, 
cultural, regulatory and business environments. Experience 
in regulatory and competition policy and influencing public 
policy decisions and outcomes, particularly in relation to 
regulation relevant to food and liquor industries.

Board of 
Directors

Steven Cain 
Managing Director and 

Chief Executive Officer

Jacqueline Chow 
Member of the Nomination 

Committee and the Audit 

and Risk Committee

Richard Freudenstein 
Chairman of the People 

and Culture Committee 

and Member of the 

Nomination Committee

Zlatko Todorcevski 
Chairman of the Audit 

and Risk Committee  

and Member of the 

Nomination Committee

James Graham AM 
Chairman of the Board 

Chairman of the Nomination 

Committee and Member 

of the People and Culture 

Committee

David Cheesewright 
Member of the Nomination 

Committee and the People 

and Culture Committee

Abi Cleland 
Member of the Nomination 

Committee and the People 

and Culture Committee

Wendy Stops 
Member of the Nomination 

Committee and the Audit  

and Risk Committee

Biographical details of the Board of Directors can be found on pages 66–67.

8

8

8

8

8

6

7

6

8

4

6

8

7

7

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Corporate 
governance

Executive 
experience

Financial acumen

Strategic thinking

People, culture and 
remuneration 

Risk management

d4a   

Retail and FMCG 
skills and experience 

Customer service 
delivery 

Supply chains 

Interstate / global 
business experience 

Property 
development and 
asset management 

Marketing 

Digital technology 
and innovation 

Sustainability, 
environment, health 
and safety 

Regulatory and 
public policy

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
A culture of acting lawfully, 
ethically and responsibly

Executive
Leadership Team

Anti-bribery and Corruption Policy

Coles  has  an  Anti-bribery  and  Corruption  Policy.  In  FY20, 

the  Board  approved  updates  to  the  policy  in  response  to 

regulatory changes. The policy stipulates that Coles has zero 

tolerance for bribery and corruption in any form. It prohibits 

directors  and  team  members  from  engaging  in  activity 

Steven Cain 
Managing Director  
and Chief  
Executive Officer

Leah Weckert 
Chief Financial  
Officer

Greg Davis 
Chief Executive  
Commercial  
& Express

Coles  has  a  number  of  company  policies  that  promote  a 

culture  of  acting  lawfully,  ethically  and  responsibly  and 

outline  expected  standards  of  behaviour.  These  policies 

include the following:

Code of Conduct

Coles has a Code of Conduct which sets out the standards 

of  behaviour  which  are  expected  of  its  directors  and  team 

members  in  their  interactions  with  customers,  suppliers,  the 

community  and  each  other.  The  Code  of  Conduct  was 

reviewed in FY20 and was updated to reflect the Company’s 

vision, purpose and strategy as well as the values and LEaD 

behaviours.  Our  values  of  Customer  obsession,  Passion  and 

pace, Responsibility and Health and happiness define what’s 

important  to  us,  and  our  LEaD  behaviours  of  Look  ahead, 

Energise everyone and Deliver with pride guide how we work 

that constitutes bribery or corruption and sets out a number 

of  guidelines  to  assist  team  members  to  determine  what 

DRAFT 21 
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constitutes  bribery  or  corruption.  It  covers  any  activity  or 

behaviour undertaken in connection with Coles, regardless of 

Copy 

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

the geographical location in which that activity or behaviour 

occurs.

Sustainability, Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Coles  is  committed  to  providing  a  safe  and  healthy 

as a team and continue to build on the strong relationships 

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with our suppliers and customers.

environment  for  team  members,  customers,  suppliers, 

contractors, visitors and supply chain partners. The Health, 

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

Safety  and  Wellbeing  Policy  describes  the  systems  and 

processes  in  place  to  manage  the  risks  and  hazards  that 

Whistleblower Policy

d4a   

As part of Coles’ commitment to the highest standards of 

conduct and ethical behaviour in all its business activities, 

the  Company  has  a  Whistleblower  Policy  to  encourage 

anyone to come forward with concerns. The policy, which 

was  reviewed  and  updated  in  FY20,  requires  Coles  team 

members,  directors  and  officers  who  have  reasonable 

grounds  to  suspect  that  ‘Potential  Misconduct’  has 

occurred or is occurring within or against Coles to make a 

report.  The  policy  also  encourages  anyone  else  who  has 

reasonable grounds to suspect that ‘Potential Misconduct’ 

has occurred or is occurring within or against Coles to make 

a  report.  Potential  Misconduct  is  any  suspected  or  actual 

misconduct or an improper state of affairs or circumstances 

in relation to Coles. It includes any unethical, illegal, corrupt, 

fraudulent or undesirable conduct or any breach of Coles’ 

policies  such  as  its  Code  of  Conduct  by  a  Coles  director, 

team  member,  contractor,  supplier,  tenderer  or  any  other 

person who has business dealings with Coles.

come  with  operating  Coles’  business  and  ensure  that 

Coles’ actions are appropriate to our risk profile.

Securities Dealing Policy

Coles has a Securities Dealing Policy to ensure compliance 

with 

insider  trading 

laws,  protect  the 

reputation  of 

the  Group,  its  directors  and  team  members,  maintain 

confidence  in  the  trading  of  the  Company’s  securities 

and  prohibit  specific  types  of  transactions.  In  general, 

directors, members of the Executive Leadership Team and 

other executives at the General Manager level and above 

(Restricted Persons) may not deal in Coles’ securities during 

specified periods (known as ‘blackout periods’) that cover 

the  period  leading  up  to  and  immediately  following  the 

release of the quarterly retail sales results, half-yearly results 

and  full-year  results.  Outside  of  those  blackout  periods, 

Restricted Persons must seek prior approval to deal in Coles’ 

securities from the Company Secretary (or their delegate).

Matthew Swindells 
Chief Operations  
Officer

Darren Blackhurst 
Chief Executive  
Liquor

Ben Hassing 
Chief Executive 
eCommerce

Thinus Keevé 
Chief Sustainability,  
Property & Export  
Officer

George Saoud 
Chief Executive  
Emerging  
Businesses

David Brewster 
Chief Legal  
& Safety Officer

Kris Webb 
Chief People  
Officer

Roger Sniezek 
Chief Information  
Officer

Lisa Ronson 
Chief Marketing  
Officer

Daniella Pereira 
Company  
Secretary

Ian Bowring 
Group Executive  
Transformation 

Sally Fielke 
General Manager 
Corporate Affairs

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Operating and  
Financial Review

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

Business model  
and strategy

Coles operates and maintains 2,447 stores  
nationally across its businesses and employs  
more than 118,000 team members. 

Coles  is  a  leading  Australian  retailer  selling  customers 

Other business operations that are not separately reportable, 

everyday products including fresh food, groceries, general 

such as Property, as well as costs associated with enterprise 

merchandise and liquor, through its extensive store network 

functions, such as Treasury, are included in Other.

and online platforms.

Coles also sells convenience products and, under its alliance 

and grow long-term shareholder value. Achieving this vision 

with  Viva  Energy  (Viva),  is  a  commission  agent  for  retail 

requires us to deliver on our purpose, which is to sustainably 

fuel sales operating under the Coles Express brand. Coles 

feed all Australians to help them lead healthier, happier lives. 

Our vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia 

operates some of Australia’s most well recognised brands, 

including  Coles,  Coles  Local,  Coles  Express,  Liquorland, 

First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars. In addition, 

Coles sells customers financial and lifestyle services and is 

a  50%  shareholder  of  flybuys,  a  loyalty  program  covering 

more than six million active households.

Our  strategy,  ‘Winning  in  our  Second  Century’,  represents 

our  plan  to  deliver  on  this  purpose.  There  are  three 
strategic  pillars:  Inspire  Customers,  Smarter  Selling,  and 
Win Together. Across each of these pillars, we are planning 
to win in our second century by ensuring that our strategy 

delivers  a  competitive  advantage  through  five  strategic 

Coles  operates  and  maintains  2,447  stores  nationally 

differentiators: 

across its businesses and employs more than 118,000 team 

members. 

Coles’  core  competencies 

include  merchandising 

and  supplier  relationships,  marketing,  maintaining  and 

operating  a  national  store  network,  operating  a  fully 

integrated supply chain, including logistics, and a national 

distribution centre network.

The Group’s reportable segments are:

1. 

 Win in online food and drinks with an optimised store 

and supply chain network 

2. 

 Be a great value Own Brand powerhouse and 

destination for health 

3. 

 Achieve long-term structural cost advantage through 

automation and technology partnerships 

4. 

  Create Australia’s most sustainable supermarket 

5. 

 Deliver through team engagement and pace of 

•  Supermarkets: 

fresh 

food,  groceries  and  general 

execution 

merchandise  retailer  with  a  national  network  of  824 

supermarkets, 

including  Coles  Online  and  Coles 

Financial Services

•  Liquor:  liquor  retailer  with  910  stores  nationally  under 

the brands Liquorland, First Choice, First Choice Liquor 

Market  and  Vintage  Cellars,  including  online  liquor 

delivery services through Coles Online and Liquor Direct

•  Express:  convenience  store  operator  and  commission 

agent for retail fuel sales across 713 outlets nationally

We have made progress against each of these three pillars 

over the past year, supported by our existing Look ahead, 

Energise everyone and Deliver with pride (LEaD) behaviours 

framework and our newly-launched Coles values.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Inspire Customers

Smarter Selling

Inspire Customers through best value food and drink solutions 

of…’ campaign focused on lowering the cost of breakfast, 

Smarter Selling through efficiency and pace of change.

critical element of efficiency in the Store Support Centre with 

to make lives easier.

lunch and dinner. 

•  Customer obsessed

• 

Tailored offer with trusted and targeted value

•  Own Brand powerhouse

•  Destination for convenience and health

•  Leading anytime, anywhere shopping

•  Accelerate growth through new markets 

Continuing to innovate to build an Own Brand powerhouse, 

and reinforcing the 10% sales growth achieved in FY20, are 

critical to our commitment to deliver trusted value and to 

lower the cost of living for our customers through affordable 

quality.

• 

Technology-led stores & supply chain

•  Strategic sourcing

•  Optimised network and formats

•  Efficient and agile Store Support Centres

Coles is also delivering on those areas that are increasing 

in  importance  for  our  customers  as  lifestyles  change. 

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This  includes  expanding  our  convenience  meal  range 

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

and  rolling  it  out  to  approximately  150  stores  in  FY20,  and 

multiple SAP system investments underway or completed.

Coles  is  building  an  optimised  store  network  by  opening 

new stores in key network gaps and growth corridors, while 

closing underperforming stores. 

This  process  of  optimisation  is  being  reinforced  by  an 

ongoing  program  of  store  renewals,  with  the  rollout  of 

‘Format A’ stores, a premium mainline supermarket format 

Coles 

is  committed  to  establishing  a  structural  cost 

for our best trading stores, and ‘Format C’ stores, a highly 

advantage  by 

increasing  efficiency 

through 

rapid 

efficient format for lower trading stores that allows Coles to 

innovation and execution at pace. Technology and digital 

continue  to  deliver  a  high  quality  offer  to  customers  that 

investment  supporting  efficiency  and  automation  in  our 

may otherwise not be able to access that offer. 

supply  chain,  stores  and  Store  Support  Centre  is  critical, 

as  is  the  continued  optimisation  of  our  network  and  store 

formats, and our supplier network.

The  technology-led  optimisation  and  automation  of  our 

supply  chain  to  reduce  costs  and  improve  availability  is 

continuing  to  accelerate  with  construction  starting  on  our 

first  fully  automated  distribution  centre  in  Queensland. 

Leases  have  also  been  signed  for  two  online  fulfilment 

centres in Sydney and Melbourne that will enable Coles to 

win in online food and drinks. Technological innovation is a 

Coles is also rolling out the innovative Coles Local format, 

a  premium  smaller  format  supermarket  that  delivers  both 

great value and premium solutions to customers. 

Coles  now  has  29  Format  A  stores,  33  Format  C  and  four 

Coles  Local  stores  across  the  network,  including  the  first 

Coles Local in New South Wales at Rose Bay.

Delivering inspiring solutions, with the right offer at the right 

price, where and when our customers want it. 

enhancing  our  customer  offer  to  ensure  we  are  their 

preferred destination for convenience and health solutions.

At Coles, we strive to be customer obsessed and our customers 

are  responding,  with  our  customer  satisfaction  score,  as 

measured  by  Tell  Coles,  increasing  to  88.2%  in  the  fourth 

quarter  as  availability  improved  following  initial  COVID-19 

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pantry stocking impacts (83.4% in the third quarter). 

d4a   
Customer  obsession  pervades  our  strategy.  Landing  the 

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Customers  are  increasingly  seeking  options  in  terms  of 

where and when they shop. To this end, Coles is investing 

to  become  Australia’s  leading  digital  retailer,  with  online 

sales growing by 18% in FY20, by delivering an expanded, 

personalised and targeted offer online.

Coles  is  also  offering  solutions  to  new  customer  groups, 

right offer in the right location and ensuring our customers 

trust Coles to deliver them the best value, with 20% of FY20 

sales at everyday low prices and the ‘Helping lower the cost 

continuing  the  drive  to  expand  both  our  export  and  B2B 

businesses. Coles recently opened an office in Shanghai to 

better support our export customers in Asia.

In 2020, Coles launched a ‘What’s for Dinner?’ campaign to provide customers with a collection of easy and fast recipes to produce tasty meals at great value.

Team members Karra and Jess at the Parkinson Distribution Centre in Brisbane plan logistics for the transport of food and groceries across Queensland.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Win Together

Win Together with our team members, suppliers and 

Our  support  for  Australian  communities  has  never  been 

communities.

•  Wellbeing and safety in our DNA

•  Great place to work

•  Drive generational sustainability

•  Better together through diversity

• 

Innovation through partnerships

Coles is focused on helping all Australians to lead healthier 

and  happier  lives,  including  our  team  members,  our 

suppliers and our communities.

Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of team members is a key 

part  of  making  Coles  a  great  place  to  work  and  partner 

with. In FY20, Coles improved its TRIFR by 18.3% to 22.7.

more apparent than in the drought, bushfire and COVID-19 

pandemic  affected  FY20.  Coles’  contribution  to  the 

Australian  community  in  FY20  included  donations  of  gift 

cards to rural fire brigades and additional food and groceries 

to charity partners. We are focused on making life easier for 

our  customers  by  offering  quality,  trusted  products  while 

at  the  same  time,  working  to  minimise  our  environmental 

impacts through sustainable environmental practices.

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Coles  is  committed  to  being  a  diverse  and  inclusive 

workplace that is reflective of the customers and community 

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

Copy 

we serve. Coles is proud to be Australia’s largest private sector 

employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Coles  believes  that  respect  for  human  rights  is  essential 

to  achieving  Coles’  vision  to  become  the  most  trusted 

retailer  in  Australia.  We  have  continued  to  enhance  our 

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To  help  deliver  on  our  purpose,  Coles  is  committed  to 

attracting,  engaging  and  retaining  the  very  best  talent. 
d4a   
Engagement continues to improve, with our engagement 

AnnualReport_
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Ethical Sourcing Program, including the development and 

adoption  of  Coles’  first  Human  Rights  Strategy,  and  the 

strengthening of our ethical sourcing team with dedicated 

team members with specialised skills.

score increasing by seven percentage points in FY20.

Coles  is  committed  to  driving  generational  sustainability 

by  creating  Australia’s  most  sustainable  supermarket. 

Our  Sustainability  Strategy,  aligned  with 

the  United 

Nations  Global  Compact  and  United  Nations  Sustainable 

Development Goals, is focused on supporting sustainable 

communities,  delivering 

sustainable  products,  and 

following sustainable environmental practices.

Improvement in team member engagement 
(percentage points)

Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR)
Number of all injury types per million hours worked

38.8

34.4

27.8*

22.7

7pp

FY17

FY18

FY19

FY20

*  Restated due to maturation of data

34

Coles proudly announced a five-year partnership in FY20 with the AFL.  

The stunning growth of AFLW has made a powerful statement  

about inclusion of females in professional sport. 

AFL General Manager Commercial Kylie Rogers said, ‘The partnership 

is a natural fit, with both the AFL and Coles dedicated to giving back to 

local communities and providing opportunities for all Australians. Our 

commitment to each other ensures we can continue to invest back into 

our sport to promote participation and growth at all levels of the game.’

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Group  
performance

Highlights

Performance overview

•  Statutory sales revenue growth of 6.5% in Supermarkets and 

The  financial  and  operating  performance  of  the  Group  is 

3.2% in Liquor

•  Group EBIT on a retail (non-IFRS) basis returned to growth for 

the first time in four years

•  Robust balance sheet with investment-grade credit metrics

• 

The Board has determined a fully franked final dividend 

of 27.5 cents per share

For continuing operations of the Group:

presented on a statutory (IFRS) basis. Results prepared on a 

retail (non-IFRS) basis have also been included to support 

an  understanding  of  comparable  business  performance. 

Further  details  relating  to  the  presentation  of  retail  results 

are provided in the Non-IFRS Information section. 

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

FY20

FY19

CHANGE

$M

Sales revenue

Supermarkets

Liquor

Express

Group sales revenue

EBIT

Supermarkets

Liquor

Express

Other

Significant items

Group EBIT

Financing costs

Income tax expense

Profit after tax

Retail (non-IFRS)2

Group sales revenue3

Group EBIT4

Profit after tax4

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d4a   

32,993

3,308

1,107

37,408

30,993

3,205

3,978

38,176

1,618

1,191

138

33

(27)

-

1,762

(443)

(341)

978

133

46

(27)

124

1,467

(42)

(347)

1,078

37,408

1,387

951

35,001

1,325

888

6.5%

3.2%

(72.2%)

(2.0%)

35.9%

3.8%

(28.3%)

-

n/m1

20.1%
n/m1

(1.7%)

(9.3%)

6.9%

4.7%

7.1%

Statutory  Sales  revenue  for  the  Group  reduced  by  2.0% 
to  $37,408  million,  due  to  a  72.2%  reduction  in  Express 

revenues driven by the move to a commission agent model 

under  the  New  Alliance  Agreement,  effective  1  March 

2019.  In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the  New  Alliance 

Agreement,  Express  no  longer  recognises  gross  fuel  sales 

revenue; however, it is entitled to commission income from 

fuel  sold  at  Alliance  sites  (recognised  in  ‘other  operating 

revenue’).  Partly offsetting this decline was sales growth in 

the Supermarkets and Liquor segments.  

On a retail basis, sales revenue for the Group increased 6.9% 

to $37,408 million driven by improved trading performance 

in  Supermarkets  from  successful  value  and  collectible 

campaigns,  tailored  range  reviews  and  Own  Brand  sales 

growth.    Liquor  revenue  also  increased  from  sales  growth 

in  Exclusive  Liquor  Brands  (ELB)  and  benefits  from  First 

Choice Liquor Market conversions. Both Supermarkets and 

Liquor experienced a trading uplift in the latter part of the 

year  from  increased  demand  for  in-home  consumption 

associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Statutory  Group  EBIT  increased  20.1%  to  $1,762  million 
primarily due to the impact of a new accounting standard,            
AASB  16  Leases  (AASB  16),  which  was  effective  for  the 
Group from 1 July 2019. This resulted in an increase in EBIT of 

$375 million for the year. In accordance with an allowable 

election under the standard, prior year comparatives have 

not  been  restated.  For  a  more  detailed  analysis  of  the 

financial  effects  of  applying  AASB  16,  refer  to  Impact  of 
AASB 16 Leases below. Partially offsetting this increase was 
a  pre-tax  gain  of  $124  million  relating  to  significant  items 

recognised in the prior year.

Trading impacts

Supermarkets and Liquor

COVID-19  impacted  Coles  significantly  in  the  second  half 

of  the  financial  year,  starting  in  late  February  with  a  spike 

in  trade  from  customer  pantry  stocking  amid  growing 

concerns of a global pandemic. Demand continued to build 

in  Supermarkets,  peaking  in  late  March,  as  government-

imposed social distancing measures were introduced. 

To  meet  the  challenge  of  unprecedented  customer 

demand,  Coles  worked  closely  with  suppliers  and  supply 

chain  partners  to  ensure  stock  was  delivered  to  stores 

as  quickly  as  possible,  including  the  opening  of  pop-

up  distribution  centres  in  New  South  Wales,  Victoria  and 

Queensland.  Limits  were  also  introduced  for  the  most  in-

demand  products  so  that  more  customers  could  access 

essentials. 

In  March,  the  Coles  Online  platform  was 

repurposed  as  a  priority  service  for  vulnerable  customers, 

impacting ordinary trading operations until late April when 

the platform was fully reopened to all customers.  To further 

support  the  community,  Coles  donated  additional  food 

and  groceries  to  our  charity  partners  SecondBite  and 

Foodbank to distribute to food charities across Australia.   

Supermarkets  trading  levels  moderated  in  April,  however 

remained  above  that  experienced  pre-COVID-19.  Store 

and  service  costs  also  remained  elevated,  reflecting 

the  need  for  increased  cleaning/sanitising  and  ongoing 

measures to support social distancing in stores. 

Liquor  sales  remained  elevated  throughout  the  fourth 

quarter  as  government  restrictions  on  the  opening  of 

hotels, pubs, clubs and licensed venue operators remained 

On  a  retail  basis,  Group  EBIT  increased  4.7%  to  $1,387 

in place across most states. 

million reflecting improved trading performance and cost 

management  initiatives  in  Supermarkets,  partly  offset  by 

the  New  Alliance  Agreement  and  lower  fuel  volumes  in 

Express. Liquor EBIT remained consistent with the prior year.

Statutory  profit  after  tax  for  the  Group  decreased  9.3%  to 
$978  million  driven  by  lower  Express  earnings,  the  net  cost 

associated with the application of AASB 16, and a reduced 

net  profit  contribution  from  significant  items  relative  to 

the prior year. Collectively, these impacts  offset growth in 

Supermarkets earnings during the year. 

On a retail basis, profit after tax increased by 7.1% to $951 

Throughout  this  time,  Coles’  priority  was  to  maintain  the 

safety  of  team  members  and  customers  by  investing  in 

store  service,  security  and  cleaning.  This  focus  included 

the  installation  of  safety  screens  and  signage  to  assist 

with  social  distancing  measures  and  limiting  the  number 

of  customers  in  stores  at  our  busiest  times.  To  recognise 

the  significant  commitment  of  our  team  during  this 

unprecedented  period,  our  team  member  discount  was 

temporarily doubled on eligible purchases and thank you 

payments  were  also  made  to  our  store  and  distribution 

centre team members.         

million  driven  by  earnings  growth  in  Supermarkets,  partly 

Express

offset by lower fuel volumes in Express.

1  n/m denotes not meaningful.

2  Refer to Non-IFRS Information section for a comparison of statutory (IFRS) and retail (non-IFRS) results.

3  Retail sales revenue for FY19 excludes fuel sales and hotel sales. 

4  Retail EBIT and profit after tax excludes the impact of AASB 16 and significant items in FY20, and hotels and significant items in FY19.

Impacts of COVID-19

Coles  has  played  an  important  role  during  the  COVID-19 

pandemic, providing an essential service to the community 

while  prioritising  the  safety  of  our  team  members  and 

customers.

36

Coles  Express  was  adversely  impacted  by  lower  fuel 

volumes  associated  with  the  government-imposed  stay-

at-home measures. The decrease in road traffic resulted in 

significantly lower revenue, while costs increased to support 

safety measures in store.  

With  the  easing  of  these  measures  late  in  the  year,  fuel 

volumes  began  to  increase  but  did  not  return  to  pre-

COVID-19  levels.  Earnings  remained  under  pressure  with 

fixed costs and ongoing safety measures in store more than 

offsetting  revenue  generated  for  the  second  half  of  the 

financial year. 

37

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Financial reporting impacts

separate and reliably measure the impacts from underlying 

into  the  subject  matter  of  the  announcement.  Coles  has 

and financial conditions, and risk management practices. 

business  performance 

is 

limited. 

Furthermore, 

the 

had ongoing communications with the FWO since then.

Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by 

Impairment of non-financial assets (including goodwill)

Forecast future cash flows used to support assets and cash 

generating units (CGUs) have been updated to reflect the 

best estimate of future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic 

on  income  and  expenses.  These  impacts  did  not  result  in 

any impairments during the year.

Furthermore, as at the reporting date, the Group’s freehold 

proprieties are not considered to be significantly impacted 

by  the  ongoing  effects  of  COVID-19  as  these  assets  are 

expected  to  maintain  a  steady  yield  in  a  low  interest  rate 

environment.

Equity accounted investment in associates and joint ventures

On  22  March  2020,  the  Australian  Federal  and  State 

governments  announced  restrictions  for  ‘non-essential’ 

businesses,  forcing  the  closure  of  pubs,  clubs,  bars  and 

restaurants across all States and Territories. 

These  restrictions  impacted  Queensland  Venue  Co.  Pty 

Ltd (QVC), in which Coles has a 50% joint venture interest, 

through the closure of hotel venues.  

pandemic  has  impacted  our  operations  such  that  many 

of  the  additional  measures  introduced  to  address  and 

mitigate  the  risks  of  COVID-19  during  the  reporting  period 

are likely to form part of business as usual activities for the 

foreseeable future. On this basis, the impacts of COVID-19 

have not been presented as a significant item in the FY20 

Financial Report. 

Impact of AASB 16 Leases

The Group applied AASB 16 for the first time in this reporting 

period.  The  impact  of  the  adoption  of  AASB  16  on  the 

Group’s FY20 Statement of Profit or Loss is set out below:

PRE-AASB 16  

AASB 16 

FY20  

IMPACT  

STATUTORY 
FY20 

EBIT

Financing costs

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

$M

1,387

(44)

1,343

(348)

$M

375

$M

1,762

(399)

(443)

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  COL1634_An-
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1,319

(24)

7

(341)
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM
978
(17)

Copy 

Under  the  terms  of  the  joint  venture,  Coles’  joint  venture 

Profit after income tax

995

partner  Australian  Venue  Co.  (AVC) 

is  economically 

exposed to the operations and performance of the hotels 

business.  Coles’  economic  rights  under  the  joint  venture 

are limited to the retail liquor business which has not been 

adversely impacted by COVID-19. Consequently, there are 

no implications for the carrying value of Coles’ investment 

DRAFT 1 

  COL1634_

in QVC at the reporting date.

Receivables

d4a   
The  timing  and  recoverability  of  receivables  has  been 

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

closely  monitored  for  COVID-19  impacts  on  customers 

and  suppliers.    Where  appropriate,  the  deterioration  in 

credit quality has been considered in the measurement of 

expected credit losses. No material financial impacts have 

been recognised in the reporting period.

Self-insurance liabilities

Coles  engaged  an 

independent  actuary  to  ensure 

actuarial  liabilities  appropriately  reflect  all  relevant  risks 

as at 28 June 2020. COVID-19 assumptions have not been 

material to the determination of self-insurance liabilities as 

at the reporting date.

Leases

Coles, as a lessor has granted certain lessees concessions 

with  respect  to  contractual  lease  payments  referred  to 

as  rent  abatements.  Rent  abatements  have  not  had  a 

material impact on financial performance in FY20.

Classification of COVID-19 as a significant item

While  COVID-19  significantly  impacted  Coles’  financial 

performance  during  the  reporting  period,  the  ability  to 

Under  AASB  16,  operating  lease  expenses  are  no  longer 

recognised.  Depreciation  of 

the 

right-of-use  assets 

and  financing  costs  associated  with  lease  liabilities  are 

recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss. The application 

of  AASB  16  resulted  in  a  favourable  impact  to  Group  EBIT 

of $375 million due to the depreciation charge associated 

with lease assets being less than operating lease expenses 

no longer recognised.

The  application  of  AASB  16  resulted  in  an  unfavourable 

impact to profit after income tax of $17 million, due to the 

elimination  of  operating  lease  expenses  being  more  than 

offset  by  the  recognition  of  depreciation  and  financing 

costs associated with the Group’s AASB 16 lease portfolio.

Award covered salaried team member review

In  February  2020,  Coles  announced  it  was  conducting  a 

review into the pay arrangements for team members who 

receive  a  salary  and  are  covered  by  the  General  Retail 

Industry  Award  2010  (GRIA).  The  review  does  not  relate  to 

team members who are remunerated in accordance with 

approved  enterprise  agreements  and  who  comprise  over 

90%  of  our  workforce.  As  announced  in  February  2020, 

Coles  recognised  a  provision  of  $20  million  in  its  half  year 

report in relation to expected remediation costs.

Coles has continued to be supported by a dedicated team 

of external experts as we complete the review. Remediation 

to affected current and former team members commenced 

in June 2020 and, at the date of this report, this process is 

nearing its conclusion. 

Following  the  announcement  in  February  2020,  the  Fair 

Work  Ombudsman  (FWO)  commenced  an  investigation 

In  May  2020,  Coles  was  notified  that  a  class  action 

proceeding had been filed in the Federal Court of Australia 

in  relation  to  payment  of  Coles  managers  employed  in 

the use of words such as ‘forecast’, ‘estimate’, ‘plan’, ‘will’, 

‘anticipate’,  ‘may’,  ‘believe’,  ‘should’,  ‘expect’,  ‘intend’, 

‘outlook’, ‘guidance’ and other similar expressions. 

supermarkets.  Coles  is  defending  the  proceeding.  As 

These  forward-looking  statements  are  based  on  the 

the  court  proceeding  is  at  an  early  stage,  the  potential 

Group’s good-faith assumptions as to the financial, market, 

outcome  and  total  costs  associated  with  this  matter  are 

risk,  regulatory  and  other  relevant  environments  that  will 

uncertain as at the date of this report. 

exist and affect the Group’s business and operations in the 

Non-IFRS information

This report contains IFRS and non-IFRS financial information. 

IFRS  financial  information  is  financial  information  that  is 

presented  in  accordance  with  all  relevant  accounting 

standards.  Retail  or  non-IFRS 

financial 

information 

is 

financial information that is not defined or specified under 

any  relevant  accounting  standards  and  may  not  be 

directly  comparable  with  other  companies’  information. 

Retail information is presented to enable an understanding 

of  comparable  business  performance  by  excluding  the 

impacts  of  certain  items  that  do  not  impact  both  the 

current  and  comparative  reporting  period  (for  example, 

the impact of AASB 16 and significant items). Retail results 

are also presented using a retail reporting period to ensure 

the  current  year’s  results  are  prepared  for  a  period  that  is 

comparable to the prior year’s results.

Both statutory and retail results for FY20 have been prepared 

on a 52 week basis, beginning on 1 July 2019 and ending on 

28  June  2020.  FY19  statutory  results  reflect  a  52  week  and 

future.  The  Group  does  not  give  any  assurance  that  the 

assumptions  will  prove  to  be  correct.  The  forward-looking 

statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties 

and  assumptions  and  other  important  factors,  many  of 

which  are  beyond  the  reasonable  control  of  the  Group, 

that  could  cause  the  actual  results,  performances  or 

achievements of the Group to be materially different from 

future results, performances or achievements expressed or 

implied by the statements. 

Readers  are  cautioned  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on 

forward-looking  statements.  Forward-looking  statements 

in this report speak only as at the date of issue. Except as 

required by applicable laws or regulations, the Group does 

not  undertake  any  obligation  to  publicly  update  or  revise 

any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any 

change  in  assumptions  on  which  any  such  statement  is 

based. Past performance cannot be relied on as a guide 

to future performance.

Earnings per share and dividends

1 day reporting period, while FY19 retail results reflect a 52 

Earnings  per  share  (EPS)  decreased  to  73.3  cents,  a  9.3% 

week reporting period.   

decrease from the prior year.

The  table  below  provides  further  details  relating  to  the 

statutory and retail reporting periods:

STATUTORY (IFRS)

RETAIL (NON-IFRS)

FY20

FY19

FY20

FY19

Reporting 

1 Jul –  

1 Jul –  

1 Jul –  

25 Jun –  

period

28 Jun

30 Jun

28 Jun

23 Jun

Number  

of days

364 days

365 days

364 days

364 days

Number  

52 weeks  

Profit for the period from 

continuing operations ($M)

Weighted average number of 

ordinary shares for basic and 

diluted EPS (shares, million)

Basic and diluted EPS (cents)

Basic and diluted EPS, excluding 

FY20

FY19

978

1,078

1,334

73.3

1,334

80.8

significant items (cents)

70.1

67.5

of weeks

52 weeks

1 day

52 weeks  52 weeks

The Board has determined a fully franked final dividend of 

27.5 cents per share (cps).

Any  non-IFRS  financial  information  included  in  this  report 

has  been  labelled  to  differentiate  it  from  statutory  or  IFRS 

financial  information.  Non-IFRS  measures  are  used  by 

management to assess and monitor business performance 

at the Group and segment level and should be considered 

in addition to, and not as a substitute for, IFRS information. 

Non-IFRS information is not subject to audit or review.

Forward-looking statements

This  report  contains  forward-looking  statements  in  relation 

to  the  Group,  including  statements  regarding  the  Group’s 

intent, belief, goals, objectives, initiatives, commitments or 

current  expectations  with  respect  to  the  Group’s  business 

and  operations,  market  conditions,  results  of  operations 

FY20

Interim dividend 

Final dividend

FY19

Interim dividend

Final dividend

Special dividend

Total dividend

FRANKED  

AMOUNT  

CPS

PER SECURITY

30.0 cents

27.5 cents

nil

24.0 cents

11.5 cents

35.5 cents

30.0 cents

27.5 cents

nil

24.0 cents

11.5 cents

35.5 cents

38

39

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Balance sheet

A summary of key balance sheet accounts for the Group:

28 JUNE  

30 JUNE  

$M

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Other

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Interest-bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Other

Total liabilities

Net assets

1  n/m denotes not meaningful.

DRAFT 1 

  COL1634_

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

d4a   

2020

992

434

2,166

4,127

7,660

1,597

849

524

18,349

3,737

1,333

1,354

9,083

227

15,734

2,615

2019

CHANGE

940

360

1,965

4,119

5.5%

20.6%

10.2%

0.2%

DRAFT 21 
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nualReport_d31a – Rnd 16 
1,541

3.6%
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

n/m1

132.6%

365

Copy 

487

9,777

3,380

1,341

1,460

-

239

6,420

3,357

7.6%

87.7%

10.6%

(0.6%)

(7.3%)

n/m1

(5.0%)

145.1%

(22.1%)

Cash and cash equivalents increased to $992 million largely 
driven by increased trading activity in the last week of the 

financial year and the timing of trade payables settlements 

relative to the same time last year.

Capital management

Interest-bearing  liabilities  reflect  external  borrowings  and 
debt capital funding commitments. During the year, Coles 

issued  $600  million  of  fixed  rate  Australian  dollar  medium 

The  uplift  in  Trade  and  other  receivables  to  $434  million 
reflects  increased  supplier  and  other  trading  related 

term  notes  (Notes),  comprising  $300  million  of  seven-year 

Notes and $300 million of 10-year Notes. The proceeds from 

balances owing to the Group from higher sales, particularly 

these issuances, along with surplus cash, was used to pay 

in the final quarter of the year.

down term debt.

Inventories increased to $2,166 million primarily in response 
to  increased  trading  activity  across  Supermarkets  and 

As at 28 June 2020, Coles’ average debt maturity was 5.6 

years,  with  undrawn  facilities  of  $2,182  million.  Borrowing 

Liquor.  A  legislative  change  relating  to  the  recognition  of 

costs 

for  the  year  were  $32  million  and  averaged 

duties and taxes on tobacco stock has also contributed to 

approximately  2.13%  per  annum.  Coles  is  committed  to 

the increase in inventories during the year. 

diversifying funding sources and extending its debt maturity 

The  application  of  AASB  16  from  1  July  2019  resulted  in  a 
significant  increase  in  Deferred  tax  assets  to  $849  million 
attributable to the deferred tax impact associated with the 

implementation of AASB 16 during the year (refer to Impact 
of AASB 16 Leases).

The increase in Other assets to $524 million is predominantly 
attributable  to  an  increase  in  income  tax  receivable.  The 

movement in this balance reflects a timing difference in the 

settlement of tax balances driven by the Group’s exit from 

the Wesfarmers tax consolidated group in the prior year. 

Trade and other payables increased to $3,737 million, largely 
driven by elevated inventory holdings to support COVID-19 

related demand towards the end of the year.  

