Quarterlytics / Industrials / Aerospace & Defense / Inmobiliaria Colonial SOCIMI

Inmobiliaria Colonial SOCIMI

col · ASX Industrials
Claim this profile
Ticker col
Exchange ASX
Sector Industrials
Industry Aerospace & Defense
Employees 10,000+
← All annual reports
FY2022 Annual Report · Inmobiliaria Colonial SOCIMI
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
2022 Annual Report
Our vision is to become the most trusted retailer in 
Australia and grow long-term shareholder value

Coles Group Limited 
ABN 11 004 089 936
A

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportAcknowledgment of Country

Coles Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians 
of the lands on which we live and operate. We pay our respects to 
Elders  past,  present  and  emerging  and  acknowledge  their 
continuing connection to waters, skies, seas and country.

Coles Group endorses the Uluru Statement from the Heart and its 
objectives  to  enshrine  a  First  Nations  Voice  in  the  Australian 
Constitution.  Supporting  the  Uluru  Statement  from  the  Heart 
reflects  our  commitment  to  our  Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait 
Islander Plan and Better Together Strategy. 

Coles Group has long supported elevating the voices of Aboriginal 
and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we believe this structural 
reform and constitutional change is a significant step forward in 
creating lasting reconciliation in Australia.

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

All  references  to  Indigenous  and  First  Nations  peoples  in  this 
report  are  intended  to  include  Aboriginal  and/or  Torres  Strait 
Islander peoples.

Forward-looking statements

‘the  Group’), 

‘Coles’,  Coles  Group’,  or 

This  report  contains  forward-looking  statements  in  relation  to 
Coles  Limited  Group  (‘the  Company’)  and  its  controlled  entities 
(together 
including 
statements regarding the Group’s intent, belief, goals, objectives, 
opinions,  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.  This  report  also  includes  forward-
looking  statements  regarding  climate  change  and  other 
environmental and energy transition scenarios. 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. 

Any forward-looking statements are based on the Group’s current 
knowledge and assumptions, including with respect to 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,  that 
could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of 
the Group to be materially different from the relevant statements. 
There are also limitations with respect to scenario analysis, and it 
is  difficult  to  predict  which,  if  any,  of  the  scenarios  might 
eventuate.  Scenario  analysis  is  not  an  indication  of  probable 
outcomes and relies on assumptions that may or may not prove to 
be correct or eventuate.

Cover image

Readers  are  cautioned  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  forward-
looking  statements.  Except  as  required  by  applicable  laws  or 
regulations,  the  Group  does  not  undertake  to  publicly  update, 
review  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

information 

is  financial 

This  report  contains  IFRS  and  non-IFRS  financial  information. 
IFRS  financial 
is 
presented in accordance with all relevant accounting standards. 
Non-IFRS  financial  information  is  financial  information  that  is 
presented  other  than  in  accordance  with  relevant  accounting 
standards  and  may  not  be  directly  comparable  with  other 
companies’ information. 

information  that 

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.  Operating  metrics  that  are 
prepared on a non-IFRS basis have been included in the segment 
commentary  to  support  an  understanding  of  comparable 
business  performance.  Non-IFRS  information  is  not  subject  to 
audit or review.

Welcome to the  
Coles Group  
2022 Annual Report

Contents

Overview 

2022 performance 

2022 highlights 

Message from the Chairman 

 Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer’s report 

Our vision, purpose and strategy 

How we create value 

Sustainability at Coles 

Governance at Coles 

Operating and Financial Review 

Board of Directors: Biographical Details 

Directors’ Report 

Remuneration Report 

Financial Report 

Independent Auditor’s Report  

Shareholder Information 

Corporate Directory 

4

5

6

8

12

14

17

20

24

59

61

65

85

131

137

139

Coles chefs Michael Weldon and Courtney Roulston with a selection of exclusive Coles Own Brand products.

1

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our purpose is to 
sustainably help  
all Australians  
to lead healthier,  
happier lives. 

Coles meat team member Maria at Delatite Station near Mansfield with Mark Ritchie who produces cattle for Coles’ carbon neutral beef range.

2

3

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

2022 
performance

2022  
highlights

$39.4bn

Total sales revenue

$1.9bn

EBIT1

4.3%

Net profit after tax growth

$506m

Net debt2

104%

Cash realisation3

63c

Dividends per share4

$1.2bn

Gross operating capex5

~$230m

Smarter Selling benefits

14.7%

Improvement in  
total recordable injury
frequency rate6

Increase in Supermarkets  
eCommerce sales 

41%

Innovation through launch of 

>1,300

Coles Own Brand products

>420

Exclusive Liquor Brand  
awards received

Trolley assisted checkouts  
rolled out to more than 

100 stores

Significant progress on 

Witron & Ocado

transformation projects

Supermarket and  

50  
208  

Liquor store renewals

Includes approximately $30 million of implementation operating costs in relation to the Witron and Ocado transformation projects ($7 million in FY21) 

1 
2  Net debt pre-dividend payment
3  Cash realisation is calculated as operating cash flow excluding interest and tax, divided by EBITDA 
4  Comprising an interim dividend of 33 cents per share (paid) and a final dividend of 30 cents per share 
5  Gross operating capital expenditure on an accrued basis
6  Refer to glossary of terms on page 39 for definition

4

Provided more than  

Secured pathway to 

$142m

in community support

100%

renewable electricity  
by end of FY25 

5

39.4%

Women in leadership positions

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
Message from 
the Chairman

Our ability to work with our team members, customers, suppliers  
and community partners has meant that Coles has been able to continue 
to support a wide range of community organisations throughout the  
2022 financial year.

SecondBite Ambassador and Board Director Matt Preston (left), SecondBite co-founder Simone Carson AM (middle) and SecondBite Ambassador and Coles Chef 
Ambassador Courtney Roulston (right) celebrate the 10th anniversary of Coles’ partnership with SecondBite.

In  the  case  of  the  Witron  project,  two  new  ambient  automated 
distribution  centres  are  being  constructed  in  Queensland  and 
New South Wales, and we expect to see commissioning of these in 
the third quarter of our 2023 financial year and the third quarter of 
our 2024 financial year, respectively. These two facilities, with an 
anticipated total capital cost of $1,040 million over the four and a 
half year construction period, will replace five of our distribution 
centres  and  significantly  improve  efficiency,  delivery  to  market 
and team member safety. 

The  two  customer  fulfilment  centres  in  New  South  Wales  and 
Victoria being constructed under our partnership with the globally 
leading online grocery company, Ocado, will significantly extend 
our home delivery eCommerce operations in both Supermarkets 
and Liquor. Using the Ocado Smart Platform we expect to offer a 
significantly  expanded  range  with  enhanced  levels  of  customer 
satisfaction. We anticipate the commissioning of the New South 
Wales facility in the first quarter of our 2024 financial year and the 
Victorian facility mid that financial year.

Since the date of our demerger in 2018, we have placed significant 
emphasis upon the role of technology and new capital investment 
in  growing  and  strengthening  the  Group’s  operations.  These 
initiatives  are  important  in  ensuring  that  we  are  well  placed  to 
efficiently and competitively meet our aims of building trust with 
all  stakeholders  as  we  grow  long  term  value.  To  that  end,  we 
actively manage all new capital allocations to meet our strategic 
priorities and deliver attractive returns over the long term.

In that context, I note the announcement made on 21 September, 
2022  that  Coles  has  entered  into  an  agreement,  subject  to  the 
approval  of 
the  Australian  Competition  and  Consumer 
Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board, to sell the 
Coles Express fuel and convenience business to our fuel partner 
Viva Energy Limited and will receive sale proceeds of $300 million. 
Completion  of  the  transaction  is  expected  to  take  place  in  the 
second  half  of  the  current  financial  year  and  will  result  in  the 
transfer  of  the  leases  associated  with  our  more  than  700  Coles 

6

Dear Shareholder,

The  2022  financial  year  proved  to  be  our  third  consecutive  year 
marked by challenging domestic and international events. 

floods, 

Pleasingly, we were able to adapt our operations to respond to the 
impacts  of  COVID-19,  severe 
increasing  prices  of 
commodities  and  global  supply  chain  disruptions  to  achieve  a 
4.3% increase in our net profit after tax, with a 2.0% increase in 
sales revenue and a strong focus on cost optimisation strategies. 
As a result, fully franked dividends for the year increased by 2.0 
cents  per  share  to  63.0  cents  per  share,  in  line  with  our  policy 
which targets an 80 to 90 per cent dividend payout ratio. 

New  capital  investment  of  $1.2  billion  ensured  that  we  not  only 
continued  to  develop  and  renew  our  store  portfolio  but  also 
undertook investment in new systems and equipment as well as 
in  our  important  long-term  automation  projects  in  partnership 
with Witron and Ocado. The planning for these latter two projects 
commenced  many 
contractual 
years 
commencements in 2018 (Witron) and 2019 (Ocado). 

ago  with 

their 

Express sites. Coles’ customers will continue to enjoy the loyalty 
benefits  of  the  four  cents  per  litre  fuel  dockets  and  the  earning 
and  redeeming  of  Flybuys  points  across  the  Coles  Express 
network.

Across  all  of  our  Supermarket,  Liquor  and  Coles  Express 
operations the support of our more than 120,000 team members 
throughout  the  year  has  underpinned  our  ability  to  respond  to 
evolving  market  conditions  and  opportunities,  with  a  constant 
focus upon meeting our customers’ requirements and delivering 
trusted value. To each of our team members and to our more than 
8,000  supplier  partners  I  extend  a  special  thanks  for  the 
commitment which has been so evident during the challenges of 
2021/22.  Working  together  in  harmony  has  been  a  very  positive 
feature of the year.

Part  of  the  privilege  of  Coles  is  the  opportunity  to  engage  with 
nearly  all  Australians,  directly  or  indirectly.  Our  ability  to  work 
with  our  team  members,  customers,  suppliers  and  community 
partners  has  meant  that  Coles  has  been  able  to  continue  to 
support  a  wide  range  of  community  organisations  through  the 
2022 financial year. 

During the year these engagements have included our established 
partnerships with SecondBite and Foodbank where we were able 
to provide more than 37.5 million meal equivalents to Australians 
in  need  as  together  we  supported  the  efforts  of  thousands  of 
front-line charities across the country; our support for FightMND 
saw the raising of more than $8.6 million for research into finding 
effective  treatments  and  a  cure  for  Motor  Neurone  Disease,  in 
partnership  with  our  customers  and  pork  suppliers;  our 
partnership  with  Redkite  saw  a  further  $4.1  million  raised  for 
families who are living with children with cancer; and our provision 
of  pallets  of  food  together  with  direct  financial  support  to 
customers, suppliers and communities impacted by the floods in 
Queensland and New South Wales in early 2022.

Being  a  major  Australian  listed  company  also  provides  the 
important 
opportunity 

leadership  positions  on 

take 

to 

environmental  and  social  impact  issues.  In  that  regard  we  have 
set ambitious targets to reduce emissions, reduce waste, reduce 
the impact of packaging, and to ensure that we are a significant 
employer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The scope and 
importance of these and other commitments are set out in detail 
in our 2022 Sustainability Report.

As part of the operating rhythm of your Board we annually review 
our  own  performance  and  engagement  in  the  governance  of 
Coles.  The  Board  operates  constructively  in  support  of  Steven 
Cain  and  the  management  team  and  regularly  assesses  its  skill 
mix  and  future  needs.  In  that  regard,  in  September  2022  we 
announced the appointment of two new Directors – Terry Bowen 
and Scott Price. 

Terry  Bowen  is  a  well  recognised  Australian  public  company 
director  with  extensive  commercial  and  financial  experience 
including  having  been  Finance  Director  of  Coles  for  a  two-year 
period  some  15  years  ago.  Scott  Price  is  a  globally  experienced 
executive who has held leadership roles at UPS Inc., Wal-Mart Inc., 
DHL  Express,  and  The  Coca-Cola  Company  and  whose  retailing, 
eCommerce and logistics experience will be of significant value. 
Both Terry and Scott will stand for election at our Annual General 
Meeting in November 2022.

I  would  like  to  extend  my  thanks  to  all  Coles  Group  Board 
members, to our Chief Executive Steven Cain, and to his leadership 
team for the uncompromising commitment to Coles each of them 
has  demonstrated  throughout  the  year.  It  has  been  a  year  of 
significant progress.

James Graham AM
Chairman,  
Coles Group Limited

7

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationThe first half was marked by extended lockdowns in New South 
Wales,  the  Australian  Capital  Territory  and  Victoria,  which  lifted 
supermarket  sales  despite  some  customers  shopping  at  local 
retailers due to movement restrictions.

I  would  like  to  acknowledge  and  thank  our  more  than  120,000 
team  members,  our  8,000  plus  suppliers  and  our  community 
partners  for  their  continued  efforts  to  overcome  the  challenges 
the year presented.

Sales growth remained elevated through Christmas as restrictions 
eased and shoppers returned to shopping centres, however with 
the  rise  of  Omicron  case  numbers  in  the  second  half,  large 
numbers of workers including Coles team members and suppliers 
were required to isolate, impacting product availability across the 
store, particularly in meat.

The second half saw widespread flooding in South Australia, New 
South Wales and Queensland which not only disrupted logistics 
but also forced us to temporarily close around 30 Supermarkets, 
66 Liquor stores and 30 Express sites. The floods in South Australia 
then caused record closures of road and rail from the East Coast 
to Western Australia with Coles deploying marine shipping from 
Sydney  and  Melbourne  to  Perth  for  the  first  time.  Supply  chain 
issues were then exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine impacting 
global commodity markets and energy prices. 

Weather  events  also  impacted  our  farmers,  with  wet  conditions 
disrupting  normal  planting  schedules  and  reducing  yields, 
decreasing  availability  of  key  fresh  produce  lines  and  raising 
wholesale costs which in turn drove inflation for some products.

For Liquor, the closure of on-premise venues in New South Wales, 
the Australian Capital Territory and Victoria led to increased sales 
in  the  first  half,  however  this  trend  eased  over  the  year  as 
customers were again able to visit on-premise venues. Lockdowns 
during the first half led to reduced fuel volumes at Express, which 
recovered modestly in the second half as flooding coincided with 
higher global fuel prices.

As we approached year end we saw continuous improvement in 
our availability which will serve us well in the year ahead. 

Progress against our three strategic pillars in FY22 was as follows.

Inspire customers

Our  plan  to  inspire  customers  this  year  included  our  ‘Value  the 
Australian  Way’  campaigns,  the  KitchenAid  Ovenware  and 
MasterChef Knives continuity programs, and the launch of more 
than 1,300 new Coles Own Brand products to bring our Exclusive 
to Coles range to almost 6,000 SKUs.

As  customers  increasingly  look  for  solutions  that  allow  them  to 
shop  anytime,  anywhere,  anyhow,  we  launched  our  new  Coles 
shoppable  App  to  provide  a  more  unified  shopping  experience, 
expanded Click & Collect Rapid by 50 stores to more than 450, and 
added same-day delivery to over 200, so that more than 520 had 
this capacity by the end of the year.

We continued to differentiate our Liquor offer through innovation, 
with  customers  responding  positively  to  our  local  ranging  and 
strong  growth  in  our  Exclusive  Liquor  Brands,  underpinned  by 
more  than  420  awards  received  during  the  year  including  ELB 
brand  Smithy’s  winning  the  Australian  Lager  of  the  Year  at  the 
Melbourne  International  Beer  Competition.  As  more  of  our 
customers opted to shop online, the Liquor delivery On Demand 
service was expanded to more than 400 stores.