Other liabilities have reduced to $227 million, with the net 
movement  reflecting  an  uplift  in  gift  card  liabilities  from 

lower  redemptions  offset  by  a  reduction  in  lease  related 

obligations which have been reclassified to lease liabilities 

as part of the transition to AASB 16.

profile over time. 

The  lease-adjusted  leverage  ratio  at  the  reporting  date 

was  3.1x  with  current  published  credit  ratings  of  BBB+  with 

Standard & Poor’s and Baa1 with Moody’s.

Impact of AASB 16 Leases

The application of AASB 16 impacted the following items in 

the Balance Sheet on 1 July 2019: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

recognition of right-of-use assets: $7,481 million

recognition of lease liabilities: $8,856 million

increase in deferred tax assets: $356 million

 elimination of lease related provisions recognised under 

previous lease accounting: $188 million

The  net  impact  to  retained  earnings  on  1  July  2019  was  a 

decrease of $831 million. 

Set out below are the carrying amounts of recognised right-of-use assets and movements during the period:

As at 1 July 2019
Additions1

Depreciation expense

At 28 June 2020

NON-

PROPERTY 

PROPERTY 

LEASES  

LEASES  

$M

7,339

1,024

(822) 

7,541

$M

142

16

(39) 

119

Set out below are the carrying amounts of recognised lease liabilities and movements during the period:

As at 1 July 2019
Additions1

Accretion of interest

Payments

At 28 June 2020

TOTAL  

$M

7,481

1,040

(861) 

7,660

$M

8,856

1,073 

399 

(1,245) 

9,083

Coles opened its new Coles supermarket and Liquorland store at Ormeau Village in July 2019. The supermarket is part of an investment of more than $120 million by 

Coles across the Gold Coast since 2016, including new and refurbished supermarkets at Ormeau Village, Australia Fair, Mudgeeraba, Southport Park, Coomera City 

Centre, Coomera Westfield, Pimpama and Palm Beach.

1 

Includes reasonably certain options, remeasurements and new leases, net of leases terminated.

40

41

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
Cash flow

Supermarkets

Summary cash flows of the Group

$M

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Receipt from Viva Energy

Payments to suppliers and employees

Interest paid

Interest component of lease payments

Interest received

Income tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

1  n/m denotes not meaningful.

FY20

FY19

CHANGE

39,971

-

41,126

137

(36,486)

(38,665)

(33)

(2.8%)

n/m1

(5.6%)

12.1%

(37)

(399)

7

(504)

2,552

(658)

(1,842)

52

n/m1

-
DRAFT 21 
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75.0%

71.4%

Copy 

2,275

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

12.2%

(280)

(1,611)

384

135.0%

14.3%

(86.5%)

The  application  of  AASB  16  has  necessitated 

the 

reclassification  of  lease  related  payments  in  the  cash 

DRAFT 1 

  COL1634_

Net  cash  flows  used  in  investing  activities  increased  to  
$658  million  reflecting  investment  in  the  Group’s  annual 

flow  statement  during  FY20.  Specifically,  operating  lease 
d4a   
expenses  which  were  included  in  payments  to  suppliers 
and  employers  in  the  prior  year,  have  been  reclassified 

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

capital  program,  partly  offset  by  the  proceeds  from 

property sales during the year. Included in FY19 net cash flows 

were proceeds associated with the sale of Spirit Hotels and the 

between interest paid and financing costs. The impact of 

disposal of Kmart, Target and Officeworks (KTO) to Wesfarmers 

this is a reclassification of net cash outflows from operating 

as part of Coles’ demerger from Wesfarmers Limited.

activities to financing activities to align with the accounting 

requirements of the new standard. As FY19 balances have 

not been restated, this reduces comparability against the 

prior year. 

Net  cash  flows  used  in  financing  activities  increased  to 
$1,842  million  reflecting  the  net  repayment  of  external 

borrowings  during  the  year,  the  principal  component  of 

lease payments and dividends paid to shareholders. FY19 

Net  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  increased  to  
$2,552  million.  The  increase  reflects  the  uplift  associated 

cash flows also reflected the net settlement of capital and 

funding balances with Wesfarmers as part of the demerger. 

with  the  net  reclassification  of  lease  related  payments 

to  cash  flows  from  financing  activities,  partially  offset 

by  an  increase  in  cash  tax  paid.  In  FY19,  Coles  exited  the 

Wesfarmers tax consolidated group which brought forward 

the  settling  of  all  tax  related  balances  resulting  in  a  lower 

net  tax  cash  outflow  in  the  prior  year.  The  movement 

in  operating  cash  flows  for  the  year  also  reflects  a  net 

reduction  in  Express  associated  with  the  transition  to  a 

commission  agent  arrangement  under  the  terms  of  the 

New Alliance Agreement.

Segment overview

$M

Sales revenue

EBIT

EBIT margin (%)1

Retail (non-IFRS)2

$M

Sales revenue

EBITDA

EBIT3

Gross margin (%)

Cost of doing business (CODB) (%)

EBIT margin (%)1

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

Comparable sales growth (%)

Customer satisfaction4 (%)

Inflation excl. tobacco and fresh (%)

Sales per square metre5 (MAT $/sqm)

FY20

32,993

1,618

4.9

FY20

32,993

1,879

1,310

25.1

(21.1)

4.0

FY19

30,993

1,191

3.8

FY19

30,890

1,735

1,183

24.8

(20.9)

3.8

CHANGE

6.5%

35.9%

106bps

CHANGE

6.8%

8.3%

10.7%

30bps1

(16bps)1

14bps

FY20  

2H20  

1H20 

(52 WEEKS) 

(25 WEEKS)

(27 WEEKS)

5.9

87.1

1.5

10.0

85.9

2.6

2.0

88.3

0.4

17,547

17,547

16,800

1  Changes are calculated on an absolute percentage basis to more precisely reflect the movement.

2  Refer to Non-IFRS Information section for a comparison of statutory (IFRS) and retail (non-IFRS) results.
3  Retail EBIT excludes the impact of AASB 16 Leases in FY20.
4  Based on Tell Coles data. See glossary for explanation of Tell Coles.

5 

Sales per square metre is on a moving annual total (MAT), or exit rate calculated on a rolling 12 months of data basis.

Highlights

Statutory  sales  revenue  increased  6.5%  to  $32,993  million 

Own Brand sales grew by 9.7% in FY20, achieving in excess 

driven  by  range  reviews  providing  a  more  tailored  offer 

of $10 billion sales for the year and launching over 1,850 new 

for  customers,  trusted  value  campaigns  to  lower  the  cost 

products.  Range  innovations,  including  the  Coles  Kitchen 

of  breakfast,  lunch  and  dinner,  and  execution  of  Coles’ 

and Coles Finest convenience ranges, have provided quick 

tailored  store  format  strategy.  Collectible  campaigns 

and healthy meal solutions to support in-home consumption 

including  Little  Shop  2  and  Spiegelau  glassware  also 

growth.  Trusted  value  was  delivered  through  the  ‘Helping 

contributed  to  sales  revenue  growth  during  the  year. 

lower the cost of…’ campaign, increased Own Brand sales 

Trading increased significantly in the later stages of the third 

and more than 1,500 products on everyday low prices.

quarter as customers began pantry stocking in advance of 

COVID-19 social distancing measures being introduced. The 

associated  transition  to  in-home  consumption  supported 

elevated trade through to the end of the year.

Coles  recorded  inflation  excluding  tobacco  and  fresh 

of  1.5%  for  the  year,  with  total  inflation  of  2.4%.  Total  cost 

inflation was largely a result of increases in tobacco due to 

excise, dairy following milk cost price increases earlier in the 

On a retail basis, sales increased by 6.8% to $32,993 million, 

year and vegetables, with some lines impacted by weather 

with comparable sales growth of 5.9%, the 51st consecutive 

conditions such as drought, bushfires  and  storms.  Inflation 

quarter of positive comparative sales growth. 

was  higher  in  the  fourth  quarter  driven  by  cost  inflation, 

42

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Supermarkets 
(continued)

lower availability and mix impacts. Reduced availability of 

On  a  retail  basis,  which  excludes  the  impacts  of  AASB  16, 

key  lines  led  to  lower  promotional  activity,  with  increased 

EBIT increased by 10.7%. 

at-home  eating  trends  also  driving  a  shift  to  premium 

products during the quarter.   

Coles Online

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

Supermarkets  continued  to  optimise  the  store  network  as 

part  of  its  tailored  store  format  strategy  with  70  renewals 

completed in FY20. 

Coles Online sales revenue grew by 18.1% to $1,301 million 

in FY20, after services were temporarily disrupted in March 

and April during the COVID-19 pandemic. As government 

restrictions  were  introduced,  the  Coles  Online  Priority 

Coles now has 29 Format A stores focused on convenience 

DRAFT 1 

  COL1634_

and a premium fresh food offer; 33 Format C stores focused 

on  driving  operational  efficiencies;  and  four  Coles  Local 
d4a   
stores  focused  on  tailored  local  offerings,  including  the 
first in New South Wales at Rose Bay which opened in May. 

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

Coles’ dedicated convenience space was also successfully 

delivered to approximately 150 stores during the year.  

Service  was  established  to  support  customers  most  in 

need,  with  service  progressively  restored  for  all  customers 

throughout April and May. 

Coles  Online  invested  heavily  throughout  the  year  in 

expanding  capacity  of  Home  Delivery,  largely  through 

extended  pick-times  and  the  recruitment  of  additional 

drivers. Click & Collect capacity increased, predominantly 

Gross margin increased 30bps to 25.1% driven by strategic 

through the expansion of contactless Click & Collect, and 

sourcing  benefits,  a  more  efficient  supply  chain  from  the 

unattended  delivery  was  also  introduced  allowing  Coles 

realisation of Smarter Selling initiatives, and favourable mix 

Online to service customers more quickly.

as a result of COVID-19 customer purchasing, partly offset 

by investment in value.

Leases were also signed during the year for the two Ocado 

sites  in  Sydney  and  Melbourne,  with  construction  having 

CODB as a percentage of sales increased by 16bps to 21.1% 

commenced on the Melbourne site. 

driven  by  higher  store  expenses,  including  incremental 

costs to support team member and customer safety during 

COVID-19. Partly offsetting this increase were savings from 

Smarter  Selling  initiatives  relating  to  a  more  streamlined 

Store  Support  Centre,  enhanced  end-to-end  processes  in 

store driven by data and technology related solutions, and 

energy  and  waste  management  reductions  including  the 

replacement of fluorescent lights with more efficient, lower 

Coles Financial Services

Through  Coles  Financial  Services,  the  Group  offers  credit 

cards  and  personal  loans  in  partnership  with  Citigroup  to 

approximately  330,000  customer  accounts  and  home, 

car  and  landlord  insurance  in  partnership  with  Insurance 

Australia  Group  (IAG)  to  approximately  350,000  policy 

holders. During the year, Coles launched pet insurance in 

maintenance LED lighting in stores.

partnership with Guild Insurance.

Statutory EBIT increased by 35.9% to $1,618 million driven by 

growth in sales, gross margin progression, cost management 

initiatives and an uplift in EBIT from the implementation of 

AASB 16 in FY20.

44

45

Above: Michael and Rob at the new Coles Local which opened in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn during FY20, offering customers a tailored local range. 
Below: Brenda has worked at Coles for more than 53 years and in June 2020 she received an Order of Australia medal for services to the Malvern community.

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Liquor

Segment overview
$M

Sales revenue

EBIT

EBIT margin (%)1

Retail (non-IFRS)2
$M

Sales revenue3

EBITDA

EBIT4

Gross margin (%)

Cost of doing business (CODB) (%)

EBIT margin (%)1

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

Comparable sales growth (%)

Sales per square metre5 (MAT $/sqm)

FY20

3,308

138

4.2

FY20

3,308

149

120

21.6

(17.9)

3.6

FY20  

FY19

3,205

133

4.2

FY19

3,063

153

120

22.3

(18.4)

3.9

2H20 

CHANGE

3.2%

3.8%

2bps

CHANGE

8.0%

(2.6%)

-

(72bps) 1

44bps1

(28bps) 

1H20 

(52 WEEKS) 

(25 WEEKS)

(27 WEEKS)

7.3

15,438

13.9

15,438

1.5

14,370

1  Changes are calculated on an absolute percentage basis to more precisely reflect the movement.

2  Refer to Non-IFRS Information section for a comparison of statutory (IFRS) and retail (non-IFRS) results.

3  Retail sales revenue for FY19 excludes hotel sales. 
4  Retail EBIT excludes the impact of AASB 16 Leases in FY20 and hotels in FY19.
5 

Sales per square metre is a moving annual total (MAT) or exit rate calculated on a rolling 12 months of data basis.

Highlights

Liquor sales revenue was $3,308 million on a statutory basis, 

Targeted  investment  in  online  platforms,  capacity  and 

an increase of 3.2% from the prior year. 

On a retail basis sales revenue was $3,308 million, an increase 

of 8.0% for the year with comparable sales growth of 7.3%. 

The  First  Choice  Liquor  Market  conversions  continue  to 

perform  strongly  with  the  format  now  rolled  out  to  61%  of 

the First Choice network. ELB sales grew by 7.5% for the year, 

with 74 new ELB lines launched in FY20.  

Liquor  experienced  a  trading  uplift  driven  by  COVID-19 

in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  from  increased  in-home 

consumption following government-imposed restrictions on 

hotels,  pubs,  clubs  and  licensed  venue  operators.  A  plan 

to  simplify  and  refocus  the  Liquor  operating  model  was 

customer  experience  across  all  three  banners  supported 

strong online sales growth of 40% for the year. For the fourth 

quarter,  online  sales  increased  in  excess  of  70%  driven,  in 

part,  by  changing  customer  preferences  towards  online 

shopping alternatives during COVID-19.

Optimisation  of  the  store  network  continued  with  20  new 

stores  opened  and  20  stores  closed,  resulting  in  a  total  of 

910 Liquor stores at the end of the year.

Gross margin decreased by 72bps to 21.6% from customers 

moving 

towards  more  value-oriented  products  and 

ongoing clearance and promotional activities associated 

with tailored range reviews.

accelerated by COVID-19, providing an opportunity to fast-

Statutory  EBIT  increased  by  3.8%  to  $138  million  driven  by 

track clearance activity for slow moving and deleted stock. 

increased  sales  and  the  implementation  of  AASB  16  in 

The  closure  of  on-premise  venues  as  a  result  of  COVID-19 

FY20, partly offset by margin deterioration and incremental 

also  provided  the  opportunity  to  support  and  engage 

operating costs associated with COVID-19.

with local suppliers, with over 300 new ‘local’ product lines 
launched during the fourth quarter.

On  a  retail  basis,  which  excludes  the  impacts  of  AASB  16, 

EBIT was flat for the year.

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Coles launched 115 new liquor products during FY20, including the Somma range of alcoholic mineral water (top left), Native Spirits range of gins (top right), 

an extended range of our craft beer Tinnies (middle left) and a new Vintage Cellars wine range (middle right). Winemakers Julian Langworthy and Andrew 

Bretherton from Deep Woods Estate in Western Australia’s Margaret River region with a bottle of award-winning Deep Woods Single Vintage Cabernet Malbec 

which is exclusive to Coles Liquor (bottom). Julian Langworthy was named Vintage Cellars Winemaker of the Year in 2019.

46

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Express

Segment overview
$M

Sales revenue

EBIT 

EBIT margin (%)1

Retail (non-IFRS)2
$M

Sales revenue3

EBITDA

EBIT4

Gross margin (%)

Cost of doing business (CODB) (%)

EBIT margin (%)1

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

FY20

1,107

33

3.0

FY20

1,107

12

(16)

53.7

(55.2)

(1.5)

FY20  

FY19

3,978

46

1.2

CHANGE

(72.2%)

(28.3%)

180bps

FY19

CHANGE

Other

1,048
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5.6%

50

(132.0%)

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM
n/m5

61.4

(56.7)

4.7

2H20 

153bps1

n/m5

1H20 

Comparable convenience store (c-store) sales growth (%)

Weekly fuel volumes (million litres)

Fuel volume growth (%)

Comparable fuel volume growth (%)

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(52 WEEKS)

(25 WEEKS)

(27 WEEKS)

4.6

59.5

(2.3)

(2.5)

6.4

54.2

(9.0)

(9.9)

2.9

64.4

3.3

4.2

1 

 Changes are calculated on an absolute number / percentage basis to 

more precisely reflect the movement.

2 

 Refer to Non-IFRS Information section for a comparison of statutory (IFRS) 

3  Retail sales revenue for FY19 excludes fuel sales.
4  Retail EBIT excludes the impact of AASB 16 Leases in FY20.
5  n/m denotes not meaningful.

and retail (non-IFRS) results.

Highlights

Weekly  fuel  volumes  averaged  59.5  million  litres  in  FY20,  a 

decline  of  2.3%  for  the  year.  Prior  to  COVID-19,  fuel  volumes 

Statutory  sales  revenue  for  Express  decreased  by  72.2%  to 

were trending positively compared to the prior year, peaking 

$1,107 million driven by lower fuel volumes and the move to a 

at  approximately  70  million  litres  per  week  during  the  third 

commission agent model under the New Alliance Agreement 

quarter. Average weekly fuel volumes declined significantly in 

effective  1  March  2019.  In  accordance  with  the  terms  of  the 

the early part of the fourth quarter, with less road traffic due to 

New  Alliance  Agreement,  Express  no  longer  recognises  fuel 

government stay-at-home directives. The trajectory improved 

sales  revenue;  however,  it  is  entitled  to  commission  income 

throughout the fourth quarter as restrictions began to ease in 

(recognised  in  ‘other  operating  revenue’)  from  fuel  sold  at 

parts of the country.

Alliance sites.

CODB as a percentage of sales decreased by 153bps to 55.2% 

Glossary of terms

Average basket size: A measure of how much each 
customer spends on average per transaction

bps: Basis points. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%

Cash realisation: Calculated as operating cash flow 
excluding interest and tax, divided by EBITDA (excluding 

significant items)

CODB: Costs of doing business. These are expenses which 
relate to the operation of the business below gross profit 

and above EBIT

Comparable sales: A measure which excludes stores that 
have been opened or closed in the last 12 months and 

excludes demonstrable impact on existing stores from 

store disruption as a result of store refurbishment or new 

store openings

On  a  retail  basis,  sales  revenue  increased  by  5.6%  to  $1,107 

reflecting  cost  control  and  efficiency  measures  throughout 

EBIT: Earnings before interest and tax

Other includes corporate costs, Coles’ 50% share of flybuys 

net profit, the net gain generated by the Group’s property 

portfolio  and  self-insurance  provisions. 

In  aggregate, 

this  resulted  in  a  $27  million  net  loss  for  the  year  driven  by 

corporate  costs,  partly  offset  by  earnings  from  property-

related activities.

Coles’ share of net loss for its 50% equity interest in flybuys 

was $6 million in FY20 (FY19: $5 million net profit). 

IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards

Leverage ratio: Gross debt less cash at bank and on 
deposit, divided by EBITDA

MAT: Moving Annual Total. Sales per square metre is 
calculated as sales divided by net selling area. Both sales 

and net selling area are based on a MAT, or exit rate 

calculated on a rolling 12 months of data basis

Retail calendar: A reporting calendar based on a defined 
number of weeks, with the annual reporting period 

ending on the last Sunday in June

Significant items: Large gains, losses, income, expenditure 
or events that are not in the ordinary course of business. 

They typically arise from events that are not considered 

part of the core operations of the business

Tell Coles: A post-shop customer satisfaction survey 
completed by over two million customers annually, 

million  largely  driven  by  COVID-19  related  pantry  stocking 

the year. 

and  strong  basket  size  growth  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year 

which  more  than  offset  lower  foot  traffic  in-store  following 

government stay-at-home directives across the country. 

Express  continued  to  invest  in  the  customer  offer  in  FY20, 

completing  the  implementation  of  fast-lane  fridges  and 

commencing  a  network  wide  roll  out  of  new  self-service 

coffee machines in the fourth quarter. During the year, seven 

new sites were opened and eight sites closed, taking the total 

network to 713 sites.

Statutory  EBIT  decreased  by  28.3%  to  $33  million  for  the  year 

driven by the decline in fuel volumes and c-store margin, partly 

offset by an EBIT uplift from the implementation of AASB 16.

On  a  retail  basis,  Express  recorded  an  EBIT  loss  of  $16  million 

for the year driven by the decline in fuel volumes and, in part, 

c-store  margin  deterioration  as  customers  shifted  towards 

top-up and non-food categories in the latter part of the year.   

Retail results exclude the impacts of AASB 16 and fuel sales.

EBITDA: Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and 
amortisation

through which Coles monitors customer satisfaction with 

service, product availability, quality and price

EPS: Earnings per share

Gross margin: The residual income remaining after 
deducting cost of goods sold, total loss and logistics from 

sales, divided by sales revenue

TRIFR: Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate. The 
number of lost time injuries, medically treated injuries 

and restricted duties injuries per million hours worked, 

calculated on a rolling 12-month basis. TRIFR includes all 

injury types including musculoskeletal injuries

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
Looking to  
the future

Over the past year, Coles has made good progress on  
delivering on our vision to ‘Become the most trusted retailer  
in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value’. 

Despite the many challenges we have faced, we have strong 

plans  in  place  to  continue  to  deliver  on  this  vision  and  our 

strategy  to  Inspire  Customers  through  best  value  food  and 

plans to renew approximately 65 stores in FY21, and to open 

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approximately  15  to  20  new  stores,  including  five  stores 

that  were  delayed  in  FY20  due  to  COVID-19.  Technology 

Copy 

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

drink  solutions  to  make  lives  easier,  deliver  Smarter  Selling 

and  automation  will  continue  to  play  an  important  role  in 

through efficiency and pace of change, and Win Together 

improving  our  supply  chain,  and  our  anytime,  anywhere 

with our team members, suppliers and communities. 

offering. Our partnership with Witron to construct two ambient 

Coles’ priorities for the year ahead have not changed. With 

many of our customers facing tough times, value has never 

automated  distribution  centres  in  Queensland  and  New 

South Wales is well underway. Construction has commenced 

in Queensland and we expect construction to begin on the 

been more important, and an increasingly diverse customer 

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base requires a tailored offer to ensure we meet their needs. 

We will provide trusted value by lowering prices, supported 
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by marketing efforts to lower the cost of breakfast, lunch and 
dinner. We will also accelerate Own Brand innovation across 

AnnualReport_
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New  South  Wales  site  in  FY21.  Our  partnership  with  Ocado 

to  deliver  an  online  fulfilment  centre  in  Melbourne  (where 

construction  has  already  begun)  and  Sydney,  will  provide 

industry leading capability in online fulfilment. 

all price tiers and deliver range reviews at pace on the back 

Supporting  our 

team  members, 

suppliers  and 

the 

of the successes we achieved in FY20. We also know that our 

communities  in  which  we  operate  has  never  been  more 

customers want convenience and are looking for healthier 

important than it is today. In the year ahead, we will continue 

food options. Coles is well positioned in these areas with our 

to embed wellbeing and safety in Coles’ DNA by continuing 

convenience range already rolled out to approximately 150 

to focus on reducing TRIFR and building the capabilities of 

supermarkets. Growth in online shopping is also expected to 

all team members to look after their mental wellbeing and 

accelerate as existing and new online customers appreciate 

to create a mentally healthy workplace. 

the  convenience  of  anytime,  anywhere  shopping.  Coles’ 

export business remains a growth opportunity. 

Coles has continued to experience elevated sales and incur 

incremental COVID-19 costs in the early part of FY21. There 

During  FY20,  an  operational  review  of  the  Liquor  strategy 

is  significant  variation  between  states,  and  store  locations 

was  completed.  This  is  a  multi-year  strategy  with  the 

within states, as a result of the ongoing impact of COVID-19 

objective of creating a more relevant and accessible offer 

restrictions  around  Australia.  The  extent  and  duration  of 

for  our  customers,  delivered  through  improved  service.  It 

these impacts will depend upon a number of factors as we 

will be implemented over the three horizons of ‘Simplify and 

proactively manage the unfolding COVID-19 situation. 

refocus’, ‘Differentiate’ and ‘Grow’. 

Having made a strong start to the Smarter Selling program in 

members, suppliers and the communities we serve, and the 

FY20, Coles retains its $1 billion cost-out target to be achieved 

environment in which we operate remains highly uncertain, 

between FY20 and FY23. In FY21, Coles will continue to focus 

Coles is well placed to take advantage of opportunities as 

While COVID-19 continues to have an impact on our team 

on  realising  cost-out  opportunities,  however  the  timing  will 

they arise.

be  dictated,  in  part,  by  COVID-19.  Coles’  optimised  store 

network  and  formats  are  already  transforming  the  make-

up  and  performance  of  our  extensive  store  network  with 

50

To provide customers with fast, convenient service, Coles expanded its  
Click & Collect Concierge offer. Northlakes Coles Online Team Manager  
Jai delivers groceries for Leah and her son, William, in Darwin.

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Risk management

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strategic, 

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

identified  material 
Copy 

During the year, Coles has continued to identify and manage 

Through  application  of  the  Coles  Risk  Management 

risks  in  accordance  with  the  Coles  Risk  Management 

Framework,  we  have 

Framework.  The  design  of  this  Framework  is  based  on  ISO 

operational, and financial risks which could adversely affect 

31000:2018  Risk  management  –  Guidelines  (‘ISO  31000’), 

the achievement of our future financial prospects. Each of 

which  provides  an 

internationally 

recognised  set  of 

these material risks is described below along with our plans 

principles and guidelines for managing risks in organisations. 

to  manage  them.  Although  the  risks  have  been  described 

Further information about our Risk Management Framework 

individually,  there  is  a  high  level  of  interdependency 

is available in Coles’ Corporate Governance Statement. 

between  them,  such  that  an  increased  exposure  for  one 

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  COL1634_

areas  of  our  risk  profile.  In  addition  to  these  material  risks, 

material  risk  can  drive  elevated  levels  of  exposure  in  other 

AnnualReport_
  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

d4a   

our performance may also be impacted by risks that apply 

generally to Australian businesses and the retail industry, as 

well as by the emergence of new material risks not reported 

below.

COVID-19

There are high levels of uncertainty with regard to how the 

COVID-19  pandemic  will  evolve  both  internationally  and 

domestically,  along  with  corresponding  responses  from 

governments,  organisations,  customers  and  the  broader 

community.  This  makes  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19 

pandemic  for  Coles,  its  business  and  its  customers  highly 

uncertain.  Key  areas  of  uncertainty 

include,  but  are 

not  limited  to:  evolution  of  the  virus,  rates  of  infection, 

government  regulatory  and  policy  response  (including 

government-imposed shutdowns of sectors of the economy, 

border closures, and variations in restrictions between states 

and countries), resilience of both domestic and international 

supply  chains,  the  treatment  and  immunisation  timeline, 

and quality of available healthcare.

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created its 

own  set  of  significant  risks  and  impacts  to  Coles,  and  has 

also  heightened  Coles’  existing  material  risk  profile.  The 

table below summarises the most significant risks associated 

with  COVID-19,  and  how  these  link  to  the  broader  set  of 

material risks. 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we implemented a large number of 

measures to keep our customers and team members safe, such as sneeze 

guards in supermarkets.

Risk Description

Operational disruption

Relevant existing material risk(s)

Risk  of  significant  and/or  prolonged  disruptions  in  the  supply  chain, 

•  Pandemic

store  and  online  operations  which  can  impact  on  our  ability  to  serve 

our  customers  and  the  community.  This  can  be  driven  by  government-

imposed restrictions including border closures, industrial relations disputes, 

surges in customer demand, inability to access critical third parties whom 

we rely on to deliver our strategy and operations, and loss of critical digital 

applications and platforms due to cyber attacks.  

•  Competition, changing consumer 

behaviour and digital disruption 

•  Security of supply

• 

• 

• 

Industrial relations

Third party management

Technology, resilience, data and 

cyber security

Customer behaviour

Failure  to  adequately  respond  to  changes  in  customer  expectations  as 

•  Pandemic

a  result  of  COVID-19  including  increased  focus  on  safety  measures  and 

increased reliance and demand on online shopping and digital channels. 

Any  future  government  changes  in  restrictions  may  also  lead  to  further 

surges  in  customer  purchases  of  fresh  food,  homecare,  grocery  and 

•  Competition, changing consumer 

behaviour and digital disruption 

•  Strategy and transformation delivery 

pantry items, or declines in fuel volumes.

•  Security of supply

Program execution 

Pauses  or  delays  in  the  execution  of  areas  within  our  strategy  and 

•  Pandemic

transformation program due to disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 

pandemic. These include re-allocation of program resources to focus on 

response  activities,  disruptions  in  supply  of  capital  inputs  and  services, 

•  Security of supply

•  Strategy and transformation delivery

and to critical third parties whom we rely on to deliver our strategic and 

• 

Third party management

transformational programs of work.

Health and safety

Adverse impacts to team member health and wellbeing (including mental 

•  Pandemic

health), the potential for clusters of COVID-19 infections at sites, and loss of 

key personnel due to infection.

Regulatory changes

•  Health and safety

Failure to appropriately respond to enhanced and rapidly moving regulatory 

•  Pandemic

requirements brought on by COVID-19, including for health and safety.

•  Health and safety

•  Legal and regulatory

Cyber threats

Heightened  cyber  security  threats  including  remote  access  scams 

•  Pandemic

targeting  team  members  working  from  home,  payments  fraud  and 

business  email  compromise,  phishing  scams,  and  abuse  of  video 

conferencing applications.

Financial costs and losses

• 

Technology, resilience, data and 

cyber security

Risk  of  higher  input  costs,  additional  operational  costs  associated  with 

•  Pandemic

responding  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic,  reduction  in  sales  and  margins, 

increased risk of fraud, and working capital implications.

•  Financial, treasury and insurance

COVID-19  has  also  adversely  impacted  the  local  and  global  economy  but  the  severity,  duration  and  extent  of  impact 

in  each  affected  jurisdiction  is  uncertain.  We  anticipate  that  the  evolving  nature  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  and  the 

changing geopolitical and macro-economic environment (including impacts to population growth within Australia), will 

drive continual changes to Coles’ material and emerging risks during the next financial year. We will therefore continue to 

monitor and respond to further developments as required.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Existing material strategic, operational and financial risks for Coles are set out below.

Strategic risks

Risk Description

Pandemic

Mitigations

If Coles does not monitor and respond 

Coles  continues  to  manage  the  evolution  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  in 

to the evolution of the COVID-19 

accordance with our Coles Group Response Policy and Program which sets 

pandemic, or that of any future 

out the governance arrangements, accountabilities, and processes for crisis 

pandemic, then it can expose us 

management  and  business  continuity,  and  our  Coles  SafetyCARE  System 

to material financial loss, legal and 

which is the safety management system that provides a framework for Coles to 

regulatory action, people, health 

look after the health, safety and wellbeing of our team members, customers, 

and safety issues, operational risks, 

contractors, suppliers and visitors. 

environmental and sustainability risks 

and/or reputational damage.  

Our  response  is  led  by  our  Executive-level  Response  Leaders  who  are 

supported  by  the  Group  Response  Manager.  Business  continuity  functional 

leads are assigned to manage dedicated streams of work to identify, prepare 

and respond to emerging risks and issues across the Group. Critical response 

decisions are discussed and approved by Coles’ Executive Leadership Team 

and elevated to the Board, where required. 

Business  continuity  plans  are  in  place  for  critical  functions  and  activities 

across  our  operations  including  merchandising,  supply  chain  and  store  and 

online  operations.  Our  plans  include  consideration  of  people,  resources, 

physical  sites,  information  technology  and  digital  requirements,  and  critical 

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

third  parties  required  to  continue  to  operate  and  serve  our  customers  and 

community.  These  plans  have  been  invoked  when  required  during  our 

response  and  continue  to  be  refined  given  the  evolving  nature  of,  and  our 

continued exposure to, the pandemic. 

This includes ongoing assessment of risks, contingency plans and resourcing 

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Macro-economic environment
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A downturn in the local and global 

Assumptions  about  macro-economic  conditions  and  monitoring  of  macro-

economy, slump in consumer 

economic factors are built into the development of our strategic programs of 

confidence, and financial market 

work, and our forward-looking business planning.  

volatility may expose Coles to higher 

input costs, supply chain disruptions, 

credit risk, financial loss, and restricted 

access to liquidity.   

We  continue  to  adapt  our  offer  so  it  is  consistent  with  customer  needs  and 

execute  our  Smarter  Selling  program  with  the  objective  of  reducing  costs. 

We also continuously monitor progress of execution against our strategy and 

transformational programs of work.

We have a Board approved Treasury Policy which governs the management 

of our treasury risks, including liquidity, funding, interest rates, foreign currency, 

the use of derivatives and counterparty risk. These risks are managed day-to-

day by our Group Treasury function.  

Competition, changing consumer behaviour and digital disruption 

If Coles fails to respond to competitive 

Key  programs  to  respond  to  these  risks  and  build  on  opportunities  are 

pressures and changing customer 

embedded  in  the  implementation  of  our  strategy.  Coles  regularly  monitors 

behaviours and expectations, it could 

customer  sentiment,  best  practice  global  retailers,  local  and  international 

result in loss of market share and, 

learnings, and customer insights and research, so we can quickly respond to 

ultimately, adverse margin impacts, 

changes in customer behaviours. 

reduced customer retention and 

impact to share price or value.

In  response  to  COVID-19  we  launched  initiatives  which  were  focused  on 

delivering  our  products  and  services  safely  to  our  customers.  This  included  a 

shifting  focus  to  contactless  Home  Delivery  and  Click  &  Collect,  Community 

Hour for vulnerable and elderly customers,  emergency services and health

Competition, changing consumer behaviour and digital disruption (continued)

care  workers,  and  delivery  of  the  ‘speedy  shopper’  initiative  including  use  of 

the Coles Product Finder App to help customers plan their shop ahead of time. 

We  continue  to  focus  on  driving  an  enhanced  digital  customer  experience 

through our digital catalogue and the new coles.com.au platform and have 

invested  in  new  data  analytics  tools  and  platforms  to  give  suppliers  and 

category  decision  makers  fast  and  detailed  insights  across  products,  stores, 

geographies and sales channels.

Strategy and transformation delivery

Inability to properly execute 

Delivery  of  our  strategy  and  transformation  program  is  determined  by  the 

and deliver our strategy and 

effective implementation of each of the three pillars of our strategy.  

transformational program could  

result in loss of market share, and 

variability in Coles’ earnings.

Furthermore, elements of our strategy are supported by third-party strategic 

partnerships 

including  Witron  (automated  distribution  centres),  Ocado 

(enhanced  online  capability)  and  Microsoft  (cloud  data  platform,  and 

enterprise resource planning platform for selected business units). 

We also have joint ventures with Wesfarmers (flybuys) and AVC (QVC), and an 

alliance  with  Viva  (Coles  Express).  During  the  financial  year,  Coles  acquired 

certain  assets  and  liabilities  of  Jewel,  an  Australian  ready-meals  facility.  In 

addition, Coles may undertake future acquisitions and divestments, and enter 

into  other  third-party  relationships,  so  we  can  more  effectively  execute  our 

strategy.

We have governance structures and processes in place to oversee, manage 

and  execute  our  strategy  and  transformational  programs  of  work.  Projects 

and programs are regularly reviewed in detail to monitor progress of program 

delivery, costs and benefits, and allocation of resources. We have maintained 

progress in the execution of our programs with Witron and Ocado during the 

COVID-19  pandemic,  though  our  joint  venture  with  AVC  and  Viva  Alliance 

have been adversely impacted, with the temporary closure of hotel venues 

(which  does  not  have  any  direct  economic  impact  on  Coles)  and  reduced 

fuel volumes.

Climate change

Climate change presents an evolving 

Coles has undertaken a gap analysis against the G20’s Financial Stability Board 

set of risks and opportunities for Coles, 

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) to understand and 

and has the potential to contribute 

improve  its  alignment  to  the  TCFD  recommended  disclosures.  A  roadmap 

to and increase the exposure of 

has been developed and action commenced to improve Coles’ response to 

other material risks. These include 

climate change and its transition to a lower carbon economy. 

increased frequency/intensity of 

extreme weather events and chronic 

climate changes which can disrupt 

our operations and compromise 

the safety of our team members, 

customers, supply chain and the 

food we sell; changes to government 

policy, law and regulation, which can 

result in increased costs to operate 

and potential for litigation; and failure 

to meet expectations of stakeholders 

resulting in reputational damage.

During  FY20,  we  worked  with  external  climate  change  specialists  to  further 

assess our climate change risks and opportunities. Additional information on 

these risks and opportunities is set out in the Climate Change section.

Further, in the case of extreme weather events, we have business continuity 

processes for sourcing and delivering goods to stores. To reduce our impact on 

the environment, we have an Energy Strategy that includes our approach to 

energy purchasing, monitoring and management. Through the Coles Nurture 

Fund, we are supporting suppliers with grants to help them adapt to climate 

change as well as to mitigate their impact.

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Operational risks

Risk Description

Industrial relations

Mitigations

Product and food safety 

As we execute our strategy, workforce 

Coles  has  in  place  a  dedicated  Employee  Relations  function  which  is 

Product and food safety and quality is 

Coles has a food safety governance program in place which is overseen by an 

changes may lead to industrial action 

responsible for monitoring and responding to industrial relations risks and issues. 

critical for Coles. Serious illness, injury 

experienced  technical  team.  The  program  comprises  targeted  policies  and 

and/or disruptions to operations, 

Key  activities  include  implementation  of  appropriate  enterprise  bargaining 

or death are the most severe potential 

procedures, including well established food recall and withdrawal processes, 

which can result in increased costs, 

and  employee  relations  strategies;  maintaining  and  building  strong  working 

consequences from compromised 

specific  supplier  requirements  for  different  food  categories  (for  example 

litigation and financial impacts 

relationships with unions and industry organisations; and constructively liaising 

product or food safety. Loss in 

chilled  versus  ambient)  and  a  supporting  assurance  program  to  ensure  key 

from reputational damage. The 

with  our  team  members,  third-party  suppliers  and  transport  and  logistic 

customer trust, reputational damage, 

controls are operating and effective.  

emergence of COVID-19 along with 

service providers.  

planned changes in our supply chain 

operations, has heightened our 

exposure to this risk.

Security of supply

The 

renegotiation  of  collective  bargaining  agreements 

is  proactively 

managed and business continuity plans are in place to mitigate disruption to 

operations if industrial action occurs.

loss in sales and market share, 

regulatory exposure, and potential 

litigation could also occur.  

We also have a Product Safety Program which covers non-food products, and 

work closely with our suppliers to ensure compliance with relevant mandatory 

standards to meet consumer guarantees under the Australian Consumer Law. 

Our Product and Food Safety Committee oversees continuous improvement of 

food and product safety risks and issues across Coles, including any presented 

by COVID-19.   

Potential disruption to the supply 

We have business continuity plans to manage the supply chain and delivery 

of goods for resale and services 

of  goods  to  stores  during  extreme  weather  and  business  disruptive  events. 

Food and plastic waste 

required to deliver our core 

These continuity plans were successfully invoked in response to the bushfires 

We recognise that food and plastic 

Coles  is  committed  to  working  with  the  Australian  Packaging  Covenant 

operations can occur due to extreme 

and demand surges experienced during the early stages of Coles’ COVID-19 

waste negatively impacts the 

Organisation. We have a waste management strategy in place which includes 

weather events and changes in 

climate, changes in domestic and 

international government policy and 

response.  Our  COVID-19  response  includes  sourcing  alternative  supply 

arrangements,  scaling  up  production  and  distribution  of  substitute  goods 

(potentially  simplifying  range  to  aid  production  efficiency),  and  removal  of 

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environment, economy and society. 

programs to divert waste from landfill, including partnerships with SecondBite, 

There is a potential for significant 

Foodbank and local farmers. In-store training and awareness programs are in 

reputational risk if Coles does not 

place to increase the effectiveness of our waste management program. Soft 

regulation, and disruptions caused 

promotions to suppress demand of impacted lines and customer limits.  

reduce food and plastic waste in 

plastics recycling through REDcycle is available in our supermarkets and the 

by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, 

including suspension of production, 

domestic and international border 

closures, and restricted access to 

the workforce our suppliers rely on 

We continue to analyse Coles’ supply chain resilience across a number of key 

food categories, including for carbon footprint and water scarcity. The results 

will  be  used  to  contain  possible  future  disruptions  to  supply.  Medium  and 

longer  term  international  and  domestic  supply  security  risks  and  mitigations 

to produce goods.  Supply chain 

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continue to be assessed as the external environment evolves.

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disruptions can result in an inability 

to supply to customers, loss of market 

share, price volatility and increased 

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costs. 

Health and safety 

The safety of our team, customers, 

Our  detailed  Health,  Safety,  Environment  and  Injury  Management  system 

third parties and contractors is 

(SafetyCARE)  is  supported  by  a  team  of  experienced  safety  professionals 

paramount to Coles. We employ an 

throughout  our  network.  SafetyCARE’s  performance  is  measured  through  a 

extensive and diverse work force, 

range of indicators and the effectiveness of the system is assessed through a 

including third parties, with high 

verification program. A rolling five-year Safety and Wellbeing Plan focuses on 

volumes of people interactions 

the three pillars of Safety leadership and culture, Critical risk reduction, and 

daily. This brings risk of fatality, life-

Mind your health.

threatening injuries or transmission of 

disease to team members, customers, 

suppliers, contractors or visitors, due 

to unsafe work practices, accidents or 

incidents.

The health and safety of our customers and team members is the focal point 

of  our  response  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  Coles  adheres  to  the  hygiene 

practices  recommended  by  the  Australian  Government  through  Safe  Work 

Australia  and  based  on  information  from  the  World  Health  Organization, 

the  Australian  Department  of  Health,  state  and  territory  governments  and 

departments  of  health  and  other  applicable  regulatory  bodies.  A  large 

number of measures have been implemented including programs to keep our 

customers and team members safe incorporating social distancing measures, 

sneeze guards, sanitiser, masks, additional cleaning and security, immediate 

escalation  and  reporting  protocols,  and  the  implementation  of  large-scale 

mental health and wellbeing programs for all of our team members.

line with consumer, shareholder and 

volumes of material submitted for recycling continue to increase. 

government expectations. 

We continue to look for new opportunities to reduce waste, including working 

with our suppliers, partnering with our communities to use food we do not sell, 

and trialling new solutions to better process our in-store waste.

Third party management

An inability to successfully manage 

Coles  has  due  diligence  processes  in  place  to  assess  the  adequacy  and 

and leverage our strategic third-party 

suitability  of  key  suppliers,  service  providers  and  strategic  partners  in 

relationships, or a critical failure of 

accordance  with  our  requirements.  We  monitor  and  manage  quality  and 

a key supplier or service provider, 

performance  of  key  suppliers  and  strategic  third  parties  throughout  their 

may expose Coles to risks related to 

engagement with Coles. Defined service level and key performance indicators 

compromised safety and quality, 

are  in  place  for  key  supply  contracts.  Risks  are  managed  via  contractual 

misalignment with ethical and 

protections.

sustainability objectives, disruptions 

to supply or operations, unrealised 

benefits, and legal and regulatory 

exposure. 

Legal and regulatory

During  FY20,  we  delivered  the  source  to  pay  process  for  goods  and  service 

providers  (goods  not  for  resale)  via  implementation  of  the  SAP  Ariba 

technology  platform.  Third  party  management  (goods  not  for  resale)  is 

governed by the Third Party Management Policy and includes risk assessment 

requirements  for  the  sourcing  process.  Plans  for  FY21  include  the  continued 

uplift and embedding of contract management and supplier management 

requirements for goods not for resale engagements. 

The diversity of our operations 

Coles  has  in  place  a  Compliance  Framework,  which  is  based  on  AS  ISO 

necessitates compliance with 

19600:2015  Compliance  Management  Systems  –  Guidelines,  and  which  sets 

extensive legislative requirements at 

out the standards, requirements and accountability for managing regulatory 

all levels of government, including 

compliance  obligations  across  the  Group.  Coles  has  targeted  controls  in 

corporations law, competition and 

place across the various areas of compliance, including policies, procedures, 

consumer law, health and safety, 

training  and  system  controls.  The  Framework  is  subject  to  assurance  to 

employee relations, product and food 

ensure controls are in operation and operating effectively.  We also maintain 

safety, environment, council by-laws, 

relationships  with  regulators  and  industry  bodies  and  actively  monitor  new 

privacy and bio-security.

and impending legislative and policy changes.

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Legal and regulatory (continued)

Information technology, resilience, data and cybersecurity

Non-compliance with key laws 

Our  legal  teams  work  in  partnership  with  our  compliance  teams  to  monitor 

A failure or disruption to our 

We have a rolling five-year technology strategy and continuously monitor our 

and regulations, could expose 

and  manage  legal  issues,  matters,  claims  or  disputes.  We  are  supported  by 

information technology applications 

technology operations.  Our service management function is responsible for 

Coles to loss of license to operate, 

pre-agreed panel arrangements with external legal firms and undertake risk 

and infrastructure, including a cyber 

responding  to  incidents,  and  we  actively  manage  technology  changes  to 

substantial financial penalties, 

analysis on any potential litigation claims to understand loss potential.

security event, could impede the 

reduce  the  risk  of  system  instability,  especially  during  peak  trading  periods. 

reputational damage, a deterioration 

in relationships with regulators, and 

additional regulatory changes which 

may adversely impact the execution 

of our strategy and result in increased 

cost to operate. Furthermore, if Coles 

is a party to litigation, it can involve 

reputational damage, financial costs, 

and high investment of Company 

resources and time.

Ethical sourcing 

Failure to source product or conduct 

Our  Ethical  Sourcing  Policy  and  supplier  requirements  are  based  on 

our business in a manner that 

internationally recognised standards and establish the minimum standards for 

complies with our Coles Ethical 

all suppliers.

Sourcing Policy and relevant legal 

requirements across Australia and the 

countries we source from, can result in 

impact to worker safety, wellbeing or 

living conditions, material reputational 

damage, loss in consumer confidence 

and market share, regulator fines 

and penalties, and adverse financial 

performance.  

DRAFT 1 

Coles’  Ethical  Sourcing  Program  takes  a  risk-based  approach  which  defines 

the  level  of  due  diligence  and  monitoring  that  applies  to  suppliers  based 

on  risk  exposure  and  includes  a  requirement  for  ethical  audits  of  selected 

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suppliers.  The  program  covers  Supermarkets  Own  Brand  and  fresh  produce 

suppliers. During the past financial year, we extended program coverage to 

include Own Brand suppliers to Express, and began preparation to implement 

the program for Own Brand suppliers to Liquor, as well as Goods Not For Resale 

suppliers.  

Coles’  Human  Rights  Steering  Committee  oversees  ethical  sourcing 

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governance  including  human  rights  risks,  issues  and  improvement  actions 

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across  the  business.  The  role  of  the  committee  extends  to  reviewing  the 

application  of  relevant  legislative  and  regulatory  requirements  concerning 

human rights, such as the reporting requirement under the Commonwealth’s 
Modern Slavery Act 2018. In March 2020 the Board endorsed our Human Rights 
Strategy  which  focuses  on  systems  and  processes  to  prevent,  mitigate  and 

remedy actual or potential adverse human rights impacts.

Coles  allocates  dedicated  resources  to  the  delivery  of  our  Human  Rights 

Strategy  and  Ethical  Sourcing  Program.  This  includes  an  in-house  certified 

social compliance auditor (certified by the Association of Professional Social 

Compliance Auditors) to manage the ethical audit program. Coles’ whistle-

blower  hotline  and  dedicated  supply  chain  wages  and  conditions  hotline 

enable reporting of unethical, illegal, fraudulent or undesirable conduct.

processing of customer transactions or 

Information  technology  recovery  plans  are  in  place  should  an  information 

limit our ability to procure or distribute 

technology disruption occur. 

stock for our stores. Furthermore, 

our technology and data-rich 

environment also exposes us to the 

risk of unintentional or unauthorised 

access to confidential, financial, or 

private information, which may result 

in loss in consumer confidence, loss 

in market share, regulator fines and 

penalties, and reputational damage.   

Our privacy and digital security policies, procedures, governance forums, and 

education  and  awareness  programs  help  to  assess  and  manage  ongoing 

data,  privacy  and  cyber  security  threats.  We  regularly  test  and  review  our 

information  technology  infrastructure,  systems,  and  processes  to  assess 

security  threats  and  the  adequacy  of  controls.  We  also  benchmark  security 

capabilities and identify opportunities for improvement, and are committed to 

the ongoing delivery of Coles’ cyber security program to continually improve 

our people, process, and technology controls. 

In response to COVID-19, we regularly assess new and increased cyber-crime 

attack vectors, have deployed resources and invested in areas of threat which 

have arisen, and continue to be vigilant as the threat evolves. 

Financial risks

Risk Description

Financial, treasury and insurance

Mitigations

The availability of funding and 

Our  Group  Treasury  function  is  responsible  for  managing  our  cash  funding 

management of capital and liquidity 

position  and  supporting  the  management  of  interest  rate  and  foreign 

are important requirements to fund 

currency risks. Our Treasury Policies are approved by the Board, and govern 

our business operations and growth.  

the  management  of  our  financial  risks,  including  liquidity,  interest  rates, 

In addition, we are exposed to 

foreign currency and commodity risks and the use of other derivatives. Further 

material adverse fluctuations in 

information is included in Note 4.2 Financial Risk Management of the Financial 

interest rates, foreign exchange rates 

Report. 

and commodity movements which 

could impact business profitability.  

We may also be exposed to financial 

loss from accidents, natural disasters 

and other events.

Insurance is a tool to protect our customers, team members and the Group 

against  financial  loss,  where  applicable.  In  some  cases,  we  choose  to 

self-insure  a  significant  proportion  of  the  risk.  This  means  that,  in  the  event 

of  an  incident,  the  cost  is  covered  from  internal  premiums  charged  to  the 

business or the losses are absorbed. Our insurance function is responsible for 

managing both self-insurance and the purchase of external insurance where 

we determine this is prudent. We monitor our self-insured risks and have active 

programs  to  help  us  pre-empt  and  mitigate  losses.  We  engage  an  external 

actuary to determine the self-insurance liabilities recognised in the Statement 

of Financial Position.

COVID-19 has impacted Coles significantly in the second half of the financial 

year and in the Operating and Financial Review we have documented the 

trading and financial reporting impacts of the pandemic.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Climate change

As one of Australia’s largest companies, we know we have 

The Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board in fulfilling 

a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint. Our 

its responsibilities. The Committee evaluates the adequacy 

business is also impacted by climate change, and we need 

and effectiveness of Coles’ identification and management 

to adapt to be able to respond to extreme weather events 

of  environmental  and  social  sustainability  risks  as  well  as 

and maintain security of food supply to sustainably feed all 

reporting  of  those  risks.  The  Committee  receives  reports 

Australians.

We  support  the  TCFD,  and  information  in  this  section 

responds to the four thematic areas against which the TCFD 

from  management  on  new  and  emerging  sources  of  risk 

and  the  controls  and  mitigation  measures  management 

has put in place to address these risks.

recommendations for climate-related disclosures are structured. 

The  Group’s 

Sustainability 

During  the  reporting  period  we  engaged  an  external 

consultant  to  complete  a  gap  analysis  of  Coles’  previous 

reporting  against  the  TCFD  recommendations.  While  the 

analysis  found  we  are  partially  aligned  with  the  majority 

of the TCFD recommended disclosures, we are continuing 

to refine and enhance our disclosures as we develop and 

embed our climate change strategy.

management  committee,  is  responsible  for  overseeing 

Steering  Committee,  a 

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Group  wide  identification  and  response  to  sustainability 

  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

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risks,  including  climate  change.  It  is  chaired  by  the  Chief 

Property  and  Export  Officer,  a  member  of  the  Executive 

Leadership  Team  reporting  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer. 

Its 

standing  members  comprise  management 

from 

functions  with  key  sustainability  responsibilities  including 

Risk and Compliance, Sustainability, Own Brand, Company 

•  Sustainable  communities  – 

supporting  Australian 

farmers, suppliers, team members and the communities 

•  Business continuity planning for sourcing and delivering 
goods to stores in the occurrence of extreme weather 

in which we live and work

events, such as floods, storms and bushfires.

•  Sustainable products – sourcing quality products in an 

•  Research 

into  supply  chain 

resilience  with 

the 

ethical and responsible way

• 

 Sustainable  environmental  practices  –  minimising 

environmental impacts across our operations, including 

climate change impacts

Initiatives that address and support this component of our 

corporate strategy include:

•  Our  Energy  Strategy  which  guides  our  approach  to 
energy purchasing and management and maintaining 

security of energy supply. In FY20, we were the first major 

Commonwealth  Scientific  and 

Industrial  Research 

Organisation (CSIRO), where we have investigated the 

security of key products in our fresh food supply chain.

•  Opportunities  for  new  product  development  to  support 
customers  seeking  products  with  lower  environmental 

impacts. We understand that minimising environmental 

impacts  of  food  production  is  an  important  issue  for 

many customers, and we have responded by increasing 

our range of plant-based products including introducing 

Nature’s Kitchen, a range of plant-based products.

Australian retailer to commit to buying renewable energy 

• 

through  a  power  purchase  agreement.  The  10-year 

The  Coles  Nurture  Fund  which  provides  support  to 
suppliers through grants for climate change adaptation 

agreement is in place to purchase power from three solar 

and mitigation initiatives.

plants in New South Wales with the projects expected to 

provide 10% of Coles’ national power needs. We expect 

the solar plants will be operational in FY21.

•  Participation 

the  Australian  Beef  Sustainability 
Framework, an initiative of the Red Meat Advisory Council 
managed by Meat and Livestock Australia. We consider 

in 

•  Our  approach  to  refrigeration  management  which 
includes investing in transcritical CO2 refrigerants – natural 
gas compounds that have little or no impact on the ozone 

the  framework  the  most  appropriate  way  to  address 

climate  and  environmental  issues  facing  the  beef 

industry (such as emissions reduction and deforestation) 

layer and do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

from a national and industry-wide perspective.

•  Environmental  improvements  in  stores  by  enhancing 
sustainability features on the store design blueprint such 

as  doors  on  freezers,  optimising  lighting  and  installing 

new gas and water meters.

We  will  continue  to  identify  opportunities  to  mitigate  risk 

and respond to opportunities.

We  also  prepared  a  detailed  roadmap  and  action  plan 

DRAFT 1 

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Secretariat and Corporate Affairs.

to  enhance  our  climate  change  response  and  support 
our  transition  to  a  lower-carbon  economy.  The  roadmap, 
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which was endorsed by the Board, also highlights the key 

AnnualReport_
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milestones we need to meet to enable more comprehensive 

climate change responses and disclosures.

Our first priority was the requirement for a climate change risk 

assessment, noting climate risk has already been identified 

as  a  material  business  risk  as  part  of  the  risk  identification 

processes  defined  within  Coles’  Risk  Management 

Framework. During the year, we worked with external climate 

change specialists to further assess our climate change risks 

and opportunities. The assessment considered three climate 

scenarios to prompt innovative thinking, as described below 

in the Risk Management section.

The next steps in developing our climate change strategy 

will  be  assessing  our  corporate  strategy  against  different 

climate  scenarios  and  releasing  new  greenhouse  gas 

Our climate change agenda and program are coordinated 

by a Climate Change Subcommittee which oversees Coles’ 

climate change approach and reports to the Sustainability 

Steering  Committee  and  its  Chair.  The  Subcommittee 

is  chaired  by  the  General  Manager  Sustainability  and 

Property  Services  and  includes  senior  leaders  from  key 

functions  within  Coles,  including  Finance,  Strategy,  Risk 

and  Compliance,  and  Sustainability.  The  Subcommittee 

also  reviews  the  application  of  relevant  legislative  and 

regulatory requirements concerning climate change.

Our  approach 

to  climate  change  governance 

will  continue  to  develop  as  we  embed 

roles  and 

responsibilities  throughout  the  organisation,  recognising 

that  responsibilities  for  managing  and  mitigating  climate 

change risks are organisation wide.

Strategy and approach

emission  reduction  targets  for  our  operational  emissions. 

During  FY20,  we  continued  to  develop  a  comprehensive 

The  strategy  will  also  reference  and  respond  to  the  risks 

climate  change  strategy  in  line  with  the  recommended 

already identified.

Governance

The Board oversees the effectiveness of Coles’ environment, 

sustainability  and  governance  policies  and  retains  ultimate 

oversight  of  material  environmental  and  sustainability  risks 

and opportunities, including those related to climate change. 

TCFD disclosures.

Our  approach  to  climate  change  is  captured  under 

the  Win  Together  pillar  of  our  corporate  strategy,  which 

incorporates  Coles’  response  to  climate  change  risk  and 

opportunities, and has three key focus areas:

Construction has commenced on the development of a solar farm outside Junee in regional New South Wales. It is one of three solar farms from which Coles 

will source 10% of its national power needs. The other two solar farms will be located outside the regional centres of Wagga Wagga and Corowa. All three solar 

farms are being developed and constructed by Metka EGN Australia.

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Risk management

Through  the  application  of  the  Coles  Risk  Management 

Framework,  climate  change  has  been  identified  as  a 

material business risk to the Group.

During  FY20,  we  further  assessed  our  climate  change 

risks  and  opportunities  including  the  potential  for  climate 

change  risks  to  contribute  to  or  increase  other  material 

3. 

 runaway  climate  change  –  Where  there  is  no  limit 
placed  on  carbon  emissions  and  warming  is  set  to 

reach 4°C above pre-industrial levels.

The risk assessment included interviews and workshops with 

stakeholders  across  the  Group  including  Property,  Export, 

Supply  Chain,  Product,  Own  Brand,  Coles  Liquor,  Coles 

Express and Procurement.

risks.  The  qualitative  risk  assessment  applied  the  risk 

Analysis  of 

the 

risk  exposure  considered 

financial, 

management  processes  defined  within  Coles’  Risk 

reputational, health and safety, legal and regulatory, and 

Management  Framework  and  used  the  following  three 

operational  consequences  over  the  next  10  years.  The 

climate scenarios to prompt innovative thinking:

1. 

 stated policies – Where governments deliver on current 
policies already in place which result in approximately 

3.2°C warming above pre-industrial levels

2. 

 ambitious  global  action  –  Where  there 
movement towards the goals set in the Paris Agreement 

is  active 

to  keep  ‘global  average  temperature  to  well  below 

2°C, or preferably to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels’

assessment  also  identified  associated  metrics  and  targets 

used to monitor the management of risk and opportunities 

and evaluated risk exposure against Coles’ climate change 

risk appetite.

Our  most  significant  climate-related  risks,  mitigants  and 

opportunities  are  presented  in  the  following  table,  along 

with  our  approach  to  managing  them.  The  risks  identified 

have  been  grouped  into  the  two  major  categories  of 

climate-related risks identified by the TCFD: (1) risks related 

to  the  transition  to  a  lower-carbon  economy  and  (2) 

Transition risks

Risk and impact

Reputational

physical risks (acute and chronic).

Mitigants and opportunities

DRAFT 21 
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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

We recognise our customers and community expect 

We have in place teams and processes to monitor, 

strong and responsible action from Coles on climate 

understand and respond to the concerns and 

change. We know we have a responsibility to minimise 

expectations of our key stakeholders and society more 

our impact on the environment through our operations. 

broadly. A roadmap has been developed and action has 

Failure to take action on climate change would harm the 

commenced to enhance our climate change response 

environment and Coles’ reputation. 

and transition to a lower-carbon economy.

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d4a   

Changing regulatory requirements

We take our regulatory obligations seriously and manage 

Coles has a Compliance Framework based on AS 

non-compliance with regulatory requirements as a risk, 

ISO 19600:2015 Compliance Management Systems – 

with supporting risk appetite statements set by the Board. 

Guidelines which sets out the standards, requirements 

New and evolving climate-related regulations may 

and accountability for managing regulatory compliance 

result in breaches and/or increased implementation or 

obligations across the Group.

operational cost to deliver compliance.

Carbon pricing

Changes in policy affecting the cost of carbon may result 

Coles consistently looks for opportunities to improve 

in increased business costs including energy, transport, 

operational efficiency including energy efficiency. 

water, goods, materials and services.

Strategies to source energy from renewable sources 

and reduce energy usage have been developed 

for store operations, transport and refrigeration. 

Incremental improvements are implemented through 

asset replacement regimes. This is supported by internal 

engineering standards which incorporate technological 

advances and changing operating conditions.

Export market growth

Changing policies in existing and future markets may 

Export remains an area of growth for Coles. Business 

impact growth due to the introduction and/or expansion 

planning considers future market conditions and 

of trading taxes, barriers on high emissions and water 

consumer preferences, which are monitored routinely. 

intensive products, and bans on non-recyclable 

Coles mitigates exposures to macro-economic conditions 

packaging. Growth may also be further impacted by 

and regulatory requirements through diversification of 

consumer transition to lower carbon lifestyles.

products and markets.

Tom and Vickie Tyson from Lachlan Valley Grazing near Condobolin in New South Wales received a Nurture Fund grant to install solar panels to power new, 

efficient irrigation equipment. The project, completed in FY20, has minimised the business’ carbon footprint, reduced its reliance on electricity and enabled the 

family to produce grass-fed beef for 12 months of the year.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Physical risks

Risk and impact

Health and safety 

Mitigants and opportunities

The  frequency  and  intensity  of  extreme  weather  events, 

The Coles Health, Safety, Environment and Injury Management 

as well as changes in weather patterns, will create more 

system (SafetyCARE) factors in the acute (for example 

instances in which conditions may become unsafe for our 

bushfires) and chronic impacts (for example heat fatigue) of 

team members, contractors and customers.

climate change. The system is integrated with emergency 

management (our response to physical threats or events 

as coordinated by the Health and Safety team), and Coles 

Group Response Policy and Program, which sets out the 

governance arrangements, accountabilities and processes 

for crisis management and business continuity. Learnings from 

incidents and events, and opportunities for improvement, 

are identified and incorporated into our safety, emergency 

management and response plans and processes.

Supply chain disruption

Our ability to move, procure and sell products and services 

We have business continuity plans to manage the supply 

will be impacted by climate change both domestically 

chain and delivery of goods to stores during extreme 

and internationally. Key impacts include decreased 

weather and business disruptive events. We continue to 

agricultural productivity due to extreme temperature 

shifts; droughts and other extreme weather events; 

disrupted transport routes; and disrupted suppliers’ 

analyse Coles’ supply chain resilience across a number 

of key food categories, including for carbon footprint and 

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water scarcity. The results will be used to contain possible 

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  September 23, 2020 7:52 PM

operations due to extreme weather events.

future disruptions to supply.

Food safety

Changes in growing and operating conditions may 

Coles’ Food Safety program, which includes recall and 

affect the persistence and occurrence of pests and 

monitoring processes, is updated to adapt to changing 

diseases and, as a result, increase food safety risks during 

conditions. The program aligns with externally accredited 

production, handling and processing in manufacturing 

programs such as Safe Quality Food (SQF) and British 

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d4a   

Retail Consortium’s Global Standard for Food Safety. We 

work with suppliers, industry and regulators to understand 

and anticipate new and incremental risks.

Board  
of Directors

Asset integrity and continuity of operations 

Changing weather conditions will result in an increase 

Emergency response plans and business continuity 

in physical damage to assets; access interruption; 

plans are in place to mitigate potential disruptions and 

prolonged power outages; decreased equipment 

store design specifications consider future conditions to 

reliability and efficiencies; and essential services.

improve their resilience in extreme conditions.

We also conducted an assessment with respect to potential 

While  our  target  has  been  met,  we  continue  to  invest  in 

impacts  on  Coles’  financial  statements  which  found  that, 

energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction programs 

while  the  risks  identified  to  date  may  result  in  financial 

including  our  energy  strategy,  refrigeration  management 

impacts such as increased costs and loss of income for future 

and opportunities in store. 

financial years, none are considered to give rise to material 

financial reporting impacts for the FY20 financial year.

Work  will  continue  in  FY21  to  further  explore  opportunities 

to  manage  the  risks  identified  in  the  climate  change  risk 

assessment  referenced  above  and  determine  how  these 

will be addressed in our climate change strategy. 

Metrics and targets

We  met  our  2020  greenhouse  gas  emissions  target,  which 

was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from a 2009 

baseline, four years early in 2016 through a focus on reducing 

emissions particularly emissions associated with refrigeration.

Work is well progressed on developing new greenhouse gas 

emission targets.

We measure and report on Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse 

gas  emissions  in  line  with  the  National  Greenhouse  and 

Energy  Reporting  Scheme  (NGERS)  requirements.  NGERS 

requires  companies  to  report  annually  each  October.  As 

such,  metrics,  including  greenhouse  gas  metrics,  will  be 

included in our FY20 Sustainability Report. 

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Board of Directors: 
Biographical details 

James Graham AM
BE (Chem) (Hons), MBA, FIEAust EngExec, FTSE, FAICD, SF Fin

David Cheesewright
BSc Mathematics and Sports Science (1st)

Abi Cleland
MBA, BCom/BA

Wendy Stops
BAppSc (Information Technology), GAICD

Chairman  and  Non-executive  Director,  Chairman  of  the 
Nomination  Committee  and  Member  of  the  People  and 

Non-executive  Director,  Member  of 
Committee and the People and Culture Committee

the  Nomination 

Non-executive  Director,  Member  of 
Committee and the People and Culture Committee

the  Nomination 

Non-executive  Director,  Member  of 
Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee

the  Nomination 

Culture Committee

Age: 72

Age: 58

Age: 46

Age: 59

David  Cheesewright  retired  in  early  2018  as  President 

Abi Cleland is a Director of Computershare Limited, Sydney 

Wendy  Stops  is  a  Director  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of 

James  Graham  has  extensive  investment,  corporate  and 

and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  Walmart  International, 

Airport  Corporation  Limited  and  Orora  Limited.  Abi  is  also 

Australia  Limited.  She  is  also  a  Director  of  Fitted  for  Work, 

governance  experience,  including  as  a  Non-executive 

which  comprises  Walmart’s  operations  outside  the  United 

a  Director  of  Swimming  Australia.  Abi’s  previous  board 

a  Council  member  at  the  University  of  Melbourne,  Chair 

Director  of  Wesfarmers  Limited  for  20  years,  prior  to  his 

States,  including  more  than  6,200  stores  and  over  a  million 

appointments  include  Australian  Independent  Business 

of the Advisory Board for the Melbourne Business School’s 

retirement  in  July  2018.  James  is  Chairman  of  Gresham 

associates  in  27  countries.  David  was  also  responsible  for 

Media, Chairman of Planwise Australia and membership of 

Centre  for  Business  Analytics  and  a  member  of  the 

Partners  Limited,  having  founded  the  Gresham  Partners 

Walmart’s  global  sourcing  operations  and  offices  around 

the advisory committee of Lazard PE Fund 2. From 2012 to 

Advisory  Committee  to  the  Digital  Technology  Taskforce 

Group  in  1985.  From  2001  to  2009,  he  was  a  Director  of 

the world. He was previously President and CEO of Walmart 

2017, Abi established and ran an advisory and management 

of  the  Department  of  Prime  Minister  and  Cabinet.  Wendy 

Rabobank  Australia  Limited,  initially  as  Deputy  Chairman 

EMEA  (Europe,  Middle  East  and  Africa),  CEO  Walmart 

business,  Absolute  Partners,  focusing  on  strategy,  mergers 

was  previously  a  senior  management  executive  in  the 

and then Chairman, responsible for the Bank’s operations 

Canada,  and  COO  Asda.  David’s  other  prior  roles  include 

and acquisitions and disruption. Before that, she held senior 

information  technology  and  consulting  sectors,  including 

in Australia and New Zealand. He was also Chairman of the 

a range of key positions with Mars Confectionery in the UK 

management  roles  at  KordaMentha’s  333,  where  she  was 

16  years  with  Accenture  in  various  senior  management 

Darling Harbour Authority between 1989 and 1995. James 

across manufacturing, marketing, sales and logistics. David 

Managing  Director,  and  at  ANZ,  Incitec  Pivot  Limited  and 

positions in Australia, Asia Pacific and globally. Her previous 

was made a member of the Order of Australia in 2008.

is  also  a  previous  board  member  of  Walmex  (Walmart 

Amcor Limited.

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  

(last three years):

Mexico), Chinese online grocery business Yihaodian, South 

African retailer and distributor Massmart, The Retail Council 

of Canada and ECR Europe and is a prior Chair of Walmart 

Director of Wesfarmers Limited (May 1998 to July 2018)

Canada  Bank  and  Gazeley  Holdings  (UK).  David  currently 

Steven Cain
MEng (1st)

Managing Director and CEO

Age: 55

Steven  Cain  has  over  20  years  of  experience  in  Australian 

and 

international 

retail.  Steven  was  previously  Chief 

Executive  Officer  of  Supermarkets  and  Convenience 

sits on the Deans Advisory Board  of the Smith Business School 

and is a Non-executive Director of Rapha Racing (UK).

Jacqueline Chow
MBA, BSc (Hons), GAICD

Non-executive  Director,  Member  of 
Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee

the  Nomination 

Age: 48

at  Metcash  Limited.  He  was  Chief  Executive  of  Carlton 

Jacqueline  Chow  is  a  Non-executive  Director  of  nib 

Communications  plc,  a  FTSE  100  media  group  company, 

Holdings  Limited  and  a  Senior  Advisor  at  McKinsey 

and Operating Director and Portfolio Company Chairman 

Consulting  RTS,  advising  clients  across  industrial,  retail, 

at  Pacific  Equity  Partners,  a  private  equity  firm.  He  was 

telecommunications,  financial  services  and  consumer 

Group Marketing Director, Store Development Director and 

sectors on performance transformation projects. She is also 

Grocery  Trading  Director  of  Asda  Stores  Ltd  (UK)  during  its 

a  Director  of  the  Australia-Israel  Chamber  of  Commerce 

turnaround and has held roles at UK retail group Kingfisher 

of  New  South  Wales.  From  2016  to  June  2019,  Jacqueline 

plc,  and  Bain  &  Company.  Steven  was  previously  the 

was  a  Director  of  Fisher  &  Paykel  Appliances.  Jacqueline 

Managing Director of Food, Liquor and Fuel at Coles Myer 

previously  held 

senior  management  positions  with 

and was an advisor to Wesfarmers Limited on its takeover of 

Fonterra  Co-operative  Group,  one  of  the  world’s  largest 

the Coles Group in 2007.

dairy  product  producers  and  exporters,  including  Chief 

Operating  Officer,  Global  Consumer  and  Food  Service. 

Prior to that, she was in senior management with Campbell 

Arnott’s  and  Kellogg  Company.  She  was  also  Programme 

Steering  Group  Director,  Ministry  for  Primary  Industries,  NZ 

and Deputy Chair, Global Dairy Platform Inc.

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  

(last three years):

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  

(last three years):

board  experience  includes  Altium  Limited,  Accenture 

Software Solutions Australia and Diversiti. She is currently a 

member of Chief Executive Women.

Director  of  Computershare  Limited  (since  February  2018); 

Director of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited (since April 

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  

(last three years):

2018);  Director  of  Orora  Limited  (since  February  2014); 

Director of Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited (since 

Director of BWX Limited (August 2017 to December 2017)

March  2015);  Director  of  Altium  Limited  (February  2018  to 

Richard Freudenstein
LLB (Hons), BEc

Non-executive  Director,  Chairman  of  the  People  and 
Culture  Committee  and  Member  of  the  Nomination 

Committee

Age: 55

November 2019)

Zlatko Todorcevski
MBA, BCom

Non-executive  Director,  Chairman  of  the  Audit  and  Risk 
Committee and Member of the Nomination Committee

Age: 52

Richard  Freudenstein  is  a  Director  of  REA  Group  Limited 

Zlatko  Todorcevski  is  a  Director  of  The  Star  Entertainment 

(since 2006), including as Chairman from 2007 to 2012. He is 

Group  Ltd  and  was  appointed  as  Chief  Executive  Officer 

also currently a board member of Cricket Australia, Deputy 

and  Managing  Director  of  Boral  Limited,  effective  1  July 

Chancellor  of  the  University  of  Sydney  and  a  member 

2020. Zlatko’s previous appointments include Deputy Chair 

of  the  Advisory  Board  of  start-up  artificial  intelligence 

and  Director  of  Adelaide  Brighton  Ltd,  having  served  as 

software  company  Afiniti.  Richard  was  previously  Chief 

Chairman  from  May  2018  to  May  2019.  Zlatko  was  also  a 

Executive  Officer  of  Foxtel  (2011  to  2016),  Chief  Executive 

Council member of the University of Wollongong, President 

Officer of The Australian and News Digital Media at News 

of the Group of 100 and Chairman of the ASIC Accounting 

Ltd  (2006  to  2010),  and  Chief  Operating  Officer  at  British 

and  Audit  Standing  Committee.  Zlatko’s  executive  career 

Sky  Broadcasting  plc  (2000  to  2006).  His  previous  board 
positions include Ten Network Holdings (2015 to 2016), Foxtel 

included four years as Chief Financial Officer of Brambles 

Ltd and from 2009 to 2012 as Chief Financial Officer of Oil 

(2009 to 2011) and ESPN STAR Sports ESS (2009 to 2012).