Managing Director and  
Chief Executive Officer’s report

In delivering the third year of our transformation strategy, we have  
continued to focus on our vision to be the most trusted retailer in Australia  
and grow long-term shareholder value.

Our eCommerce revenues across the Group rose by 42% in FY22 to 
approximately  $3  billion  with  Supermarkets  eCommerce  sales 
increasing  by  41%  and  Liquor  eCommerce  sales  increasing  by 
49%, as we continue to invest in digital capability and operational 
capacity.

With regards to customer loyalty and data, our Flybuys 50/50 joint 
venture with the Wesfarmers Retail Group now has access to 20% 
of  all  retail  expenditure  in  Australia  following  the  inclusion  of 
Bunnings and Officeworks. 

Our  Smarter  Selling  program  is  on  track  to  deliver  $1  billion  of 
benefits  under  our  four-year  program,  by  the  end  of  FY23  to 
mitigate  inflationary  pressures  and  enable  us  to  invest  in  our 
digital and automation future. Plans for Smarter Selling 2 are now 
being developed. 

Since  our  demerger  back  in  2018  we  have  increased  capital 
investment in Coles Group. The good news is that the majority of 
the benefits of this investment are still to come. Within two years 
we  will  have  four  of  the  most  advanced  distribution  facilities  in 
Australia,  thanks  to  our  partnerships  with  Witron  and  Ocado, 
suppliers  of  the  best  and  some  of  the  largest  automated  food 
distribution centres and online customer fulfilment centres in the 
world respectively.

These facilities will bring about a step-change in our supply chain 
efficiency and customer offer. 

As we move forward we endeavour to make long-term decisions 
that  are  in  the  best  interests  of  all  our  stakeholders  including 
shareholders,  customers,  team  members,  suppliers,  and  our 
community partners.

From response to recovery in FY22

Our  team  members,  customers,  suppliers  and  our  communities 
faced a number of significant challenges and disruptions this year.

Coles is now one of Australia’s most trusted brands (as measured 
by Roy Morgan) and over the last 3 years we have achieved upper 
quartile TSR compared to the ASX 100.

Back in 2019 we said we wanted to maintain or grow our market 
share – profitably. That remains the case. COVID restrictions and 
flood  related  availability  issues  have  driven  “local  shopping” 
trends. We expect that these will unwind as availability improves 
and value becomes more important to Australian consumers.

Coles will also benefit from an increasing net new store opening 
profile as well as the expected reduced processing times for circa 
900,000  people  waiting  for  visas  into  Australia,  and  the  skilled 
migration program set to increase. 

We  have  set  out  five  differentiators  and  we  continue  to  make 
progress.  A  good  strategy  around  differentiation  needs  to  be 
executed  at  pace  to  be  successful.  Pace  can  only  be  achieved 
through a strong culture of engaged team members which is why 
engagement and safety are important parts of our scorecards.

8

9

Coles Group CEO Steven Cain with Get Skilled Access founder and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott AO, Get Skilled Access consultant Stephanie Agnew, then Federal 
Minister for Families and Social Services Senator Anne Ruston and former local MP Dr Katie Allen in March 2022 at the launch of the RecruitAble pilot program which 
aims to support employers to create more job opportunities and inclusive workplaces for Australians who are living with disability.

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationSmarter selling

Increased  COVID-19-related  costs  of  approximately  $240  million 
(up  from  $130  million  in  FY21)  were  offset  by  approximately  
$230 million in savings from our Smarter Selling program, which is 
on track to deliver our target of $1 billion in cumulative benefits by 
FY23.

During the year we expanded dynamic markdowns from meat to 
the fresh produce and dairy categories, rolled out loss prevention 
initiatives with more than 80% of stores now protected with entry 
gates  and  glass  balustrading,  and  aligned  our  meat  operating 
models  nationally  to  deliver  high  quality  retail  ready  meat  for 
customers.

To provide our customers with more choice in how they shop in 
store  while  improving  team  member  productivity,  we  have 
continued  to  transform  our  service  offering  with  more  trolley 
assisted  check  outs  and  customer  bagging  benches.  We 
streamlined  our  distribution  centre  operations  by  introducing 
automated paperless entry and exit processes for 45,000 supplier 
vehicles, and reduced our energy use through the installation of 
demand-based  heating,  ventilation  and  air-conditioning  as  well 
as energy efficient LED lights across the Coles Express network.

We  continued  to  tailor  store  formats  to  better  suit  the  needs  of 
customers, renewing 50 Supermarkets including 12 Format A, 22 
Format  C,  and  six  Coles  Local  stores.  In  Liquor,  191  Liquorland 
stores  were  renewed  in  our  new  Black  and  White  format,  while 
eight First Choice Liquor Market and nine Vintage Cellar Evolution 
stores were also renewed.

Importantly  in  a  year  in  which  our  suppliers  were  also  facing 
supply chain challenges and higher input costs, we recorded our 
highest-ever  Net  Favourable  score  in  our  Advantage  Supplier 
Survey.  Coles’  focus  on  innovating  with  our  suppliers  saw  us 
launch the Coles Finest Certified Carbon Neutral Beef range, while 
Liquor  launched  a  range  of  wines  in  bottles  made  from  100% 
Australian  recycled  PET  plastic  (excluding  the  cap),  reducing 
carbon emissions and saving energy in production and recycling.

With the communities we serve needing more support than ever, 
Coles was ranked number one for community contribution by an 
Australian  company  in  the  GivingLarge  corporate  philanthropy 
report, measured as a percentage of pre-tax profit over a three-
year period. 

Our financial position

Despite challenges including significant COVID-19 costs, the impact 
of  flooding,  transformation  project  costs,  and  lower  Express 
its  ability  to  generate 
earnings,  Coles  again  demonstrated 
sustainable returns, with stable EBITDA and EBIT of $3,440 million 
and $1,869 million respectively and NPAT up 4.3% to $1,048 million.

During  the  first  half  we  established  a  $1.3  billion,  four-year 
Sustainability Linked Loan, replacing existing debt commitments 
and drawing a direct line between our sustainability performance 
and cost of capital as we work to fulfil our ambition to be Australia’s 
most sustainable supermarket.

We  remain  committed  to  maintaining  solid  investment  grade 
credit ratings with S&P and Moody’s, which provides us with the 
flexibility to invest for growth.

Win together

Looking ahead

Less  than  a  year  after  announcing  our  detailed  Sustainability 
Strategy, during the first half Coles was ranked the number two 
food  retailer  globally  for  sustainable  business  practices  in  the 
World  Benchmarking  Alliance’s  2021  Food  and  Agriculture 
Benchmark.

It was a welcome recognition of the rapid progress we have made 
towards  our  ambition  to  be  Australia’s  most  sustainable 
supermarket,  which  this  year 
includes  securing  sufficient 
renewable energy contracts to meet our goal of 100% renewable 
electricity  by  end  of  FY25,  as  well  as  a  $10  million  commitment 
over  10  years  to  our  ‘Blue  Carbon  Partnership’  with  the  Great 
Barrier Reef Foundation to support programs to capture and store 
atmospheric carbon in marine ecosystems.

We  have  continued  to  record  improvements  in  team  member 
safety  and  engagement,  with  a  14.7%  reduction  in  our  total 
recordable  injury  frequency  rate  compared  to  FY21  and  a  three 
percentage point gain in overall engagement in our mysay team 
member survey.

Supporting and celebrating the diversity of our team members is 
core to who we are as a business, and so it was very pleasing to be 
recognised as a Gold tiered employer for the second year in a row 
at  the  2022  Australian  LGBTQ  Inclusion  Awards,  based  off  the 
Australian Workplace Equality Index, as well as by the Australian 
Network on Disability as a top employer for people with disability 
at the 2022 Disability Confidence Awards. Our graduate program 
was again awarded the best in Australian retail and FMCG. 

In September, we announced the sale of our fuel and convenience 
business to Viva Energy so that we can focus on our omnichannel 
food and drink, and sustainability ambitions. Coles customers will 
continue  to  benefit  from  fuel  discount  vouchers  and  Flybuys 
points.  I  would  like  to  thank  the  Coles  Express  team  for  their 
significant  contribution  to  Coles  Group  over  the  last  19  years 
culminating in us receiving the Canstar industry award this year. 
The  transaction  is  due  to  complete  in  the  second  half  of  the 
current financial year subject to regulatory approval.

In  an  environment  of  continued  cost  of  living  pressures,  Coles 
remains committed to delivering trusted value. By continuing to 
drive  efficiencies  through  our  Smarter  Selling  program,  we  can 
ensure  that  we  are  able  to  maintain  a  great  value  offer  for 
customers while growing long term shareholder value.

I would like to thank our customers for choosing Coles and for the 
patience  they  have  shown  while  we  navigated  the  availability 
challenges of the past year, our team members for their dedication 
and  support  of  each  other  and  our  communities,  our  Board  for 
their informed and considered guidance and our leadership team 
for their tireless enthusiasm for sustainably helping all Australians 
to lead healthier, happier lives.

Steven Cain
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 
Coles Group Limited

Top: Coles Own Brand General Manager Charlotte Rhodes (left), Coles Dairy, Freezer and Convenience General Manager Brad Gorman (right) and Phil Horan from 
Sawmill Circuit in NSW with the Alley Vac which was purchased with a grant from the Coles Nurture Fund. The Alley Vac will collect effluent from dairy farms in the 
Nowra region and transport it to a biogas plant to be converted into electricity. 
Bottom: For the third year running Coles has been recognised as GradConnection’s Most Popular Retail and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Employer. Pictured above 
are Jhoana and Jack who completed Coles’ graduate program and now have permanent roles at Coles.

10

11

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationColes Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Our vision, purpose 
and strategy

Our values.

Our behaviours.

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

Our purpose 

is to sustainably help  
all Australians lead  
healthier, happier lives.

Smarter selling 

through efficiency  
and innovation.

Win together 

with our team, suppliers 
 and communities.

Inspire customers 

through best value  
solutions in food,  
drink and home.

Inspire customers

•  Trusted value through personalisation 

•  Exclusive brands powerhouse 

•  Leading anytime, anywhere, anyhow shopping 

•  Destination for health, sustainability and convenience 

•  Expanded offer through new markets and services 

Inspire customers

Smarter selling

•  Technology- and digitally-empowered organisation

•  Strategic and sustainable sourcing 

•  Optimised network and formats 

Smarter selling

•  Agile Store Support Centre using data driven insights 

•  Safer choices together 

Win together

•  Together to Zero to drive generational sustainability 

•  Growth through partnership

12

13

•  Great place to work 

Win Together

•  Better Together through diversity and community 

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationHow we create value

To achieve our strategy, we need to successfully manage the 
environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities1  
in our operating environment and across our value chain.

Our economic value creation3,4

Suppliers 

Team members 

Shareholders

Governments

Community

$31bn+

$5.1bn

suppliers and  
services spend

payments and benefits  
to team members

$814m

total dividends paid

$2.3bn

Cash taxes paid  
and collected

$142m

community support4

Australian farmers  
and growers

Suppliers, processors  
and packaging

Transport and  
distribution

Retail and  
store network

Team  
members

Customers and  
community

We rely on Australian farmers and growers 
to supply the products we sell in our 
stores. 

Key issues

•  Climate resilience

•  Food waste

We have thousands of supply partners who 
provide the products we sell in our stores 
and whose services and other products 
support our business operations.

We depend on our logistics partners  
and our own distribution network to move 
and store products, keeping them fresh  
and safe.

Key issues

Key issues

•  Sustainable packaging

•  Waste and circular economy

•  Human rights and ethical sourcing

•  Waste and circular economy

•  Climate resilience

•  Animal welfare

•  Energy and emissions

•  Responsible sourcing 

•  Energy and emissions

•  Food and product quality and safety

Our extensive retail and store network 
stretches across Australia.

Key issues

•  Health, safety and wellbeing

•  Waste and circular economy

•  Food waste

We rely on more than 120,000 team 
members to help us deliver on our 
sustainability ambitions.

Key issues

•  Health, safety and wellbeing

•  Waste and circular economy

•  Food and product quality and safety

•  Food waste

We process an average of $18 million 
transactions each week across our 
extensive store network and eCommerce 
platforms.

Key issues

•  Sustainable packaging

•  Responsible sourcing

•  Diversity and equal opportunity 

•  Waste and circular economy

•  Food waste

Our sustainability performance

The two focus areas of our Sustainability Strategy – 
Together to Zero and Better Together –  
set out our ambitions across key sustainability  
areas and help drive our performance.

Better together

Together to zero

Great place to work

Safer choices together

39.4%

women in leadership positions

$1.8m

in Coles Nurture Fund grants

Broadest range of  
RSPCA Approved products2

2.8%

reduction in Scope 1 and 2  
greenhouse gas emissions

82.5%

solid waste diverted from landfill

37.5m

equivalent meals donated to  
Secondbite and Foodbank

↑3pp

team member engagement (mysay) 
results compared to FY21

74%

of mysay respondents say mental  
health support was readily available 

3rd consecutive year  

recognised as GradConnection’s  
Most Popular Retail and Fast Moving  
Consumer Goods Employer

14.7%

improvement in TRIFR5

1,000+

store leaders participated  
in mental health training

91

Coles Own Brand products acknowledged 
with awards and recognitions

3  For the 52 weeks ended 26 June 2022.
4 

 Includes Coles’ direct contribution of cash, time, in-kind donations and management costs as well as donations from customers, suppliers and team members. Coles 
references the Business for Societal Impact framework for reporting community contributions.

5  Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR). Refer to the glossary on page 39.

1 

 We undertake an annual materiality assessment to identify key environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. For further information refer to 
our 2022 Sustainability Report. 
2  Of any major Australian supermarket

14

15

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationColes Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Sustainability at Coles

This year we have been working towards the commitments we set when we 
launched our refreshed Sustainability Strategy in FY21, with efforts focused on 
our two strategic pillars of Together to Zero and Better Together. 

Over  the  past  year,  sustainability  considerations  have  been 
embedded in our corporate strategy as we work towards integrating 
sustainability across our operations. We understand that if we want 
to succeed in the next century, business as usual will not suffice. Our 
stakeholders – including customers, shareholders, team members 
and  suppliers  –  tell  us  sustainability  matters  to  them.  Carbon 
emissions,  packaging,  waste,  employee  safety  and  wellbeing, 
human rights, and animal welfare are some of the issues they care 
about most and expect Coles to be making a positive impact on. We 
know many of these issues are complex and cannot be solved by us 
alone  and  so  we  are  committed  to  working  in  partnership  with 
others to find solutions and create change for generations ahead.

A snapshot of our performance during the year is discussed in the 
following  pages,  with  detailed  information  on  progress  against 
our Sustainability Strategy in our 2022 Sustainability Report. 

Together to Zero 

Together to zero emissions 

As one of Australia’s largest companies, we have a responsibility to 
minimise  our  environmental  footprint,  as  well  as  to  mitigate  the 
social and environmental impacts associated with climate change. 
Coles is a significant energy user and producer of greenhouse gas 
emissions,  both  directly  in  our  own  operations  and  indirectly 
through our extensive supply chains. 