Search Ltd. From 1986 to 2009, he held various senior roles 

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  
(last three years):

at BHP, including Chief Financial Officer of Energy based in 

London and Houston.

Director  of  REA  Group  Limited  (since  November  2006); 

Director  of  Astro  Malaysia  Holdings  Berhad  (September 

Directorships of listed entities, current and recent  

(last three years):

Director of nib Holdings Limited (since April 2018)

2016 to August 2019)

Director of Adelaide Brighton Limited (March 2017 to June 

2020);  Director  of  Star  Entertainment  Group  (since  May 
2018); Executive Director of Boral Limited since July 2020

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportDirectors’ 
Report

Directors’ Report

The Directors present their report on the consolidated entity consisting of Coles Group Limited (‘Coles’ or ‘the Company’) 

and its controlled entities at the end of, or during, the financial year ended 28 June 2020 (‘the Group’). 

The information referred to below forms part of and is to be read in conjunction with this Directors’ Report:

• 

• 

the Operating and Financial Review

the Remuneration Report

•  Board of Directors: Biographical Details

•  Note 7.3 Auditor’s remuneration to the financial statements accompanying this report

•  Note 7.6 Events after the reporting period to the financial statements accompanying this report

• 

the Auditor’s Independence Declaration required under section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Directors

The Directors in office during the financial year and up to the date of this report are: 

NAME

POSITION HELD 

PERIOD AS A DIRECTOR 

James Graham AM

Chairman and Independent,  

Appointed 19 November 2018

Steven Cain

Non-executive Director

Managing Director and  

Chief Executive Officer 

Appointed Chief Executive Officer  

17 September 2018 

Appointed Managing Director 

2 November 2018

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow 

Abi Cleland

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

Richard Freudenstein

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

Wendy Stops 

Zlatko Todorcevski

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

Independent, Non-executive Director  Appointed 19 November 2018

The biographical details of the current Directors set out information about the Directors’ qualifications, experience, special 

responsibilities and other directorships.

Company secretary

Daniella Pereira LLB (Hons), BA

Daniella Pereira was appointed the Company Secretary of Coles Group Limited on 19 November 2018. Daniella has an 

extensive  career  in  legal,  governance  and  company  secretariat,  including  a  14-year  career  with  ASX-listed  industrial 

chemicals company Incitec Pivot Limited. Daniella began her career as a lawyer with Ashurst (formerly Blake Dawson).

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69

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportDirectors’ meetings

Review and results of operations

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and the number of meetings attended 

A review of the operations of the Group during the financial year, the results of those operations and the Group’s financial 

by each of the current Directors of the Company during the financial year are listed below:

position are contained in the Operating and Financial Review (OFR). 

DIRECTOR

BOARD

COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE

AUDIT AND RISK   

PEOPLE AND CULTURE 

NOMINATION       

Business strategies and prospects for future financial years

The  OFR  sets  out  information  on  the  business  strategies  and  prospects  for  future  financial  years  and  refers  to  likely 

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

developments in Coles’ operations and the expected results of those operations in future financial years. Information in the 

James Graham

Steven Cain

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Wendy Stops

Zlatko Todorcevski

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

11*

12

12

12

12

11*

12

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

4

5

5

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

*  Mr Cain and Ms Stops were apologies for extraordinary meetings which were convened at short notice. 

Directors’ shareholdings in Coles

Details of Directors’ shareholdings in Coles as at the date of this Directors’ Report are shown in the table below. All Directors 

have met the minimum shareholding requirement under the Board Charter.

DIRECTOR

James Graham

Steven Cain2

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Wendy Stops

Zlatko Todorcevski

NUMBER OF SHARES HELD1

500,188

50,000

20,000

20,000

19,816

19,000

20,000

19,201

1 

 The number of shares held refers to shares held either directly or indirectly by Directors as at 18 August 2020. Refer to the Remuneration Report tables for total 

shares held by Directors and their related parties directly, indirectly or beneficially as at 28 June 2020.

2 

 As at 18 August 2020, Steven Cain also holds 85,057 Restricted Shares, 85,057 Performance Shares and 275,901 Performance Rights. 

Principal activities

The principal activities of Coles during the financial year were providing customers with everyday products, including fresh 

food, groceries, general merchandise, liquor, fuel and financial services through its store network and online platforms. No 

significant changes have occurred in the nature of these activities during the financial year. 

State of affairs

Cessation of Wesfarmers substantial shareholding

On 19 February 2020, Wesfarmers announced that it had sold 4.9% of the issued share capital of Coles. On 31 March 2020, 

Wesfarmers announced that it had sold a further 5.2% of the issued share capital of Coles. Following the sale, Wesfarmers 

retains  a  4.9%  interest  in  Coles.  Coles  and  Wesfarmers  continue  to  operate  the  flybuys  joint  venture,  with  both  parties 

retaining a 50.0% interest in the business.

OFR is provided to enable shareholders to make an informed assessment about the business strategies and prospects for 

future financial years of the Group. Information that could give rise to likely material detriment to the Group, for example, 

information  that  is  commercially  sensitive,  confidential  or  could  give  a  third  party  a  commercial  advantage,  has  not 

been included. Other than the information set out in the OFR, information about other likely developments in the Group’s 

operations and the expected results of these operations in future financial years has not been included. 

Events after the reporting date

On  18  August  2020,  the  Directors  determined  a  final  dividend  of  27.5  cents  per  fully  paid  ordinary  share  to  be  paid  on  

29 September 2020, fully franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%. The aggregate amount of the final dividend to be paid 

out of profits, but not recognised as a liability at 28 June 2020, is expected to be $367 million.

Dividends

Dividends since Coles’ last Annual Report: 

TYPE

Paid during the year

2019 final dividend 

2019 special dividend

2020 interim dividend 

To be paid after end of year

2020 final dividend 

CENTS PER 

AMOUNT  

FRANKED       

TOTAL 

SHARE 

$M

PERCENTAGE

DATE OF PAYMENT

24.0

11.5

30.0

27.5

320

154

399

100%

100%

100%

26 September 2019

26 September 2019

27 March 2020

367*

100%

29 September 2020

DEALT WITH IN THE FINANCIAL REPORT AS

Dividends paid

Events after the reporting period 

NOTE

3.3

7.6

$M

873

367*

* 

Estimated final dividend payable, subject to variations in the number of shares up to the record date. 

Environmental regulations

The activities of the Company are subject to a range of environmental regulations under the law of the Commonwealth 

of Australia and its states and territories. The Group is also subject to various state and local government food licensing 

requirements, and may be subject to environmental and town planning regulations.

The Group has not incurred any significant liabilities under any environmental legislation during the financial year.

Indemnification and insurance of officers

The Company’s Constitution requires the Company to indemnify any person who is, or has been, an officer of the Company, 

including the Directors, the Company Secretary and other executive officers, against the liabilities incurred while acting as 

As a result of Wesfarmers’ interest falling below 10.0%, the Relationship Deed agreed between Coles and Wesfarmers at 

such officers to the extent permitted by law.

the time of the demerger terminated and Wesfarmers no longer has the right to nominate a director to the Coles Board. 

Mr David Cheesewright who was previously nominated to the Coles Board by Wesfarmers, continues as a director on the 

Coles Board. In light of Wesfarmers no longer being a substantial shareholder in Coles and Mr Cheesewright ceasing to be 
a nominee to the Coles Board by Wesfarmers, the Board has concluded that Mr Cheesewright is an independent director.

In  accordance  with  the  Company’s  Constitution,  the  Company  has  entered  into  a  Deed  of  Indemnity,  Insurance  and 

Access  with  each  of  the  Company’s  Directors,  Company  Secretary,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and  certain  executives.  No 

70

71

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportDirector or officer of the Company has received benefits under an indemnity from the Company during or since the end 

of the financial year.

The Company has paid a premium in respect of a contract insuring current and former directors, company secretaries 

and executives of the Company and its subsidiaries against liability that they may incur as an officer of the Company or 

any of its subsidiaries, including liability for costs and expenses incurred by them in defending civil or criminal proceedings 

involving them as such officers, with certain exceptions. It is a condition of the insurance contract that no details of the 

premiums payable or the nature of the liabilities insured are disclosed.

Indemnification of Auditors

Pursuant to the terms of engagement Coles has with its auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), Coles has agreed to indemnify EY to 

the extent permitted by law and professional regulations, against any losses, liabilities, costs or expenses incurred by EY 

where they arise out of or occur in relation to any negligent, wrongful or wilful act or omission by Coles. No payment has 

been made to EY by Coles pursuant to this indemnity, either during or since the end of the financial year. 

Non-audit services and Auditor’s independence

Details of the non-audit services undertaken by, and amounts paid to EY are detailed in Note 7.3 Auditor’s remuneration 

to the financial statements.

The Board is satisfied that the provision of non-audit services during the year by the Auditor is compatible with, and did not 
compromise, the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) for the following reasons:

•  all  non-audit  services  provided  by  EY  were  reviewed  and  approved  to  ensure  they  do  not  impact  the  integrity  and 

objectivity of the Auditor; and

• 

the non-audit services provided did not undermine the general principles relating to auditor independence as set out 
in APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants as they did not involve reviewing or auditing the Auditor’s own 
work, acting in a management or decision making capacity of the Company, acting as an advocate of the Company 

or jointly sharing risks or rewards.

A copy of the Auditor’s Independence Declaration forms part of this report.

Proceedings on behalf of Coles

No application has been made under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) in respect of Coles, and there are no 
proceedings that a person has brought or intervened in on behalf of Coles under that section.

Rounding

The amounts shown in this report and in the financial statements have been rounded off, except where otherwise stated, 
to  the  nearest  one  million  dollars,  with  the  Company  being  in  a  class  specified  in  the  ASIC  Corporations  (Rounding  in 
Financial/Directors’ Reports) Instrument 2016/191.

Signed on behalf of the Board in accordance with a resolution of the Directors of the Company.

James Graham AM 
Chairman  

18 August 2020  

Steven Cain 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

18 August 2020

Remuneration 
Report

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewFinancial ReportShareholder information  
 
 
 
Remuneration  
Report

Letter to shareholders from the  
Chair of the People and Culture Committee

Company performance was strong against all financial metrics included in the Executive KMP STI for FY20. Group sales 

revenue  (adjusted  retail  basis)  increased  by  6.6%  to  $38,109  million;  and  for  the  first  time  in  four  years,  Coles  reported 

earnings growth at a Group level, with earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) (pre AASB 16 and significant items) increasing 

by 4.7% to $1,387 million. It is important to note that revenue and earnings had both established a strongly upward trajectory 

prior  to  the  influence  of  COVID-19,  which  began  to  further  accelerate  sales  growth  during  the  third  quarter.  It  is  also 

significant that the Company successfully managed the increased demand and operational challenges of COVID-19.

Performance was also strong against strategic and non-financial metrics, which broadly included people, safety, customer, 

Smarter Selling and transformation projects that will underpin the long-term sustainability of our business. In evaluating the 

achievement against the balanced scorecard, the Board maintains the absolute discretion to ensure that remuneration 

outcomes are appropriate in the context of the Company’s performance, our customer and team member experience 

and  shareholder  expectations.  For  FY20,  the  Board  considered  the  STI  outcomes  in  the  context  of  the  unprecedented 

events the year presented. Section 4.4 covers the achievements in more detail and includes a summary of the Board’s 

approach to determining the final STI payable for Executive KMP, considering the full year achievements in the context of 

the unique circumstances of FY20. The resulting impact was STI outcomes for the Executive KMP that ranged between 91.7% 

to 100% of the maximum STI opportunity. The Board believes this is a reasonable reflection of the significant achievements 

delivered by management against the commitments made to shareholders for FY20.  Under the remuneration framework, 

50% of the Managing Director and CEO’s STI award will be deferred into equity for two years, and 25% of the Other Executive 

Dear Shareholder,

On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to present the FY20 Remuneration Report for Coles. The Remuneration Report provides 

information on the remuneration arrangements for our Key Management Personnel (KMP) which include the Managing 

KMP STI awards will be deferred into equity for one year. 

An unprecedented time

Director and Chief Executive Officer (Managing Director and CEO), Other Executive KMP and Non-executive Directors of 

As an essential service, Coles played a significant role in supporting the community and our own team members through 

the Company.

A year of progress

Heading  into  FY20,  Coles  launched  its  refreshed  strategy,  ‘Winning  in  our  Second  Century’.  The  new  strategy  outlined 

the Company’s vision to ‘become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value’. The Coles 

management team led by Managing Director and CEO, Steven Cain, has delivered against many of the commitments 

made  to  shareholders  across  FY20.    In  addition,  Coles  delivered  a  total  shareholder  return  (TSR)  of  31.7%  placing  it  in 

COVID-19 in FY20. The comprehensive response included a number of initiatives that contributed to the final EBIT result for 

FY20:

•  A safe in-store environment for team members and customers through increased cleaning throughout the store, store 

signage to help customers keep a safe distance, safety screens at checkouts, and increased security where required;

•  Helped the most vulnerable members of our community to access essential food and groceries through the introduction 

of Community Hour, Coles Online Priority Service and Coles Online Remote Delivery Service; 

the  top  quartile  of  performance  across  both  the  ASX  50  and  ASX  100.  It  is  particularly  commendable  that  these  results 

• 

Increased total headcount by more than 5,000 during the year, including additional casual team members through 

were achieved amid some of the most challenging conditions in living memory, requiring the business to pivot at pace in 

COVID-19;

response to bushfires, floods and COVID-19. Some of the achievements in the first year of delivering on the new strategy 

include:

Inspire Customers: Coles continued to inspire our customers in FY20 and delivered trusted value through the ‘Helping lower 
the  cost  of…’  campaign.  Although  periodic  disruptions  to  availability  as  a  result  of  COVID-19  prevented  the  Company 

from fully meeting the FY20 customer satisfaction target for STI purposes, it is notable that customer satisfaction improved 

in  all  segments  in  Q4.  Own  Brand  achieved  more  than  $10  billion  of  sales,  contributing  31.2%  of  Supermarkets  sales  in 

Q4,  increasing  by  9.7%  for  the  year  as  more  than  1,850  products  were  launched.  Coles  also  introduced  a  dedicated 

convenience foods section across almost 150 supermarkets, with more than 240 new lines including the new Coles Kitchen 

range  from  our  recently  acquired  Jewel  manufacturing  facility  in  Sydney,  supporting  Coles’  ambition  to  become  a 

destination for convenience and health.

Smarter  Selling:  Cost  savings  in  excess  of  $250  million  were  achieved  through  Smarter  Selling  initiatives.  This  was  due 
to  enhanced  logistics  solutions  for  stores  and  distribution  centres,  improved  labour  productivity  through  integration  of 

operations and supply chain teams, and measures to reduce loss in store.

Win  Together:  Team  member  safety  significantly  improved  across  FY20  with  the  Total  Recordable  Injury  Frequency  Rate 
improving  by  18.3%.  To  help  team  members  manage  their  own  wellbeing  in  the  face  of  the  many  challenges  the  year 

presented, we proactively provided team members with resources to look after their mental and physical health, as well as 

that of their families. This focus on team members was reflected in the increased engagement score, improving by seven 

percentage points for the full year, alongside record participation. Coles continued to support our communities with the 

SecondBite Winter Appeal; $5.2 million raised for FightMND; and more than $6 million contributed to rural firefighters and 

bushfire relief.

Outcomes for FY20

This  was  the  first  year  of  operation  under  the  new  Coles  remuneration  framework  for  the  Executive  KMP  as  outlined  in 

the  2019  Annual  Report.  Under  the  framework  each  of  the  Executive  KMP  was  aligned  to  the  new  short-term  incentive 

(STI) design structure using individual balanced scorecards consisting of financial, strategic and non-financial metrics as 

outlined in section 4.4.

•  Additional food donations to the value of $7.9 million to SecondBite and Foodbank;

•  One-off thank-you payment to store and supply chain team members; and

•  Double discount on shopping and subsidised flu vaccinations offered to all team members.

Looking ahead

In  considering  performance  metrics  to  apply  for  the  FY21  STI,  the  Board  has  approved  two  key  changes.  Firstly,  the 

introduction  of  a  specific  Online  sales  metric  for  Executive  KMP  in  place  of  the  Cash  Realisation  metric.  The  exception 

to  this  will  be  the  CFO,  who  will  retain  the  Cash  Realisation  metric.  This  shift  demonstrates  the  importance  of  growth  in 

the  online  channel  to  achieving  our  strategic  goals.  Secondly,  the  Customer  metric  will  be  adapted  from  a  blended 

approach to a single Net Promoter Score (NPS) metric. This simplifies the measurement and highlights the importance of 

going beyond merely satisfying our customers to recruiting them as advocates for our business.

The Board, as advised by the People and Culture Committee, regularly reviews the executive remuneration framework to 

ensure it remains relevant, competitive and appropriate in the context of changing business and economic conditions. 

The  Board  believes  the  current  remuneration  framework  for  the  Executive  KMP  continues  to  reflect  Coles’  strategy  and 

market positioning, and therefore has not proposed any further changes for FY21.

Richard Freudenstein
Chair of the People and Culture Committee

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

Introduction

The Directors of Coles Group Limited (‘Coles’ or ‘the Company’) present the Remuneration Report for the Company and its 

controlled entities (collectively, ‘the Group’) for the financial year ended 28 June 2020 (‘FY20’). This report forms part of the 
Directors’ Report, has been prepared in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and is audited.

SECTION 2: REMUNERATION GOVERNANCE

2.1 Governance framework

The diagram below provides an overview of the remuneration governance framework that has been established by Coles. 

Further  information  regarding  the  membership  and  meetings  of  the  People  and  Culture  Committee  is  provided  in  the 

This is Coles’ first Remuneration Report covering an entire year as a newly listed public company, following our demerger 
from Wesfarmers Limited (‘Wesfarmers’) during FY19.  

Directors’ Report.

This Remuneration Report covers the period from 1 July 2019 to 28 June 2020.

Structure of this report

The Remuneration Report is divided into the following sections:

SECTION

(1) Key Management Personnel

(2) Remuneration governance

(3) Remuneration policy and structure overview

(4) FY20 Executive KMP remuneration outcomes

(5) FY20 Non-executive Director remuneration

(6) Ordinary Shareholdings

SECTION 1: KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Coles is required to prepare a Remuneration Report in respect of the Group’s KMP, being the people who have the authority 

and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the Group’s activities, either directly or indirectly.  This includes the 

Board of Directors and Executive KMP. 

In this Remuneration Report, ‘Executive KMP’ includes the Managing Director and CEO and all other executives considered 

to be KMP. References to ‘Other Executive KMP’ means the Executive KMP excluding the Managing Director and CEO.

Table 1 sets out the details of those persons who were considered KMP of the Group during FY20.

Table 1

Non-executive Directors

NAME

James Graham AM

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Wendy Stops

Zlatko Todorcevski

POSITION HELD1

Chairman and Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director 

Non-executive Director 

Non-executive Director 

Non-executive Director 

Non-executive Director 

Non-executive Director

1 

All Non-executive Directors were in office during the whole financial year and up to the date of this report.

Executive KMP

NAME

Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Greg Davis

Matthew Swindells2

POSITION HELD1

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Executive, Commercial & Express

Chief Operations Officer

1  All Executive KMP were in office during the whole financial year and up to the date of this report.

2  

 Matthew Swindells became an Executive KMP on 1 July 2019, and the disclosures in this report are from that date onwards. Prior to this date, he held the 

non-KMP position of Chief Supply Chain Officer.  

Remuneration consultants and external advisors

External  advisors  may  be  engaged  either  directly  by  the  People  and  Culture  Committee,  or  through  management,  to 

provide information on remuneration-related issues, including benchmarking information and market data.

During FY20 Mercer and PwC provided independent benchmarking and market analysis in relation to executive remuneration 

to the People and Culture Committee. No remuneration recommendations were made by external consultants.

The Board maintains overall accountability for oversight of the Group’s remuneration policies. Specifically, the Board approves all 
remuneration and benefit arrangements as they relate to the Managing Director and CEO and executive-level direct reports to 
the Managing Director and CEO, having regard to the recommendations made by the People and Culture Committee, and the 
remuneration arrangements for Non-executive Directors.

The Board

The Board maintains absolute discretion to either positively or negatively adjust the remuneration outcomes for the Managing Director 
and CEO and executive-level direct reports. The Board will use its discretion based on the provision of supporting data to substantiate the 
requirement of an adjustment. Alternatively, they will use their own judgement and assessment of performance aligned to Coles’ values 
and LEaD behaviours, risk, compliance, reputational, safety and sustainability considerations and the quality of earnings delivered.  

External advisors

The People and Culture 
Committee may seek 
advice from independent 
remuneration consultants 
in determining appropriate 
remuneration policies 
for the Group, and 
specifically remuneration 
arrangements for the 
Managing Director and 
CEO, and executive-
level direct reports to the 
Managing Director and 
CEO.

Shareholders and  
other stakeholders

The People and Culture 
Committee may consult 
with shareholders, proxy 
advisors and other 
relevant stakeholders, 
in determining 
appropriate remuneration 
policies for the Group, 
including remuneration 
arrangements for the 
Managing Director and 
CEO, and executive-
level direct reports to the 
Managing Director and 
CEO.

People and Culture Committee

The role of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its 
responsibilities to shareholders and regulators in relation to the 
Group’s remuneration policies. The Committee does this by 
reviewing and making recommendations to the Board on matters 
including (but not limited to):

• 

• 

• 

remuneration arrangements of Non-executive Directors, 
the Managing Director and CEO, and executive-level direct 
reports to the Managing Director and CEO;

the annual performance review of the Managing Director 
and CEO and executive-level direct reports to the Managing 
Director and CEO;

remuneration outcomes for the Managing Director and CEO 
and executive-level direct reports to the Managing Director 
and CEO; and

•  delegating authority for the operation and administration 

of all Group incentive and equity plans to management (as 
appropriate).

Management

Management makes recommendations, to the People and Culture 
Committee on matters including (but not limited to):

• 

remuneration arrangements of executive-level direct reports to 
the Managing Director and CEO, including the establishment of 
any new, or amendment to the terms of any existing, incentive 
and equity plans;

•  annual performance review of executive-level direct reports to 

the Managing Director and CEO; and

•  changes to the Group’s remuneration policies.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
2.2 Corporate governance policies related to remuneration

3.2 Delivered through a simple, three-element structure

To support a robust remuneration framework, Coles has a number of corporate governance policies related to remuneration, 

Executive KMP remuneration is delivered using both fixed and variable (at-risk) components as outlined below. 

including those outlined below.

2.2.1 Securities Dealing Policy

Coles has adopted a Securities Dealing Policy that applies to all Coles team members including Non-executive Directors 

and Executive KMP and their connected persons, as defined within the policy. This policy sets out the insider trading laws 

and  restrictions  with  which  KMP  must  comply,  including  obtaining  approval  prior  to  trading  in  Coles  securities  and  not 

trading within blackout periods. The policy aims to protect the reputation of the Group and maintain confidence in trading 

in Coles securities. It also prohibits specific types of transactions being made which are not in accordance with market 

expectations or may otherwise give rise to reputational risk.

2.2.2 Minimum Shareholding Policy

To  build  strong  alignment  between  KMP  and  shareholders,  Coles  has  established  a  Minimum  Shareholding  Policy.  The 

policy requires both Executive KMP and Non-executive Directors to build and maintain a significant shareholding in Coles.

Executive KMP

Each Executive KMP is required to achieve a minimum shareholding equivalent to 100% of total fixed compensation (‘TFC’) 

by the later of five years from the date they commence or five years from the introduction of the policy on 1 July 2019. The 

details of each Executive KMP shareholding are summarised in Tables 8.1 and 12.  

In addition to Executive KMP, this policy also applies to all other executive-level direct reports to the Managing Director and CEO.

Non-executive Directors

Each Non-executive Director is required to hold at least 1,000 ordinary shares in the Company within six months of their 

appointment. The shares may be held by a Non-executive Director either in his or her own name, or indirectly in the name 

of either an entity controlled by the Non-executive Director or a closely related party. 

Within five years of appointment, each Non-executive Director is expected to increase his or her shareholding to an amount 

equivalent to 100% of their annual base fee at that time. As at the date of this Remuneration Report, each Non-executive 

Director meets this requirement. 

SECTION 3: REMUNERATION POLICY AND STRUCTURE OVERVIEW

3.1 Remuneration policy for FY20

In FY20, we introduced our updated remuneration framework aligned to our ‘Winning in our Second Century’ strategy. As 

disclosed in the FY19 Remuneration Report, the FY20 framework is guided by our remuneration principles and designed to 

ensure remuneration at Coles is market-competitive, performance-based, creates long-term value for shareholders, and 

is fit-for-purpose.

In contrast to legacy remuneration arrangements established immediately following demerger, the FY20 framework is more 

heavily  focused  on  performance-based  pay  delivered  through  equity  awards.  When  balanced  with  the  performance 

conditions to be achieved, the People and Culture Committee believes that the framework is appropriately aligned to our 

strategy and the interests of our shareholders.

Market competitive

Performance-based

Retail is a globally 
competitive industry.

We need to be able to 
attract, motivate and retain 
high calibre executives in 
both the local and global 
talent market.

A strong link to 
performance-based pay to 
support the achievement 
of strategy aligned to short, 
medium and long-term 
financial targets.

Creates long-term value for 
shareholders

Ensuring there is a common 
interest between executives 
and shareholders by 
aligning reward to the 
achievement of sustainable 
shareholder returns.

Fit-for-purpose

Designed to be relevant 
to how Coles operates. 
It needs to be simple to 
articulate, drive the right 
behaviours and ensure we 
deliver on our strategy.

Specific performance measures and outcomes for FY20 are included in section 4.

Fixed elements

Total Fixed 
Compensation 
(TFC)

Variable elements1

Short-term incentive (STI)

Long-term incentive (LTI)

How it is 
delivered

Cash

Cash

Equity (Shares)

Equity (Performance Rights)

How it works

•   consists of base 

•   paid as part cash, part deferred equity

•   delivered in performance rights, subject 

salary and 
superannuation

•   target position 

  =    Managing Director and CEO 50% is 

deferred into shares and restricted for  
2 years

to a 3 year Performance Period

•  opportunity levels:

  =   Managing Director and CEO 175%  

is the 50th 
percentile of 
the ASX 10-40 
comparator 
group (plus 
reference 
to local and 
international 
retailers, as 
appropriate)

  =   Other Executive KMP 25% is deferred into 

of TFC

shares and restricted for 1 year

•  opportunity levels (all Executive KMP):

  =   80% of TFC at Target

  =   120% of TFC at Maximum

  =   Other Executive KMP 150% of TFC

•  measured against:

  =     50% Relative TSR (RTSR) 

(ASX 100 comparator group)

•   measured against an individual balanced 

  =    50% cumulative Return on Capital 

scorecard consisting of:

(ROC)

  =   60% financial measures

•   dividend equivalent payment made in 

  =    40% strategic and non-financial 

measures

•   includes a mixture of group and functional 

strategic measures

Incentivises strong individual and Company 
performance, based on strategically aligned 
deliverables, through variable, at-risk 
payments

shares upon vesting

Aligns reward with creation of sustainable, 
long-term shareholder value

What it does

Allows us to attract 
and retain key 
talent through 
competitive 
and fair fixed 
remuneration

1  Excludes transition arrangements put in place for the Managing Director and CEO as outlined in section 4.7

78

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportThe graphic below demonstrates the award delivery time horizons from FY20. 

Performance period (1 year)

C
F
T

Salary paid during the year

Performance period (1 year)

Other Executive KMP – 75% paid in cash

1-year vesting period

I
T
S

Other Executive KMP – 25% deferred into Shares held in restriction for 1 year 

MD & CEO – 50% paid in cash

2-year vesting period

MD & CEO – 50% deferred into Shares held in restriction for 2 years 

Performance period (3 years)

I
T
L

Performance Rights vest subject to performance hurdles being met 

Financial Year 1

Financial Year 2

Financial Year 3

Financial Year 4

3.3 FY20 target remuneration mix for Executive KMP

The FY20 remuneration mix at target for the Executive KMP is outlined below:

Chart 1

Managing Director and CEO 

Other Executive KMP

50%

28%

11%

11%

TFC

STI Cash

STI Equity

LTI

3.4 Executive KMP service agreements

30%

46%

18%

6%

TFC

STI Cash

STI Equity

LTI

The terms of employment for the Executive KMP are formalised in employment contracts that have no fixed term. Specific 

information relating to the terms of the Executive KMP’s employment contracts is set out in Table 2.

Table 2

NAME

Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Greg Davis

Matthew Swindells

NOTICE PERIOD1

RESTRAINT OF TRADE

12 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

12 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

1 

 Executive KMP can be terminated without notice if they are found to have engaged in serious or wilful misconduct, are seriously negligent in the 
performance of their duties, commit a serious or persistent breach of their employment contract, or commit an act, whether at work or otherwise, that 
would bring the Group into disrepute. Coles may also make a payment in lieu of notice.

SECTION 4: FY20 EXECUTIVE KMP REMUNERATION OUTCOMES

4.1 Company performance

This section of the Remuneration Report provides an overview of how the Company’s performance for FY20 has driven 

remuneration outcomes for our Executive KMP.

Coles’  remuneration  framework  has  been  designed  to  reward  Executive  KMP  for  their  contribution  to  the  collective 

performance of Coles and to support the alignment between the remuneration of Executive KMP and shareholder returns.

Table 3 summarises key indicators of Coles’ performance and relevant shareholder returns over FY20.

As Coles listed on the ASX on 21 November 2018, it is not possible to address the statutory requirement that Coles provide 

a five-year discussion of the link between Company performance and remuneration. Details are included for FY19 as well 

as the first full year of results in FY20. This table will continue to be expanded in future years to provide comparative metrics 

for the financial years in which Coles is listed.

Table 3

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Group Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)

Group EBIT (pre AASB 16 and significant items)

Group Sales1

Group Sales (adjusted retail basis)2

Return on capital (ROC) (pre-AASB 16 and significant items)3

Dividends paid per ordinary share (cents)4

Closing share price (as at end of financial year)5

Total shareholder return (TSR) (%)6

BASIS

Statutory

Statutory

Retail

Retail

Statutory

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020

30 JUNE 2019

$1,762m

$1,387m

$37,408m

$38,109m

35.2%

65.5

$16.79

31.7%

$1,467m

$1,343m

$35,001m

$35,741m

32.9%

-

$13.35

6.9%

1  Retail sales reflect the retail calendar period and exclude Fuel sales and Hotels sales.

2  Retail sales adjusted to include concession sales and remove flybuys point redemption costs.

3 

 ROC is Group EBIT (pre AASB 16 and significant items) divided by capital employed. Capital employed is calculated on a rolling average basis (seven 

months in FY19). 

4 

 The dividends paid per ordinary share reflect the dividends shareholders received within each financial period. Dividends paid within each financial year 

does not reflect the dividends determined for the same financial year due to the dividend payment date. The Directors determined a dividend relating 

to FY19 of 35.5 cents per share (final dividend of 24.0 cents per share plus special dividend of 11.5 cents per share) which was paid on 26 September 2019. 

Similarly, the interim dividend of 30.0 cents per share was paid on 27 March 2020. The final dividend determined by Directors for FY20 was 27.5 cents per 

share to be paid on 29 September 2020 (FY21).

The opening share price on listing on the ASX on 21 November 2018 was $12.49.  

TSR is calculated as the change in share price during the financial year, plus dividends reinvested on the respective ex-dividend dates.

5 

6 

4.2 Board oversight of remuneration outcomes

The  Board  maintains  absolute  discretion  to  ensure  that  remuneration  outcomes  are  appropriate  in  the  context  of  the 

Company’s performance, our customer experience and shareholder expectations. The Board has discretion in evaluating 

the  achievement  against  performance  measures,  including  to  adjust  for  unusual  factors.  The  Board  recognises  that 

COVID-19 has created a challenging environment that needs to be considered when determining remuneration outcomes. 

As part of its assessment, the Board considered if there were windfall gains or losses and determined that the calculated 

remuneration outcomes appropriately aligned to shareholder outcomes and the Board’s assessment of management’s 

performance. The steps undertaken by the Board to inform this decision with respect to STI outcomes for FY20 are further 

outlined in section 4.4.

4.3 Total fixed compensation (TFC)

For  FY20,  TFC  was  designed  to  be  competitive  to  attract,  motivate  and  retain  the  right  talent.  As  disclosed  in  the  FY19 

Remuneration Report, the TFC for Executive KMP was compared to the ASX 10-40 benchmark group, as well as both local 

and international retailers. TFC was targeted at the 50th percentile of this peer group for comparable roles.

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
At  the  start  of  FY20,  the  Board  conducted  a  detailed  review  of  Executive  KMP  TFC  and  total  remuneration  packages 

Further details regarding each financial performance measure in Table 4 is provided as follows:

against the new comparator group. This was informed by a detailed benchmarking exercise conducted by Mercer. The 

timing of this review coincided with the restructure of the Executive Leadership Team, aligned to the launch of the new 

company strategy. In light of the review outcomes, the Board determined that it was appropriate to apply a TFC increase 

to each of the Executive KMP, with the exception of the Managing Director and CEO, who did not receive an increase. 

The increase for Other Executive KMP was effective from 1 July 2019 and is reflected in the summary of total remuneration 

received by Executive KMP in Table 7 of this report. 

In making this decision the Board considered the following:

Group  EBIT  (pre  AASB  16  and  significant  items)  increased  by  4.7%  driven  by  strong  trading  performance  and  cost 
management  initiatives  in  Supermarkets,  and  the  realisation  of  cost  savings  from  the  Smarter  Selling  program.  This  was 

partly  offset  by  lower  earnings  in  Express,  particularly  in  the  last  quarter  of  the  year  from  government-imposed  stay-at-

home measures in response to COVID-19.

Group Sales (adjusted retail basis) increased by 6.6% driven by growth in Supermarkets from successful value and collectible 
campaigns, tailored range reviews and Own Brand sales growth. Liquor sales increased from growth in Exclusive Liquor 

Brands and benefits from First Choice Liquor Market conversions. Both segments experienced trading uplifts in the latter 

•  no prior increases - there had been no increase in TFC for any of the Executive KMP at the time of listing on the ASX (in 

part of the year from the COVID-19 driven increase in at-home consumption, as did Express convenience store sales which 

November 2018); 

offset lower foot traffic in-store following the introduction of stay-at-home measures across the country.

• 

size  and  complexity  of  role,  and  the  individual’s  experience,  skills  and  performance  -  since  demerger  in  2018,  the 

Executive  KMP  have  continued  to  deliver  performance  consistent  with,  and  in  some  cases,  exceeding  Board 

expectations, resulting in strong returns for shareholders; and

Group  Cash  Realisation  reflects  both  a  strong  trading  performance  and  disciplined  working  capital  management  with 
inventory  reducing  faster  than  trade  payables  towards  the  end  of  the  financial  year.    Cash  realisation  is  calculated  as 

operating cash flow excluding interest and tax, divided by earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation 

•  alignment to our remuneration principles - the increase in TFC reflects our ‘market competitive’ principle, ensuring that 

(EBITDA) (excluding significant items).

we continue to attract, motivate and retain high calibre executives in both the local and global talent market. 

Table 5

A review of fixed remuneration will be conducted in FY21 in line with our remuneration principles. Any approved changes 

will be disclosed in our 2021 Remuneration Report.

4.4 Short-term incentive (STI)

The FY20 Coles STI is designed to reward Executive KMP for the achievement of key short-term performance measures. 

A  balanced  scorecard  approach  was  introduced  for  all  Executive  KMP  in  FY20.  This  provides  a  simple  and  transparent 

approach to highlighting performance priorities, measuring performance outcomes against each weighted metric, and 

provides clarity regarding the connection between the performance assessment and reward outcomes.

The  FY20  STI  payable  for  the  Executive  KMP  was  assessed  against  individual  balanced  scorecards  (as  demonstrated  in 

Tables 4 and 5) consisting of Financial, Strategic and Non-financial metrics. The scorecards also include a mixture of group 

and functional strategic metrics. Scorecard metrics are reviewed by the Board on an annual basis to ensure alignment with 

the Company’s strategy. The scorecards also include a Quality and Behaviours overlay which considers:

•  how the Executive KMP achieved performance aligned to the Coles values and LEaD behaviours; 

• 

• 

risk, compliance and reputational matters; and

the quality of earnings delivered.    

Table 4

FY20 Financial Performance Measures (All Executive KMP)

The Executive KMP have a maximum STI opportunity equivalent to 150% of target (80% of TFC at target and 120% of TFC 

at maximum).  The FY20 Group Financial performance measures contribute up to 110% of the target STI opportunity for all 

Executive KMP (60% at target) as outlined in Table 4.

FY20 Strategic and Non-Financial Measures for the Managing Director and CEO

The strategic and non-financial measures contribute up to 40% of the target STI opportunity for the Managing Director and CEO.

AREA

WEIGHTING

OUTCOME

PERFORMANCE

TARGET/MAX 

ACTUAL STI 

Strategy – Smarter Selling

10%

10%

Cost  savings  in  excess  of  $250  million  were  achieved 

through  Smarter  Selling  initiatives  which  exceeded  the 

annual  target  set  for  FY20.  This  was  due  to  enhanced 

logistics  solutions  for  stores  and  distribution  centres, 

improved 

labour  productivity  through 

integration  of 

operations  and  supply  chains  teams  and  measures  to 

reduce loss in store.

Safety - TFIFR

10%

10%

Team  member  safety  significantly  improved  across  FY20 

People – mysay  

engagement score

Customer – 

Tell Coles w/NPS  

gateway Value

with the Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate improving 

by 18.3%.

10%

10%

Team  member  engagement 

improved  by 

seven 

percentage  points  for  the  full  year,  alongside  record 

participation.  

10%

8.75%

Availability demands as a result of COVID-19 impacted the 

full  achievement  of  the  FY20  Tell  Coles  metric.  However, 

the  NPS  gateway  was  exceeded.  The  Value  target  was 

met  for  FY20,  and  this  was  a  reflection  of  the  success  of 

the ‘Helping lower the cost of…’ campaign. 

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

40%

38.75%

TARGET 

MAXIMUM 

ACTUAL STI 

FY20 Strategic and Non-Financial Measures for the Other Executive KMP (aggregated summary)

FY20 TARGET

FY20 ACTUAL ACHIEVEMENT

WEIGHTING

WEIGHTING

OUTCOME

MEASURE

Group EBIT

Group Sales

$1,343m

$1,387m Above Stretch

$36,636m

$38,109m Above Stretch

Group Cash Realisation

107%

111% Above Target

OVERALL PERFORMANCE

35%

15%

10%

60%

70%

30%

10%

110%

70%

30%

10%

110%

The Other Executive KMP have the same financial measures and outcomes as detailed in Table 4.

The strategic and non-financial measures contribute up to 40% of the target STI opportunity for the Other Executive KMP 

and comprise measures that are largely aligned to the Managing Director and CEO. Each have variances consistent with 

the respective portfolios they lead at Coles. Achievements against the strategic and non-financial measures for each of 

the Other Executive KMP ranged from partially achieved to full achievement. 

82

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report4.4.1 FY20 STI Award Outcomes

At the conclusion of FY20, the Board assessed the performance against the balanced scorecard of the Managing Director 

and CEO and each of the Other Executive KMP to determine any STI award outcome payable based on this assessment. 

In its assessment, the Board considered the performance of the Group, including the periods both pre-COVID-19 and since 

COVID-19. The Board was mindful of the need to avoid unintended windfall gains or losses while rewarding Executive KMP 

for  strong  performance  and  delivering  value  to  shareholders.  The  Board  formed  the  view  that  the  STI  outcomes  for  the 

Executive KMP were a fair reflection of performance throughout the full year. The Board therefore did not adjust the FY20 

STI outcomes for any impacts related to COVID-19. 

The following reflects the rationale considered by the Board in making this decision: 

•  Our shareholders have continued to see solid returns from their investment relative to the broader market across the full 

year.  Our share price has grown, and we have maintained a strong dividend with a total shareholder return over the 

financial year of 31.7% reflecting top quartile performance compared to the ASX 50 and ASX 100 respectively.

•  Prior  to  the  impact  of  COVID-19  on  demand,  the  Group  was  on  track  to  deliver  above-target  EBIT  and  sales 

performance and all other metrics for the Executive KMP were largely on track to either meet or exceed expectations. 

This performance is directly linked to the turnaround of the organisation driven by the delivery of strategic objectives 

defined in the ‘Winning in our Second Century’ strategy.

• 

The focus on inspiring our customers and our team members continued to be at the heart of all decisions made during 

COVID-19. We have seen the positive impact of this with Coles posting the biggest improvement on the Roy Morgan Risk 

Monitor list of trusted retailers in Australia and significant improvements in our team member engagement score, which 

is heavily influenced by our team members on the frontline out in stores. 

• 

The STI targets set at the beginning of the year were established within the context of changing consumer habits. While 

COVID-19 had a significant impact on sales, from late Q3 and through Q4 of FY20, our cost base was also elevated. This 

was the result of additional investments made to ensure the safety of our customers and team members.

• 

The entire Coles business has responded at pace to the shift in strategic priorities. Changes and initiatives have been 

implemented  to  effectively  manage  business  disruption.  As  Coles  is  an  essential  service,  we  were  actively  involved 

in the government response to COVID-19. At times, this required decisions being taken for the benefit of the broader 

Australian  community.  This  included  temporarily  suspending  our  Online  business,  introducing  purchasing  limits  and 

implementing significant measures in store to keep customers and team members safe. Although these changes were 

Table 6 

FY20 Executive KMP STI Outcomes 

Details of the Executive KMP STI opportunity and actual payments received for FY20 are provided in Table 6.

STI OPPORTUNITY  
(% OF TFC)1

STI  

AWARDED

NAME

Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Greg Davis

Matthew Swindells

TARGET MAXIMUM

$

% OF TFC

CASH2

EQUITY3

80%

80%

80%

80%

120%

120%

120%

120%

$2,499,000

$1,140,000

$962,500

$945,600

119.0%

$1,249,500

$1,249,500

120.0%

110.0%

118.2%

$855,000

$721,875

$709,200

$285,000

$240,625

$236,400

STI 
FORFEITED4

(%)

0.8%

-

8.3%

1.5%

1 

2 

3 

The minimum STI opportunity was nil.

The FY20 cash component of the STI will be paid on or about 15 September 2020.

 The FY20 equity component of the STI will be granted in STI Shares following the Coles 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM), using a 10 day Volume 

Weighted Average Price (VWAP) for the period up to and including 28 June 2020, of $16.47. Equity for the Managing Director and CEO will not be granted 

until shareholder approval is obtained at the Coles 2020 AGM.

4  As a percentage of STI Maximum Opportunity.

Terms of the FY20 Short-term incentive (STI) 

What was the Performance Period?

1 July 2019 – 28 June 2020

What were the performance metrics?

For  the  Managing  Director  and  CEO,  and  for  Other  Executive  KMP,  the  STI  award  was  calculated  using  a  balanced 

scorecard  as  detailed  in  section  4.4.  This  included  EBIT,  Sales,  Cash  Realisation,  Safety,  People,  Customer  and  other 

transformation or strategically aligned metrics.

Why were the performance conditions chosen?

The  financial  measures  of  EBIT,  Sales  and  Cash  Realisation  align  with  the  Company’s  strategy  and  the  commitments 

made to shareholders in launching this strategy ahead of FY20. In particular, EBIT focuses on delivering strong earnings 

through the business cycle and ensuring strong returns for Coles’ shareholders. Including a sales metric as well as EBIT 

ensures a strong focus upon our capability to deliver sustainable returns for shareholders in the long-term.

made at short notice, they remain aligned to our vision to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-

Strategic and non-financial metrics align to all three pillars of the Coles strategy to ‘Inspire Customers’, ‘Win Together’, 

term shareholder value. 

The  Board  also  considered  the  appropriate  application  of  the  Quality  and  Behaviours  overlay  to  determine  the  final 

Executive KMP STI outcomes for FY20 as detailed in Table 6.

A  key  change  in  FY20  was  the  introduction  of  STI  deferral  into  equity.  This  change  further  aligns  Executive  KMP  and 

shareholder interests, and facilitates additional forfeiture provisions for a significant period, reflecting good governance. 

As  a  result,  the  Managing  Director  and  CEO’s  STI  will  be  delivered  50%  in  cash,  with  the  remaining  50%  deferred  into 

equity for two years (subject to shareholder approval at the Coles 2020 AGM). For the Other Executive KMP, the STI will be 

delivered 75% in cash with the remaining 25% deferred into equity for one year.

and streamline our business through ‘Smarter Selling’.

How were the conditions assessed?

Performance  against  the  balanced  scorecard  metrics  were  assessed  by  the  Board  based  on  the  Company’s  annual 

audited results, financial statements and other data provided to the Board.

This method was adopted as the Board believes it is the most appropriate way to assess the true performance of the 

Company and the Executive KMP’s contribution to determine remuneration outcomes.

What portion of the STI component was deferred into equity?

As detailed in Table 6, once the individual scorecard calculation has been completed, the total STI award is determined. 

The equity deferred amount is then determined by reference to 50% of the total STI award for the Managing Director and 

CEO, and 25% of the total STI award for the Other Executive KMP.

This amount is then used to determine the number of shares (‘STI Shares’) that will be granted and subject to deferral.  

This is calculated using the 10 day VWAP up to and including the final day in the performance period (i.e. 28 June 2020).

The shares are granted following the payment of the cash component of the STI award and are unable to be traded 

during the restricted period: one year for the Other Executive KMP and two years for the Managing Director and CEO.  

Once the restricted period ends, the restriction is lifted and the Executive KMP may trade these shares in accordance 

with Coles’ Securities Dealing Policy.

84

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportWhen will the FY20 STI award be paid?

The cash component of the STI award will be paid in September 2020.

The  ROC  targets  are  considered  by  Coles  to  be  commercially  sensitive.  However,  the  Board  will  disclose  the  relevant 

vesting outcomes following the end of the Performance Period.

The STI equity component will be allocated following the Coles 2020 AGM, where shareholder approval will be sought for 

4.5.2 RTSR component

the grant to the Managing Director and CEO.

What happens if an Executive KMP left the organisation?

In the event of resignation or dismissal for cause or significant underperformance prior to payment of the STI, an Executive 

KMP would not be eligible for any STI award.

What happens if an Executive KMP leaves the organisation before STI equity vests? 

During the restricted period, if an Executive KMP leaves the organisation in the event of resignation or dismissal for cause 

or significant underperformance, all shares will be forfeited, unless the Board determines otherwise.

The number of Performance Rights in the RTSR component that vest, if any, will be based on Coles’ RTSR ranking within the 

S&P ASX 100 Comparator Group over the Performance Period, as set out in the following vesting schedule:

COLES RTSR RANK IN THE COMPARATOR GROUP

% OF PERFORMANCE RIGHTS THAT VEST

Below the 50th percentile

Equal to the 50th percentile

0%

50%

Between 50th percentile and 75th percentile

Straight-line pro rata vesting between 50% – 100%

In any other circumstances (including by reason of redundancy, permanent disability, death or ill health) the shares will 

Equal to the 75th percentile or above

100%

continue on foot until the usual vesting date, unless the Board determines otherwise. 

Can the Board amend the STI program?

Following testing, any Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse. There is no re-testing of awards.

The  Board  retains  discretion  to  suspend  or  terminate  the  program  at  any  time  or  amend  all  or  any  elements  of  the 

4.5.3 FY20 LTI outcomes

program up until the date of payment.

4.5 Long-term incentive (LTI) 

Performance Rights granted under the FY20 LTI will be tested following the end of FY22 (the end of the Performance Period). 

Details of the number of Performance Rights granted under the FY20 LTI are included in section 4.8. Details of equity awards 

granted to Executive KMP in prior years (including applicable performance conditions and vesting dates) are contained 

The FY20 LTI is designed to reward Executive KMP for the achievement of long-term sustainable returns for shareholders.

in the FY19 Remuneration Report.

As outlined in section 3, for FY20 the LTI component of Executive KMP remuneration was delivered in Performance Rights. 

Terms of the FY20 Long-term incentive (LTI)

The Performance Period for the FY20 LTI runs from 1 July 2019 to 26 June 2022 (retail calendar year end for FY22). 

Performance  Rights  will  vest  subject  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  following  performance  conditions  measured  over  the 

Performance Period:

How is the LTI award delivered?

The LTI award was delivered in Performance Rights. Each Performance Right entitles the Executive KMP to one ordinary 

share  in  the  Company  on  vesting.  The  Board  retains  a  discretion  to  make  a  cash  equivalent  payment  in  lieu  of  an 

•  50% of Performance Rights are subject to a cumulative return on capital (‘ROC’) hurdle (‘ROC component’); and

allocation of shares.  

•  50% of Performance Rights are subject to a relative total shareholder return (‘RTSR’) performance hurdle. Coles’ RTSR will 

Performance Rights vest subject to achievement of relevant performance conditions and were allocated to Executive 

be compared to companies in the S&P ASX 100 (‘Comparator Group’) as at 30 June 2019.

These  performance  conditions  were  chosen  because  they  provide  a  direct  link  between  Executive  KMP  reward  and 

sustained shareholder returns to promote further alignment with shareholders.

4.5.1 ROC component

Vesting of the Performance Rights in the ROC component is subject to achievement of at least 95% of the cumulative ROC 

target over the Performance Period.

Cumulative ROC measures the Company’s average annual return on capital over the Performance Period against targets 

set by the Board. Cumulative ROC is calculated based on the Company’s audited financial information. The Board will 

assess cumulative ROC after the end of the Performance Period.

In assessing achievement against the cumulative ROC performance condition, the Board may have regard to any matters 

that it considers relevant and retains discretion to review outcomes to ensure that the results are appropriate.

The number of Performance Rights in the ROC component that vest, if any, will then be based on the Group’s cumulative 

ROC performance determined over the Performance Period by reference to the following vesting schedule:

GROUP CUMULATIVE ROC OVER THE PERFORMANCE PERIOD

% OF PERFORMANCE RIGHTS THAT VEST

Equal to or below 95% of the cumulative ROC target is 

achieved

0%

Between 95% and 105% of the cumulative ROC target is 

KMP at no cost to the Executive KMP, and no amount is payable on vesting.

When were Performance Rights allocated?

The Performance Rights for all Executive KMP under the FY20 Long Term Incentive plan were granted on 29 November 

2019 following the 2019 Coles AGM (at which the grant made to the Managing Director and CEO was approved).

How are Performance Rights allocated?

The number of Performance Rights allocated to the Executive KMP was determined by dividing each Executive KMP’s LTI 

opportunity by the VWAP of Coles shares trading on the ASX over the 10 trading days up to and including 30 June 2019, 

rounded up to the nearest whole number.

What is the Performance Period?

The Performance Period is 1 July 2019 to 26 June 2022 (the last trading day of the FY22 retail calendar year).

What are the performance conditions?

Performance Rights are subject to the following performance conditions:

•  50% of the LTI award is subject to a ROC hurdle; and

•  50% of the LTI award is subject to a RTSR hurdle.

Further information on the performance conditions is provided earlier in section 4.5.

How are the performance conditions assessed?

RTSR performance is independently assessed at the end of the Performance Period against the constituents of the S&P 

ASX 100 Comparator Group. ROC is calculated using Coles’ audited financial results.

These assessment methods are designed to safeguard the integrity of the performance assessment process and ensure 

achieved

Straight-line pro rata vesting between 0% – 100%

the accuracy of underlying information. 

Equal to 105% or above of the cumulative ROC target is 

achieved

100%

86

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportWhen does testing and vesting occur?

Testing of performance against performance conditions will occur after the end of the Performance Period (being 26 

4.7 Transition awards

Prior to the demerger of Coles, Wesfarmers put in place a small number of transition arrangements for certain Coles executives. 

These arrangements were disclosed in the Demerger Scheme Booklet, are temporary and have not been replicated post 

demerger. The transition arrangements that were paid across financial years including FY20 are outlined below.

Managing Director and CEO

As part of Mr Cain’s employment agreement with Coles, Wesfarmers agreed to compensate Mr Cain for short-and long-

term incentives that were forfeited or forgone with his prior employer, due to his acceptance of the role with Coles.

As  disclosed  in  the  Demerger  Scheme  Booklet,  the  maximum  cash  amount  of  compensation  payable  to  Mr  Cain  is 

$3,900,000. This amount was structured into three tranches, with the final tranche paid in FY20:

1.  $900,000 paid by Coles on 4 December 2018;

2.  $1,500,000 paid by Coles on 28 December 2018; and

3.  $1,500,000 paid by Coles on 27 December 2019.

These payments were subject to service conditions. The payments made on 28 December 2018 and 27 December 2019 are 

subject to clawback (for example, where there is a material misstatement in, or omission from, the Company’s financial 

statements or as a result of fraud, dishonesty or breach of obligations) for a period of two years from the date of each 

payment.

4.8 Summary of remuneration received by Executive KMP (statutory remuneration)

Table 7 details the nature and amount of each element of remuneration of the Executive KMP. The increase in the total 

compensation  value  for  FY20  compared  to  FY19  largely  reflects  the  inclusion  of  Mr  Swindells  as  Executive  KMP  in  FY20, 

and the pro-rating of remuneration in FY19. Pro-rating for FY19 was aligned to the dates from which each individual was 

considered KMP, as well as the timing of Coles ceasing to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wesfarmers. 

There were no transactions or loans between Executive KMP and the Company or any of its subsidiaries during FY20.

June 2022).

Following testing, the Board will determine the number of Performance Rights to vest, which is expected to occur in late 

August 2022.  Details regarding the vesting of the Performance Rights will be included in the FY22 Remuneration Report.

If the anticipated vesting date falls within a Blackout Period (as defined within the Company’s Securities Dealing Policy), 

vesting will be delayed until the end of that period.

Following  testing,  any  Performance  Rights  that  do  not  vest  will  lapse.  No  retesting  of  the  performance  conditions  is 

permitted.

What happens if an Executive KMP ceases employment?

In the event of resignation or dismissal for cause or significant underperformance, all unvested Performance Rights will 

lapse, unless the Board determines otherwise.

In  any  other  circumstances  (including  by  reason  of  redundancy,  permanent  disability,  death  or  ill  health),  a  pro  rata 

number of Performance Rights (based on the proportion of the Performance Period that has been served) will remain 

on foot and subject to the original terms of offer, as though the Executive KMP had not ceased employment, unless the 

Board determines otherwise.

Do Performance Rights have voting rights?

No. Prior to vesting, Performance Rights do not entitle Executive KMP to voting rights. 

Are dividends paid on Performance Rights?

Executive KMP do not have an entitlement to dividends prior to vesting.

After testing against the performance conditions, Executive KMP will receive a dividend equivalent amount related to 

the  vested  Performance  Rights  only.  The  dividend  equivalent  amount  will  be  delivered  in  additional  shares,  equal  in 

value to the value of dividends that would have been paid on the vested rights had the Executive KMP been the owner 

of Coles shares during the period from the Performance Rights grant date to the vesting date. Particularly, there is no 

dividend payable on any Performance Rights that do not vest.

The Board retains a discretion to settle the dividend equivalent amount in cash.

How can the Board apply discretion to clawback outcomes?

The Board has broad clawback powers to determine that any Performance Rights may lapse, any shares allocated on 

vesting are forfeited, or that the Executive KMP is required to pay as a debt the net proceeds of the sale of shares or 

dividends in certain circumstances (for example the Executive KMP has acted fraudulently or dishonestly, has engaged 

in gross misconduct, brought the Group into disrepute or breached their obligations to the Group).

This protects Coles against the payment of benefits where participants have acted inappropriately.

What happens if there is a change of control?

Under the offer terms, the Board may determine in its absolute discretion that some or all the Executive KMP’s Performance 

Rights will vest or cease to be subject to restrictions on a likely change of control.

Where  there  is  an  actual  change  in  control  of  the  Company  then,  unless  the  Board  determines  otherwise,  unvested 

Performance Rights will vest on a pro rata basis (based on the proportion of the Performance Period that has elapsed).

What restrictions are there on dealing in the Performance Rights?

Executive KMP must not sell, transfer, encumber, hedge or otherwise deal with Performance Rights. Executive KMP will 

be free to deal with the shares allocated on vesting of the Performance Rights, subject to the requirements of Coles’ 

Securities Dealing Policy.

88

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
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4.9 Summary of Executive KMP shareholding and Performance Rights

Tables  8.1  and  8.2  show  the  movements  of  Coles  Performance  Rights,  Restricted  Shares  and  Performance  Shares,  held 

beneficially,  by  each  Executive  KMP  during  FY20.  Details  of  ordinary  shares  are  provided  in  Table  12.  No  shares  were 

acquired as remuneration during the year.

Table 8.1 Restricted and Performance Shares

MOVEMENTS DURING THE FINANCIAL PERIOD

VESTED/

ADDITIONAL 

INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING 

BALANCE OF 

RELEASED 

FORFEITED 

CLOSING 

FAIR VALUE  

SHARES HELD AT 
1 JULY 20192

DURING THE 

DURING THE 

YEAR

YEAR

BALANCE AT  
28 JUNE 20202

OF GRANT YET 
TO VEST ($)1

85,057

85,057

61,272

36,453

61,580

32,402

40,251

26,327

-

-

(10,895)3

-

(15,254)3

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

85,057

85,057

50,3773

36,453

46,3263

32,402

40,2513

26,327

$881,191

$696,617

$377,653

$298,550

$335,685

$265,372

$272,748

$215,621

NAME

SHARE TYPE

Steven Cain

Restricted Shares

Leah Weckert

Restricted Shares

Performance Shares

Performance Shares

Greg Davis

Restricted Shares

Performance Shares

Matthew Swindells

Restricted Shares

Performance Shares

1 

 The fair value of Restricted Shares and Performance Shares is an estimate of the total maximum value of grants in future financial years. Restricted Shares 

and Performance Shares are subject to the satisfaction of conditions and therefore the minimum total value of the awards for future financial years is nil. The 

accounting fair value does not include those detailed in footnote 3 (shares acquired through demerger as a result of WESAP holdings).

2 

 The Restricted Shares and Performance Shares totals include shares allocated under the FY19 LTI award. Restricted Shares are time based only. Performance 

Shares vest based on the achievement of performance conditions aligned to RTSR and cumulative EBIT with a ROC gateway. Full details regarding this 

award are detailed in the FY19 Remuneration Report.

3 

 The Restricted Shares total for the Other Executive KMP includes Coles shares acquired through demerger as a result of their holding of WESAP shares, as 

detailed in Table 7. These shares are only subject to a holding lock while the Other Executive KMP remain employed by Coles, or until the date the WESAP 

award that these Coles shares were allocated as a result of, vest (whichever is the earlier). During the year Ms Weckert had 10,895 of these shares released, 

and Mr Davis had 15,254 released. On release, the holding lock is removed. The Other Executive KMP each continue to hold 13,924 shares linked to the 2017 

WESAP award as at the end of FY20.

Table 8.2 Performance Rights

MOVEMENTS DURING THE FINANCIAL PERIOD

ADDITIONAL 

INFORMATION

BALANCE OF 

RIGHTS  

RIGHTS VESTED/ 

CLOSING 

ACCOUNTING FAIR 

RIGHTS HELD 

ALLOCATED AS 

LAPSED DURING 

BALANCE AT  

AT 1 JULY 2019

REMUNERATION

THE YEAR

28 JUNE 2020

VALUE OF GRANT 
YET TO VEST ($)1

-

-

-

-

275,901

106,982

98,537

90,091

-

-

-

-

275,901

106,982

98,537

90,091

$3,469,457

$1,345,299

$1,239,105

$1,132,896

NAME 

Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Greg Davis

Matthew Swindells

1 

 The fair value of Performance Rights is an estimate of the total maximum value of grants in future financial years. The fair value per Performance Right at the 

grant date of 29 November 2019 was $10.52 for the TSR component and $14.63 for the ROC component. Performance Rights are subject to the satisfaction of 

conditions, and therefore the minimum total value of the awards for future financial years is nil.

91

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SECTION 5: FY20 NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REMUNERATION

5.1 Non-executive Director remuneration framework

5.3 FY20 Non-executive Director remuneration

Table 10 outlines the remuneration for the Non-executive Directors of Coles during FY20. There were no loans between Non-

executive Directors and the Company or any of its subsidiaries during FY20.

Non-executive Director remuneration is designed to ensure that the Company can attract and retain suitably qualified 

and experienced Non-executive Directors.

Table 10

Non-executive Directors receive a base fee for their service as a director of the Company and, other than the Chairman, 

an additional fee for membership of, or for chairing a Board committee. To maintain the independence of directors, Non-

executive Directors do not receive shares or any performance-related incentives as part of their remuneration from the 

Company. A minimum shareholding policy applies to Non-executive Directors (see section 2.2.2).

Non-executive Directors are reimbursed for travel and other expenses reasonably incurred when attending meetings of 

the Board or conducting the business of the Company.

The  People  and  Culture  Committee  reviews  and  makes  recommendations  to  the  Board  with  respect  to  Non-executive 

Directors’ fees and Board committee fees.

5.2 Current Non-executive Director remuneration policy

The  Non-executive  Director  remuneration  policy  enables  the  Company  to  attract  and  retain  high-quality  directors 

with  relevant  experience.    The  remuneration  policy  is  reviewed  annually  by  the  People  and  Culture  Committee.  Non-

executive Director fees are set after consideration of fees paid by companies of comparable size, complexity, industry, 

and geography, and reflect the qualifications and experience necessary to discharge the Board’s responsibilities.

The current Non-executive Director aggregate fee limit is $3,600,000 and was approved by the then shareholders of Coles 

at a general meeting held on 19 September 2018 prior to listing. There were no increases to Board and Committee fees in 

FY20.

Table 9 sets out the Board and committee fees in Australian dollars (inclusive of superannuation) for FY20.

BASE AND 

COMMITTEE FEES 

(EXCLUDING 

SUPERANNUATION)

FINANCIAL 
YEAR1

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

$673,997

$416,344

$244,007

$149,111

$225,997

$140,329

$234,543

$140,329

$264,499

$157,401

$231,248

$140,329

$253,997

$157,401

$2,128,288

$1,301,244

NAME

James Graham

David Cheesewright2

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland3

Richard Freudenstein3

Wendy Stops3

Zlatko Todorcevski

TOTAL 2020

TOTAL 2019

OTHER  
BENEFITS4

$1,273

$131

-

-

$1,088

$187

$91

-

-

-

$1,191

$109

$372

$60

$4,015

$487

SUPERANNUATION  

TOTAL 

BENEFITS

COMPENSATION

$21,003

$15,399

$2,993

$4,328

$21,003

$13,110

$12,457

$13,110

$10,501

$13,432

$15,752

$13,110

$21,003

$13,432

$104,712

$85,921

$696,273

$431,874

$ 247,000

$153,439

$248,088

$153,626

$247,091

$153,439

$ 275,000

$170,833

$248,191

$153,548

$275,372

$170,893

$ 2,237,015

$1,387,652

Table 9

BOARD AND COMMITTEE FEES

Board

Audit and Risk Committee

People and Culture Committee

Nomination Committee

1 

The Chairman of the Board does not receive Committee fees in addition to his Board fee.

CHAIR

$695,0001

$55,000

$55,000

No fee

MEMBER

$220,000

$27,000

$27,000

No fee

1 

2 

 Details provided for FY19 cover the period from 19 November 2018 (the date from which each of the Non-executive Directors were appointed) to 30 June 2019.

 Due to Mr Cheesewright residing outside of Australia, superannuation obligations are only payable for any time worked in Australia. 

3  

 Approval was obtained from the ATO by individual Non-executive Directors to be exempt from making superannuation contributions due to superannuation 

obligations being met by other employers. 

4  

 Other benefits include costs associated with directorships (including any applicable fringe benefits tax).

5.4  Other transactions and balances

During  FY20,  Mr  Freudenstein  sold  livestock  to  Coles  via  a  livestock  agent  for  an  aggregate  amount  of  $65,832.  The 

transaction occurred on an arm’s length basis with normal commercial terms.

92

93

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 
Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

SECTION 6: ORDINARY SHAREHOLDINGS

6.1 Non-executive Director Ordinary Shareholdings

Table 11 shows the shareholdings and movements in shares held directly, or indirectly, by each Non-executive Director, 

including their related parties during FY20.

Table 11

BALANCE OF 

SHARES HELD 

SHARES 

SHARES 

CLOSING 

BALANCE  

AS AT  

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Coles Group Limited 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Coles Group Limited 
As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Coles Group Limited for the financial year ended 
28 June 2020, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Coles Group Limited for the financial year ended 
a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
28 June 2020, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

relation to the audit; and   

b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 
a)  no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 

AT 1 JULY 2019

ACQUIRED

DISPOSED

28 JUNE 2020

relation to the audit; and   

NAME

James Graham

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Wendy Stops

Zlatko Todorcevski

TOTAL

460,188

-

20,000

1,816

19,000

11,910

19,201

532,115

40,000

20,000

-

18,000

-

8,090

-

86,090

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

500,188

20,000

20,000

19,816

19,000

20,000

19,201

618,205

6.2 Executive KMP Ordinary Shareholdings

Table 12 shows the shareholdings and movements in shares held directly, or indirectly, by each Executive KMP, including 

their related parties during FY20. 

Table 12

NAME

Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Greg Davis

Matthew Swindells

TOTAL

BALANCE OF 

SHARES HELD 

CLOSING 

BALANCE AS 

SHARES 

SHARES 

AT 28 JUNE 

AT 1 JULY 2019

ACQUIRED

DISPOSED

50,000

11,511

40,0421

605

102,158

-

10,8952

15,2912

-

26,186

-

-

13

-

13

2020

50,000

22,406

55,320

605

128,331

1 

 Mr Davis’ opening balance of Coles Ordinary Shares is 40,042. This differs to the closing balance disclosed in the FY19 Remuneration Report of 23,445, which 

represented Ordinary Shares held directly by Mr Davis and did not include 16,597 Ordinary Shares held by Mr Davis’ related parties. 

2 

 Shares acquired by Ms Weckert are shares released from holding lock as referred to in Table 8.1. Shares acquired by Mr Davis include shares released from 

holding lock as detailed in Table 8.1. 

This declaration is in respect of Coles Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial 
b)  no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 
year. 

This declaration is in respect of Coles Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial 
year. 

Ernst & Young 

Ernst & Young 

Fiona Campbell 
Partner 
18 August 2020 
Fiona Campbell 
Partner 
18 August 2020 

94

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial  
Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Statement of Profit or Loss

Basis of preparation and accounting policies

Statement of Other Comprehensive Income

Significant items

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Changes in Equity

Statement of Cash Flows

Section 1: Performance
1.1  Segment reporting

1.2  Earnings per share

1.3  Sales revenue

1.4  Administration expenses

1.5  Financing costs

1.6  Income tax

Section 2: Assets and liabilities
2.1  Cash and cash equivalents

2.2  Trade and other receivables

2.3  Other assets

2.4  Inventories

2.5  Property, plant and equipment

2.6  Intangible assets

2.7  Leases

2.8  Trade and other payables

2.9  Provisions

Section 3: Capital
3.1  Interest-bearing liabilities

3.2  Contributed equity and reserves

3.3  Dividends paid and proposed

Section 4: Financial risk
4.1  Impairment of non-financial assets

4.2  Financial risk management

4.3  Financial instruments

Section 5: Group structure
5.1  Equity accounted investments

5.2  Assets held for sale

5.3  Discontinued operations

5.4  Subsidiaries

5.5  Parent entity information

Section 6: Unrecognised items
6.1  Commitments

6.2  Contingent liabilities

Section 7: Other disclosures
7.1  Related party disclosures

7.2  Share-based payments

7.3  Auditor’s remuneration

7.4  Acquisitions

7.5  New accounting standards and interpretations 

7.6  Events after the reporting period

Directors’ Declaration 

Independent Auditor’s Report

96

97

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportStatement of Profit or Loss
for the year ended 28 June 2020

Statement of Other Comprehensive Income
for the year ended 28 June 2020

Continuing operations

Sales revenue

Other operating revenue

Total operating revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Administration expenses

Other expenses

Share of net (loss) / profit of equity accounted investments

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year from continuing operations

Discontinued operations

Profit from discontinued operations after tax

Profit for the year

Profit attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent entity

Earnings per share (EPS) attributable to equity holders of the parent:

Basic and diluted EPS (cents)

EPS attributable to equity holders of the parent from continuing operations:

Basic and diluted EPS (cents)

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements. 

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

NOTES

$M

$M

1.3

1.4

5.1

1.5

1.6

5.3

1.2

37,408 

376 

37,784 

(28,043)

9,741 

108 

(8,081)

- 

(6)

1,762 

(443)

1,319 

(341)

978 

- 

978 

978

73.3

73.3

38,176

288

38,464

(29,253)

9,211

428

(8,031)

(146)

5

1,467

(42)

1,425

(347)

1,078

357

1,435

1,435

107.6

80.8

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Net movement in the fair value of cash flow hedges

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive loss which may be reclassified  

to profit or loss in subsequent periods

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent entity

Total comprehensive income from continuing operations attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent entity

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements.

NOTES

1.6

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

978

(17)

5

(12)

966

966

$M

1,435

(2)

1

(1)

1,434

1,077

98

99
99

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Financial Position
as at 28 June 2020

Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the year ended 28 June 2020

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Income tax receivable 

Assets held for sale

Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Equity accounted investments

Other assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Other

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest-bearing liabilities

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Other 

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves 

Retained earnings

Total equity

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

NOTES

$M

$M

2.1

2.2

2.4

5.2

2.3

2.5

2.7

2.6

1.6

5.1

2.3

2.8

2.9

2.7

3.1

2.9

2.7

3.2

992

434

2,166

42

75

70

940

360

1,965

-

94

47

3,779

3,406

4,127

7,660

1,597

849

217

120

14,570

18,349

3,737

861

885

198

5,681

1,354

472

8,198

29

10,053

15,734

2,615

1,611 

43 

961 

2,615 

4,119

-

1,541

365

212

134

6,371

9,777

3,380

743

-

168

4,291

1,460

598

-

71

2,129

6,420

3,357

1,628

42

1,687

3,357

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE PARENT

SHARE-BASED 

CASH FLOW 

CONTRIBUTED 

PAYMENTS 

HEDGE 

RETAINED 

EQUITY  

RESERVE  

RESERVE  

EARNINGS  

At 1 July 2019
Effect of adoption of AASB 16 Leases

At 1 July 2019 (adjusted)

Net profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Share-based payments expense

Purchase of shares under Equity Incentive 

Plan

Dividends paid

Balance as at 28 June 2020

At 1 July 2018

Net profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Capital return

Share-based payments expense

Purchase of shares under Equity Incentive 

Plan

Distributions to Wesfarmers

Balance as at 30 June 2019

$M

1,628

-

1,628

-

-

-

-

(17)

-

1,611

2,193

-

-

-

(538)

-

(27)

 -

1,628

$M

43

-

43

-

-

-

13

-

-

56

39

-

-

-

-

4

-

 -

43

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements.

$M

(1)

-

(1)

-

(12)

(12)

-

-

-

(13)

-

-

(1)

(1)

-

-

-

 -

(1)

$M

1,687

(831)

856

978 

-

978

-

-

(873)

961

1,018

1,435

- 

1,435

-

-

-

(766)

1,687

TOTAL  

$M

3,357

(831)

2,526

978 

(12)

966

13

(17)

(873)

2,615

3,250

1,435

(1)

1,434

(538)

4

(27)

(766)

3,357

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements. 