We are continuing to work towards reducing emissions in our own 
operations and this year signed the last of the agreements needed 
to meet our target of 100% renewable electricity by FY25. We have 
also  invested  in  energy  efficiency  measures  and  refrigeration 
management programs throughout our stores and trialled our first 
electric delivery truck earlier this year. 

For  further  information  on  how  Coles  is  managing  the  risks  and 
opportunities associated with climate change, see pages 51-57.

Together to zero waste 

We  recognise  the  role  we  can  play  in  reducing  food  waste  and 
packaging, responding to stakeholders’ concerns with respect to 
these issues, while also making our operations more sustainable 
and  efficient.  Together  with  industry  partners,  suppliers  and 
customers we are seeking to reduce waste, increase food security 
and drive the transition to a circular economy. 

Coles is aligned with Australia’s 2025 National Packaging Targets 
and  94.6%  of  Coles  Own  Brand  and  Coles  Liquor  Own  Brand 
packaging  in  Australia  is  now  100%  recyclable,  reusable  or 
compostable  (up  from  87%  at  end  FY21).  This  year  we  diverted 
82.5% of the Group’s solid waste from landfill (against a target of 
85%  by  end  of  FY25),  up  from  80.6%  at  end  FY21.1  While  we 
acknowledge this is a modest year-on-year increase, in large part 
this  was  due  to  the  impacts  of  flooding  in  the  eastern  states  of 
Australia which disrupted recycling services. 

Together to zero emissions

 A team that is better together

Together to zero waste

Together to zero hunger

A community that is better together

Sourcing that is better together

Farming that is better together

Pictured are FightMND founder and AFL legend Neale Daniher (back row, second from right) with his daughter and FightMND campaign director Bec Daniher 
(middle), FightMND CEO Dr Fiona McIntosh (back row, third from left), Coles Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer Matt Swindells (back row, far right), 
Coles General Manager Meat Martin Smithson (back row, left) and Coles team members. 

1 

 Excludes liquid waste except high-strength sludges (which contain a high proportion of solids) and liquids diverted for use as food (such as donations to SecondBite 
and farmers).

16

17

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationTogether to zero hunger 

Our  focus  on  Together  to  zero  hunger  encompasses  our 
commitment  to  donate  unsold,  edible  food  to  food  rescue 
organisations.  Coles  and  food  rescue  organisation  SecondBite 
have been working together since 2011 in the fight against hunger 
and food waste. Since the partnership began, Coles has provided 
SecondBite  with  the  equivalent  of  185.3  million  meals2  to  be 
distributed to people in need.

We  have  also  been  working  with  Foodbank,  Australia’s  largest 
food  relief  organisation,  providing  the  equivalent  of  37.7  million 
meals3 since the partnership began in 2003. The food we provide 
to Foodbank supports 2,950 agencies and community groups. 

Better Together 

A team that is better together

We  have  performance  improvement  targets  against  each  of  the 
five focus areas of our diversity and inclusion program: Belonging, 
Gender Equity, Indigenous engagement, Accessibility, and Pride. 

We are continuing to build gender balance in leadership roles at 
Coles,  achieving  our  largest  single  year  increase  in  FY22,  from 
36.5% to 39.4%. 

Our  commitment  to  engage  with  Aboriginal  and/or  Torres  Strait 
Islander  peoples  to  better  reflect  the  communities  in  which  we 
live  and  work  is  outlined  in  our  Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait 
Islander  Plan  (available  at  www.colesgroup.com.au).  We  remain 
focused  on  increasing  Aboriginal  and  Torres  Strait  Islander 
representation  within  our  workforce,  with  representation 
currently at 3.2%4. We do acknowledge reaching our target of 5% 
team members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 
by December 2023 will be a challenge. However currently 84.1% of 
Coles Supermarkets employ Indigenous team members, and this 
is something we remain focused on building.

During the year, Coles’ leadership in LGBTQI+ was recognised as a 
Gold  tiered  employer  at  the  2022  Australian  Workplace  Equality 
LGBTQ Inclusion Awards. 

A community that is better together

At  Coles,  we  believe  we  can  make  a  positive  difference  in  the 
community  and  help  people  in  need  by  working  together  with 
community  organisations  through  partnerships,  sponsorships 
and fundraising. 

Together with our customers, suppliers and team members, Coles 
Group contributed $142 million5 to the community in FY22. 

Our community support included more than $12 million in cash 
contributions  to  charities  and  community  organisations  in  FY22 
through the sale of:

•  Coles Own Brand bread for Redkite to support families affected 

by childhood cancer;

•  Coles Own Brand fresh pork for FightMND to help find a cure for 

Motor Neurone Disease;

•  Mum’s Sause pasta and pizza sauce for Curing Homesickness 
Ltd – an initiative supporting chilidren’s hospital foundations 
and paediatric services across Australia;

•  Coles Bakery biscuits and cookies for Bravery Trust in the lead 
up  to  Anzac  Day  to  support  injured  veterans  facing  financial 
hardship; and

• 

reusable bags to support a range of community organisations 
including Clean Up Australia.

In  addition,  Coles’  customers,  suppliers  and  team  members 
contributed more than $22 million from activities such as in-store 
fundraising  for  SecondBite,  Redkite,  Movember,  the  Australian 
Red  Cross  Queensland  and  NSW  Floods  Appeal  and  children’s 
hospital foundations.

Fundraising highlights for Coles Group in FY22 included:

• 

• 

• 

• 

raising $4.1 million in our supermarkets and liquor stores for 
SecondBite to help provide food to people in need;

raising a record $8.6 million for FightMND in supermarkets and 
Coles Express to help find a cure for Motor Neurone Disease;

raising  more  than  $1  million  for  Guide  Dogs  Australia  from 
collection  dogs  in  our  stores  and  from  the  sale  of  reusable 
bags; and

reaching  a  milestone  of  $5  million  raised  in  three  years  for 
Curing  Homesickness  Ltd  to  help  sick  children  in  hospitals 
across Australia.

Supporting communities affected by natural disasters

Coles  and  its  team  members  also  responded  quickly  to  support 
communities affected by natural disasters. 

In  March  2022,  our  local  store  teams  and  customers  donated 
supplies and funds to provide immediate and long-term support 
to flood-affected communities in New South Wales and southern 
Queensland. 

Together with our customers, we donated and delivered over 100 
pallets of food and essentials to Lismore, North Richmond and the 

2  SecondBite uses the conversion of total kilograms donated multiplied by two to determine equivalent meals.
3  Foodbank uses the conversion of total kilograms donated divided by 0.555 to determine equivalent meals.
4  Based on results of our May 2022 mysay engagement survey, which was responded to by 72% of team members.
5 

 Includes Coles’ direct contribution of cash, time, in-kind and management costs as well fundraising from customers and suppliers (leverage).

Local teams unload bulk donations from Coles for flood-affected residents in Lismore (top); Red Cross team member Alex and Coles team member Matt pack 
donations for flood-affected residents in Lismore (right); and flood waters in Lismore. Photo credit: Stuart Cumming/NewsPix (bottom left).

Northern Rivers region in New South Wales to get supplies quickly 
to isolated locals.

In  total,  Coles  and  our  customers  contributed  more  than  $1.8 
million to the Red Cross Queensland and New South Wales Floods 
Appeal during the campaign. This helped the Red Cross to support 
volunteers and staff to assist with evacuations, relief centres and 
cash  assistance.  In  addition,  monies  raised  will  enable  longer 
term recovery work in flood-affected communities.

Sourcing that is better together

Working  together  with  our  farmers,  suppliers  and  industry 
partners, we are seeking to reduce our environmental and social 
impacts. 

With respect to Coles Own Brand products, we use independent 
and  internationally  recognised  certification  and  verification 
programs  to  support  environmental  protection  across  our  tea, 
coffee,  cocoa,  sugar,  timber,  paper,  pulp,  palm  oil  and  seafood 
supply chains. 

During the year, we commenced an environmental impact review 
of Coles Own Brand products, mapping potential impacts against 
three key areas: deforestation, water security and soil health. The 
results of this review will inform a future action plan to reduce our 
environmental  impacts  and  will  help  us  prepare  for  emerging 
disclosure  frameworks  focused  on  nature-related  financial  risks 
and opportunities. 

In  FY22,  Coles  worked  to  further  safeguard  human  rights  and 
strengthen  our  processes  and  systems  for  managing  risk  within 
our supply chain, collaborating closely with suppliers, unions and 
workers.  A  detailed  overview  of  these  activities  can  be  found  in 
Coles’  2022  Commitment  to  Human  Rights  (Modern  Slavery 
Statement), available at www.colesgroup.com.au. 

6 

 Excluding floral, nuts, dried fruit, sauces, dressings and packaged salads.

Farming that is better together

Coles  Supermarkets  has  an  Australian-first  sourcing  policy, 
reflecting  our  commitment  to  strong,  multi-generational  and 
collaborative relationships with Australian farmers and producers. 
In FY22, more than 96% of fresh produce, by volume, was sourced 
from suppliers all over Australia.6 

Since  its  launch  in  2015,  the  Coles  Nurture  Fund  has  awarded 
more  than  $30  million  in  financial  support  to  over  90  Australian 
producers. The Fund seeks to drive innovation and generational 
sustainability  in  Australia  by  helping  producers  expand  local 
production, reduce water and energy consumption, and increase 
recycling.  More  information  on  the  Coles  Nurture  Fund  and 
recipients is available at www.coles.com.au/nurturefund.

We  understand  that  many  of  our  customers  care  deeply  about 
animal  welfare  and  our  Animal  Welfare  Policy  sets  out  our 
expectations regarding the treatment of animals in our Coles Own 
Brand  supply  chain,  helping  to  ensure  we  source  from  farming 
operations that have a high standard of animal welfare and, where 
appropriate,  hold  animal  welfare  certification.  Coles  offers 
customers the broadest range of RSPCA Approved products of any 
major  Australian  supermarket  –  in  FY22,  347  RSPCA  Approved 
products  were  available  in  our  supermarkets  and  Coles  Express 
stores. 

For more information read the  
2022 Sustainability Report, available at 
www.colesgroup.com.au

18

19

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationGovernance at Coles

Board of Directors

We are committed to the highest standards of corporate 
governance and believe a robust and transparent corporate 
governance framework is central to the success of our business.

Our corporate governance framework

The  Board  provides  leadership  and  approves  the  strategic 
direction and objectives of the Group in the long-term interests of, 
and to maximise value for, shareholders.

The Board and management team are committed to maintaining 
and  building  on  the  confidence  of  our  shareholders,  our 
customers,  our  suppliers,  our  team  members  and  the  broader 

community  as  we  continue  to  strive  to  achieve  our  vision  to 
become  the  most  trusted  retailer  in  Australia  and  to  grow  long-
term shareholder value.

Coles’  2022  Corporate  Governance  Statement  contains  a 
comprehensive overview of our corporate governance framework 
and  highlights  and  is  available  at  www.colesgroup.com.au/ 
corporategovernance.

The Board

Audit and Risk  
Committee

Nomination  
Committee

People and Culture 
Committee

James Graham AM
Chairman of the Board 
Chairman of the Nomination Committee  
and Member of the People and Culture Committee

Steven Cain
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

David Cheesewright
Member of the Nomination Committee  
and the People and Culture Committee

Jacqueline Chow
Member of the Nomination Committee  
and the Audit and Risk Committee

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Abi Cleland
Member of the Nomination Committee  
and the People and Culture Committee

Richard Freudenstein
Chairman of the People and Culture Committee  
and Member of the Nomination Committee

Executive Leadership Team

Coles Team Members

Paul O’Malley
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee  
and Member of the Nomination 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 59-60.

20

21

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationBoard skills matrix

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  regularly  reviews  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 
as at 21 September 2022 is set out in the below skills matrix: 

Executive Leadership 
Team

Skill/experience

Corporate governance 
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.

Executive experience 
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.

Financial acumen 
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.

Strategic thinking 
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.

People, culture and remuneration  
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.

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

Retail and FMCG skills and experience 
Senior executive 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.

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

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

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

Property development and asset management 
Experience in property development and asset management.

Marketing 
Senior executive experience in consumer and brand marketing and in eCommerce and digital media, including 
in the retail industry.

Digital technology and innovation 
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.

Sustainability and environment 
Experience in managing and driving environmental management and social responsibility initiatives, including 
in relation to sustainability and climate change.

Health and safety 
Identification of key health and safety issues, including management of workplace safety, and mental and 
physical health.

Regulatory and public policy 
Senior executive 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. 

Number of Directors  
with the requisite skill

8

8

8

8

8

8

6

8

7

8

5

6

7

6

7

8

Steven Cain
Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Charlie (Sharbel Raymond) Elias
Chief Financial Officer

Leah Weckert
Chief Executive, Commercial & Express

Matthew Swindells
Chief Operations & Sustainability Officer

Kris Webb
Chief People Officer

John Cox
Chief Technology Officer

Daniella Pereira
Company Secretary

Darren Blackhurst
Chief Executive Liquor

David Brewster
Chief Legal & Safety Officer

George Saoud
Chief Executive Emerging Businesses 

Ben Hassing
Chief Executive eCommerce

Sally Fielke
General Manager Corporate  
& Indigenous Affairs

22

23

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationOperating and Financial Review

Business model and strategy

Non-IFRS information

information 

is  financial 

This  report  contains  IFRS  and  non-IFRS  financial  information. 
is 
IFRS  financial 
presented in accordance with all relevant accounting standards. 
Non-IFRS  financial  information  is  financial  information  that  is 
presented  other  than  in  accordance  with  relevant  accounting 
standards  and  may  not  be  directly  comparable  with  other 
companies’ information. 

information  that 

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.  Operating  metrics  that  are 
prepared on a non-IFRS basis have been included in the segment 
commentary  to  support  an  understanding  of  comparable 
business  performance.  Non-IFRS  information  is  not  subject  to 
audit or review.

The  Operating  and  Financial  Review  relates  to  Coles  Group 
Limited  (‘the  Company’)  and  its  controlled  entities  (together, 
‘Coles’, ‘Coles Group’, or ‘the Group’).

Forward-looking statements

This report contains forward-looking statements in relation to the 
Group, including statements regarding the Group’s intent, belief, 
goals,  objectives,  opinions,  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.  This  report  also  includes 
forward-looking statements regarding climate change and other 
environmental and energy transition scenarios. 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. 

Any forward-looking statements are based on the Group’s current 
knowledge and assumptions, including with respect to 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,  that 
could cause the actual results, performances or achievements of 
the Group to be materially different from the relevant statements. 
There are also limitations with respect to scenario analysis, and it 
is  difficult  to  predict  which,  if  any,  of  the  scenarios  might 
eventuate.  Scenario  analysis  is  not  an  indication  of  probable 
outcomes and relies on assumptions that may or may not prove to 
be correct or eventuate.

Readers  are  cautioned  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  forward-
looking  statements.  Except  as  required  by  applicable  laws  or 
regulations,  the  Group  does  not  undertake  to  publicly  update, 
review  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.

Coles  is  an  omnichannel  retailer  selling  products  including  fresh 
food, groceries and liquor through its supermarkets, liquor stores 
and eCommerce platforms. Coles also sells convenience products 
and,  under  its  alliance  with  Viva  Energy  (Viva),  is  a  commission 
agent  for  retail  fuel  sales  through  the  Coles  Express  network.  We 
employ more than 120,000 team members, engage with more than 
8,000  suppliers,  have  more  than  430,000  direct  shareholders  and 
we  welcome  millions  of  customers  through  our  extensive  store 
network and eCommerce platforms every week.