100

101

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Cash Flows
for the year ended 28 June 2020

Notes to the  
Consolidated Financial Statements

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers 

Receipt from Viva Energy

Payments to suppliers and employees 

Interest paid

Interest component of lease payments

Interest received

Income tax paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Cash flows used in investing activities

Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangibles

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 

Proceeds from sale of controlled entities

Net investments in joint venture and associate

Acquisition of subsidiaries or businesses, net of cash acquired

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Proceeds from borrowings with related parties

Repayment of borrowings with related parties

Payment of principal component of lease payments

Distributions to Wesfarmers

Redemption of redeemable preference shares

Dividends paid

Capital return

Purchase of shares under Equity Incentive Plan

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at the beginning of the financial period 

Cash at the end of the financial period 

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements.

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

The Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (‘the Company’) in respect of the Company and the entities it controlled at 

the reporting date or during the year ended 28 June 2020 (collectively, ‘the Group’) was authorised for issue in accordance 

with a resolution of the Directors on 18 August 2020.

NOTES

$M

$M

Reporting entity

39,971

-

41,126

137

(36,486)

(38,665)

The Company is a for-profit company limited by shares which is incorporated and domiciled in Australia and listed on the 

Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). 

The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in Note 1.1 Segment Reporting.

(37)

(399)

7

(504)

2,552

(833)

211

-

(11)

(25)

(658)

5,120

(5,226)

-

-

(846)

-

-

(873)

-

(17)

(1,842)

52

940

992

(33)

-

4

(294)

2,275

(1,104)

288

544

(6)

(2)

(280)

10,260

(8,800)

170

(3,678)

-

(320)

1,322

-

(538)

(27)

(1,611)

384

556

940

2.1

5.1

2.1

2.1

Basis of preparation and accounting policies 

The  Financial  Report  is  a  general  purpose  financial  report,  which  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian 
Accounting Standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). 
The Financial Report also complies with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International 

Accounting Standards Board.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis except for certain financial instruments 

measured at fair value as explained in the notes to the consolidated financial statements (‘the Notes’).

The  accounting  policies  adopted  are  consistent  with  those  of  the  previous  financial  year  except  for  the  adoption  of  
AASB 16 Leases (‘AASB 16’) from 1 July 2019 as described in Note 2.7 Leases.

This  Financial  Report  presents  reclassified  comparative  information  where  required  for  consistency  with  current  year’s 

presentation.

Key judgements, estimates and assumptions 

The preparation of the financial statements requires judgement and the use of estimates and assumptions in applying the 

Group’s accounting policies, which affect amounts reported for assets, liabilities, income and expenses. 

Judgements, estimates and assumptions are continuously evaluated and are based on the following: 

•  historical experience

•  current market conditions

• 

reasonable expectations of future events

Actual  results  may  differ  from  these  judgements,  estimates  and  assumptions.  Uncertainty  about  these  judgements, 

estimates and assumptions could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets 

or liabilities in future periods. The Group has incorporated specific judgements, estimates and assumptions relating to the 

expected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in determining the amounts recognised in the financial statements based on 

conditions existing at reporting date, recognising uncertainty still exists in relation to its timeframe, the measures to control 

it and its economic impact. 

102

103

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportBasis of preparation and accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation 

The key areas involving judgement or significant estimates and assumptions are set out below:

NOTE

JUDGEMENTS

Note 5.1  Equity accounted investments

Control and significant influence

Note 2.7 

Leases

NOTE

Note 2.4 

Inventories

Note 2.4 

Inventories

Determining the lease term

ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Net realisable value

Commercial income

Note 4.1 

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assessment of recoverable amount

Note 2.9  Provisions

Note 2.9  Provisions

Note 2.9  Provisions

Employee benefits

Self-insurance

Restructuring

Note 7.2 

Share-based payments

Valuation of share-based payments

Note 2.7 

Leases

Incremental borrowing rate

Detailed information about each of these judgements, estimates and assumptions is included in the Notes together with 

information about the basis of calculation for each affected line item in the financial statements. 

The Notes 

The Notes include information which is required to understand the consolidated financial statements and is material and 

relevant to the operations, financial performance and position of the Group.

Information is considered material and relevant if, for example:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the amount in question is significant because of its size or nature

it is important for understanding the results of the Group

it helps to explain the impact of significant changes in the Group’s business

it relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that is important to its future performance

The Notes are organised into the following sections:

In preparing these consolidated financial statements, subsidiaries are consolidated from the date the Group gains control 

until the date on which control ceases. The Group’s share of results of its equity accounted investments is included in the 

consolidated financial statements from the date that significant influence or joint control commences until the date that 

significant influence or joint control ceases. All intercompany transactions are eliminated. 

The financial statements of subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent 

accounting policies.

Foreign currency 

These consolidated financial statements are presented in Australian dollars, which is the functional currency of the Group. 

Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates at the transaction date. 

Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the translation of monetary 

assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at reporting date exchange rates are generally recognised in profit 

or loss. They are deferred in equity if they relate to qualifying cash flow hedges.

Accounting Policies

Accounting policies that summarise the classification, recognition and measurement basis of financial statement line items 

and that are relevant to the understanding of the consolidated financial statements are provided throughout the Notes.

Rounding of amounts

The amounts contained in the Financial Report have been rounded to the nearest million dollars (unless specifically stated 
to be otherwise) under the option available to the Company under ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors’ 
Reports) Instrument 2016/191. The Company is an entity to which this legislative instrument applies.

Significant items 

Significant items are large gains, losses, income, expenditures or events that are not in the ordinary course of business. 

They typically arise from events that are not considered part of the core operations of the Group. These items have been 

highlighted below to help users of the Financial Report understand the financial performance of the Group.

Significant  gains  or  income  are  included  in  ‘other  income’,  whilst  significant  losses  or  expenditures  are  included  within 

‘other expenses’ or ‘income tax expense’ in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

1. 

 PERFORMANCE: this section provides information on the performance of the Group, including segment results, earnings 
per share and income tax.

Tax consolidation

2. 

 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES: this section details the assets used in the Group’s operations and the liabilities incurred as a result.

3.  CAPITAL: this section provides information relating to the Group’s capital structure and financing.

4. 

 FINANCIAL RISK: this section details the Group’s exposure to various financial risks, explains how these risks may impact 
the Group’s financial performance or position, and details the Group’s approach to managing these risks.

5. 

 GROUP STRUCTURE: this section provides information relating to subsidiaries and other material investments of the Group.

6. 

 UNRECOGNISED  ITEMS:  this  section  provides  information  about  items  that  are  not  recognised  in  the  consolidated 
financial statements but could potentially have a significant impact on the Group’s financial performance or position 

in the future.

7. 

 OTHER  DISCLOSURES:  this  section  provides  other  disclosures  required  by  Australian  Accounting  Standards  that  are 
considered relevant to understanding the Group’s financial performance or position.

The Company and its 100% owned Australian resident subsidiaries formed an income tax consolidated group with effect 

from  31  December  2018.  As  disclosed  in  the  Group’s  FY19  Financial  Report,  the  tax  cost  base  of  revenue  and  capital 

assets were reset in accordance with Australian taxation legislation and calculated by reference to independent market 

valuations. In performing these valuations, certain judgements and assumptions were made such as future earnings and 

discount rates which were subject to review at a future date.

Independent market valuations and tax cost base resetting calculations were progressed during the current year resulting 

in a $31 million net credit to income tax expense (2019: $50 million).

Incorporated joint venture with Australian Venue Co.

As disclosed in the Group’s FY19 Financial Report, the Company entered into an incorporated joint venture AVC for the 

operation  of  Spirit  Hotels  (the  ‘Hotel  business’)  and  the  retail  liquor  stores  linked  to  Spirit  Hotels  venues  (collectively  the 

‘Retail Liquor business’). As part of the transaction, a group subsidiary company, Liquorland (Qld) Pty Ltd was converted 

into an incorporated joint venture company, QVC. To facilitate the transaction, QVC restructured its share capital by issuing 

two classes of shares: R-Shares which confer the right to the full economic benefit of the Retail Liquor business and H-Shares 

which confer the right to the full economic benefit of the Hotel business. The Company sold the H-shares to AVC, while 

retaining the R-shares. 

The income tax impacts arising from the sale of the H-shares were progressed in the current year resulting in a $12 million 

net credit to income tax expense.

104

105

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report1. Performance

1.2  Earnings per share (EPS)

This section provides information on the performance of the Group, including segment results, earnings per 

share and income tax.

1.1 Segment reporting 

The Group has identified its operating segments based on internal reporting to the Managing Director and Chief Executive 

EPS attributable to equity holders of the Company from continuing operations

Basic and diluted EPS (cents) 

Profit for the period from continuing operations ($M) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic and diluted EPS (shares, million) 

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020

30 JUNE 2019

73.3

978

1,334

80.8

1,078

1,334

Officer  (the  chief  operating  decision  maker).  The  Managing  Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  regularly  reviews  the 

Calculation methodology

Group’s internal reporting to assess performance and allocate resources across the operating segments. The segments 

identified offer different products and services and are managed separately.

The Group’s reportable segments are set out below:

REPORTABLE SEGMENT

DESCRIPTION

Supermarkets

Fresh food, groceries and general merchandise retailing (includes Coles Online and Coles 

Liquor

Express

Financial Services)

Liquor retailing, including online delivery services

Convenience store operations and commission agent for retail fuel sales

Other business operations that are not separately reportable (such as Property), as well as costs associated with enterprise 

functions (such as Treasury) are included in ‘other’.

There are varying levels of integration between operating segments. This includes the common usage of property, services 

EPS is profit for the period from continuing operations attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company, divided by 

the weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue during the year. 

Diluted EPS is calculated on the same basis except that it includes the impact of any potential commitments the Group 

has to issue shares in the future. For the period, the potential dilution to the weighted average number of ordinary shares 

from  employee  performance  rights  was  nil  as  shares  are  already  issued  and  held  by  the  Plan  Trustee  on  behalf  of  the 

participants.

Between the reporting date and the issue date of the Financial Report, there have been no transactions involving ordinary 

shares or potential ordinary shares that would impact the calculation of EPS disclosed in the table above.

1.3 Sales revenue

Sale of goods 

and administration functions. Financing costs and income tax are managed on a Group basis and are not allocated to 

The Group operates a network of supermarkets, retail liquor stores and convenience stores, as well as online platforms. 

operating segments.

EBIT is the key measure by which management monitors the performance of the segments.

Revenue is recognised by the Group when it is the principal in the sales transaction. Revenue from the sale of goods is 

recognised when control of the goods has transferred to the customer. For goods purchased in-store, control of the goods 

transfers to the customer at the point of sale. For goods purchased online, control of the goods transfers to the customer 

The Group does not have operations in other geographic areas or economic exposure to any individual customer that is 

upon delivery, or when collected by the customer.

in excess of 10% of sales revenue. 

Year ended 28 June 2020

Sales revenue

Segment EBIT

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year

Share of net loss of equity accounted  

investments included in EBIT

Year ended 30 June 2019

Sales revenue

Segment EBIT

Significant items

Financing costs

Profit before income tax for continuing operations

Income tax expense for continuing operations

Profit for the year for continuing operations

Share of net profit of equity accounted 

investments included in EBIT

SUPERMARKETS  

LIQUOR  

EXPRESS  

OTHER  

CONSOLIDATED  

$M

$M

$M

$M

$M 

discounts and goods and services tax (GST). 

1.4 Administration expenses

Revenue  comprises  the  fair  value  of  consideration  received  or  receivable  for  the  sale  of  goods  and  is  recorded  net  of 

 32,993 

 3,308 

1,618 

138 

1,107 

 33 

- 

(27) 

 30,993 

 1,191 

 3,205

 133 

 3,978

 46 

 - 

(27) 

 37,408 

1,762 

(443) 

1,319 

(341) 

 978 

(6) 

 38,176 

 1,343 

 124 

 (42)

 1,425 

(347) 

 1,078 

 5

Employee benefits expense 

Occupancy and overheads

Depreciation and amortisation 

Marketing expenses

Impairment (reversal) / expense

Other store expenses

Other administration expenses

Total administration expenses

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

4,768 

597 

1,495 

216 

(41) 

659 

387 

$M

 4,533 

 1,635 

 640 

213

42

651 

317 

8,081 

8,031

106

107

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
1.4 Administration expenses (continued)

Employee benefits expense includes the following:

Remuneration, bonuses and on-costs

Superannuation expense

Share-based payments expense

Total employee benefits expense 

Employee benefits expense

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

4,387 

355 

26 

4,768 

$M

4,155 

346 

32 

4,533

The components of income tax expense recognised in the consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) 

are set out below:

Deferred tax related to items recognised in OCI during the year: 

Net loss on revaluation of cash flow hedges

Deferred income tax charged to OCI

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

5

5

$M

1

1

The tax expense included in the Statement of Profit or Loss consists of current and deferred income tax.

CURRENT INCOME TAX IS:

DEFERRED INCOME TAX IS:

The Group’s accounting policy for liabilities associated with employee benefits is set out in Note 2.9 Provisions. The policy 

relating to share-based payments is set out in Note 7.2 Share-based payments.

• 

the expected tax payable on taxable income for the 

• 

recognised using the liability method

year

•  based  on  temporary  differences  between  the  carrying 

Share-based  payments  expense  includes  both  awards  granted  by  the  Company  that  will  be  settled  in  equity  of  the 

•  calculated  using  tax  rates  enacted  or  substantively 

amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting 

Company and awards granted by Wesfarmers (pre demerger) to employees of the Group that will be settled in equity of 

enacted at the reporting date

purposes and the amounts for taxation purposes

Wesfarmers.

Retirement benefit obligations

The  Group  contributes  to  a  number  of  superannuation  funds  on  behalf  of  its  employees,  and  the  Group’s  legal  or 

constructive obligation is limited to these contributions. Contributions payable by the Group are recognised as an expense 

in the Statement of Profit or Loss when incurred.

1.5 Financing costs

Interest expense

Imputed interest on lease liabilities

Discount rate adjustment

Other finance related costs

Total financing costs

Financing costs 

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

32

399

3

9

443

$M

30

-

7

5

42

Financing  costs  consist  of  interest  and  other  costs  incurred  in  connection  with  the  borrowing  of  funds,  imputed  interest 

on lease liabilities as well as the discount rate adjustments associated with non-current provisions (excluding employee 

benefits). Financing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset, that necessarily 

takes more than 12 months to get ready for its intended use or sale, are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other 

financing costs are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. 

1.6 Income tax

The major components of income tax expense in the consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss are set out below:

Current income tax expense 

Adjustment in respect of current income tax of previous years

Deferred income tax relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment in respect of deferred income tax of previous years

Income tax expense reported in Statement of Profit or Loss

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

461

(5)

(79)

(36)

341

$M

429

8

(86)

(4)

347

• 

inclusive of any adjustment to income tax payable or 

•  calculated  using  the  tax  rates  that  are  expected  to 

recoverable in respect of previous years

apply  in  the  period  when  the  liability  is  settled  or  the 

asset  realised,  based  on  the  tax  rates  that  have  been 

enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date

Both current and deferred income tax are charged or credited to the Statement of Profit or Loss. However, when it relates 

to items charged or credited directly to the Statement of Changes in Equity or Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 

the tax is recognised in equity, or OCI, respectively.

Reconciliation of the Group’s applicable tax rate to the effective tax rate

Profit before tax from continuing operations

Profit before tax from discontinued operations

Profit before income tax

At Australia’s corporate tax rate of 30.0% (30 June 2019: 30.0%)

Adjustments in respect of income tax of previous years

Share of results of joint venture

Non-deductible expenses for income tax purposes

Non-assessable income for income tax purposes

Significant item - tax consolidation

Significant item - incorporated joint venture with Australian Venue Co.

At the effective income tax rate of 25.9% (30 June 2019: 25.8%)

Income tax expense reported in the consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss

Income tax attributable to discontinued operations

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

1,319

-

1,319

396

2

2

5

(21)

(31)

(12)

341

341

-

341

$M

1,425 

509

1,934

580

4

(1)

15

-

(50)

(49)

499

347

152

499

Tax consolidation

The Company and its 100% owned Australian resident subsidiaries formed an income tax consolidated group with effect 

from 31 December 2018. 

The Company is the head entity of the tax consolidated group. Members of the group have entered into a tax sharing agreement 

which  operates  to  manage  joint  and  several  liability  for  group  tax  liabilities  amongst  group  members  as  well  as  enable  group 

members to leave the group clear of future group tax liabilities. Members of the group have also entered into a taxation funding 

agreement which provides that each member of the tax consolidated group pay a tax equivalent amount to or from the parent 

in accordance with their notional current tax liability or current tax asset. Such amounts are reflected in amounts receivable from 

or payable to the parent company in their accounts and are settled as soon as practicable after lodgement of the consolidated 

tax return and payment of the tax liability.

108

109

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report1.6 Income tax (continued)

Tax assets and liabilities

Deferred income tax balances recognised in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position

CONSOLIDATED

EFFECT OF 

CHARGED 

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible 

temporary differences can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and 

reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the 

assets to be recovered. 

OPENING 

ADOPTION 

 TO PROFIT  

CREDITED  

CLOSING 

BALANCE  

OF AASB 16  

OR LOSS  

TO OCI  

ACQUISITIONS  

BALANCE  

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset against each other when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current 

taxation assets against current taxation liabilities and it is the intention to settle these on a net basis.

$M

$M

1

-

-

-

-

9

-

-

$M

56

249

34

45

139

2,725

6

19

The  Group  has  unrecognised  deferred  tax  assets  largely  relating  to  deductible  temporary  differences  arising  from  its 

investment in Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd (operator of the flybuys loyalty program) and QVC. A deferred tax asset has not been 

recognised  for  this  item  because  the  Group  has  determined  that  at  the  reporting  date,  it  is  not  probable  that  eligible 

capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise these benefits. The unrecognised deferred tax asset is 

$112 million (2019: $55 million).

An  uncertain  tax  treatment  is  any  tax  treatment  applied  by  the  Group  where  there  is  uncertainty  over  whether  it  will 

be  accepted  by  the  relevant  tax  authority.  If  it  is  not  probable  that  the  treatment  will  be  accepted,  the  effect  of  the 

uncertainty  is  reflected  in  the  period  in  which  that  determination  is  made  (for  example,  by  recognising  an  additional 

tax liability). The Group measures the impact of the uncertainty using the method that best predicts the resolution of the 

10

3,273

uncertainty: either the most likely amount method or the expected value method. The judgements and estimates made to 

recognise and measure the effect of uncertain tax treatments are reassessed whenever circumstances change or when 

there is new information that affects those judgements. 

The Group determined, based on its tax compliance, that it is probable that its tax treatments applied at 28 June 2020 will 

be accepted by the taxation authorities. 

Goods and services tax (GST) 

Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST, except:

•  when the GST incurred on the sale or purchase of assets or services is not payable to or recoverable from the taxation 

authority, in which case GST is recognised as part of the revenue or the expense item or as part of the cost of acquisition 

of the asset; or

•  when receivables are stated with the amount of GST included.

The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to the taxation authority is included as part of receivables or payables 

in the Statement of Financial Position. Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable 

from or payable to the taxation authority.

Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis and the GST component of cash flows arising from 

investing and financing activities where recoverable or payable to the taxation authority is classified as part of operating 

cash flows.

28 June 2020

Provisions

Employee benefits

Trade and other payables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Lease Liabilities

Cash flow hedges

Other individually insignificant 

balances

Deferred tax assets

Accelerated depreciation for  

tax purposes

Intangible assets

Right-of-use assets

Other individually insignificant 

balances

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

30 June 2019

Provisions

Employee benefits

Trade and other payables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Cash flow hedges

Other individually insignificant 

balances

Deferred tax assets

Accelerated depreciation for 

tax purposes

Intangible assets

Other individually insignificant 

balances

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

$M

92

215

15

41

127

-

1

22

513

88

7

-

53

148

365

$M

(34)

-

-

-

-

2,681

-

(18)

2,629

-

-

2,280

(7)

2,273

356

$M

(3)

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116

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2,297

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2,424

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CONSOLIDATED

OPENING 

BALANCE  

CHARGED  

TO PROFIT  

OR LOSS  

CREDITED  

ACQUISITIONS/ 

TO OCI  

(DISPOSALS)  

CLOSING 

BALANCE  

$M

80

277

12

65

241

-

49

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59

70

55

184

540

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41

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513

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148

365

110

111

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
2. Assets and liabilities

This section details the assets used in the Group’s operations and the liabilities incurred as a result.

2.2 Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are comprised of the following: 

2.1 Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents are comprised of the following: 

Cash on hand and in transit

Cash at bank and on deposit

Total cash and cash equivalents

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

540 

452 

992 

$M

530

410

940

All receivables from EFT, credit card and debit card point of sale transactions during the period are classified as cash and 

cash equivalents.

For the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and in transit, at bank 

and on deposit, net of outstanding bank overdrafts which are repayable on demand.

Cash at bank earns interest at floating rates based on daily bank deposit rates. Short-term deposits earn interest at the 

respective short-term deposit rates.

Reconciliation of profit for the period to net cash flows from operating activities

Profit for the period
Adjustments for:

Depreciation and amortisation

(Impairment reversals) / impairment and write-off of non-current assets

Net gain on sale of controlled entities

Net loss on disposal of non-current assets

Share of loss / (profit) of equity accounted investments

Share-based payments expense

  Other
Changes in assets and liabilities net of the effects of acquisitions and disposals of 

businesses and impacts of AASB 16:

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in prepayments

Increase in other assets

Increase in deferred tax assets

(Increase) / decrease in income tax receivable

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

Increase in provisions

Increase / (decrease) in other liabilities

Net cash flows from operating activities

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

978

1,495

(41)

 - 

39

 6 

13

-

(201)

(78)

(20)

(4)

(121)

(42)

339

138

51

$M

1,078

640

42

(133)

5

(5)

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(4)

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(45)

(1)

(11)

(91)

143

(9)

586

(61)

2,552

2,275

Trade receivables1

Other receivables

Allowance for expected credit losses 

Total trade and other receivables

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

314

130

444

(10)

434

$M

226

142

368

(8)

360

1 

Includes commercial income due from suppliers of $140 million (2019: $102 million).

Trade receivables and other receivables are classified as financial assets held at amortised cost.

Trade receivables

Trade  receivables  are  initially  recognised  at  the  amount  due  and  subsequently  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective 

interest  method,  less  an  allowance  for  expected  credit  losses  (impairment  provision).  The  carrying  value  of  trade  and 

other receivables, less impairment provisions, is considered to approximate fair value, due to the short-term nature of the 

receivables.

Impairment of trade receivables

The collectability of trade and other receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Individual debts which are known to be 

uncollectable are written off when identified.

The Group recognises an impairment provision based upon anticipated lifetime losses of trade receivables. The anticipated 

lifetime losses are determined with reference to historical experience and are regularly reviewed and updated. 

The amount of the impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss within ‘administration expenses’.

2.3 Other assets

Other assets are comprised of the following: 

Prepayments

Other assets

Total other current assets

Prepayments

Other assets

Total other non-current assets

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

69

1

70

21

99

120

$M

46

1

47

24

110

134

112

113

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.4 Inventories 

Inventories  comprise  goods  held  for  resale  and  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost  and  net  realisable  value,  which  is  the 

estimated selling price less estimated costs to sell.

The  cost  of  inventory  is  based  on  purchase  cost,  after  deducting  certain  types  of  commercial  income  and  including 

logistics and store remuneration incurred in bringing inventories to their present location and condition.

Volume-related supplier rebates, and supplier promotional rebates where they exceed spend on promotional activities, 

are  accounted  for  as  a  reduction  in  the  cost  of  inventory  and  recognised  in  the  Statement  of  Profit  or  Loss  when  the 

inventory is sold. 

  Key estimate: Net realisable value  

An inventory provision is recognised where the realisable value from sale of inventory is estimated to be lower than 

the inventory’s carrying value. Inventory provisions for different product categories are estimated based on various 

factors, including expected sales profile, prevailing sales prices, seasonality and expected losses associated with 

slow-moving inventory items. 

Commercial income 

Commercial income represents various discounts or rebates provided by suppliers. These include:

• 

settlement discounts for the purchase of inventory

•  discounts based on purchase or sales volumes

•  contributions towards promotional activity for a supplier’s product

Depending on the type of arrangement with the supplier, commercial income will either be deducted from the cost of 

inventory (where it relates to the purchase of inventory) or recognised as a reduction in related expenses (where it relates 

to the sale of goods).

Amounts  due  from  suppliers  are  recognised  within  trade  receivables,  except  in  cases  where  the  Group  currently  has  

the legal right and the intention to offset, in which case only the net amount receivable or payable is presented. Refer to 

Note 4.3 Financial instruments for details of amounts offset in the consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

M
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  Key estimate: Commercial income 

The recognition of certain types of commercial income requires the following estimates:

• 

• 

• 

the volume of inventory purchases that will be made during a specific period

the amount of the related product that will be sold

the balance remaining in inventory at the reporting date.

Estimates are based on historical and forecast sales and inventory turnover levels. 

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Property, plant and equipment is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment. Cost 

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eligible for capitalisation. Repairs and maintenance costs are charged to the Statement of Profit or Loss during the period 

in which they are incurred. Property, plant and equipment is depreciated on a straight-line basis to its residual value over 

its expected useful life. 

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1

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.6 Intangible assets 

The Group’s intangible assets comprise licences, software and goodwill. 

Licences and software

Licences and software are measured initially at acquisition cost or costs incurred to develop the asset. Intangible assets 

acquired  in  a  business  combination  are  recognised  at  fair  value  at  the  acquisition  date.  Following  initial  recognition, 

intangible assets with finite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment 

losses. They are amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Intangible assets with indefinite useful 

lives  are  not  amortised.  Instead  they  are  tested  for  impairment  annually  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in 

circumstances indicate they may be impaired.

Licences have been assessed as having indefinite lives on the basis that the licences are expected to be renewed in line 

with business continuity requirements.

For internally generated software, research costs are expensed as incurred. Development expenditure is capitalised when 

management has the intention to develop the asset, it is probable that future economic benefits will flow to the Group and 

the cost can be reliably measured. 

Goodwill 

Goodwill recognised by the Group has arisen as a result of business combinations and represents the future economic 

benefits that arise from assets that are not capable of being individually identified and separately recognised.

Goodwill is initially measured as the amount the Group has paid in acquiring a business over and above the fair value of 

the individual assets and liabilities acquired. Goodwill is considered to have an indefinite useful economic life. It is therefore 

not  amortised  but  is  instead  tested  annually  for  impairment,  or  more  frequently  if  events  or  changes  in  circumstances 

indicate that it might be impaired. Goodwill is carried at cost less any accumulated impairment losses and, for the purpose 

of impairment testing, is allocated to cash generating units.

Refer to Note 4.1 Impairment of non-financial assets for further details on impairment testing.

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117

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.7 Leases

Extension options

The Group has lease agreements for properties and various items of machinery, vehicles and other equipment used in  

its operations.

Set out below are the carrying amounts of recognised right-of-use assets and movements during the period:

As at 1 July 2019
Additions1

Depreciation expense

At 28 June 2020

CONSOLIDATED

NON-

PROPERTY 

PROPERTY 

LEASES  

LEASES  

$M

7,339

1,024

(822) 

7,541

$M

142

16

(39) 

119

TOTAL  

$M

7,481

1,040

(861) 

7,660

1 

Includes reasonably certain options, remeasurements and new leases, net of leases terminated. 

Set out below are the carrying amounts of recognised lease liabilities and movements during the period:

As at 1 July 2019
Additions1

Accretion of interest

Payments

At 28 June 2020

Current

Non-current

1 

Includes reasonably certain options, remeasurements and new leases, net of leases terminated. 

The maturity analysis of lease liabilities is disclosed in Note 4.2 Financial risk management.

Variable lease payments based on sales

CONSOLIDATED

$M

8,856

1,073 

399 

(1,245) 

9,083

885 

8,198

Extension options are included in the majority of property leases across the Group. Where practicable, the Group seeks to 

include extension options when negotiating leases to provide flexibility and align with business needs. Leases may contain 

multiple extension options and are exercisable only by the Group and not by the lessors. 

Extension options are only reflected in the lease liability when it is reasonably certain they will be exercised. When assessing 

if an option is reasonably certain to be exercised, a number of factors are considered including the option expiry date, 

whether formal approval to extend the lease has been obtained, store trading performance and the strategic importance 

of the site. Where a lease contains multiple extension options, only the next option is considered in the assessment. Option 

periods range from one to 15 years.

Details of the Group’s extension options as at 28 June 2020 are set out below:

Leases with extension options

Leases without extension options

Total leases

Of the leases with extension options: 

Leases with an extension option included in the lease liability

Leases with an extension option not included in the lease liability

Total leases with extension options

1  50% of these leases contain one or more future extension options not included in the lease liability. 

The following amounts have been recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Expenses relating to short-term leases (included in administration expenses)

Variable lease payments (included in administration expenses)

Total amount recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss

73%

27%

100%

32%1

68%

100%

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

$M

861 

399 

 7 

48 

1,315

Some of the Group’s retail property lease agreements contain variable payment terms that are linked to sales. These lease 

The Group recognised a total gain of $14 million relating to six sale and leaseback transactions during the year.

payments  are  based  on  a  percentage  of  sales  recorded  by  a  particular  store.  The  specific  percentage  rent  adjustment 

mechanism varies by individual lease agreement. Variable payment terms are used for a variety of reasons, including minimising 

the fixed costs base for newly established stores. Variable lease payments are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which 

the condition that triggers those payments occurs and are generally payable for future periods in the lease term.

The following provides information on the Group’s variable lease payments, including the magnitude in relation to fixed 

payments:

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of $1,245 million during the year. The future cash outflows relating to leases 

that have not yet commenced are disclosed in Note 6.1 Commitments.

Policy applicable from 1 July 2019 

The Group assesses at contract inception whether a contract is, or contains, a lease. That is, if the contract conveys the 

right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration.

CONSOLIDATED

Group as lessee

28 June 2020

Leases with lease payments based on sales

FIXED 

VARIABLE 

TOTAL 

PAYMENTS  

PAYMENTS  

PAYMENTS  

$M

511 

$M

39 

$M

550

The  Group  applies  a  single  recognition  and  measurement  approach  for  all  leases,  except  for  short-term  leases  (leases 

with  a  term  of  12  months  or  less)  and  leases  of  low-value  assets.  The  Group  recognises  lease  liabilities  to  make  future 

lease  payments  and  right-of-use  assets  representing  the  right  to  use  the  underlying  assets.  A  right-of-use  asset  and  a 

corresponding lease liability are recognised at the date at which the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Each  lease  payment  is  apportioned  between  the  liability  and  financing  costs.  Financing  costs  are  recognised  in  the 

Statement of Profit or Loss over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining liability. 

The right-of-use asset is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the asset’s useful life and the lease term 

(which includes options that are considered ‘reasonably certain’). Payments associated with short-term leases and leases 

of low-value assets are recognised on a straight-line basis in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

Cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability are presented within financing activities in the Statement of 

Cash Flows, while payments relating to short-term leases, low-value assets and variable lease components not included in 

the measurement of the lease liability are presented within cash flows from operating activities. 

118

119

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
2.7 Leases (continued)

Group as lessor

Lease liabilities are initially measured at net present value and comprise the following:

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives 

•  variable lease payments based on an index or rate, using the index or rate at the commencement date

• 

the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise that option

•  payment of termination penalties if the lessee is reasonably certain to terminate the lease and incur penalties.

If the interest rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined, the lease payments are discounted using the lessee’s 

incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date.

Right-of-use assets are measured at cost and comprise the following:

• 

the initial measurement of the lease liability

•  any lease payments made at or before the commencement date, less any lease incentives received

•  any initial direct costs

•  any restoration costs.

Right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment testing. Refer to the accounting policies in Note 4.1 Impairment of non-

financial assets.

  Key estimate: Incremental borrowing rate 

If the Group cannot readily determine the interest rate implicit in the lease, it uses its incremental borrowing rate 

(IBR) to measure lease liabilities. The IBR is the rate of interest that the Group would have to pay to borrow over a 

similar term, and with a similar security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use 

asset in a similar economic environment.

The  IBR  requires  estimation  when  no  observable  rates  are  available  or  when  adjustments  need  to  be  made  to 

reflect the terms and conditions of the lease. The Group estimates the IBR using observable market inputs when 

available and is required to make certain estimates specific to the Group (such as credit risk).

  Key judgement: Determining the lease term 

Extension options are included in the majority of property leases across the Group. In determining the lease term, 

all facts and circumstances that create an economic incentive to exercise an extension option are considered. 

Extension  options  are  only  included  in  the  lease  term  if  the  lease  is  reasonably  certain  to  be  exercised.  The 

assessment is reviewed if a significant event or change in circumstance occurs which affects this assessment and 

is within the control of the lessee. 

Changes in the assessment of the lease term are accounted for as a reassessment of the lease liability at the date 

of the change.

The Group leases out some of its freehold properties and sub-leases some of its right-of-use assets. The Group has classified 

these leases as operating leases because they do not transfer all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the assets. 

The undiscounted lease payments to be received are set out below:

Within one year

Between one and two years 

Between two and three years 

Between three and four years 

Between four and five years 

More than five years

Total 

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

20

16

15

10

5

8

74

$M

15

13

11

10

5

1

55

Rental income is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in ‘other operating revenue’ in 

the Statement of Profit or Loss. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to 

the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Variable 

lease income not dependent on an index or rate is recognised as revenue in the period in which it is earned. The Group 

recognised income of $17 million for the year with respect to subleasing of its right-of-use assets.

2.8 Trade and other payables 

Trade and other payables are comprised of the following: 

Trade payables

Other payables 

Total trade and other payables

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

 2,898 

 839 

 3,737 

$M

 2,662 

 718 

 3,380

Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised 

cost using the effective interest method.

2.9 Provisions 

Current

Employee benefits

Restructuring provision

Lease provision

Self-insurance liabilities

Other

Total current provisions

Non-current

Employee benefits

Restructuring provision

Lease provision

Self-insurance liabilities

Total non-current provisions

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

746

6

-

100

9

861

89

127

-

256

472

$M

601

18

7

108

9

743

87

150

105

256

598

120

121

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
2.9 Provisions (continued)

Movements in restructuring, leases, self-insurance and other provisions

At 30 June 2019
Effect of adoption of AASB 16 Leases

At 1 July 2019

Arising during the year

Utilised

Unused amounts reversed

Unwind / changes in discount rate 

At 28 June 2020

Current

Non-current

RESTRUCTURING  

LEASE  

INSURANCE  

SELF-

$M

168

(34)

134

19 

(22)

-

2

133

6

127

$M

112

(112)

 - 

- 

 - 

- 

- 

-

-

-

$M

365

 - 

365

117 

(112)

(24)

10

356

100

256

OTHER  

$M

9

-

9

6

(6)

-

-

9

9

-

TOTAL  

$M

654

(146)

508 

142 

(140)

(24)

12 

498

115

383

Provisions are:

• 

recognised when the Group has a legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that cash 

will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated

•  measured at the present value of the estimated cash outflow required to settle the obligation.

Where a provision is non-current, and the effect is material, the nominal amount is discounted. The discount is recognised 

as a financing cost in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

PROVISION

Employee benefits 

  KEY ESTIMATES

Employee benefits provisions are based on  

a number of estimates including, but not 

Provisions  for  employee  entitlements  to  annual  leave,  long  service 

leave  and  employee  incentives  (where  the  Group  do  not  have  an 

limited to:

unconditional  right  to  defer  payment  for  at  least  twelve  months  after 

•  expected future wages and salaries

the  reporting  date)  are  recognised  within  the  current  provision  for 

employee benefits, and represent the amount which the Group has a 

present obligation to pay, resulting from employees’ services up to the 

reporting date.

All  other  short-term  employee  benefit  obligations  are  presented  as 

payables.

Liabilities for long service leave where the Group have an unconditional 

right  to  defer  payment  for  at  least  twelve  months  after  the  reporting 

date  are  recognised  within  the  non-current  provision  for  employee 

•  attrition (applicable to long service 

leave provisions only)

•  discount rates

•  expected salary related payments, 

interest and on-costs following a review 

of the pay arrangements for award-

covered salaried team members

benefits. 