The Group’s reportable segments are:

•  Supermarkets: fresh food, groceries and general merchandise 
retailer with a national network of 835 supermarkets, including 
Coles Online and Coles Financial Services;

•  Liquor:  liquor  retailer  with  933  stores  nationally  under  the 
brands  Liquorland,  First  Choice  Liquor  Market  and  Vintage 
Cellars, including online liquor delivery services; and

•  Express:  convenience  store  operator  and  commission  agent 

for retail fuel sales across 711 sites nationally.

Other business operations that are not separately reportable, such 
as Property, as well as costs associated with enterprise functions, 
such as Insurance and Treasury, are included in Other.

Coles is one of the most trusted consumer brands in Australia with 
businesses including Coles, Coles Local, Coles Express, Liquorland, 
First  Choice  Liquor  Market,  Vintage  Cellars  and  Coles  Financial 
Services.  Coles  is  also  a  50%  shareholder  of  Flybuys,  a  loyalty 
program with more than six million active households.

include  merchandising,  product 
Coles’  core  competencies 
development  and  supplier  relationships,  marketing,  customer 
service and maintaining and operating a national store and online 
network. Coles also operates an integrated supply chain, including 
logistics, and a national distribution centre network. 

Coles’ vision is to become the most trusted retailer in Australia and 
grow long-term shareholder value.

Since  launching  our  ‘Winning  in  our  second  century  strategy’  in 
2019,  Coles  has  made  significant  progress  in  the  delivery  of  our 
vision, purpose and strategic pillars. By building on the success of 
the past three years, we are evolving the strategy to position Coles 
to thrive in the next horizon.

The Coles Group purpose has been updated to ‘sustainably help all 
Australians lead healthier, happier lives’. Coles sells more than just 
food, and this change reflects the wider role our Company plays in 
the  community  and  the  ever-broadening  range  of  offers 
encompassing  food,  drink  and  home.  Our  values  of  customer 
obsession,  passion  and  pace,  responsibility  and  health  and 
happiness have not changed, and they continue to guide the day-
to-day decisions and actions of our team members.

The five key areas we have set the ambition to differentiate in have 
also been updated to encompass our wider ambitions in areas such 
as  eCommerce,  sustainability,  team  engagement  and  community 
partnerships. They are:

1.  Win in food and drink with unique omnichannel offering

2. 

3. 

 Be a great value exclusive brands powerhouse and destination 
for convenience and health

 Achieve long-term structural cost advantage through Smarter 
Selling programs, including data, automation and technology 
partnerships

4. 

 Be  Australia’s  most  sustainable  supermarket  group  together 
with our partnerships and communities

5.  Deliver at pace through our engaged team 

We have made progress against our three strategic pillars of Inspire 
Customers, Smarter Selling and Win Together while supporting 
our team members, customers, suppliers, and community partners.

Our brands

Supermarkets

Liquor

Convenience

24

25

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationInspire Customers

Smarter Selling

The focus areas of the first pillar of our strategy, ‘Inspire Customers 
through  best  value  solutions  in  food,  drink  and  home’,  are  outlined 
below:

•  Trusted value through personalisation

•  Exclusive brands powerhouse

•  Leading anytime, anywhere, anyhow shopping

•  Destination for health, sustainability and convenience 

•  Expanded offer through new markets and services

Update on Inspire Customers pillar:

We have made progress against our strategic pillar of Inspire 
Customers by delivering a tailored range and trusted value to 
our customers. Coles was ranked by the Roy Morgan survey as 
one of the most trusted consumer brands in Australia for the 
third year in a row.

With  Australian  families  facing  increased  pressure  on  household 
budgets,  our  commitment  to  deliver  trusted  value  remains  more 
important  than  ever.  With  an  Exclusive  to  Coles  range  of  almost 
6,000  products,  Coles  provides  extensive  value-oriented  options. 
Seasonal value campaigns and everyday pricing have continued to 
support strong value offers across the year, with prices maintained 
on many essential everyday items. 

More than 1,300 Coles Own Brand products were launched during 
the year, while Coles Own Brand won 91 product awards including 
nine  consumer-voted  ‘Product  of  the  Year’  awards  for  innovation 
across products including Coles’ Ultimate 40% Choc Chip Cookies 
and DALEY ST Dark Ground Coffee.

In Liquor, trusted value was delivered through lowering prices for 
longer with more than 2,000 Price Drops across 

Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market. Exclusive Liquor Brand 
(ELB) and local product contribution also grew strongly, delivered 
through improved range planning and market-leading sustainability 
innovations  such  as  the  100%  recyclable  eco-bottle  wine  range 
which was launched during the year. The ELB portfolio continued to 
be recognised with more than 420 awards received during the year 
including ELB brand, Smithy’s, winning the Australian Lager of the 
Year at the Melbourne International Beer Competition, and The Bio 
Project Tempranillo Blend winning Gold at the National Wine Show 
of Australia.

With  a  focus  on  anytime,  anywhere,  anyhow  shopping,  Coles 
delivered  strong  eCommerce  growth  during  the  year,  across 
Supermarkets and Liquor. 

In Supermarkets, eCommerce sales grew by 41% with progress made 
in  the  unified  customer  experience  through  the  launch  of  a  new 
shoppable Coles App. Capacity for customers increased through the 
expansion of Click & Collect Rapid (order to pick up in 90 minutes) to 
more than 450 stores and same day home delivery to more than 520 
stores. Benefits were also expanded for Coles Plus members, offering 
members a differentiated omnichannel experience with online and 
instore shopping benefits.

In Liquor, eCommerce sales grew by 49% through the opening of a 
fourth eCommerce dark store, and an expanded range. Capacity was 
increased through the continued roll out of Click & Collect, the expansion 
of on demand (immediacy delivery) which is available in more than 400 
stores while 1,400 products were added to the online range.

We are also creating opportunities with our joint venture partner 
in Flybuys, providing additional value for Flybuys members with 
new customer offers and the addition of Bunnings and Officeworks 
to the Flybuys portfolio. 

The focus areas of the second pillar of our strategy ‘Smarter Selling 
through efficiency and innovation’, are outlined below:

•  Technology and digitally empowered organisation 

•  Strategic and sustainable sourcing

•  Optimised network and formats

•  Agile Store Support Centre using data driven insights

Update on Smarter Selling pillar:

in  eCommerce  were  delivered 

Efficiencies 
the 
introduction of an automated fraud detection tool to reduce loss, 
as well as a continued focus on reducing our cost to serve through 
improved  pick  efficiencies  and  delivery  van  optimisation  which 
was achieved through adjusting store catchments and optimising 
routes, shift times and customer offerings.

through 

Demand-based  heating,  ventilation  and  air-conditioning  was 
installed in stores, as well as energy efficient LED lights across the 
Coles Express network.

We  continue  to  deliver  against  our  Smarter  Selling  strategic 
pillar,  with  approximately  $230  million  of  benefits  realised 
during the year and are on track to deliver $1 billion of benefits, 
under our four-year program, by the end of FY23.

During  the  year,  Coles  aligned  its  meat  operating  models 
nationally  which  delivers  high  quality  retail  ready  meat  for 
customers. This also reduces waste and provides a safer working 
environment for team members. 

With the benefits being generated, Coles has been able to partially 
offset cost pressures in the business, including the COVID-19 costs 
incurred during the year and, importantly, invest in an enhanced 
customer service, both online and in store. 

Key Smarter Selling initiatives delivered during the year focused on 
technology-led in-store improvements such as the use of artificial 
intelligence with dynamic markdowns rolled out in fresh produce 
and dairy, following the successful deployment of this technology 
in meat in FY21. The in-store service transformation also saw the 
roll out of trolley assisted checkouts and customer bagging benches 
which are giving customers greater choice while at the same time, 
improving team member productivity. Front of store loss prevention 
initiatives rollout also continued with more than 80% of stores now 
protected with entry gates and glass balustrading.

Coles’ store format strategy is to invest in the right store, at the 
right  time,  with  the  optimum  format.  During  the  year,  Coles 
renewed 50 supermarkets including 12 Format A, 10 Format B, 22 
Format C and six Coles Local stores. In Liquor, 191 Black and White 
Liquorland,  eight  First  Choice  Liquor  Market  and  nine  Vintage 
Cellar Evolution stores were renewed. 

The  Witron  and  Ocado  transformation  projects  are  the  biggest 
automation  projects  in  Coles’  history.  In  FY22,  the  Ocado 
Customer  Fulfilment  Centres  (CFCs)  in  Melbourne  and  Sydney 
were handed over for robotic fit-out. In Queensland, the fit-out of 
the automation equipment and racking progressed in the Witron 
automated Distribution Centre (DC), and the fit-out of automation 
commenced in the New South Wales automated DC. 

In an Australian first, Coles partnered with KitchenAid to introduce a collectible program to reward customers with a premium collection of cookware designed to go 
straight from the oven to serving on the table.

The Witron Queensland automated distribution centre is on track to be commissioned in 2023.

26

27

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationWin Together

The  focus  areas  of  the  third  and  final  pillar  of  our  strategy  ‘Win 
Together  with  our  team,  suppliers  and  communities’,  are  outlined 
below:

•  Safer choices together

•  Great place to work

•  Better Together through diversity and community

•  Together to Zero to drive generational sustainability

•  Growth through partnership

Update on Win Together pillar:

We  have  made  progress  against  our  strategic  pillar  of  Win 
Together  focusing  on  helping  all  Australians  to  lead  healthier 
and  happier  lives,  including  our  team  members,  our  suppliers 
and our communities.

Coles  again  delivered  another  year  of  improvement  in  our  safety 
performance with a 14.7% improvement in Total Recordable Injury 
Frequency  Rate  (TRIFR)  compared  to  FY21.  This  was  delivered 
through  investments  in  team  member  development,  wearable 
technology  and  critical  risk  reduction  programs  such  as  fall  from 
height improvements and manual handling equipment in stores. 

We aim for Coles to be a Great place to work and during the year, 
more  than  90,000  team  members  provided  feedback  through  an 
employee  engagement  survey.  The  results  showed  a  three-
percentage  point  improvement,  including  improved  scores  in 
mental health metrics. 

Coles’ vision for diversity and inclusion is to foster a safe, inclusive 
and  diverse  workplace  that  is  reflective  of  the  community  and 
customers we serve. We know we are a team that is Better Together. 
During the year, Coles was recognised as a Gold tiered employer for 
the  second  year  in  a  row  at  the  2022  Australian  LGBTQ  Inclusion 
Awards,  based  off  the  Australian  Workplace  Equality  Index.  The 
Australian  Network  on  Disability  also  recognised  Coles  as  a  top 
employer for people with disability at the 2022 Disability Confidence 
Awards. 

Creating  opportunities,  raising  awareness,  sharing  stories  and 
strengthening  relationships  with  our  Indigenous  team  members 
remains a focus. However despite doing so, we ended the financial 

year with only 3.2% Indigenous team members and we continue to 
develop strategies to increase longer term participation. Coles was 
also  pleased  to  support  NAIDOC  week  during  the  year  after 
celebrations were cancelled in FY21 due to COVID-19.

Our ambition to be Australia’s most sustainable supermarket will 
see us transition to 100% renewable energy by FY25, continue to 
invest in solar energy, efficiency and reduction of food waste, and 
continue to focus on delivering our Coles Own Brand commitments. 
We  continue  to  strengthen  our  processes  and  systems  in  close 
collaboration with key stakeholders such as suppliers, unions and 
workers in our supply chain. We partnered with farmers in Victoria 
and  New  South  Wales  to  launch  Coles  Finest  Certified  Carbon 
Neutral  Beef  range1,  providing  customers  with  more  sustainable 
options.  In  Liquor,  we  launched  the  100%  recyclable  eco-bottle 
wine range2, made from 100% recycled PET plastic and 83% lighter 
than  an  average  glass  wine  bottle.  The  eco-bottle  has  a  lower 
carbon  footprint  in  all  stages  of  production,  transportation  and 
recycling. 

In addition to our long standing programs of support in providing 
edible food for charities through our partnerships with SecondBite 
and  Foodbank,  significant  contributions  to  other  charities  and 
community  organisations  were  made  in  FY22.  More  than  $8.6 
million  was  raised  for  FightMND  to  help  fund  research  and 
treatments  for  Motor  Neurone  Disease;  more  than  $4.1  million 
raised  for  Redkite  to  help  families  affected  by  childhood  cancer; 
and more than $1.8 million raised for the Red Cross Queensland and 
New South Wales Flood Appeal.

Good progress was also made on the pathway to Together to Zero. 
During the year, Coles secured a path to 100% renewable electricity 
by  the  end  of  FY25  through  three  additional  renewable  energy 
contracts  to  purchase  large-scale  generation  certificates  with 
Origin Energy, ACCIONA Energia, and ENGIE. Coles was ranked the 
number two food retailer globally for sustainable business practices 
in  the  World  Benchmarking  Alliance’s  2021  Food  and  Agriculture 
Benchmark3. Coles has committed $10 million over 10 years to our 
‘Blue Carbon Partnership4’ with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, 
supporting programs to capture and store atmospheric carbon in 
marine ecosystems that are 30-50 times more efficient at this task 
than land-based forests.

1 
2 
3 

4 

 Product is certified carbon neutral from paddock to shelf under Climate Active Carbon Neural Standards and ranged in selected Victorian stores.
 Range was launched in collaboration with Packamama and winemakers Garcon Wines, Taylors Wines and Accolate Wines.
 Based on 2021 Food and Agriculture Benchmark of 350 food and agriculture companies globally by the World Benchmarking Alliance. Benchmark across four key 
measurement areas of social inclusion, nutrition, governance & strategy, and environment. Coles ranked #12/350 companies overall and #2/62 of food retailers 
globally.
 Coles’ partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation will dedicate funds towards a number of innovative projects based on ‘blue carbon’ – the process of 
capturing and storing carbon in oceanic or coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses. These ecosystems have the potential to capture 
and store more carbon than tropical rainforests, helping in the fight against climate change. More information is available at https://www.colesgroup.com.au/
media-releases/?page=coles-commits-10-million-to-help-protect-the-great-barrier-reef.

Top: Tim from Coles’ fresh produce team visits organic vegetable growers Wayne and Natasha Shields from Peninsula Fresh Organics in Victoria. The business was 
awarded a $300,000 grant to help transform its irrigation infrastructure in a bid to save 60 million litres of water per year and prevent run off of nutrients into local 
waterways. 
Bottom: Coles ambassador Eddie Betts at a Coles Healthy Kicks program, inspiring young Australians to enjoy healthy and happy lifestyles.

28

29

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationGroup performance

$m

Sales revenue
Supermarkets1
Liquor

Express

Group sales revenue

EBIT
Supermarkets2
Liquor

Express

Other

Group EBIT

Financing costs

Income tax expense

Profit after tax

FY22

FY21

CHANGE

34,624

3,613

1,132

39,369

1,715

163

42

(51)

1,869

(396)

(425)

1,048

33,868

3,525

1,192

38,585

1,702

165

67

(61)

1,873

(427)

(441)

1,005

2.2%

2.5%

(5.0%)

2.0%

0.8%

(1.2%)

(37.3%)

16.4%

(0.2%)

7.3%

3.6%

4.3%

1  FY21 sales revenue has been restated to reflect a reclassification of fulfilment income to Sales revenue (previously reported within Other Income).
2   FY22 includes approximately $30 million of implementation operating costs in relation to the Witron and Ocado transformation projects ($7 million in FY21).