Restructuring 

Restructuring  provisions  are  recognised  when  restructuring  has  either 

commenced or has raised a valid expectation in those affected, and 

the Group has a detailed formal plan identifying:

• 

• 

the business or part of the business impacted

the location and approximate number of employees impacted

•  an estimate of the associated costs

• 

the timeframe for restructuring activities

Self-insurance

Restructuring provisions are based on a 

number of estimates including, but not 

limited to:

•  number of employees impacted

•  employee tenure and costs

• 

restructure timeframes

•  discount rates

Self-insurance provisions are based on a 

number of estimates including, but not 

The Group is self-insured for workers compensation and general liability 

risks.  The  Group  seeks  external  actuarial  advice  in  determining  self-

limited to:

insurance  provisions.  Provisions  are  discounted  and  are  based  on 

•  discount rates

claims reported and an estimate of claims incurred but not reported.

• 

future inflation

These  estimates  are  reviewed  bi-annually,  and  any  reassessment  of 

•  average claim size

these estimates will impact self-insurance expense.

•  claims development

• 

risk margin

122

123

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report3. Capital

Share-based payments reserve

This section provides information relating to the Group’s capital structure and financing.

3.3 Dividends paid and proposed

The  Group’s  capital  management  strategy  aims  to  ensure  the  Group  has  continued  access  to  funding  for  current  and 

The Company considers current earnings, future cash flow requirements, targeted credit metrics and availability of franking 

credits in determining the amount of dividends to be paid.

future business activities by maintaining a mix of equity and debt financing, while maximising returns to shareholders.

Dividends are recognised as a liability in the Statement of Financial Position in the period in which they are determined by 

The share-based payments reserve reflects the fair value of awards recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

The Group’s objective is to maintain an investment grade credit rating to optimise the weighted average cost of capital 

over the long term, enable access to long term debt capital markets and build investor confidence.

The Directors consider the capital structure at least twice a year and provide oversight of the Group’s capital management. 

Capital is managed through the following: 

• 

repaying or raising debt in line with ongoing business requirements and growth opportunities aligned with the Group’s 

strategic objectives 

•  amount of ordinary dividends paid to shareholders

• 

raising and returning capital.

3.1 Interest-bearing liabilities

Non-current 

Bank debt

Capital market debt

Total non-current interest-bearing liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

758

596

1,354

1,460

-

1,460

On 6 November 2019, Coles issued $600 million unsecured fixed rate Australian dollar medium term notes (Notes), comprising 

the Board. 

Determined and paid during the period

Paid final dividend (30% franked)

Paid special dividend (30% franked)

Paid interim dividend (30% franked)

Proposed and unrecognised at reporting date1
Final dividend proposed and unrecognised  

at reporting date (30% franked)

Special dividend proposed unrecognised  

at reporting date (30% franked)

CENTS PER SHARE

TOTAL $M

28 JUNE  

30 JUNE  

28 JUNE  

30 JUNE  

2020

2019

2020

2019

24.0

11.5

30.0

65.5

27.5

-

27.5

nil

nil

nil

-

24.0

11.5

35.5

320

154

399

873

367

-

367

nil

nil

nil

-

320

154

474

1  Estimated final dividend payable, subject to variations in the number of shares up to the record date.

During the year, the Company established a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) under which eligible holders of ordinary 

shares are able to reinvest all or part of their dividend payments into additional fully paid Coles Group Limited shares.

$300 million of seven-year Notes and $300 million of 10-year Notes. The seven-year Notes were priced with a coupon of 

Franking account

2.20% and the 10-year Notes were priced with a coupon of 2.65%.

Total franking credits available for subsequent financial years based  

on a tax rate of 30% (2019: 30%)

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

408

$M

277

In  addition  to  the  capital  market  debt,  the  Group  is  funded  through  a  number  of  revolving  multi-option  and  term  loan 

facilities. These bilateral bank loan facilities in aggregate total $3,300 million (‘Coles facilities’). The Coles facilities have the 

following maturities: $750 million in November 2021, $1,290 million in November 2022, $1,110 million in November 2023 and 

$150 million in November 2025. At 28 June 2020, $610 million of the facilities maturing in November 2023 were drawn and 

the November 2025 facility was fully drawn.

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of attributable transaction costs. Subsequent 

to initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest 

method. Gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss when the liabilities are derecognised.

3.2 Contributed equity and reserves

At 30 June 2019

Acquisition of shares on-market under Equity Incentive Plan

At 28 June 2020

Ordinary shares

ORDINARY SHARES

No. (millions)

1,334

-

1,334

$M

1,628

(17)

1,611

Ordinary shares on issue are classified as equity, are fully paid and carry one vote per share and the right to dividends. 

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any 

related income tax benefit. 

Cash flow hedge reserve

The hedging reserve records the portion of the gain or loss on a cash flow hedging instrument that is determined to be in 

an effective hedge relationship. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in the 

Statement of Other Comprehensive Income within the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in the Statement of Profit or Loss. 

124

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
4. Financial risk

This section details the Group’s exposure to various financial risks, explains how these risks may impact the 

Group’s financial performance or position, and details the Group’s approach to managing these risks.

4.1 Impairment of non-financial assets

The Group tests property, plant and equipment and intangible assets for impairment to ensure they are not carried above 

their recoverable amounts:

•  at least annually for goodwill

•  where there is an indication that assets may be impaired (which is assessed at least at each reporting date).

These  tests  are  performed  by  assessing  the  recoverable  amount  of  each  individual  asset  or,  if  this  is  not  possible,  the 

recoverable amount of the cash generating unit (CGU) to which the asset belongs. CGUs are the lowest levels at which 

assets are grouped and generate separately identifiable cash inflows. The recoverable amount, measured at the asset or 

CGU level, is the higher of fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCOD), or value in use (VIU). A discounted cash flow model 

is  used  to  determine  the  recoverable  amount  under  both  FVLCOD  and  VIU.  FVLCOD  is  based  on  a  market  participant 

approach and is estimated using assumptions that a market participant would use when pricing the asset or CGU. VIU is 

determined by discounting the future cash flows expected to be generated from the continuing use of an asset or CGU.

  Key estimate: Assessment of recoverable amount  

FVLCOD  valuations  are  considered  Level  3  in  the  fair  value  hierarchy  due  to  the  use  of  unobservable  inputs  in  

the  calculation.  The  assumptions  represent  management’s  assessment  of  future  trends  in  the  industry  and  have 

been based on historical data from both external and internal sources. VIU calculation represent management’s 

best  estimate  of  the  economic  conditions  that  will  exist  over  the  remaining  useful  life  of  the  asset  or  CGU  in  its 

current condition. 

Both  FVLCOD  and  VIU  calculations  use  judgements  and  estimates.  In  particular,  significant  judgements  and 

estimates are made in relation to the following:

Forecast future cash flows 

Forecast  future  cash  flows  are  based  on  the  Group’s  latest  Board  approved  internal  five-year  forecasts  and 

reflect management’s best estimate of income, expenses, capital expenditure and cash flows for each asset or 

CGU. Internal forecasts have considered the potential future impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on income and 

expenses. Changes in selling prices and direct costs are based on past experience and management’s expectation 

of future changes in the markets in which the Group operates.

In addition, consideration has been given to the potential financial impacts of climate change related risks on the 

carrying value of goodwill through a qualitative review of the Group’s climate change risk assessment. This review 

did not identify any material financial reporting impacts.

When calculating the FVLCOD of an asset or CGU, future forecast cash flows also incorporates reasonably available 

market participant assumptions such as enhancement capital expenditure.

Discount rates 

Estimated  future  cash  flows  are  discounted  to  their  present  value  using  discount  rates  that  reflect  the  Group’s 

weighted average cost of capital, adjusted for risks specific to the asset or CGU. The rates have been calculated in 

conjunction with independent valuation experts.  

Expected long-term growth rates  

Cash flows beyond the five-year period are extrapolated using estimated long-term growth rates. The growth rates 

are based on historical performance as well as expected long-term market operating conditions specific to each 

asset or CGU and are consistent with long-term average industry growth rates. Growth rates have been calculated 

with the assistance of independent valuation experts.

The  judgements  and  estimates  used  in  assessing  impairment  are  best  estimates  based  on  current  and  forecast 

market conditions and are subject to change in the event of shifting economic and operational conditions. Actual 

cash flows may therefore differ from forecasts and could result in changes to impairment recognised in future years.

For  the  year  ended  28  June  2020,  a  net  impairment  reversal  for  non-financial  assets  of  $41  million  was  recognised,  of 

which $44 million ($52 million reversal offset by $8 million impairment expense) relates to the Group’s property portfolio. The 

impairment reversal arose from the disposal of a number of the Group’s properties during the year to the extent that an 

impairment loss had previously been recognised with respect to the properties disposed. 

The net impairment is included in ‘administration expenses’ in the Statement of Profit or Loss as it relates to the day-to-day 

management of the Group’s freehold property portfolio (included within ‘other’ for segment reporting purposes).

For the year ended 30 June 2019, net impairment of non-financial assets of $42 million was recognised for the Group, of 

which $38 million ($88 million offset by $50 million reversal) relates to the Group’s property portfolio. This has been included 

in ‘administration expenses’ in the Statement of Profit or Loss and within ‘other’ for segment reporting purposes.

Recognised impairment 

An impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit or Loss if the carrying amount of an asset or a CGU exceeds its 

recoverable amount. Impairment losses recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount 

of any goodwill allocated to the CGU and then to reduce the carrying amount of other assets in the CGU. 

126

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
4.1 Impairment of non-financial assets (continued)

Reversal of impairment

In the normal course of business, the Group is exposed to various risks as set out below:

RISK

EXPOSURE

MANAGEMENT

Where there is an indication that previously recognised impairment losses may no longer exist or may have decreased, the 

asset is re-tested for impairment. The impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the carrying amount of the asset 

does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depreciation or amortisation, had no 

impairment loss been recognised. Impairments recognised for goodwill are not reversed.

Goodwill impairment testing

For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to CGUs or groups of CGUs according to the level at which 

management monitors goodwill. The FVLCOD valuation methodology was applied to determine the recoverable amount 

of CGUs.

The  following  table  presents  a  summary  of  the  goodwill  allocation  and  the  key  assumptions  used  in  determining  the 

recoverable amount of each CGU:

Goodwill allocation ($M)

Indefinite life intangible assets ($M)

Post-tax discount rate (%)

Growth rate (%)

28 JUNE 2020

SUPERMARKETS

LIQUOR

EXPRESS

983

-

8.1

3.0

125

27

8.1

3.0

45

-

8.4

2.0

For the year ended 30 June 2019, goodwill and indefinite life intangibles were allocated to CGUs on a consistent basis. A 

post-tax discount rate of 8.3% and a growth rate of 3.0% for Supermarkets and Liquor were applied, along with a post-tax 

discount rate of 8.6% and a growth rate of 2.0% for Express. The growth rates applied for FY20 are consistent with those 

applied in FY19 and in line with long-term average industry growth rates for each CGU. 

Sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the point at which the recoverable amount is equal to the carrying amount 

for  each  CGU.  For  the  Group’s  CGUs,  based  on  current  economic  conditions  and  CGU  performance,  no  reasonably 

possible change in a key assumption used in the determination of the recoverable value is expected to result in a material 

impairment. 

4.2 Financial risk management

The following note outlines the Group’s exposure to and management of financial risks. These arise from 

the Group’s requirement to access financing (bank loans and overdrafts), from the Group’s operational 

activities (cash, trade receivables and payables) and from instruments held as part of the Group’s risk 

management activities (derivative financial instruments).

The Group’s financial risk management is carried out by the Group Treasury function and governed by the Board-approved 

Treasury Policy (the ‘Policy’). The Policy strictly prohibits speculative positions to be taken.

Management  of  financial  risks  is  undertaken  by  the  Group  in  line  with  its  risk  management  principles  and  includes  the 

following key steps: risk identification, risk measurement, setting risk tolerances and hedging objectives, strategy design 

and strategy implementation. 

The Policy requires periodic reporting of financial risks to the Board, and its application is subject to oversight from the Chief 

Financial Officer and the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Policy allows the use of various derivatives to hedge financial risks and provides guidance in relation to volume and 

tenor of these instruments.

Market risks

Interest rate risk

The Group’s exposure to 

The  Group  manages  interest  rate  risk  by  having  access 

interest rate risk relates 

to  both  fixed  and  variable  debt  facilities.  In  line  with  the 

primarily to interest-bearing 

Policy, this risk is further managed by hedging a portion of 

liabilities where interest is 

the variable rate debt exposures with derivative financial 

charged at variable rates.

instruments  to  convert  floating  rate  debt  obligations  to 

fixed rate obligations.

Foreign exchange risk

The Group has exposure 

To  manage 

foreign  currency 

transaction 

risk, 

the 

to foreign exchange risk 

Group  hedges  material  foreign  currency  denominated 

principally arising from 

purchases of inventory 

expenditure  at  the  time  of  the  commitment  and  hedges 

a  proportion  of  foreign  currency  denominated  forecast 

and capital equipment 

exposures  (mainly  relating  to  the  purchase  of  inventory) 

denominated in foreign 

through the use of forward foreign exchange contracts.

currencies.

Liquidity risk

The Group is exposed to 

Liquidity  risk  is  measured  under  both  normal  market 

liquidity and funding risk 

operating  conditions  and  under  a  crisis  situation  which 

from operations and external 

curtails cash flows for an extended period. This approach 

borrowings.

is designed to ensure that the Group’s funding framework 

Liquidity risk is the risk that 

unforeseen events cause 

is sufficiently flexible to ensure liquidity under a wide range 

of market conditions.

pressure on, or curtail, the 

The Group regularly reviews its short, medium and long-term 

Group’s cash flows.

funding  requirements.  The  Policy  requires  that  sufficient 

Funding risk is the risk that 

sufficient funds will not be 

available to meet the Group’s 

financial commitments in a 

timely manner.

committed  funds  are  available  to  meet  medium  term 

requirements, with flexibility and headroom in the event a 

strategic opportunity should arise. The Group maintains a 

liquidity reserve in the form of undrawn facilities of at least 

$1 billion.

Credit risk

The Group is exposed to credit 

The majority of the Group’s sales are on a cash basis, and 

risk from its financing activities, 

the Group’s exposure to credit risk from customer sales is 

including deposits with 

therefore minimal.

financial institutions and other 

financial instruments.

The  Group’s  trade  and  other  receivables  relate  largely 

to  commercial  income  due  from  suppliers  and  other 

With respect to credit risk 

receivables from creditworthy third parties.

arising from cash and cash 

equivalents, trade and other 

receivables and certain 

derivative instruments, the 

Group’s exposure arises from 

default of the counterparty.

Counterparty  limits,  credit  ratings  and  exposures  are 

actively  managed  in  accordance  with  the  Policy.  The 

Group’s  exposure  to  bad  debts  is  not  significant,  and 

default  rates  have  historically  been  very  low.  The  credit 

quality of trade and other receivables neither past due nor 

impaired has been assessed as high on the basis of credit 

Credit risk for the Group 

ratings  (where  available)  or  historical  information  about 

also arises from various 

counterparty default. 

financial guarantees in which 

members of the Group act as 
guarantor. 

Since the Group trades only with recognised creditworthy 

third parties, there is no requirement for collateral by either 

party.

The carrying amount of trade and other receivables and 

other financial assets in the Statement of Financial Position 

represents the Group’s maximum exposure to credit risk.

There  is  also  exposure  to  credit  risk  where  members  of 

the  Group  have  entered  into  guarantees,  however  the 

probability  of  being  required  to  make  payments  under 

these guarantees is considered remote. Refer to Note 6.2 

Contingent liabilities for further details.

128

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

Foreign exchange risk

The Group is primarily exposed to foreign exchange risk in relation to the United States dollar (USD), the Euro (EUR) and the 

British Pound (GBP). The Group considers its exposure to USD, EUR and GBP arising from purchases to be a long-term and 

ongoing exposure that is highly probable.

The table below sets out the total forward exchange contracts at the reporting date and the carrying value of the derivative 

asset / (liability) positions: 

WEIGHTED AVERAGE  

NOTIONAL VALUE

CARRYING VALUE

HEDGE RATE

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

72

411

46

$M

63

420

11

$M

-

(20)

(1)

$M

1

(13)

-

0.69

0.58

0.54

0.71

0.58

0.55

BUY / SELL

USD / AUD

EUR / AUD

GBP / AUD

At the reporting date, the Group has the following exposures to USD, EUR and GBP:

USD $M

EUR €M

GBP £M

28 JUNE 2020 30 JUNE 2019 28 JUNE 2020 30 JUNE 2019 28 JUNE 2020 30 JUNE 2019

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Forward exchange contracts

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Net exposure

4

49

(63)

(10)

2

45

(39)

8

-

2371

(21)

216

-

2421

(16)

226

-

25

(5)

20

-

6

(2)

4

1 

 EUR forward exchange contracts of $191 million (2019: $213 million) relate to capital commitments. The remaining contracts hedge current and future trade 

payables denominated in EUR.

Foreign exchange rate sensitivity

At  the  reporting  date,  had  the  Australian  dollar  moved  against  the  USD,  EUR  and  GBP  (with  all  other  variables  held 

constant), the Group’s post-tax profit and OCI would have been affected by the change in value of its financial assets and 

financial liabilities.

The  following  sensitivities  are  based  on  the  foreign  exchange  risk  exposures  in  existence  at  the  reporting  date  and  the 

determination of reasonably possible movements based on management’s assessment of reasonable fluctuations:

RATE

CHANGE

AUD / USD

AUD / EUR

AUD / GBP

+10% 

-10% 

+10% 

-10% 

+10% 

-10% 

POST-TAX PROFIT INCREASE  

POST-TAX OCI INCREASE  

(DECREASE):

(DECREASE):

28 JUNE 2020  

30 JUNE 2019  

28 JUNE 2020  

30 JUNE 2019  

$M

2

(2)

-

-

-

-

$M

-

-

(1)

1

-

-

$M

(1)

1

(22)

27

(2)

3

$M

(1)

1

(23)

28

-

-

Interest rate risk

At the reporting date, the Group has the following financial assets and liabilities exposed to variable interest rate risk that, 

with the exception of interest rate swaps, are not designated as cash flow hedges:

28 JUNE 2020

30 JUNE 2019

WEIGHTED 

AVERAGE 

WEIGHTED 

AVERAGE 

EXPOSURE  

INTEREST RATE 

EXPOSURE  

INTEREST RATE 

$M

452

(760)

250

(58)

%

0.6

(1.3)

(1.6)

$M

410

(1,460)

400

(650)

%

1.6

(2.4)

(0.4)

Financial assets

Cash at bank and on deposit

Financial liabilities

Bank loans

Less: interest rate swaps (notional principal amount)

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

Interest rate sensitivity

A 100 basis point increase represents management’s assessment of the reasonably possible change in interest rates. Based 

on the variable interest rate exposures in existence at the reporting date, if interest rates increased by 100 basis points, with 

all other variables held constant, the impact would be:

POST-TAX PROFIT INCREASE 

POST-TAX OCI INCREASE 

(DECREASE):

(DECREASE):

28 JUNE 2020  

30 JUNE 2019  

28 JUNE 2020  

30 JUNE 2019  

$M

-

$M

(5)

$M

6

$M

8

Impacts of reasonably possible movements:

+1.0% (100 basis points)

Liquidity risk

The Group aims to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank overdrafts and 

bank loans with a variety of counterparties.

The committed facilities of the Group are set out below:

Financing facilities available:

Bank overdrafts

Revolving multi-option facilities

Term loan facilities

Financing facilities utilised:

Revolving multi-option facilities

Guarantees issued1

Term loan facilities

Financing not utilised:

Bank overdrafts

Revolving multi-option facilities1

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

13

2,640

660

3,313

100

358

660

1,118

13

2,182

2,195

13

2,640

1,360

4,013

100

342

1,360

1,802

13

2,198

2,211

1 

 As at 28 June 2020, bank guarantees totalling $358 million (2019: $342 million) have been issued on behalf of the Company through the revolving multi-

option facilities. While the Company has entered into these guarantees, the probability of having to make payments under these guarantees is considered 

remote. Refer to Note 6.2 Contingent liabilities for further details. 

The Group holds $992 million cash and cash equivalents at the reporting date (30 June 2019: $940 million).

130

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

Assets pledged as security

4.3 Financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value

A controlled entity has issued a floating charge over assets, capped at $80 million (30 June 2019: $80 million), as security for 

The following table sets out the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s derivative financial instruments:

payment obligations for fuel sales collected on behalf of Viva in accordance with the New Alliance Agreement. The assets 

are, therefore, excluded from financial covenants in all debt documentation.

Maturity analysis 

The table below sets out the Group’s financial liabilities across the relevant maturity periods based on their contractual 

maturity date. At the reporting date, the remaining undiscounted contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities 

and their carrying amounts are as follows:

CONSOLIDATED

TOTAL 

CONTRACTUAL 

CARRYING 

< 12 MONTHS 

1-2 YEARS  

2-5 YEARS  

> 5 YEARS  

CASH FLOWS 

AMOUNT  

$M

$M

28 June 2020

Trade and other payables

Bank debt (principal and 

interest) 

Capital market debt  

(principal and interest) 

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

$M

$M

3,737

21

15

-

19

15

1,250 

1,219 

4

6

2

8

$M

-

633

44

3,325 

7

7

$M

-

151

646

5,592 

-

-

720

11,386 

13

21

598

9,083 

11

21

Total

5,033

1,263

4,016

6,389

16,701

14,210

30 June 2019

Trade and other payables

Bank debt (principal and 

interest) 

Interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

Total

3,378

44

1

1

3,424

-

44

1

3

48

-

1,400

3

9

1,412

-

156

1

-

157

3,378

3,378

1,644

1,462

6

13

7

12

5,041

4,859

For variable rate instruments, the amount disclosed is determined by reference to the interest rate at the last re-pricing 

3,737

3,737

the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic interest. The Group uses valuation techniques 

The fair value of an asset or liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing 

that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the 

824

760

use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs. 

Cash flow hedges

Forward exchange contracts

Interest rates swaps

Power Purchase Agreement

LEVEL 2 FAIR VALUE HIERARCHY

28 JUNE 2020

30 JUNE 2019

ASSET 

$M

1

-

-

LIABILITY 

$M

(22)

(11)

(3)

ASSET 

$M

1

-

-

LIABILITY 

$M

(14)

(6)

-

The Group measures certain financial instruments, such as derivatives, at fair value at each reporting date. Fair value is 

the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market 

participants at the measurement date.

All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the 

fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole.

LEVEL 1

LEVEL 2

LEVEL 3

Fair value is calculated using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 Fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the 

asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices)

 Fair value is estimated using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data 

(unobservable inputs)

All of the Group’s financial instruments carried at fair value were valued using market observable inputs (Level 2). 

For financial instruments that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have 

occurred between Levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant 

to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

date. Contractual cash flows are undiscounted and as such will not necessarily agree with their carrying amounts. 

There  were  no  transfers  between  Level  1  and  Level  2  during  the  period.  The  Group  does  not  hold  any  material  Level  3 

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

Bank debt 

Capital market debt 

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Total liabilities from financial activities

1 JULY 2019 

CASH FLOWS 

FAIR VALUE 

RECOGNISED 

28 JUNE 2020  

CHANGES IN 

LEASES 

NOTE

3.1

3.1

2.7

4.3

$M

1,460 

 - 

8,856

19

10,335

$M

(702) 

596 

(846)

-

(952)

$M

-

-

-

13

13

$M

-

-

1,073

-

1,073

$M

758 

596 

9,083

32

10,469

financial instruments. 

Derivatives

The  Group  enters  into  derivative  financial  instruments  with  various  counterparties,  principally  financial  institutions  with 

investment grade credit ratings. Foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts are valued using 

forward pricing techniques. This includes the use of market observable inputs, such as foreign exchange spot and forward 

rates,  yield  curves of the  respective  currencies  and interest rate curves.  Accordingly,  these  derivatives are  classified  as 

Level 2.

Carrying amounts versus fair values

The  carrying  amounts  and  fair  values  of  the  Group’s  financial  assets  and  financial  liabilities  recognised  in  the  financial 

statements are materially the same.

132

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
4.3 Financial instruments (continued)

Offsetting of financial instruments

5. Group structure

The Group presents its derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis, with the exception of derivative financial instruments 

which it intends to settle on a net basis and which are subject to enforceable master netting arrangements, such as an 

International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) master netting agreement. In certain circumstances, for example 

when a credit event such as default occurs, all outstanding transactions under an ISDA agreement are terminated. The 

termination value is assessed, and only a single net amount is payable in settlement of all transactions.

Commercial income due from suppliers is recognised within trade receivables, except in cases where the Group currently 

has  a  legally  enforceable  right  of  set-off  and  the  intention  to  settle  on  a  net  basis,  in  which  case  only  the  net  amount 

receivable or payable is recognised.

This section provides information relating to subsidiaries and other material investments of the Group.

5.1 Equity accounted investments

NAME OF COMPANY PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

INCORPORATION TYPE

28 JUNE 2020

30 JUNE 2019

PLACE OF 

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

The following table sets out the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities which have been offset in the consolidated 

loyalty program

Statement of Financial Position at the reporting date:

CONSOLIDATED

Co. Pty Ltd

Queensland retail liquor business

Queensland Venue 

Operator of Spirit Hotels and 

Australia

Associate

50%

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd Operator of the flybuys  

Australia

Joint Venture

50%

50%

50%

GROSS FINANCIAL  

GROSS FINANCIAL 

IN THE STATEMENT OF  

ASSETS / (LIABILITIES)  

(LIABILITIES) / ASSETS SET OFF 

FINANCIAL POSITION  

NET FINANCIAL ASSETS / 

(LIABILITIES) PRESENTED  

$M

 560 

 (3,863)

500

(3,520)

$M 

(126)

126

(140)

140

$M

 434 

 (3,737)

360

(3,380)

28 June 2020

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

30 June 2019

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Hedge accounting 

Where the Group undertakes a hedge transaction it documents at the inception of the transaction the type of hedge, 

the  relationship  between  hedging  instruments  and  hedged  items  and  its  risk  management  objective  and  strategy  for 

undertaking the hedge. The documentation also demonstrates, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, that 

the hedge has been, and is expected to continue to be, highly effective. 

The Group uses derivative financial instruments for cash flow hedging purposes and designates them as such.

Cash flow hedge

Derivatives or other financial instruments that hedge the exposure to variability in cash flows 

attributable to a particular risk associated with an asset, liability or forecast transaction.

The Group uses cash flows hedges to mitigate the risk of variability of:

• 

future  cash  flows  attributable  to  foreign  currency  fluctuations  over  the  hedging 

period  where  the  Group  has  highly  probable  purchase  or  settlement  commitments 

denominated in foreign currencies; and

A joint venture is a type of joint arrangement whereby the parties that have joint control of the arrangement have rights 

to the net assets of the joint venture. Joint control is the contractually agreed sharing of control of an arrangement, which 

exists only when decisions about the relevant activities require the unanimous consent of the parties sharing control. An 

associate  is  an  entity  that  is  not  controlled  or  jointly  controlled  by  the  Group,  but  over  which  the  Group  has  significant 

influence.

The  Group  accounts  for  its  investments  in  joint  ventures  and  associates  using  the  equity  method  of  accounting  in  the 

consolidated  financial  statements.  Under  the  equity  method,  the  investment  in  a  joint  venture  or  associate  is  initially 

recognised at cost. Thereafter, the carrying amount of the investment is adjusted to recognise the Group’s share of profit 

after tax of the joint venture or associate, which is recognised in profit or loss. The Group’s share of OCI is recognised within 

the Statement of Other Comprehensive Income. Dividends received from a joint venture or associate reduce the carrying 

amount of the investment.

After  application  of  the  equity  method,  the  Group  determines  whether  it  is  necessary  to  recognise  an  impairment  loss 

for its investment in a joint venture or associate. At each reporting date, the Group determines whether there is objective 

evidence that the investment in the joint venture or associate is impaired. If there is such evidence, the Group calculates 

the amount of impairment as the difference between the recoverable amount of the joint venture or associate and its 

carrying value. Any impairment loss will be recognised within ‘share of net profit of equity accounted investments’ in the 

Statement of Profit or Loss.

  Key judgement: Control and significant influence 

The Group has a number of management agreements relating to its joint venture and associate investments which it 

considers when determining whether it has control, joint control or significant influence. The Group assesses whether 

it has the power to direct the relevant activities of the investee by considering the rights it holds to appoint or remove 

key management and the decision-making rights and scope of powers specified in the agreements.

The  Group’s  interests  in  Loyalty  Pacific  Pty  Ltd  and  Queensland  Venue  Co.  Pty  Ltd  are  accounted  for  using  the  equity 

• 

interest  rate  fluctuations  over  the  hedging  period  where  the  Group  has  variable  rate 

method in the Statement of Financial Position. 

debt obligations.

Recognition date

The date the hedging instrument is entered into

Measurement

Fair value

Changes in fair value

Changes  in  the  fair  value  of  derivatives  designated  as  cash  flow  hedges  are  recognised 

directly  in  OCI  and  accumulated  in  equity  in  the  hedging  reserve  to  the  extent  that  the 

hedge is highly effective. To the extent that the hedge is ineffective, changes in fair value 

are recognised immediately in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the Group’s investment in Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd is set out below:

Beginning of the period 

Additions

(Loss) / profit for the period

End of the period

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

11

11

(6)

16

$M

-

6

5

11

134

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
5.1 Equity accounted investments (continued)

Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd

During the year ended 30 June 2019, the Company entered into an incorporated joint venture with AVC for the operation 

of Spirit Hotels (the ‘Hotel business’) and the retail liquor stores linked to Spirit Hotels venues (collectively the ‘Retail Liquor 

business’).

5.3 Discontinued operations 

The  Group  presents  as  discontinued  operations  any  component  of  the  Group  that  has  either  been  disposed  of  or  is 

classified as held for sale, and:

• 

• 

represents a separate major line of business or geographical area of operations; and

is part of a single coordinated plan to dispose of a separate major line of business, or geographical area of operations; 

As part of the transaction, a group subsidiary company, Liquorland (Qld) Pty Ltd was converted into an incorporated joint 

or

venture company, QVC. To facilitate the transaction, QVC restructured its share capital by issuing two classes of shares: 

• 

is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale.

R-Shares which confer the right to the full economic benefit of the Retail Liquor business and H-Shares which confer the 

right to the full economic benefit of the Hotel business.

The Company sold the H-shares to AVC, while retaining the R-shares. The transaction was implemented through a number 

of agreements, including the Share Sale Agreement, Shareholders’ Deed, the Retail Liquor Business Operations Agreement 

(RLBOA) and the Supply Agreement. 

The net results of discontinued operations are presented separately in the Statement of Profit or Loss.

As presented in the Group’s FY19 financial report, the following entities were material wholly-owned subsidiaries during the 

prior financial year until 19 November 2018 when the Company transferred control of these entities to Wesfarmers as part 

of the corporate restructure prior to the Group’s demerger from Wesfarmers:

Under the Shareholders’ Deed the Company holds all R-shares in QVC and operates the Retail Liquor business through its 

•  Kmart Australia Limited and controlled entities (‘Kmart’)

wholly owned subsidiary, Liquorland (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (LLA), subject to the terms of the RLBOA. Through its ownership of 

• 

Target Australia Pty Ltd and controlled entities (‘Target’)

R-shares, the Company has significant influence over QVC for accounting purposes and its investment in QVC is classified 

as  an  investment  in  an  associate.  The  Company  initially  recognised  its  interest  in  QVC  at  fair  value,  and  subsequently 

•  Officeworks Ltd and controlled entities (‘Officeworks’)

measured using the equity method. 

The profit for Kmart, Target and Officeworks which was presented as discontinued operations in the prior year is set out 

For accounting purposes, and under the operation of the RLBOA and Supply Agreement, LLA is considered the principal 

in  relation  to  retail  liquor  sales  due  to  its  exposure  to  the  economic  risks  and  benefits  associated  with  the  Retail  Liquor 

business.  Accordingly,  LLA  recognises  revenue  from  retail  liquor  sales  by  QVC  directly  in  its  Statement  of  Profit  or  Loss. 

Revenue recognised by QVC relates solely to Spirit Hotels.

Furthermore, due to the application of service fees and cost recoveries between the Company and QVC, net profit relating 

to the Retail Liquor business as recognised by QVC is nominal.

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the Group’s investment in QVC is set out below:

below:

Revenue

Expenses

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense

Beginning of the period 

Additions

Profit for the period

End of the period

5.2 Assets held for sale 

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

201

-

-

201

$M

-

201

-

201

At  28  June  2020,  four  of  the  Group’s  properties  with  a  total  carrying  value  of  $47  million  and  $28  million  of  plant  and 

equipment have been classified as held for sale (2019: $94 million). 

The  Group  classifies  non-current  assets  and  disposal  groups  as  held  for  sale  if  their  carrying  amounts  will  be  recovered 

principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. They are measured at the lower of their carrying 

amount and fair value less costs to sell.

The  criteria  for  held  for  sale  classification  is  met  only  when  the  sale  is  highly  probable  and  the  asset  or  disposal  group 

is  available  for  immediate  sale  in  its  present  condition.  A  sale  is  considered  highly  probable  when  actions  required  to 

complete the sale indicate that it is unlikely significant changes to the sale will be made or that the decision to sell will be 

withdrawn, and where management is committed to a plan to sell the asset and the sale is expected to be completed 

within one year from the date of the classification.

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

$M

YEAR ENDED 
30 JUNE 20191  
$M

-

-

-

-

-

4,341

(3,832)

509

(152)

357

Profit for the period from discontinued operations

1 

Financial performance reflects period up to date of disposal, being 19 November 2018

Assets and liabilities of the Kmart, Target and Officeworks discontinued operations at the date of transfer to Wesfarmers 

are set out below:

19 NOVEMBER 2018 

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill and intangibles

Other assets

Total assets disposed

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Other liabilities

Total liabilities disposed

Net assets disposed

$M

 138 

 77 

 1,707 

 997 

 236 

 280 

 3,435 

 2,205 

 875 

 3,080 

 355

136

137

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
5.3 Discontinued operations (continued)

5.4 Subsidiaries

Cash flows for the Kmart, Target and Officeworks discontinued operations during the prior year are set out below:

The  ultimate  parent  of  the  Group  is  Coles  Group  Limited,  a  company  incorporated  in  Australia.  Subsidiaries  are  fully 

Net cash flows from operating activities

Net cash flows from investing activities

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations

1  Cash flows reflect period up to 19 November 2018

EPS from the Kmart, Target and Officeworks discontinued operations is set out below:

Basic and diluted EPS (cents)

1  EPS reflects period up to 19 November 2018

Gain / loss on disposal

Gain or loss on disposal is the difference between:

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

$M

-

 -

-

-

YEAR ENDED 
30 JUNE 20191 
$M

322

219

(532)

9

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020

YEAR ENDED 
30 JUNE 20191

-

27

a)   the carrying amount of the net assets plus any attributable goodwill and amounts accumulated in OCI (for example, 

foreign translation adjustments and available-for-sale reserves); and

b)  the proceeds of sale.

No gain or loss was recorded for the disposal of Kmart, Target and Officeworks.

consolidated  from  the  date  of  acquisition,  being  the  date  Coles  Group  Limited  obtains  control,  and  continue  to  be 

consolidated  until  the  date  control  ceases.  Control  exists  where  the  Group  has  the  power  to  govern  the  financial  and 

operating policies of the entity in order to obtain benefits from its activities.

Set out below are the subsidiaries of the Group. All entities were incorporated in Australia and wholly-owned unless stated 

otherwise.