Highlights

Impacts of COVID-19 and floods

•  Sales revenue growth of 2.0% to $39.4 billion with eCommerce 
performance  in  Supermarkets  and  Liquor  cycling  elevated 
COVID-19 related prior year sales. 

•  EBIT  of  $1,869  million  despite  significant  COVID-19  costs, 
transformation project costs, flood events and lower Express 
earnings  as  a  result  of  reduced  mobility  from  COVID-19 
lockdowns. 

•  Cash realisation of 104% and net debt of $506 million.

•  Fully-franked final dividend of 30.0 cents per share declared, 

taking total dividends in relation to FY22 to 63.0 cents. 

Performance overview

Despite  cycling  significantly  elevated  COVID-19  related  sales  in 
the prior corresponding period, FY22 Group sales revenue of $39.4 
billion increased by 2.0% in FY22. 

Group  EBIT  of  $1.9  billion  decreased  by  0.2%.  EBIT  includes 
COVID-19  costs  of  approximately  $240  million  and  project 
implementation  costs  in  relation  to  the  Witron  and  Ocado 
transformation  projects  of  approximately  $30  million  and  lower 
Express  earnings  as  a  result  of  reduced  mobility  from  COVID-19 
travel  restrictions.  Smarter  Selling  benefits  of  approximately 
$230 million were also realised during the year. The vast majority 
of these EBIT impacts were borne by Supermarkets while Liquor 
comprised a minor component. 

Supermarkets

Extended lockdowns in New South Wales, the Australian Capital 
Territory and Victoria for much of the first half led to higher sales 
and customers preferring or having to shop locally rather than in 
larger shopping centre stores. As restrictions eased, sales growth 
remained elevated with a strong Christmas trading period and the 
contribution from shopping centre stores increasing. 

As Omicron became more prevalent early in the second half and 
despite the lack of formal restrictions, local shopping trends re-
emerged.  In  addition,  availability  issues  in  store  as  a  result  of  a 
large number of Coles and supplier team members being required 
to isolate again led to customers choosing to shop at their local 
store  network.  The  availability  challenges 
impacted  Coles’ 
promotional program which was restored by the end of the year. 
Over the fourth quarter, local shopping trends subsided and the 
contribution from shopping centre stores increased again. 

The highly disruptive flood events in South Australia, New South 
Wales and Queensland early in the second half caused severe road 
and rail logistics disruptions, impacting availability. This also led 
to  30  temporary  store  closures  and,  by  the  end  of  the  year,  one 
remained closed and one store permanently closed. 

eCommerce growth remained elevated early in FY22. As the year 
progressed  and  restrictions  eased,  customers  returned  to 
shopping in store, however eCommerce sales are more than two 
times pre-pandemic levels.

Liquor

Liquor sales remained elevated in the first half with the closure of 
on-premise  venues  in  New  South  Wales,  the  Australian  Capital 
Territory  and  Victoria.  However,  the  COVID-19  sales  impacts 
tapered  over  the  year  as  restrictions  eased  and  on-premise 
venues re-opened. The emergence of Omicron early in the second 
half impacted sales with limited social gatherings and associated 
liquor  consumption  with  customers  still  preferring  larger  pack 
sizes.  Consistent  with  Supermarkets,  availability  was  also 
impacted as a result of Liquor and supplier team members being 
required to isolate. 

Liquor stores were disrupted due to the flood events in February 
with  66  Liquor  stores  initially  impacted  with  seven  stores 
remaining closed at the end of the year.

eCommerce performed strongly across the year with penetration 
peaking  at  5.0%  in  the  second  quarter  and  ending  the  fourth 
quarter at 4.5%.

Express

Fuel  volumes  were  negatively  impacted  from  reduced  mobility 
and  traffic  flows  as  a  result  of  lockdowns  in  the  first  half.  The 
recovery  from  COVID-19  restrictions  slowed  throughout  the 
second half due to the flood events, inclement weather as well as 
higher  fuel  prices.  More  than  30  Express  sites  were  closed  as  a 
result of the floods with three remaining closed at the end of the 
year. 

Costs

COVID-19  costs  of  approximately  $240  million  were  incurred 
during  the  year,  compared  to  approximately  $130  million  of 
COVID-19  costs  incurred  in  FY21.  COVID-19  costs  were  incurred 
primarily  in  the  Supermarkets  and  Liquor  segment  and  largely 
related to store remuneration, including costs in relation to team 
member  absenteeism,  recruitment,  rapid  antigen  testing  and 
additional  door  greeters  to  ensure  QR  code  compliance  in  the 
early part of the first half. 

Coles incurred direct costs from flood events in the second half of 
approximately $30 million including the loss of stock, asset write-
offs and increased freight costs through rail and road disruptions. 
The majority of these costs were recovered through insurance in 
the fourth quarter.

In December 2021, the FWO filed proceedings in the Federal Court 
of Australia which include issues relating to the interpretation and 
application  of  various  provisions  of  the  GRIA.  FWO  alleges  that 
Coles  is  obligated  to  pay  a  further  $108  million  in  remediation 
payments to 7,687 team members for the period 1 January 2017 to 
31 March 2020. This group is a subset of the award covered salaried 
employees  which  were  assessed  as  part  of  the  2020  review  by 
Coles. Additionally, the period of time covered in the proceedings 
is a lesser period than the period covered in the Coles’ remediation. 

Coles  has  lodged  its  defence  in  this  proceeding,  and  the  matter 
has  been  listed  for  trial  in  mid  2023.  The  trial  will  include 
consideration of threshold issues, including interpretation of the 
GRIA provisions. As such, the potential outcome, extent to which 
further remediation may be necessary, and costs associated with 
this matter remain uncertain as at the date of this report.

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. This matter will be heard in conjunction with the 
FWO proceedings at trial in mid June 2023. The potential outcome 
and total costs associated with this matter remain uncertain as at 
the date of this report.  

Earnings per share and dividends 

Basic  earnings  per  share  (EPS)  increased  to  78.8  cents,  a  4.6% 
increase from the prior year.

Profit for the period ($m)

Weighted average number of 
ordinary shares for basic EPS 
(shares, million)

Weighted average number of 
ordinary shares for diluted EPS 
(shares, million)

Basic EPS (cents)

Diluted EPS (cents)

FY22

1,048

FY21

1,005

1,330

1,334

1,331

78.8

78.7

1,335

75.3

75.3

The  Board  has  determined  a  fully  franked  final  dividend  of  30.0 
cents per share (cps).

In respect of the year:

FRANKED AMOUNT 
PER SECURITY

CPS

Award covered salaried team member review

FY22

Interim dividend 

Final dividend

FY21

Interim dividend 

Final dividend

33.0 cents

30.0 cents

33.0 cents

28.0 cents

33.0 cents

30.0 cents

33.0 cents

28.0 cents

In  February  2020,  Coles  announced  it  was  conducting  a  review 
into the pay arrangements for all team members who received a 
salary  and  were  covered  by  the  General  Retail  Industry  Award 
2010 (GRIA). The review assessed the remuneration paid to 15,011 
team  members  against  GRIA.  Coles  conducted  a  remediation 
program, and to date Coles has incurred $13 million of remediation 
costs  with  a  further  $12  million  provided  for  at  the  date  of  this 
report. 

Following  the  announcement  in  February  2020,  the  Fair  Work 
Ombudsman (FWO) commenced an investigation into Coles’ pay 
arrangements for a group of the affected salaried team members 
covered by the GRIA. 

30

31

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationBalance sheet

Cash flow

A summary of key balance sheet accounts for the Group:

$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

FY21

CHANGE

FY22

589

470

2,448

4,807

7,199

1,864

822

637

787

368

2,107

4,463

7,288

1,698

873

539

18,836

18,123

4,335

1,278

1,095

8,681

323

15,712

3,124

3,660

1,408

1,142

8,756

344

15,310

2,813

(25.2%)

27.7%

16.2%

7.7%

(1.2%)

9.8%

(5.8%)

18.2%

3.9%

18.4%

(9.2%)

(4.1%)

(0.9%)

(6.1%)

2.6%

11.1%

Summary cash flows of the Group:

$m

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

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/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

FY22

FY21

CHANGE

41,887

(38,309)

(41) 

(363) 

1 

(485) 

2,690 

(1,142) 

(1,746) 

(198) 

41,138

(37,510)

(47)

(390)

4

(358)

2,837

(1,106)

(1,936)

(205)

1.8%

2.1%

(12.8%)

(6.9%)

(75.0%)

35.5%

(5.2%)

3.3%

(9.8%)

(3.4%)

Net  cash  flows  from  operating  activities  decreased  to  $2,690 
million predominantly reflecting an increase in income tax paid.

Net  cash  flows  used  in  investing  activities  increased  to  $1,142 
million  reflecting  the  Group’s  annual  capital  program,  partly 
offset by the proceeds from property sales during the year.

Net  cash  flows  used  in  financing  activities  decreased  to  $1,746 
million reflecting the Group’s lease payments, dividends and net 
repayment of borrowings.

Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $589 million despite strong 
operating activities of $2,690 million due to the repayment of debt. 

Capital management

Interest-bearing  liabilities  reflect  external  borrowings  and  debt 
capital funding commitments. Coles repaid $100 million term debt in 
August 2021 which was replaced by $50 million term debt.

As at 26 June 2022, Coles’ average debt maturity was 6.0 years, with 
undrawn  facilities  of  $2,345  million.  Coles  remains  committed  to 
maintaining  diversified  funding  sources  and  extending  its  debt 
maturity profile over time. 

The lease-adjusted leverage ratio at the reporting date was 2.8x with 
current published credit ratings of BBB+ with Standard & Poor’s and 
Baa1 with Moody’s. 

Trade and other receivables increased to $470 million largely driven 
by an increase in international receivables and timing.

Inventory increased to $2,448 million driven by an increase in stock 
holdings to support availability and COVID-19 recovery.

Right-of-use  assets  decreased  to  $7,199  million  largely  driven  by 
depreciation  for  the  period,  partly  offset  by  new  leases  and 
modifications.

Property, plant and equipment increased to $4,807 million largely 
reflecting  investment  in  the  Group’s  annual  capital  program,  partly 
offset by depreciation and property transactions during the year.

Intangible  assets  increased  to  $1,864  million  largely  driven  by  the 
Group’s  continued 
in  technology,  partly  offset  by 
amortisation for the year.

investment 

Trade  and  other  payables  increased  to  $4,335  million  due  to  the 
increase  in  purchases  and  inventory  following  availability  issues, 
extended shipping times and costs.

Provisions decreased to $1,278 million largely driven by costs incurred 
in the closure of the Goulburn Distribution Centre during the period, 
move to retail ready meat and reduction in employee entitlements.

32

33

eCommerce capacity was expanded during the year with Click & Collect now available at more than 740 stores.

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
Supermarkets

Segment overview

$m
Sales revenue1
EBITDA2
EBIT2
Gross margin (%)
Cost of doing business (CODB)1 (%)
EBIT margin (%)

FY22

34,624

3,022

1,715

26.3

(21.4)

5.0

FY21

33,868

3,001

1,702

25.9

(20.9)

5.0

CHANGE

2.2%

0.7%

0.8%

42bps

(50bps)

(7bps)

1  FY21 sales revenue and CODB have been restated to reflect a reclassification of fulfilment income to Sales revenue (previously reported within Other Income).
2  FY22 includes approximately $30 million of implementation operating costs in relation to the Witron and Ocado transformation projects ($7 million in FY21).

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

Gross retail sales1 ($ billions)
Gross retail sales growth1 (%)
Comparable sales growth (%)
eCommerce sales2 ($ billions)
eCommerce penetration2 (%)
Sales density per square metre3 (MAT $/sqm)
Net promoter score (point increase/(decrease)) 

Inflation / (deflation) (%)

Inflation / (deflation) excl. tobacco and fresh (%)

FY22  
(52 WEEKS)

2H22  
(25 WEEKS)

1H22  
(27 WEEKS)

FY21  
(52 WEEKS)

35.7

3.0

2.6

2.8

7.9

17.1

4.0

3.8

1.3

7.6

18.6

2.0

1.5

1.5

8.2

34.6

3.0

2.5

2.0

5.8

18,209

18,209

17,919

17,847

(3.6)

1.7

1.6

(7.5)

3.8

3.6

0.2

(0.2)

(0.2)

2.3

0.8

(0.8)

1  Gross retail sales comprise retail sales on a gross basis before adjusting for concession sales and the cost of Flybuys scheme points.
2 

 eCommerce sales include Liquor sold through coles.com.au. FY21 eCommerce sales and penetration has been restated to reflect a reclassification of fulfilment 
income to Sales revenue (previously reported within Other Income).

3  Sales density per square metre is on a moving annual total (MAT), calculated on a rolling 52-week basis.

Highlights

Supermarkets  sales  revenue  was  $34.6  billion  for  the  year,  an 
increase of 2.2% on the prior corresponding period. 

Sales revenue growth was driven by the successful execution of 
trade plans throughout the year including the seasonal Christmas 
and Easter campaigns, the KitchenAid Ovenware and MasterChef 
Knives customer continuity campaigns, as well as value campaigns 
focused on lowering the cost of living for customers. eCommerce 
contributed to sales revenue growth, particularly in the first half 
during  the  lockdowns  in  New  South  Wales,  Victoria  and  the 
Australian Capital Territory. 

eCommerce  sales  of  $2.8  billion  grew  by  41%  year-on-year  with 
penetration  of  7.9%  in  FY22,  compared  to  5.8%  in  the  prior 
corresponding period. During the year, Coles Online increased its 
network coverage with 95% of Australians now having access to 
home  delivery.  The  Click  &  Collect  network  expanded  to  more 
than 740 stores with Click & Collect to the boot of car available at 

more than 670 stores. With a focus on immediacy, Click & Collect 
Rapid was expanded to more than 450 stores and same day home 
delivery expanded to more than 520 stores. The unified customer 
experience  was  enhanced  through  the  launch  of  a  shoppable 
Coles App. Benefits for Coles Plus members were expanded during 
the  year  offering  a  differentiated  omnichannel  experience  with 
online and instore shopping benefits.

Total  Supermarkets  price  inflation  of  1.7%  was  recorded  for  the 
year and 4.3% for the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, fresh 
inflation was 4.7%, driven by both bakery, reflecting higher wheat 
prices, and fresh produce, due to the Queensland and New South 
Wales  floods  impacting  supply,  particularly  in  vine  and  soft 
vegetables  such  as  tomatoes,  capsicums  and  broccoli.  This  was 
partly offset by fruit deflation, particularly in bananas and grapes. 
Supermarkets  recorded  packaged  inflation  of  1.6%  for  the  year 
and  4.3%  for  the  fourth  quarter.  Raw  material,  commodity, 
shipping and fuel costs remained the key driver to supplier input 
cost requests received in the fourth quarter impacting inflation in 
packaged.

Coles team member Linda from Greenacres in South Australia celebrated 50 years working with Coles in 2021.