Andearp Pty Ltd

Australian Liquor Group Ltd* 

Bi-Lo Pty. Limited*

Charlie Carter (Norwest) Pty Ltd 

Chef Fresh Pty Ltd 

CMPQ (CML) Pty Ltd

Coles Ansett Travel Pty Ltd (97.5%)

Coles Export Australia Pty Ltd  

(formerly Tooronga Holdings Pty Ltd)*

Coles Financial Services Pty Ltd 

Coles FS Holding Company Pty Ltd  

Coles Retail Services Pty Ltd 

Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd*

Coles WFS Pty Ltd (formerly Wesfarmers Finance Pty Ltd)

CSA Retail (Finance) Pty Ltd

e.colesgroup Pty Ltd 

Eureka Operations Pty Ltd*

GBPL Pty Ltd 

Grocery Holdings Pty Ltd*

Katies Fashions (Aust) Pty Limited 

Liquorland (Australia) Pty. Ltd*

(formerly Wesfarmers Finance Holding Company Pty Ltd)

Coles Group Deposit Services Pty Ltd 

Newmart Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Finance Limited*

Procurement Online Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Properties Holdings Ltd*

Retail Ready Operations Australia Pty. Ltd*

Coles Group Property Developments Ltd*

Richmond Plaza Shopping Centre Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd 

Tickoth Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Supply Chain Pty Ltd*

Coles Group Treasury Pty Ltd  

(formerly Coles Group Payments Pty Ltd)*

Coles Online Pty Ltd*

Coles Property Management Pty Ltd 

WFPL Funding Co Pty Ltd

WFPL No 2 Pty Ltd 

WFPL Security SPV Pty Ltd 

WFPL SPV Pty Ltd 

Entities formed/incorporated or acquired during the financial year

Coles Export Asia Limited (incorporated in Hong Kong)

Coles Trading (Shanghai) Co. Limited (incorporated in China)

Entities deregistered during the financial year

Tyremaster Pty Ltd

Waratah Cove Pty Ltd

Now.com.au Pty Ltd

Coles Group Finance (USA) Pty Ltd

* 

These entities are parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee and members of the Closed Group as at 28 June 2020

Deed of cross guarantee 

Pursuant  to  ASIC  Corporations  (Wholly-owned  Companies)  Instrument  2016/785  (‘ASIC  Instrument’)  the  wholly-owned 
subsidiaries  listed  above  (*)  are  relieved  from  the  Corporations  Act  2001(Cth)  requirements  for  preparation,  audit  and 
lodgement of financial reports, and Directors’ Reports.

As a condition of the ASIC Instrument, the Company and the subsidiaries listed above have entered into a Deed of Cross 

Guarantee  (the  Deed).  The  effect  of  the  Deed  is  that  the  Company  guarantees  to  pay  any  deficiency  in  the  event  of 

winding up any controlled entity, or if they do not meet their obligations under the terms of any overdrafts, loans, leases or 

other liabilities subject to the guarantee. The controlled entities have also given a similar guarantee in the event that the 

Company is wound up or if it does not meet its obligations under the terms of any overdrafts, loans, leases or other liabilities 

subject to the guarantee.

A  Statement  of  Comprehensive  Income  and  retained  earnings  and  a  Statement  of  Financial  Position,  comprising  the 

Company and controlled entities which are a party to the Deed, after eliminating all transactions between the parties to 

the Deed, for the year ended 28 June 2020 are set out below:

138

139

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
5.4 Subsidiaries (continued)

Deed of cross guarantee (continued)

Statement of Comprehensive Income and retained earnings

Continuing Operations

Sales revenue

Other operating revenue

Total operating revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Administration expenses

Other expenses

Share of net (loss) / profit of equity accounted investments

Earnings before interest and tax

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the year
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss:

Net movement in the fair value of cash flow hedges

Income tax effect

Other comprehensive income which may be reclassified to profit or loss  

in subsequent periods

Total comprehensive income for the year

Retained earnings

Retained earnings at the beginning of the year

Effect of adoption of AASB 16 Leases

Profit for the year

Dividends paid

Retained earnings at the end of the year

CLOSED GROUP

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

37,408

376

37,784

(28,048)

9,736

114

(8,076)

-

(6)

1,768

(443)

1,325

(337)

988

(17)

5

(12)

976

1,756

(831)

988

(873)

1,040

37,262

186

37,448

(28,591)

8,857

417

(8,199)

(146)

5

934

(42)

892

(291)

601

(2)

1

(1)

600

1,497

-

601

(342)

1,756

Statement of financial position

Assets

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Income tax receivable 

Assets held for sale

Other assets

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Intangible assets

Deferred tax assets

Investment in subsidiaries

Investment in joint venture

Other assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Other

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Interest-bearing liabilities

Provisions

Lease liabilities

Other 

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Contributed equity

Reserves 

Retained earnings

Total equity

CLOSED GROUP

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

992

434

2,161

43

75

69

 940 

 359 

 1,964 

-

 91 

 47 

3,774

 3,401 

4,091

7,655

1,594

847

238

217

120

14,762

18,536

3,858

858

884

198

5,798

1,354

472

8,193

25

10,044

15,842

2,694

1,611

43

1,040

2,694

 4,103 

-

 1,541 

365 

 238 

 212 

 134 

 6,593 

 9,994 

 3,528 

 743 

-

 168 

 4,439 

 1,460 

 599 

-

 70 

 2,129 

 6,568 

 3,426 

 1,628 

 42 

 1,756 

 3,426

140

141

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
5.5 Parent entity information

Summary financial information for the Company is set out below:

6. Unrecognised items

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Assets

Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity

Contributed equity

Share-based payments reserve

Retained earnings

Total equity

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

3,267

-

3,267

$M

1,266

-

1,266

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

3,840

5,090

8,930

1,059

2,669

3,728

1,611

36

3,555

5,202

 1,903 

 5,071 

 6,974 

741

3,405

4,146

1,628

39

1,161

2,828

This section provides information about items that are not recognised in the consolidated financial 

statements but could potentially have a significant impact on the Group’s financial performance or  

position in the future. 

6.1 Commitments

A commitment represents a contractual obligation to make a payment in the future. The Group’s commitments relate to capital 

expenditure and operating leases. Commitments are not recognised in the Statement of Financial Position, but are disclosed. 

Capital expenditure commitments of the Group at the reporting date are set out below:

Within one year

Between one and five years

Total capital commitments for expenditure for continuing operations

CONSOLIDATED

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

264

378

642

$M

140

514

654

The commitment amounts disclosed above represent the maximum amounts that the Group is obliged to pay.

At 28 June 2020, the Group also has commitments relating to lease agreements that have not yet commenced. The future 

lease  payments  (undiscounted)  for  non-cancellable  periods  are  $22  million  within  one  year,  $584  million  between  one 

and five years and $2,432 million thereafter. The commitments relate to lease agreements associated with new stores, the 

Supply Chain Modernisation program and online fulfilment centres.

6.2 Contingent liabilities

As at 28 June 2020, the Company has no guarantees in relation to the debts of its subsidiaries (2019: $nil).

Contingent  liabilities  are  potential  future  cash  outflows  where  the  likelihood  of  payment  is  more  than  remote  but  is  not 

considered  probable  or  cannot  be  reliably  measured.  Contingent  liabilities  are  not  recognised  in  the  Statement  of 

As  at  28  June  2020,  the  Company  has  no  contingent  liabilities  (2019:  $nil).  As  at  28  June  2020,  the  Company  has  bank 

Financial Position but are disclosed.

guarantees totalling $324 million (2019: $310 million).

As  at  28  June  2020,  the  Company  has  contractual  commitments  for  the  acquisition  of  property,  plant  and  equipment 

totalling $512 million (2019: $590 million).

As at 28 June 2020, the Group has bank guarantees totalling $358 million (2019: $342 million).

While the entities in the Group have entered into these guarantees, the probability of having to make payments under 

these guarantees is considered remote. The nature of the guarantees provided is set out below:

•  guarantees in the normal course of business relating to conditions set out in property development applications and 

for the sale of properties

•  guarantees relating to workers compensation self-insurance liabilities as required by State WorkCover authorities. These 

guarantees provide the authorities with security in the event that the Group is unable to meet its workers compensation 

insurance obligations. The guarantees required are determined by reference to the value of the self-insurance provisions 

for workers compensation which form part of the self-insurance provisions recognised by the Group and disclosed in 

Note 2.9 Provisions.

In May 2020, Coles was notified that a class action proceeding had been filed in the Federal Court of Australia in relation 

to payment of Coles managers employed in supermarkets. Coles is defending the proceeding. The court proceeding is 

at an early stage, and therefore the potential outcome and total costs associated with this matter are uncertain as at the 

date of this report.

From  time  to  time,  entities  within  the  Group  are  party  to  various  legal  actions  as  well  as  inquiries  from  regulators  and 

government bodies that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. Consideration has been given to such matters and 

it is expected that the resolution of these contingencies will not have a material impact on the financial position of the 

Group, or are not at a stage to support a reasonable evaluation of the likely outcome.

  Key estimate: Contingent liabilities 

Contingent  liabilities  are  possible  obligations  whose  existence  will  be  confirmed  only  on  the  occurrence  or  non-

occurrence  of  uncertain  future  events  outside  the  Group’s  control,  or  present  obligations  that  are  not  recognised 

because it is not probable that a settlement will be required or the value of such a payment cannot be reliably estimated.

142

143

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
7. Other disclosures

The transitional services provided by the Group to the Wesfarmers Group included:

• 

information technology services

This section provides other disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards that are considered 

•  payroll services and business process outsourcing

relevant to understanding the Group’s financial performance or position.

• 

finance services and systems support

7.1 Related party disclosures 

Joint ventures and associates

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Sale of goods to members of flybuys

Purchase of points from Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Amounts owing to Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd

Sales to QVC

Amounts paid to QVC

Amounts receivable from QVC

Other related parties

Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities1
Rental income received

Rental expenses paid

Sales to Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities

Purchases from Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities

Amounts owing to Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$M

$M

134

228

201

3

56

32

2

13

2

37

n/a1

146

269

169

1

9

40

3

15

2

57

6

1 

 Includes transactions up until 31 March 2020 being the date that Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities ceased to be a related party of the Group.

Parent entity 

The ultimate parent entity of the Group is Coles Group Limited, which is domiciled and incorporated in Australia. Prior to 

the demerger from Wesfarmers and subsequent listing as a standalone entity on the ASX, the ultimate parent entity of the 

Group was Wesfarmers Limited. 

Transactions with subsidiaries

•  other  services  including  the  management  and  facilitation  of  telecommunications  and  other  third-party  recharge 

products

In addition, the Company is party to arrangements with third parties which were negotiated on behalf of all subsidiaries 

of Wesfarmers prior to demerger. These arrangements include amongst others, property leases where the Group is a head 

lessee and a sub-lessor to its related parties and vice versa. Where these arrangements were in place up until 31 March 

2020, the Group or its related party settled the liabilities on each other’s behalf and subsequently recovered the third-party 

costs by on-charging without a margin.

The Group views the on-charging of third-party costs without a margin as transactions with a third party. Therefore, these 

transactions have not been disclosed as related party transactions. 

Transactions with key management personnel

The transactions with Key Management Personnel (KMP) for the year ended 28 June 2020 include compensation of the 

Company’s Executive Director. Non-executive Director compensation is detailed in the Remuneration Report.

Compensation of KMP of the Group:

Short-term employee benefits

Post-employment benefits

Other long-term benefits

Share-based payments

Total compensation paid to key management personnel

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020  

30 JUNE 2019  

$

$

9,617,535

9,446,947

84,012

45,365

59,143

33,043

5,096,297

1,492,103

14,843,209

11,031,236

The  increase  in  the  total  compensation  value  for  FY20  compared  to  FY19  largely  reflects  changes  in  KMP  composition 

and the pro-rating of remuneration in FY19. Pro-rating for FY19 was aligned to the dates from which each individual was 

considered KMP, as well as the timing of the Company ceasing to be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wesfarmers.

Other transactions with KMP

Intercompany transactions, assets and liabilities between entities within the Group have been eliminated in the consolidated 

During  the  year  ended  28  June  2020,  Mr  Freudenstein,  a  Non-executive  Director,  sold  livestock  to  Coles  via  a  livestock 

agent for an aggregate amount of $65,832. The transaction occurred on an arm’s length basis with normal commercial 

financial  statements.  Transactions  with  entities  transferred  from  the  Group  to  Wesfarmers  have  been  treated  as  related 

terms. 

party transactions following the transfer of these entities to Wesfarmers. The nature of these transactions is set out below.

Transactions with joint venture and associate

Various transactions occurred between the Group and Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd (operator of flybuys) during the year ended 

28 June 2020, including:

• 

sale of goods to members of flybuys

•  purchase of points from Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

• 

reimbursement of costs incurred

Terms and conditions of transactions with related parties

Sales to and purchases from related parties are made on terms equivalent to those that prevail in arm’s length transactions. 

Outstanding balances at the reporting date are unsecured and interest free and settlement occurs in cash. There have 

been no guarantees provided or received for any related party receivables or payables.

For the year ended 28 June 2020, the Group has not recognised a provision for expected credit losses relating to amounts 

owed by related parties (2019: $nil). 

7.2 Share-based payments

Various transactions occurred between the Group and QVC during the year ended 28 June 2020, including:

The  Group  continues  to  operate  the  Coles  Group  Limited  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (‘the  Plan’)  to  assist  in  the  motivation, 

• 

• 

service fees paid

sales of inventory to QVC

Transactions with Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled entities (‘Wesfarmers Group’)

As  part  of  the  demerger,  certain  members  of  the  Wesfarmers  Group  and  the  Group  entered  into  Transitional  Services 

Agreements (TSA) for the provision of services for up to 24 months. All services provided under a TSA are charged at cost. 

Amounts disclosed relate to transactions up until 31 March 2020 being the date that Wesfarmers Limited and its controlled 
entities ceased to be a related party of the Group.

retention  and  reward  of  employees.  The  Plan  provides  flexibility  for  the  Group  to  offer  rights,  options  and/or  restricted 

shares as incentives, subject to the terms of individual offers and the satisfaction of performance and/or service conditions 

determined by the Board. It also provides the Group with the ability to invite employees to acquire Coles Group Limited 

Shares through a salary sacrifice arrangement.

144

145

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
7.2 Share-based payments (continued)

Additional information on award schemes

Details of grants made under the Plan during the year are set out in the Remuneration Report.

  Key estimate: Share-based payments 

The fair value of share-based payment transactions has been determined by an independent valuation expert.

Estimating the fair value of share-based payment transactions requires the determination of the most appropriate 

valuation  model,  which  depends  on  the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  grant.  Assumptions  regarding  the  most 

appropriate inputs to the valuation model must be made. This includes, but is not limited to, share price volatility, 

discount rate and dividend yield.

In measuring the fair value of awards issued under the Long-Term Incentive (LTI) plan subject to the relative total 

shareholder  return  (TSR)  vesting  condition,  an  adjusted  form  of  the  Black-Scholes  Model  that  includes  a  Monte 

Carlo Simulation Model has been utilised. The Monte Carlo Simulation Model has been modified to incorporate an 

estimate of the probability of achieving the TSR hurdle. In valuing the awards subject to non-market based vesting 

conditions, the Black-Scholes Model has been utilised.

7.3 Auditor’s remuneration

Amounts received, or due and receivable, by Ernst & Young (Australia) for:

Audit services:

Audit or review of the Financial Report of the Company and or other entity in the Group

Assurance related

Non-audit services: 

Tax compliance services

Total auditor’s remuneration

CONSOLIDATED

YEAR ENDED 

YEAR ENDED 

28 JUNE 2020 

30 JUNE 2019 

$000

$000

2,631

695

135

3,461

3,6501

3851, 2

140

4,175

1 

 Includes audit services associated with the Group’s demerger from Wesfarmers. These fees have been reclassified from assurance related services to audit 

related services in accordance with the ASIC guidance released following the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services’ 

Inquiry into the Regulation of Auditing in Australia.

2 

 Certain FY19 services were in progress at the time of disclosure. These amounts have now been updated following completion of these services in FY20.

The auditor of the Group is Ernst & Young (EY). Fees charged by EY for ‘Assurance related services’ are for services that are 

reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of financial reports, for other assurance engagements (such 

as assurance over the Group’s Sustainability Report) and for other assurance related engagements which are appropriate 

for our external auditor to perform.

The  total  fees  for  non-audit  services  of  $135,000  represent  3.9%  (2019:  3.4%)  of  the  total  fees  paid  or  payable  to  EY  and 

related practices for the year ended 28 June 2020. 

7.4 Acquisitions

In May 2020, Coles Group Limited acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Jewel Fine Foods (Jewel). The 

assets acquired included leasehold improvements and plant and equipment. As part of the transaction, property leases 

were assigned to the Company and right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities have been recognised in the 

Statement of Financial Position. Under the provisional accounting performed by the Group, the purchase consideration 

paid materially equalled the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. 

7.5 New accounting standards and interpretations

The Group applied AASB 16 Leases (‘AASB 16’) for the first time in this reporting period. The nature and effect of the changes 
as a result of the adoption of AASB 16 are described below.

Several other amendments and interpretations apply for the first time in this financial year but do not have a material impact 

on the consolidated financial statements of the Group. The Group has not early adopted any standards, interpretations or 

amendments that have been issued but are not yet effective.

AASB 16 Leases

The Group adopted AASB 16 from 1 July 2019 using the modified retrospective approach, under which the reclassifications 

and adjustments arising from the new standard have been recognised in the opening Statement of Financial Position at 1 

July 2019. The comparative information for the 30 June 2019 reporting period has not been restated as permitted under the 

transitional provisions in the standard. 

On  adoption  of  AASB  16,  the  Group  recognised  lease  liabilities  in  relation  to  leases  previously  classified  as  operating 
leases under the principles of AASB 117 Leases. These liabilities were measured at the present value of the remaining lease 
payments,  discounted  using  the  lessee’s  incremental  borrowing  rate  at  1  July  2019.  The  weighted  average  incremental 

borrowing rate applied to the lease liabilities at 1 July 2019 was 4.68%.

A reconciliation of operating lease commitments disclosed at 30 June 2019 to lease liabilities recognised under AASB 16 at 

transition date is provided below: 

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 30 June 2019

Less: application of discounting

Add: adjustment previously made to remove base rent escalations that were considered contingent  

at lease inception

Discounted lease commitments using the lessee’s incremental borrowing rate at the date of transition  

to AASB 16

Less: short-term leases not accounted for under AASB 16 in accordance with the practical expedient

Add: extension options reasonably certain to be exercised 

Less: separation of non-lease components

Total lease liabilities recognised under AASB 16 at 1 July 2019

1 JULY 2019  

$M

10,577

(2,320)

399

8,656

(5) 

723

(518)

8,856

The associated right-of-use assets for property leases have been measured either on a retrospective basis as if AASB 16 

had always applied, or equal to the lease liability. Non-property right-of-use assets have been measured at the amount 

equal to the lease liability. Right-of-use assets recognised at transition have been adjusted by the amount of any prepaid 

or accrued lease payments relating to leases recognised in the Statement of Financial Position at 30 June 2019.

The recognised right-of-use assets relate to the following:

Property Leases

Non-property Leases

Total right-of-use assets

1 JULY 2019  

$M

7,339

142

7,481

The application of AASB 16 impacted the following items in the Statement of Financial Position on 1 July 2019: 

• 

• 

• 

recognition of right-of-use assets: $7,481 million

recognition of lease liabilities: $8,856 million

increase in deferred tax assets: $356 million

•  elimination of lease related provisions and accruals recognised under previous lease accounting: $188 million

The net impact to retained earnings on 1 July 2019 was a decrease of $831 million. 

The impact of the adoption of AASB 16 on the Group’s Statement of Profit or Loss is set out below:

EBIT

Financing costs

Profit before tax

Income tax expense

Profit after income tax

PRE-AASB 16 

AASB 16 

STATUTORY  

28 JUNE 2020 

IMPACT  

28 JUNE 2020 

$M

1,387

(44)

1,343

(348)

995

$M

375

(399)

(24)

7

(17)

$M

1,762

(443)

1,319

(341)

978

146

147

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
7.5 New accounting standards and interpretations (continued)

Practical expedients applied

In applying AASB 16 for the first time, the Group has applied the following practical expedients permitted by the standard:

Directors’ Declaration

the use of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics

reliance on previous onerous lease assessments

the accounting for operating leases with a remaining lease term of less than 12 months as at 1 July 2019 as short-term 

1.  The directors of Coles Group Limited (the Company) declare that, in the directors’ opinion:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

leases

the exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right-of-use asset at the date of initial application

the use of hindsight in determining the lease term where the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease.

The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains a lease at the date of initial application. 

Instead,  for  contracts  entered  into  before  the  transition  date,  the  Group  has  relied  on  its  previous  assessment  under  
AASB 117 and Interpretation 4 Determining whether an arrangement contains a lease.

New and revised Australian Accounting Standards and Interpretations on issue but not yet effective 

There are no standards that are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group in the 

current or future reporting periods. 

7.6 Events after the reporting period 

On  18  August  2020,  the  Directors  determined  a  final  dividend  of  27.5  cents  per  fully  paid  ordinary  share  to  be  paid  on  

29 September 2020, fully franked at the corporate tax rate of 30%. The aggregate amount of the final dividend to be paid 

out of profits, but not recognised as a liability at 28 June 2020, is expected to be $367 million.

Subsequent to the reporting date, the Group has monitored business performance and relevant external factors including 

the  ongoing  government  response  to  the  COVID-19  pandemic.  No  adjustments  to  the  key  judgements,  estimates  or 

assumptions impacting the consolidated financial statements at the reporting date have been identified.

(a)  the financial statements and the Notes are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), including:

(i)  complying with the accounting standards and Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(ii)   giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of  the  financial  position  and  performance  of  the  Company  and  its  consolidated 

entities;

(b)   there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become 

due and payable.

2. 

 A statement of compliance with the International Financial Reporting Standards is included in the Basis of Preparation 

and Accounting Policies in the Notes to the consolidated financial statements.

3. 

 The directors have been given the declaration required by section 295A of the Corporations Act 2001 from the Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 28 June 2020.

4. 

 As  at  the  date  of  this  declaration,  there  are  reasonable  grounds  to  believe  that  the  members  of  the  closed  group 

identified in Note 5.4 Subsidiaries to the financial statements will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which 

they are, or may become, subject by virtue of the Deed of Cross Guarantee described in Note 5.4 Subsidiaries.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

James Graham AM 
Chairman  

18 August 2020  

Steven Cain 
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

18 August 2020

148

149

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
Ernst & Young 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 
  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Opinion 

Opinion 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
Basis for Opinion 

Basis for Opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
with the Code.  
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with the Code.  
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 
Key Audit Matters 

Key Audit Matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
accompanying Financial Report. 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
1.  Commercial income 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Why significant 
Opinion 
Commercial income (also referred to in the 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
retail industry as “Supplier rebates”) comprises 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
discounts and rebates received by the Group 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
from its suppliers. 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
The value and timing of commercial income 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
recognised through the Consolidated Statement 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
of Profit or Loss requires judgement and the 
consideration of a number of factors including:  
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
The terms of each individual rebate 
► 
agreement 

►  We assessed the design and effectiveness 
of relevant controls in place relating to the 
recognition and measurement of amounts 
related to these arrangements; 

►  We gained an understanding of the nature 
of each material type of commercial 
income and assessed the significant 
agreements in place; 

Our audit procedures in respect of commercial 
income included the following: 

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
► 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

The nature and substance of the 
arrangement to determine whether the 
amount reflects a reduction in the purchase 
price of inventory, requiring the rebate to 
be applied against the carrying value of 
inventory or can be otherwise recognised in 
the Consolidated Statement of Profit or 
Loss 

Basis for Opinion 

►  We performed comparisons of the various 
arrangements against the prior year, 
including analysis of ageing profiles and 
where material variances were identified, 
obtained supporting evidence; 

►  We selected a sample of supplier 

The application of Australian Accounting 
Standards and the Group’s related 
processes and controls to these 
arrangements. 

agreements and assessed whether 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
appropriate agreements or other 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
documentation supported the recognition 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
► 
and measurement of the rebates in the 28 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
June 2020 Financial Report, including an 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
assessment of amounts recorded before 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
and after the balance date; and 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
Disclosures relating to the measurement and 
with the Code.  
►  We inquired of the Group including business 
recognition of commercial income can be found 
in Note 2.4 Inventories. 
category managers, supply chain managers 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
and procurement management as to the 
for our opinion. 
existence of any non-standard agreements 
or side arrangements. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
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150

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
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Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
2.  Impairment of non-current assets including intangible assets 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Why significant 
Opinion 
The determination of the recoverable amounts 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
of non-current assets including property, plant 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
and equipment, right of use assets, goodwill and 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
other intangible assets required significant 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
judgement by the Group. 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
Impairment assessments are complex and 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
involve significant management judgement. The 
assessment completed by the Group includes 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
numerous assumptions and estimates that will 
Act 2001, including: 
be impacted by future performance and market 
conditions. This includes the potential future 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on income 
and expenses. 

Our audit procedures included an evaluation of 
the following assumptions utilised in the Group’s 
assessment: 

Forecast cash flows, which were based on 
the Group’s Board approved internal five-
year forecasts; 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

►  Comparative industry valuation multiples; 

►  Determination of cash generating units; 

Long term inflation and growth rates; 

►  Discount rates; 

and 

► 

► 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
Key assumptions, judgements and estimates 
applied in the Group’s impairment assessment 
Basis for Opinion 
are set out in Note 4.1. 

►  Other market evidence. 

In performing our procedures, we considered 
whether the Group’s forecasts considered the 
potential future impacts of the COVID-19 
pandemic on income and expenses.   

Based upon the disclosed sensitivity analysis, 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
changes to the key assumptions applied in the 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
impairment test are not expected to give rise to 
We assessed whether the Group’s impairment 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
an impairment of the carrying value of the 
models were in accordance with Australian 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Group’s cash generating units. 
Accounting Standards, as well as the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
mathematical accuracy of the calculations.  
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with the Code.  

We also considered the adequacy of the 
Financial Report disclosures regarding the 
impairment testing approach, key assumptions 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
and sensitivity analysis. 
for our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
3.  IT environment 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Why significant 
Opinion 
We performed procedures to understand the IT 
A significant part of the Group’s financial 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
processes are heavily reliant on IT systems with 
environment, including procedures to identify 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
automated processes and controls over the 
the Group’s manual and automated controls 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
capturing, valuing and recording of 
relevant to Financial Reporting. 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
transactions.  
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
This was a key audit matter because of the: 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

► 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 

complex IT environment supporting diverse 
business processes, with varying levels of 
integration between them; 

We tested the Group’s controls which included 
assessing the key IT controls over changes made 
to the material Financial Reporting systems and 
controls over appropriate access to these 
systems. 

►  mix of manual and automated controls; 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
►  multiple internal and outsourced support 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

arrangements; and 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
► 

continuing enhancements to the Group’s IT 
systems which are significant to our audit. 

Basis for Opinion 

4.  AASB 16 Leases 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Why significant 
How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
The Group adopted AASB 16 Leases (“AASB 
We assessed the Group’s process for 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
16”) from 1 July 2019. The adoption of this 
determining the impact of the new standard.  
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
accounting standard is inherently complex due 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
to the need to apply its requirements to: 
with the Code.  

► 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 
the volume of operating leases held by the 
► 
Group; and 
Key Audit Matters 

We assessed the analysis of the financial impact 
of the new standard and the accounting policies, 
estimates and judgements made in respect of 
the Group’s right of use assets and lease 
liabilities, as well as related depreciation and 
interest expense recognised through the 
Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss.  

existing commitments, including embedded 
lease agreements; 

We selected a sample of lease agreements to 
determine the appropriateness of the 
judgements applied including: 

the judgements applied by management 
► 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
when determining how to apply key 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
requirements of this standard such as the 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
impact of lease extension options and the 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
calculation of incremental borrowing rates. 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
Key assumptions, judgements and estimates 
applied to the Group’s leases are set out in 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
the identification of non-lease components; 
Notes 2.7 and 7.5. 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
the treatment of adjustments to lease 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
payments (both fixed and variable rate 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
adjustments); 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

the treatment of sub-lease arrangements; 

the treatment of lease extension options; 

the impact of contract variations; 

► 

► 

► 

► 

► 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
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► 

the incremental borrowing rate determined 
by the Group;  

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 

Why significant 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Opinion 

► 

the application of practical expedients 
available under AASB 16; and 

We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 

We evaluated the effectiveness of the Group’s 
processes and controls to capture and measure 
the right of use asset and associated liability 
including the completeness of the balances. 

►  whether there were any material contracts 

containing a lease. 

In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 

We involved our capital and debt advisory 
specialists to assess the Group’s incremental 
borrowing rates.    

(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

We assessed the calculation of the adjustment 
to opening retained earnings calculated by the 
Group. 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
We assessed the adequacy of disclosures 
included in the Financial Report. 

Basis for Opinion 

5.  Inventory existence 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Why significant 
How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
At 28 June 2020, the Group held inventories of 
Our audit procedures included the following: 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
$2,166 million. Being one of the most 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Selected a sample of stores so as to 
significant balances on the Consolidated 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
observe and assess the Group’s stocktake 
Statement of Financial Position, the Group’s 
with the Code.  
processes throughout the year. This 
inventory verification process is extensive and 
included observing a number of stocktakes 
occurs routinely throughout the financial year.  
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
virtually through video conferencing 
for our opinion. 
This inventory is held at geographically diverse 
technology due to the Government’s 
locations around Australia at various stores and 
recommendations to work from home as a 
Key Audit Matters 
distribution centres. 
result of the COVID-19 pandemic;  

► 

► 

For the stocktakes we observed, we 
The Group’s key estimates in respect of 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
inventories is disclosed in Note 2.4 of the 
assessed whether the required adjustment 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
to inventory determined by the stocktake 
Financial Report.  
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
was accurate and processed correctly; 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

►  Observed and assessed the daily stocktake 
process at a sample of distribution centres 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
near period end;  
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
►  Assessed whether daily counts occurred at 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
distribution centres during the year; and 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
For a select number of distribution centres 
accompanying Financial Report. 
managed by third parties, we obtained 
stock confirmation letters.  

► 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
Opinion 
information included in the Company’s 2020 Annual Report, but does not include the Financial Report 
and our auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Operating and Financial Review, Board of Directors 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
section and Directors’ Report that are to be included in the Annual Report, prior to the date of this 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the Annual report after the date of 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
this auditor’s report.  
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report 
and our related assurance opinion. 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the Financial 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
Report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this 
(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 
Basis for Opinion 
Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Report that gives a 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Financial Report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
to fraud or error. 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with the Code.  
In preparing the Financial Report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
for our opinion. 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Key Audit Matters 
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
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 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this Financial Report. 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

154

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 

Opinion 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
• 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Report, whether due to 
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
override of internal control. 

We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
• 
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
• 
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
estimates and related disclosures made by the Directors. 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
• 
Conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going 
concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the Financial Report or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up 
to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group 
to cease to continue as a going concern.  

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
• 
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the Financial Report, including the 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
disclosures, and whether the Financial Report represents the underlying transactions and 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
• 
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the Financial Report. We are 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely 
with the Code.  
responsible for our audit opinion. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
We communicate with the Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
for our opinion. 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
identify during our audit. 
Key Audit Matters 

We also provide the Directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied. 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
From the matters communicated to the Directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
significance in the audit of the Financial Report of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Opinion on the Remuneration Report 
Opinion 
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the Directors’ report for the year ended 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
28 June 2020. 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at 
28 June 2020, the Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss, Consolidated Statement of Other 
In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Coles Group Limited for the year ended 28 June 2020, 
Comprehensive Income, Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Statement of 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 
Cash Flows for the year then ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a 
summary of significant accounting policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
Responsibilities 

In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Act 2001, including: 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in 
(a)  giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 28 June 2020 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

(b)  complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 
Ernst & Young 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
Fiona Campbell 
with the Code.  
Partner 
Melbourne 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
18 August 2020 
for our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of 
material misstatement of the Financial Report. The results of our audit procedures, including the 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

156

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholder  
Information

Shareholder Information

Listing information

Coles Group Limited is listed, and our issued shares are quoted on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) under the 

code: COL.

Substantial shareholdings in Coles Group Limited as at 26 August 2020

The number of shares to which each substantial holder and the substantial holders’ associates have a relevant interest, as 

disclosed in substantial holding notices given to Coles, are as follows:

Holder

Vanguard Group

Blackrock Group

Twenty largest ordinary fully paid shareholders as at 26 August 2020

Coles Group Limited

1.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

2.  J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

3.  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

4.  Wesfarmers Retail Holdings Pty Ltd

5.  National Nominees Limited

6.  BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd < Agency Lending DRP A/C>

7.  BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd 

8.  Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

9.  Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

10.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited- GSCO ECA

11.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

12.  ARGO Investments Limited

13.  Netwealth Investments Limited 

14.  Milton Corporation Limited

15.  HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

16.  Australian Executor Trustees Limited 

17.  CPU Share Plans Pty Ltd 

18.  AMP Life Limited

19.  BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd 

20. Mr Peter Alexander Brown

Distribution of shareholders and shareholdings as at 26 August 2020

Number of fully paid shares

66,784,433

83,226,846

Number of fully  

% of issued 

paid shares

350,905,773

208,029,606

102,343,788

65,362,556

47,703,846

28,552,492

17,285,476

11,951,758

6,722,500

6,551,616

6,375,955

5,040,027

3,786,781

2,877,375

2,312,794

2,271,455

2,138,253

1,939,779

1,589,206

1,552,825

capital

26.31

15.60

7.67

4.90

3.58

2.14

1.30

0.90

0.50

0.49

0.48

0.38

0.28

0.22

0.17

0.17

0.16

0.15

0.12

0.12

Size of holding

1 – 1,000

1,001 – 5,000

5,001 – 10,000

10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

Number of shareholders       

Number of shares

% of issued capital

361,252

74,930

8,876

4,450

144

449,652

109,453,158

157,254,119

61,678,364

88,954,194

916,589,861

1,333,929,696

8.21

11.79

4.62

6.67

68.71

100

There were 27,346 shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel ($500).

158

159

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Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual Report 
Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual Report

Voting rights

Votes of shareholders are governed by the Company’s Constitution. In broad summary, but without prejudice to the 

provisions of these rules, the Constitution provides for votes to be cast:

(a)  on a show of hands, one vote for each shareholder; and

(b)  on a poll, one vote for each fully paid share.

Unquoted equity securities

As at 26 August 2020, 1,051,774 performance rights with 10 holders were on issue pursuant to Coles’ equity incentive plan.

On market share acquisitions

During FY20, 1,648,620 Coles ordinary shares were purchased on market at an average price of $15.64 per share for the 

purposes of various Coles employee incentive schemes. 

There is no current on-market buy-back of the Company’s shares.

Corporate Governance Statement

A copy of the Corporate Governance Statement can be found on our website at  

www.colesgroup.com.au/corporategovernance.

Corporate Directory

Registered office

800-838 Toorak Road  

Hawthorn East  

VIC 3123 Australia

Telephone 

+61 3 9829 5111

Website  

www.colesgroup.com.au

Chairman

Mr James Graham AM

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Mr Steven Cain

Non-executive Directors

Mr James Graham AM  

Mr David Cheesewright  

Ms Jacqueline Chow  

Ms Abi Cleland 

Mr Richard Freudenstein  

Ms Wendy Stops 

Mr Zlatko Todorcevski

Company Secretary

Ms Daniella Pereira

Auditor

Ernst & Young 

8 Exhibition Street 

Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Coles Share Registry

Computershare Investor Service Pty Limited  

Yarra Falls 

452 Johnston Street 

Abbotsford  

VIC 3067 Australia

Postal address  

GPO Box 2975 

Melbourne VIC 3001 Australia

Telephone 

1300 171 785 (within Australia) 

+61 3 9415 4078 (outside Australia)

Online  

www.investorcentre.com/contact

Website  

www.computershare.com

Shareholder Calendar*

Event

Date

Record date for final dividend

28 August 2020

Final dividend payment date

29 September 2020

Coles Group Limited  

Annual General Meeting

5 November 2020

Half-year end

Year-end

3 January 2021

27 June 2021

* 

 Timing of events is subject to change.  

Annual General Meeting

The  2020  Annual  General  Meeting  of  Coles  Group  Limited 

will  be  held  as  a  virtual  meeting  via  an  online  platform  on 

Thursday 5 November 2020, commencing at 10.30am (AEDT). 

Information  on  how  shareholders  and  proxyholders  can 

view  and  participate  in  the  meeting  can  be  found  on  the 

Company’s website and in the Notice of Meeting.

Coles’ Notice of Annual General Meeting has been released 

on the ASX Market Announcements Platform.

160160

161

Coles Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2020 Annual ReportColes Group Limited
ABN 11 004 089 936

800-838 Toorak Road

Hawthorn East VIC 3123