Exclusive to Coles range revenue grew by 4.2% to $11.4 billion in 
FY22.  More  than  1,300  new  Coles  Own  Brand  products  were 
launched during the year, including Coles’ liquid Breakfast on the 
Move (BOM) range and Coles PerForm sports nutrition products 
and supplements, ranging from performance meals and soups to 
high protein bars and powders. Coles was the first major Australian 
supermarket  to  launch  a  Certified  Own  Brand  Carbon  Neutral 
Beef product. During the year, Coles Own Brand won 91 product 
awards including nine consumer-voted Product of the Year awards 
for product innovation across a range of products including Coles’ 
Ultimate 40% Choc Chip Cookies, DALEY ST Dark Ground Coffee, 
Finest Beef Herbs and Spices Sausages and Coles Kitchen Green 
Goddess Salad Kit. 

With  an  Exclusive  to  Coles  range  of  almost  6,000  products, 
seasonal value campaigns and everyday pricing have continued to 
support strong value offers across the year, with prices maintained 
on  many  essential  everyday  items.  This  includes  Coles  Durum 
Wheat Pasta (500 gms), Coles Tuna (85 gms), Coles Baked Beans 
(420  gms)  and  Coles  Italian  Diced  Tomatoes  (400  gms)  which 
continue to be priced at ‘$1 or less’. 

Customer satisfaction, as measured by Net Promoter Score (NPS), 
was  negatively  impacted  as  a  result  of  supply  chain  challenges 
which  impacted  availability  for  customers,  particularly  in  the 
second half of the financial year.

Coles  completed  50  store  renewals  during  the  year  including  12 
Format A, 10 Format B, 22 Format C and six Coles Local stores. For 
the year, 11 new openings and 10 closures were completed. At the 
end of FY22 there were 835 Supermarkets in the fleet. 

Gross  margin  of  26.3%  increased  by  42  bps  year-on-year  with 
strategic  sourcing  and  Smarter  Selling  benefits  such  as  supply 
chain and loss prevention initiatives partially offset by COVID-19 
costs incurred in the year.

Cost of doing business (CODB) as a percentage of sales increased 
by  50  bps  to  21.4%  due  to  COVID-19  costs  (approximately  $160 
million  compared  to  approximately  $90  million  incurred  in  the 
prior corresponding period), as well as higher costs related to the 
increase in sales, higher fuel costs and underlying cost inflation. 
Strategic investments continue to be made in eCommerce, IT and 
digital. This was partially offset by Smarter Selling benefits. For 
the  full  year,  approximately  $30  million  of  implementation 
operating costs were incurred in relation to the Witron and Ocado 
transformation projects. 

EBIT of $1.7 billion increased by 0.8% with an EBIT margin of 5.0%. 

34

35

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationLiquor

Segment overview

$m

Sales revenue

EBITDA

EBIT

Gross margin (%)

Cost of doing business (CODB) (%)

EBIT margin (%)

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

Gross retail sales1 ($ billions)
Gross retail sales growth1 (%)
Comparable sales growth (%)
eCommerce sales2 ($m)
eCommerce penetration2 (%)
Net Promoter Score3 (point increase /(decrease))
Sales density per square metre4 (MAT $/sqm)

FY22

3,613

278

163

22.5

(17.9)

4.5

FY21

3,525

276

165

21.8

(17.1)

4.7

CHANGE

2.5%

0.7%

(1.2%)

64bps

(79bps)

(16bps)

FY22  
(52 WEEKS)

2H22  
(25 WEEKS)

1H22  
(27 WEEKS)

FY21  
(52 WEEKS)

3.6

2.4

2.1

165

4.6

1.6

2.1

2.4

71

4.4

(0.8)

16,354

(2.6)

16,354

2.0

2.6

1.8

95

4.8

1.2

3.5

6.8

6.3

111

3.1

4.9

16,315

16,287

1  Gross retail sales comprise retail sales on a gross basis before adjusting for concession sales and the cost of Flybuys scheme points.
2 

 eCommerce sales exclude Liquor sold through coles.com.au which is reported in Supermarkets’ eCommerce sales. FY21 eCommerce sales and penetration has been 
restated to reflect a reclassification of fulfilment income to Sales revenue (previously reported within Other Income).

3  Net Promoter Score is based on Liquorland NPS results. 
4  Sales density per square metre is on a moving annual total (MAT), calculated on a rolling 52-week basis.

Highlights

Liquor sales revenue was $3.6 billion for the year, an increase of 
2.5% on the prior corresponding period.

Sales  revenue  growth  was  delivered  as  a  result  of  solid  trading 
across the year, particularly in the first half during the lockdowns 
in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory 
when on-premise venues were closed. The Christmas and Easter 
trading  periods  were  strong.  Liquorland  was  the  strongest 
performing banner with 191 Black and White Liquorland renewals 
completed, providing customers with an enhanced range of local 
wines, craft beers and boutique spirits. At a category level, Ready-
To-Drink and Spirits were the key drivers of growth.

Customer  satisfaction,  as  measured  by  NPS,  was  impacted  by 
availability challenges early in the second half as a result of Omicron 
and flood impacts on supply chain. NPS began to recover during the 
fourth quarter as a result of a focus on team and availability metrics.

eCommerce sales grew by 49% with penetration of 4.6% in FY22, 
compared to 3.1% in the prior corresponding period. During the 
year,  capacity  was  increased  through  the  continued  roll  out  of 
Click  &  Collect,  the  expansion  of  on-demand  services  which  is 
available  in  more  than  400  stores  while  1,400  products  were 
added to the online range. 

Trusted  value  for  customers  was  delivered  through  lowering 
prices  for  longer  with  more  than  2,000  Price  Drops  across 

Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market, reflected in improved 
value  metrics  during  the  year.  Exclusive  Liquor  Brand  (ELB)  and 
local  product  contribution  grew,  delivered  through  improved 
range  planning  and  market-leading  sustainability  innovations 
such  as  the  100%  recyclable  eco-bottle  wine  range  launched 
during the year. The ELB portfolio continues to be recognised with 
more  than  420  awards  received  during  the  year  including  ELB 
brand  Smithy’s  winning  the  Australian  Lager  of  the  Year  at  the 
Melbourne International Beer Competition. 

Liquor completed 208 renewals during the year including nine Vintage 
Cellar Evolution stores, in addition to the 191 Black & White Liquorland 
renewals.  For  the  year,  16  new  openings  and  12  closures  were 
completed. At the end of the period there were 933 Liquor stores. 

Gross  margin  of  22.5%  increased  by  64  bps  largely  due  to  the 
strong performance in ELB and local ranges. 

CODB as a percentage of sales increased by 79 bps to 17.9% largely 
due  to  investments  in  customer  service  and  team  capability,  as 
well  as  transformation  costs  in  relation  to  IT  systems.  COVID-19 
costs  in  relation  to  team  member  absenteeism  and  recruitment 
also  increased  throughout  the  second  half.  Depreciation  and 
amortisation increased by $4 million as a result of investments in 
renewals and new stores.

Liquor EBIT of $163 million decreased by 1.2% for the year driven by 
increased depreciation and amortisation, with an EBIT margin of 4.5%. 

The expanded range of local wines at Coles Liquor (top left); Local Brewing Co co-founder Sam Harris (top right) with White Peach Surplus Sour Product – an exclusive 
craft beer at Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores which is brewed using unsold supermarket bread and excess white peaches; the range of exclusive gins 
at Coles Liquor (middle) and Mia Lloyd, General Manager Customer, Trade Planning & Loyalty for Coles Liquor, pours wine from the new eco-bottle. Photo credit: Simon 
Schluter/The Age (bottom). 

36

37

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationExpress

Other

Segment overview

$m

Sales revenue

EBITDA

EBIT 

Gross margin (%)

Cost of doing business (CODB) (%)

EBIT margin (%)

Operating metrics (non-IFRS)

FY22

1,132

181

42

52.3

(48.5)

3.7

FY21

1,192

207

67

52.4

(46.7)

5.7

CHANGE

(5.0%)

(12.6%)

(37.3%)

(12bps)

(184bps)

(196bps)

Convenience store (c-store) gross retail sales1 ($)
C-store gross retail sales growth1 (%)
Comparable c-store sales growth (%)

Weekly fuel volumes (mL)

Fuel volume growth (%)

Comparable fuel volume growth (%)

FY22  
(52 WEEKS)

2H22  
(25 WEEKS)

1H22  
(27 WEEKS)

FY21  
(52 WEEKS)

1,201

(4.8)

(3.9)

54.4

(4.7)

(3.8)

586

(1.0)

0.1

56.4

(4.2)

(3.1)

615

(8.1)

(7.4)

52.6

(5.2)

(4.4)

1,262

7.4

6.8

57.1

(4.0)

(5.4)

1 

 Gross retail sales comprise retail sales on a gross basis before adjusting for concession sales and the cost of Flybuys scheme points. Fuel concession sales are 
excluded from Express gross retail sales on the basis Coles does not control retail pricing. 

Highlights

C-store sales revenue was $1.1 billion for the year, a decrease of 
5.0% on the prior corresponding period. 

C-store sales growth was impacted by lower forecourt traffic due 
to  lockdowns  in  New  South  Wales,  Victoria  and  the  Australian 
Capital Territory in the first half, while reduced mobility from the 
Omicron  variant  and  flood  events  in  New  South  Wales  and 
Queensland  impacted  sales  in  the  second  half.  The  cycling  of 
strong tobacco sales in the prior corresponding period also had 
an impact. Excluding tobacco, c-store sales grew by 0.9% in FY22 
with  strong  growth  in  food-to-go,  including  coffee  and  hot  fast 
food,  as  well  as  drinks  following  recent  range  review  activity. 
During the year, Express completed the successful national roll-
out of the Shell Coles Express App, providing customers with Pay 
at Pump and Store Locator functionality as well as monthly c-store 
offers.

Fuel volumes declined by 4.7% during the year with comparable 
fuel  volumes  declining  by  3.8%  driven  by  COVID-19  lockdowns, 
the flood events in New South Wales and Queensland as well as 
record-high  fuel  prices  in  the  second  half.  Average  weekly  fuel 
volumes of 54.4mL per week were recorded during the year. For 
the fourth quarter, average weekly fuel volumes were 56.9mL per 
week. 

For  the  year,  one  Express  site  was  opened  and  seven  closed, 
taking the total network to 711 sites.

Gross  margin  declined  by  12  bps  to  52.3%  largely  due  to  the 
declining  fuel  volumes.  CODB  as  a  percentage  of  sales  of  48.5% 
increased by 184 bps largely due to lower sales, however overall 
CODB  reduced  relative  to  the  prior  corresponding  period  as  a 
result of a strong focus on cost control. Express EBIT for the year 
was $42 million with an EBIT margin of 3.7%. 

Coles reported other net costs of $51 million for the year. Other 
includes corporate costs, Coles’ 50% share of Flybuys’ net result 
and the net gain or loss generated by Coles’ property portfolio.

Corporate costs of $82 million were incurred for the year, broadly 
flat on the prior corresponding period costs of $83 million. Coles’ 

50%  share  of  Flybuys’  net  result  was  a  $7  million  loss,  due  to 
increasing  investment  in  technology  and  data,  while  earnings 
from property operations were $38 million for the year compared 
to $27 million in the prior corresponding period. 

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

EBIT: Earnings before interest and tax

EBITDA: Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

EPS: Earnings per share

Exclusive to Coles: Refers to the portfolio of product brands that 
are exclusively available at Coles, and includes Coles Own Brands 
and Exclusive Proprietary Brands. Coles Own Brands refers to the 
portfolio of product brands owned by Coles (e.g. Coles Finest, KOi, 
Coles Nature’s Kitchen). Exclusive Proprietary Brands refers to the 
portfolio of product brands owned by suppliers but exclusive to 
Coles (e.g. La Espanola) 

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

Gross retail sales: Comprises retail sales on a gross basis before 
adjusting  for  concession  sales  and  the  cost  of  Flybuys  scheme 
points.  Fuel  concession  sales  are  excluded  from  Express  gross 
retail sales on the basis Coles does not control retail pricing

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, calculated on a rolling 12 months of data basis

Net Promotor Score: Metric used to measure customer advocacy, 
derived  from  an  externally  facilitated  survey  with  a  nationally 
representative sample. The point movement reported represents 
the  NPS  measured  over  the  relevant  period  relative  to  the  prior 
corresponding  period.  Liquor  NPS  is  based  on  Liquorland  NPS 
results

Perfect Order Rate: The percentage of total home delivery orders 
(excluding Click & Collect) that were fulfilled on time without any 
missing items or substitution

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

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

38

39

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationUpdate on Witron and Ocado  
transformation projects

The Witron and Ocado transformation projects are the  
biggest automation projects in Coles’ history.

Witron

Coles’ commitment towards modernising its supply chain led to 
the  partnership  in  October  2018  with  Witron  to  develop  two 
automated DCs located in Redbank Queensland (Qld) and Kemps 
Creek New South Wales (NSW).

Our  investment  in  this  exclusive  partnership  with  Witron,  the 
automated DC market leader delivering over 70 facilities globally, 
is  a  foundation  of  our  sustainable  strategic  differentiation  by 
delivering 
through 
long-term 
automation, data and technology. 

structural  cost  advantage 

The benefits of the automated DCs include:

•  Safer working environments with improved service at a lower 

cost 

•  Reduced lead time to deliver better availability, with both sites 

providing full case pick ambient range in each state

•  Double  the  volume  on  half  the  footprint  and  approximately 

two-thirds operating costs of a standard site

Construction and installation of the automated DCs is progressing 
well  despite  the  challenges,  in  particular  of  COVID-19  and 
disrupted  global  transport  and  supply  chains.  These  factors, 
together with elevated commodity prices and higher labour costs, 
have  increased  the  estimated  capital  investment  over  the  four 
and a half year period, inclusive of contingency, to approximately 
$1,040 million from the previously advised $950 million. 

The  facilities  are  due  to  be  commissioned  within  the  previously 
communicated timeframes. The Redbank Qld facility in 3Q23 and 
Kemps Creek NSW in 3Q24.

Ocado

Our  partnership  with  Ocado,  the  world’s  leading  technology 
provider  in  automated  single  pick  fulfilment  technology  and 
home delivery solutions, is a core foundation of Coles’ strategic 
differentiator to ‘win in food and drink with a unique omnichannel 
offering’.

The Ocado program is focused on NSW and Victoria and includes: 

•  Seamless digital customer experience with a unified App and 

website

• 

Improved product availability and freshness with delivered in 
full on time expected to be industry leading

•  Greater product range. The CFCs will open with an expanded 
range  compared  to  our  current  average  home  delivery  store 
and  growing  to  approximately  40,000  SKUs  over  time 
(approximately double our existing home delivery store)

• 

Increased  network  capacity  with  spokes  to  extend  the  CFC 
catchment areas for efficient last mile delivery

Coles’ eCommerce sales are now 2.7 times the level at the time of 
entering  our  partnership  with  Ocado  in  March  2019.  The  rate  of 
increase  is  higher  than  previously  anticipated,  largely  driven  by 
COVID-19. Our strategic plans have adapted to meet this significant 
uplift  in  demand  and  include  significant  investment  in  digital 
platforms and nationwide capacity. 

As previously advised, as a result of Coles’ significant investments 
in customer experience and the rapid acceleration in eCommerce 
revenue and penetration since the onset of COVID-19, Coles and 
Ocado agreed to update arrangements regarding how the Ocado 
Smart  Platform  (OSP)  will  integrate  with  these  new  initiatives. 
Coles  will  manage  the  online  store  and  web  presence  for  the 
intake of orders, and Ocado will provide OSP automated fulfilment 
functionality through the CFCs and store pick channels, as well as 
last-mile solutions. 

At the time Coles announced the Ocado partnership in March 2019 
it expected capital expenditure, inclusive of upfront Ocado fees, 
to  be  in  the  range  of  $130-150  million  over  the  four-year 
development and construction period. 

In order to maximise the potential of the CFCs, in addition to the 
significant  eCommerce  investments,  Coles  has  enhanced  the 
customer  offer  to  include  features  such  as  onsite  bakeries  and 
fresh  cut  produce  rooms  (a  world  first)  and  expanded  the 
catchment zones within the hub and spoke model.

Coles team members outside the Ocado customer fulfilment centre in Victoria.

Implementation capital and operational expenditure 

In  FY23  Coles  expects  to  spend  approximately  $310  million  in 
capital  expenditure  in  relation  to  Witron  and  Ocado  and  this  is 
included  within  Group  capital  expenditure  guidance.  The 
cumulative spend for both projects to the end of FY23 is estimated 
to  account  for  approximately  75%  of  the  total  project  capital 
expenditure. 

FY23 and FY24 will be landmark years for Coles with the proposed 
commissioning of the four automated distribution and customer 
fulfilment centres. The estimated financial impact of the project 
implementation  operating  expenditure,  including  the  ramp-up, 
dual running and transition costs partially offset by early benefits, 
is detailed below. 

$m
Project implementation opex1,2
Depreciation

EBIT Impact 

FY23

~(115)

~(25)

~(140)

FY24

~(135)

~(85)

~(220)

1 

2 

 Previous guidance was up to $75m and $160m for FY22 and FY23 respectively. 
Actual spend in FY22 was $30m. FY23 and balance of FY22 now re-phased in 
line with project delivery.
 Project implementation operating expenditure is inclusive of ramp-up, 
dual running and transition costs (net of early benefits).

As  previously  communicated,  net  EBIT  benefits  from  Witron  are 
expected to commence from FY25 and sales benefits from Ocado 
are expected from FY24 as the customer fulfilment centres build 
volumes.

These  investments,  together  with  COVID-19  schedule  delays, 
expanded  scope  and  integration  costs  have  increased  the 
to 
estimated 
approximately $330 million, inclusive of contingency and upfront 
fees. 

total  capital  expenditure  of 

the  program 

The  automated  CFCs  are  due  to  open  within  the  previously 
communicated  timeframes.  The  NSW  facility  is  due  to  open  in 
1Q24 and the Victorian facility in mid FY24.

40

41

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationLooking to the future

Risk management

Significant progress has been achieved in FY22,  
despite a highly disruptive operating environment.

Our operating environment continues to rapidly evolve,  
resulting in changes to the risks and uncertainties that we face.

We regularly review risks and mitigations, so we can support the 
delivery of our purpose and strategy and respond to challenges 
faced  by  Australian  businesses,  the  retail  industry,  our  team 
members, and the communities we serve.

them. Although the risks have been described individually, there 
is a high level of interdependency between them. This means an 
increased exposure for one material risk can drive elevated levels 
of exposure in other areas of our risk profile. 

During the year, Coles has continued to identify and manage risks 
in accordance with the Coles Risk Management Framework. The 
design  of  this  framework  is  based  on  ISO  31000:2018  Risk 
management  –  Guidelines  (‘ISO  31000’),  which  provides  an 
internationally  recognised  set  of  principles  and  guidelines  for 
managing  risks  in  organisations.  Further  information  about  our 
Risk Management Framework will be available in Coles’ Corporate 
Governance Statement. 

Through  application  of  the  Coles  Risk  Management  Framework, 
we  have  identified  material  strategic,  operational,  and  financial 
risks  that  could  adversely  affect  the  achievement  of  our  future 
financial  prospects.  Each  of  these  material  risks  is  described  in 
the  following  table,  along  with  key  mitigation  plans  to  manage 

In  addition  to  these  material  risks,  our  performance  may  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 in the following table.

We  also  anticipate  that  the  evolving  nature  of  the  COVID-19 
pandemic and its impact on business and communities, as well as 
the changing macro-economic and geopolitical environment, will 
drive  continual  changes  to  Coles’  material  and  emerging  risks 
during  the  next  financial  year  and  beyond.  We  will  therefore 
continue  to  monitor  and  respond  to  further  developments  as 
required, including ongoing review and enhancement of our risk 
mitigation plans. 

To deliver the next phase of Coles’ Winning Together in our Second 
Century strategy, we will focus on our strategic differentiators to 
Win  in  food  and  drink  with  a  unique  omnichannel  offering;  Be  a 
great  value  exclusive  brands  powerhouse  and  destination  for 
health  and  convenience;  Achieve  long-term  structural  cost 
advantage  through  Smarter  Selling  programs,  including  data, 
automation  and  technology  partnerships;  Be  Australia’s  most 
sustainable  supermarket  group  together  with  our  partnerships 
and communities; and Deliver at pace through our engaged team.

To Win in food and drink with a unique omnichannel offering, we 
will unify and digitise the customer experience through a unified 
website and an enhanced shoppable Coles App. We will continue 
to roll out Click & Collect locations and expand the home delivery 
network,  including  a  focus  on  our  immediacy  offer  with  Click  & 
Collect Rapid (order to pick up in 90-minutes) and same day home 
delivery. In our physical store network, new stores and renewals 
of  existing  stores  will  continue,  with  a  particular  focus  on  the 
popular  Coles  Local  format  and,  in  Liquor,  Black  and  White 
Liquorland and Vintage Cellar Evolution stores. 

With inflation continuing to place pressure on households, Coles 
will  continue  to  deliver  trusted  value  through  our  Exclusive  to 
Coles portfolio. This will be enhanced by focusing on value, new 
product development and innovation, and continuing to provide 
a  superior  range  of  ready  meals,  supporting  our  convenience 
strategy.

The  ongoing  headwind  of  rising 
inflation  underscores  the 
importance  of  our  Smarter  Selling  cost  reduction  program,  and 
the  commissioning  commencement  of  three  of  our  four  Witron 
automated  distribution  centres  and  Ocado  customer  fulfilment 
centres  in  FY24  will  allow  us  to  drive  future  efficiencies  while 
delivering an enhanced offer to inspire customers. The focus will 
remain on the final year of our Smarter Selling program where we 
are on track to deliver under our four-year program approximately 
$1 billion of benefits by the end of FY23. 

Consistent  with  our  ambition  to  be  Australia’s  most  sustainable 
supermarket,  we  will  continue  to  focus  on  delivering  on  our 
commitments  under  the  Together  to  Zero  and  Better  Together 
focus areas of our Sustainability Strategy. While we have already 
secured a path to 100% renewable electricity by the end of FY25 
through  signing  the  last  of  the  agreements  needed  to  meet  our 
target  in  FY22,  we  will  continue  to  invest  in  solar  and  energy 
efficiency across our network. We have set a target to divert 85% 
of solid waste from landfill by FY25 and are working towards 100% 
recyclable, reusable or compostable Coles Own Brand and Coles 
Liquor Own Brand packaging in Australia by FY25.

We know the importance of having an engaged and future-focused 
workforce  that  can  deliver  on  our  long-term  strategic  priorities. 
To  enable  this,  we  are  continuing  to  invest  in  the  learning, 
development  and  careers  of  our  team  members  to  continue  to 
grow engagement across the workforce. Our programs to improve 
the  team  member  experience  through  digitisation  of  store 
support  centre  processes  and  improved  workforce  planning 
within  operational  teams  facilitates  delivery  at  pace  and 
productivity.

FY23 will be another year of significant investment for Coles as we 
continue  to  commit  resources  and  capital  to  transformational 
projects  which  will  underpin  our  customer  experience  and 
efficiency.  Capital  expenditure  is  expected  to  be  between  $1.2 
and $1.4 billion, inclusive of Witron and Ocado projects. 

We  will  prioritise  capital  investment,  people  and  technology  to 
accelerate  our  progress.  We  will  monitor  emerging  trends, 
including  macro-economic  and  consumer  trends,  to  ensure  we 
deliver the strategic differentiators in FY23.

42

43

Coles graduates Santosh and Marz at the Kewdale Distribution Centre in Western Australia. Coles graduates receive risk management and safety training during the 
graduate program.

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
Strategic risks

Risk Description

Mitigations

Geopolitical and Macro-Economic

Uncertainty in the global and domestic 
macro-economic and geopolitical 
environment, including as a result of 
changes in government (either state or 
federal) and global conflicts (such as in 
Russia and Ukraine), can expose Coles 
to supply chain disruptions and 
inflationary pressures. 

This includes price and cost pressures 
(e.g. commodities, labour, energy, 
fuel), the potential for interest rate 
rises, and changes in consumer 
spending and consumption choices. 
These can further result in an 
increased cost to operate, margin 
pressures, and reduction in sales.

Pandemic 

If Coles does not monitor and respond 
to the evolution of COVID-19 or future 
pandemics, there is a risk of exposure 
to material financial loss including as a 
result of higher input costs; additional 
operational costs; delays in the 
execution of our strategic programs; 
reduction of sales and margins; legal 
and regulatory action; people, health 
and safety issues; and/or reputational 
damage. 

Furthermore, the pandemic exposes 
us to the significant and/or prolonged 
disruptions in the supply chain, store 
and online operations which can 
impact on our ability to serve our 
customers and the community. 

We aim to mitigate exposures to the geopolitical and macro-economic environment through: 
our corporate planning and financial performance review processes which incorporate 
scenario planning and consideration of future market conditions, adaptation of our customer 
offer to respond to changes in customer spending and consumption, diversification of 
products and services, maintaining a strong balance sheet to fund our operations and 
maximise financial performance, and execution of our Smarter Selling program with the 
objective of offsetting inflation and reducing costs while investing in the business. 

We engage with suppliers to support management of issues such as supply chain disruptions, 
product availability constraints and changing input costs. We also engage with government 
stakeholders so we can monitor and respond to government decisions, and changes in 
policies and regulations, including as a result of transitions in state or federal governments. 

Coles continues to manage the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with 
government and health advice, as well as our Group Response Policy and Program which sets 
out the governance arrangements, accountabilities, and processes for crisis management 
and business continuity, and our Coles SafetyCARE System which is the safety management 
system that provides a framework for Coles to look after the health, safety and wellbeing of 
our team members, customers, contractors, suppliers and visitors. 

The Coles Group Response Program is managed by the Head of Response, with direct 
oversight and consultation of critical decisions by Group Executive. This includes for example, 
the decision taken during FY22, following a comprehensive risk assessment, to mandate 
vaccination against COVID-19 for all Coles team members in line with government health 
advice in relation to the provision of a safe working environment. Critical response decisions 
are elevated to the Board, when required. 

Business continuity plans are in place for critical functions and activities across our 
operations including merchandising, supply chain and store and online operations. These 
plans have been invoked on multiple occasions when required during our response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to be refined given the evolving nature of the pandemic. 
This includes ongoing assessment of risks including resourcing challenges, long-term 
impacts, and the potential spread of new COVID-19 variants.

Changing consumer behaviour, competition and digital transformation

Coles regularly monitors customer sentiment, best practice global retailers, local and 
international retail trends, and customer insights and research, so we can quickly respond to 
changes in customer behaviours. 

Key programs to respond to changing consumer behaviours and expectations and the 
competitive environment, and to build on opportunities, are embedded in the 
implementation of our strategy including under the Inspire Customers pillar and through 
automation of the supply chain. 

To alleviate cost of living pressures, we deliver trusted value to our customers through 
everyday low pricing across a broad range of products, a program of weekly specials and 
loyalty offers. In addition, we aim to lower the cost of living for Australians and provide an 
innovative and unique offer through our Exclusive to Coles range.

We continue to enhance our digital customer experience including through Coles Online, our 
digital catalogue, the coles.com.au platform including coles&co, Click & Collect Rapid and the 
Coles Plus subscription service. Our shoppable Coles App enables customers to order 
through the app, view the catalogue, and build their shopping list so they can map out their 
shopping experience. 

During FY22 we strengthened the Flybuys loyalty program with the addition of Bunnings and 
Officeworks, providing members with new opportunities to earn and redeem points, and 
implemented a new operating model that will enable personalised offers for customers. 

We continue to invest in programs which will further personalise the shopping experience for 
our customers while protecting their data security and privacy. 

We also continue to invest 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.

Delivery of our strategic programs is determined by the effective implementation of each of 
the three pillars of our strategy: Inspire Customers, Smarter Selling and Win Together. 

Furthermore, the execution of elements of our strategy is supported by third-party strategic 
partnerships including Witron (automated distribution centres), and Ocado (enhanced online 
capability). We also have joint ventures with Wesfarmers (Flybuys) and Australian Venue Co. 
(Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd), and an alliance with Viva Energy (Coles Express). 

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 
strategic programs of work, including with Witron and Ocado. Projects and programs are 
regularly reviewed in detail to monitor progress of program delivery, costs and benefits, and 
the allocation of resources. We undertake post-implementation reviews to assess project 
outcomes relevant to the business case, and to identify lessons-learned to be applied for future 
projects. The Board reviews and provides oversight of key programs throughout the year. 

Consumer behaviour and expectations 
are changing in diverse and complex 
ways, including as a result of the 
evolving COVID-19 pandemic and 
macro-economic environment. 
Changes include increased focus on 
safety measures, reliance and demand 
on online shopping and digital 
channels, increased personalisation, 
demand for convenience, and 
enhanced consciousness about value 
and consumption choices. 

The competitive environment is also 
changing, with an increased focus on 
digital, automation, and e-commerce 
to deliver efficiency and a personalised 
and seamless experience for 
customers across both our online and 
offline channels.

If Coles fails to adequately respond to 
changing customer behaviours and 
expectations and competitive 
pressures, it could result in loss of 
market share and, ultimately, adverse 
margin impacts, reduced customer 
retention and impact to share price or 
value.

Strategic program execution 

Inability to deliver our strategic 
programs on time or within budget 
with the expected benefits, could 
result in loss of market share, 
variability in Coles’ earnings, and 
inability to meet shareholders 
expectations.

Changes in scope or delays within our 
strategic programs and projects, may 
occur due to disruptions to project 
inputs and services, including as a 
result of the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic and evolving geopolitical 
and macro-economic conditions, and 
to critical third parties that we rely on 
to deliver our strategic programs of 
work. Programs may also be impacted 
if critical skills and talent required to 
execute are not available. 

44

45

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationPeople availability and talent

With low unemployment rates and 
inflation placing pressure on wages, 
Coles faces competition to attract and 
retain skilled team members who are 
imperative to the execution and 
delivery of our strategic programs, 
digital transformation, and broader 
business operations and performance. 

Climate change and the environment 

Climate change presents an evolving 
set of risks and opportunities for 
Coles, and has the potential to 
contribute to, and increase, the 
exposure of other material risks. These 
include increased frequency and 
intensity of extreme weather events 
and chronic climate changes that can 
disrupt our operations and 
compromise the safety of our team 
members, customers, supply chain 
and the food we sell. Climate change 
can also lead to changes to 
government policy, law and regulation, 
which can result in increased costs to 
operate and the potential for litigation. 

An inability to reduce our 
environmental impact and meet our 
external sustainability commitments 
could also result in reputational 
damage, diminished access to capital, 
loss in market share, and fines and 
penalties. 

Coles is one of Australia’s largest private-sector employers. Our Great place to work strategy 
sits under the Win Together pillar and focuses on strengthening team member engagement, 
which is measured through our mysay team member engagement survey. ‘A team that is 
better together’ is also a key focus area of our Better Together pillar. Through this focus area 
we seek to be an employer of choice and make Coles a workplace in which everyone feels like 
they belong so that we can all live healthier and happier lives.

We run targeted recruitment campaigns where competition for talent is high, including to 
identify key skills and experience needed to deliver our strategy (e.g. digital and technology 
segments). These recruitment campaigns complement our standard hiring practices, and 
existing graduate and industry-based learning programs. 

We have in place action plans targeted on retention, and development programs to support 
career growth of key talent. Regular discussions on talent and succession planning are held 
with Group Executive and the People and Culture Committee. 

Our approach to performance enables team members to set objectives related to our 
strategy. It also provides an opportunity to seek and give feedback, and celebrate progress 
and achievements. We have a number of recognition programs in place, including our Good 
Things Awards. 

The People and Culture Committee is responsible for reviewing and overseeing the Group’s 
key people and organisational culture strategies, as well as reviewing talent management 
within the Group generally. It is also responsible for reviewing the appropriateness of our 
remuneration and incentive frameworks, and recommends to the Board any changes to the 
overall Group policy regarding remuneration including incentives. The Board maintains 
overall accountability for approving the Group’s remuneration policies.

Coles had previously developed a roadmap to help us to align with the recommendations of the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. During FY22, we continued to implement 
actions identified within our roadmap and make progress towards achieving our Together to 
zero emissions commitments. This included securing a path to achieving 100% renewable 
electricity for Group operations by the end of FY25 and continuing to upgrade to natural 
refrigerants which have close to no global warming potential compared to synthetic refrigerant 
gas. We also continued to analyse transition and physical climate change risks and 
opportunities, including through scenario analysis and a physical site assessment of a select 
portfolio of assets. Further climate change risk analysis will continue in FY23. Additional 
information on climate change risks and opportunities is set out in the Climate Change section.

Building on work already undertaken, we have commenced an environmental impact review of 
Coles Own Brand products, mapping potential impact against three key areas: deforestation, 
water security and soil health. The results of this review will form a baseline assessment of 
these areas, and be the foundation of a future action plan to reduce our environmental impacts 
and help our customers make more informed choices.

Our Sustainability Strategy highlights Coles’ commitments across the Together to Zero and 
Better Together pillars of our strategy. The Together to Zero pillar of our Sustainability Strategy 
incorporates targets to reduce our impact on the environment, specifically emissions, waste 
and hunger. Our publicly available Climate Change Position Statement sets out our approach to 
climate change.

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. 

The Board has endorsed the Sustainability Steering Committee as the management group 
responsible for overseeing the Group-wide identification and response to sustainability issues, 
including climate change. It is chaired by the Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer, a 
member of the Executive Leadership Team, who reports to the Chief Executive Officer. The Chief 
Executive Officer has ultimate responsibility for sustainability at Coles. 

Climate change and the environment (continued)

The Sustainability Steering Committee is supported by other steering committees, 
subcommittees and working groups. These include the Human Rights Steering Committee, the 
Better Together Council, the Climate Change Subcommittee and the Coles Express and Coles 
Liquor sustainability working groups. Progress against the Sustainability Strategy is reported 
annually in the Coles Group Sustainability Report.

Operational risks

Risk Description

Mitigations

Industrial relations 

As we execute our strategy, workforce 
changes may lead to industrial action 
and/or disruptions to our operations, 
which can result in increased costs, 
litigation and financial impacts from 
reputational damage. The impact of 
COVID-19, along with planned 
changes in our supply chain 
operations, has heightened our 
exposure to this risk.

Supply chain resilience

Supply chain disruptions can result in 
an inability to supply to customers, 
loss of market share, price volatility 
and increased costs. 

Potential disruptions can occur due to 
extreme weather events and changes 
in climate, and in domestic and 
international government and policy 
and regulation, as well as geopolitical 
factors. This includes the Russia-
Ukraine conflict, the evolving 
COVID-19 pandemic, inflation and 
increasing cost of inputs, and 
disruptions to staffing in our stores, 
distribution centres, and sites (Coles 
and suppliers). 

Coles has in place dedicated Employee Relations resources that are responsible for 
monitoring and responding to industrial relations risks and issues. Key activities include 
implementation of appropriate enterprise agreements and employee relations strategies; 
maintaining and building strong working relationships with unions and industry 
organisations; and constructively liaising with our team members, third-party suppliers and 
transport and logistic service providers. 

The renegotiation of enterprise agreements is managed and business continuity plans are in 
place to mitigate disruption to operations if industrial action occurs.

Our response includes business continuity plans to manage the supply chain and delivery of 
goods to stores during extreme weather and business disruptive events. Our plans include 
consideration of people, resources, physical sites, information technology and digital 
requirements, and critical third parties required to continue to operate and serve our 
customers and community. 

We also monitor the external environment for changing circumstances and disruptive events, 
and undertake supplier diversification and sourcing of alternative supply arrangements, and 
strategic category planning to provide a category-by-category approach to business 
continuity. 

In response to challenges such as COVID-19 and floods, we scale up production and 
distribution of substitute goods, undertake rapid onboarding of new suppliers, manage the 
business’ promotional plans to support availability and simplify operations, and introduce 
purchase limits where required. 

Medium and longer term international and domestic supply security risks and mitigations are 
assessed on an ongoing basis as part of our strategic category planning program. We also 
continue to analyse Coles’ supply chain resilience in key food categories, including meat, 
dairy and seafood. 

We have expanded our milk supply chain to purchase milk directly from dairy farms in 
Tasmania, joining Victoria, Southern and Central New South Wales, South Australia and 
Western Australia. Coles continued to offer farmers the option of longer term agreements, 
providing them with greater confidence over their future income and securing ongoing supply 
of fresh milk for customers. Through the Coles Sustainable Dairy Development Group 
(CSDDG), we invest directly in farm-related sustainability projects in consultation with dairy 
farmers. During FY22, support through CSDDG also included investment in all of our 
contracted farms in Southern and Central New South Wales which had been impacted 
repeatedly by floods and heavy rains. 

46

47

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationHealth and safety

The safety of our team, customers, 
third parties and contractors is 
paramount to Coles. We employ and 
engage an extensive and diverse 
work-force, including third parties, 
with high volumes of people 
interactions daily. This may result in 
risk of fatality, life-threatening injuries 
or transmission of disease to team 
members, customers, suppliers, 
contractors or visitors, due to 
potentially unsafe work practices, 
accidents or incidents. 

Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic can have adverse impacts 
to team member health and wellbeing 
(including mental health) and 
introduces the potential for loss of key 
personnel due to infection.

Our detailed Health, Safety and Injury Management system (SafetyCARE) is supported by a 
team of experienced safety professionals throughout our network. SafetyCARE’s 
performance is measured through a range of indicators and the effectiveness of the system is 
assessed through a verification program. 

A rolling five-year safety and wellbeing plan focuses on Safe Sustainable Leadership, Smarter 
Safety, Healthy Teams and Mind Your Health. Performance is reported to, and monitored by, 
the Board at every meeting, in addition to reporting of critical safety incidents if and when 
they occur. 

The health and safety of our customers and team members underpins our response to the 
COVID-19 pandemic. Coles adopts enhanced hygiene practices based on recommendations 
from the Australian Government through Safe Work Australia and on information from the 
federal Department of Health, and state and territory governments and departments of 
health, as well as other applicable regulatory bodies. A large number of measures have been 
implemented during FY22, and are adapted to comply with changing regulations. 

These measures include programs to keep our customers and team members safe. They 
incorporate: social distancing measures, sanitisation stations, masks, additional cleaning 
and security, contact tracing and reporting process for team member infections, rapid 
antigen testing of team members in distribution centres and production facilities, modified 
work practices (stores, distribution centres and support centres) to reduce the risk of 
COVID-19 infection onsite, and the implementation of large-scale mental health and 
wellbeing programs for our team members.

During FY22, following a comprehensive risk assessment and consultation process, Coles 
implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy requiring all team members to be vaccinated by 
31 March 2022 unless medically exempt. 

Product and food safety

Product and food safety and quality is 
critical for Coles. Serious illness, 
injury or death are the most severe 
potential risks from compromised 
product or food safety. 

Coles has a food safety governance program in place that is overseen by an experienced 
technical team. The program is composed of targeted policies and procedures, including 
well-established food recall and withdrawal processes, specific supplier requirements for 
different food categories (e.g. chilled versus ambient) and a supporting assurance program 
which aims to ensure key controls are operating and effective. 

Loss in customer trust, reputational 
damage, 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 works closely 
with our suppliers to support them to comply with relevant mandatory product safety and 
labelling standards, and 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.

Third-party management 

An inability to successfully manage 
and leverage our critical and strategic 
third-party relationships, or a critical 
failure of a key supplier or service 
provider, may expose Coles to risks 
related to compromised safety and 
quality, misalignment with ethical 
and sustainability objectives, 
disruptions to supply or operations, 
unrealised benefits, and legal and 
regulatory exposure. 

Coles has due diligence processes in place to assess the adequacy and suitability of key 
suppliers, service providers and strategic partners in accordance with our requirements.

We monitor and manage the quality and performance of key suppliers and strategic third 
parties throughout their engagement with Coles. Defined service level and key performance 
indicators are in place for key supply contracts. Risks are managed through contractual 
protections. Our business continuity plans include consideration of critical third parties 
required to continue operating and serving our customers and community in the event of a 
business disruption.

Third-party management (procurement: non trade) is governed by the Third Party Management 
Policy. It includes requirements for sourcing and contract management and the application of 
our SAP Ariba technology platform for sourcing, contracting, buying and invoicing. During FY22, 
enhancements were made to the third-party risk management process. Coles continues to 
strengthen our third-party risk management including contract management and supplier 
management requirements for procurement: non trade engagements.

Legal and regulatory

The diversity of our operations 
necessitates compliance with extensive 
legislative requirements at all levels of 
government. This includes corporations 
law, competition and consumer law, 
health and safety, industrial relations, 
employment, product and food safety, 
environment, council by-laws, privacy, 
measurements and bio-security. 

Non-compliance with laws and 
regulations, could expose Coles to loss 
of license to operate, substantial 
financial penalties, reputational 
damage, a deterioration in relationships 
with regulators, class action or other 
litigation and additional regulatory 
changes that may adversely impact the 
execution of our strategy and result in 
increased cost to operate. Furthermore, 
where 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 business in a manner that 
complies with our Coles Ethical 
Sourcing Policy and relevant legal 
requirements across Australia and the 
countries we source from, can impact 
worker safety, wellbeing or living 
conditions. It can also result in 
material reputational damage, loss in 
consumer confidence and market 
share, regulator fines and penalties, 
and adverse financial performance. 

Coles has in place a Compliance Framework, which is based on AS ISO 37301:2021 
Compliance management systems – Guidelines, and which sets out the standards, 
requirements and accountability for managing regulatory compliance obligations across the 
Group. 

The Compliance Framework is subject to continual review and assurance, including through 
Coles’ internal audit process. 

We also maintain relationships with regulators and industry bodies and actively monitor new 
and impending legislative and policy changes so we can respond accordingly. 

Our legal teams work in partnership with our compliance teams to monitor and manage legal 
issues, matters, claims and disputes. We are supported by pre-agreed panel arrangements 
with external legal firms and assess potential litigation claims to understand loss potential.

Coles is currently implementing action plans, including the update of existing policies and 
procedures, to comply with newly introduced obligations for cyber incident reporting and 
registration of our critical assets, in line with the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 
(Cth) (SOCI Act). Some of these obligations took effect from July 2022, and have been 
introduced by Australia’s Department of Home Affairs to uplift the security and resilience of 
Australia’s critical assets.

Our Ethical Sourcing Policy and supplier requirements are based on internationally recognised 
standards and establish the minimum standards for our suppliers. These include the Ethical Trade 
Initiative (ETI) Base Code, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Declaration on Fundamental 
Principles and Rights at Work, United Nations Guiding Principles, Children’s Rights and Business 
Principles (UNICEF, UN Global Compact and Save the Children) and the Organisation for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

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. It also includes a 
requirement for ethical audits of selected suppliers. The program includes Coles Own Brand 
and fresh produce suppliers, Coles Own Liquor Brands, and procurement: non trade suppliers. 

During the financial year, following a third-party review, we updated our Ethical Sourcing Key 
Risk Indicators to focus on timely management action in response to ethical audit non-
conformances arising throughout our supply chain rather than a focus on the number of 
non-conformances arising from audits. This change recognised that our increasing audit 
volume will result in more non-conformances and that our responsiveness to these findings 
should be the focus of measurement.

We also developed and implemented a framework designed to work with supplier sites to 
understand the root causes of excessive working hours non-conformances and drive 
continuous improvement through the development of action plans. This framework has also 
been subject to independent third -party review. We had a strong focus on risk review 
activities in areas including tobacco, seafood, third-party labour hire, meat processing and the 
gig economy. We continued to focus on meaningful collaborations including our partnership 
with the Ethical Retail Supply Chain Accord, re-signing the Accord for an additional three-year 
term, and hosting a worker education event for farm workers in the Mareeba region. In 
addition, we entered a new relationship with the Indirect Supply Alliance which incorporates 
businesses from across the globe, sharing knowledge and creating best practice initiatives for 
protecting human rights in the procurement supply chain. 

Coles’ whistle-blower hotline and dedicated supply chain wages and conditions hotline enable 
reporting of unethical, illegal, fraudulent or undesirable conduct. The Board receives reports 
on material incidents reported under the Whistleblower Policy and metrics on disclosures 
made under the Policy. 

Additional information on Coles’ Ethical Sourcing Program can be found in our 2022 Modern 
Slavery Statement.

48

49

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationInformation technology, resilience, data and cyber security 

A failure or disruption to our 
information technology applications 
and infrastructure, including a 
cyber-security event, could impede 
the processing of customer 
transactions, or limit our ability to 
procure or distribute stock for our 
stores or otherwise impact the 
operations of our business. 

Cyber-security threats include 
ransomware, product vulnerabilities, 
business email compromise, and 
phishing scams, resulting in system 
compromise. 

Many factors including increased 
flexible working arrangements, our 
growing external digital footprint, 
increased reliance on technology, 
volume of third-party providers, 
geopolitical unrest and growing 
sophistication of cyber criminals, 
have resulted in Coles operating in an 
ever-increasing cyber-security threat 
environment.

Furthermore, our technology and 
data-rich environment exposes us to 
the risk of unauthorised disclosure of 
confidential, financial, or personal 
information. This may result in loss of 
consumer confidence, loss in market 
share, regulatory fines and penalties, 
and reputational damage. 

We have a rolling five-year technology strategy and continuously monitor our technology for 
operational and cyber incidents. 

Our cyber-security roadmap is updated regularly and is independently assessed to help us 
make investment decisions that are commensurate with risks to the business, in line with 
similar businesses, and supports Coles’ business direction. 

We also have a cyber-security framework in place that we use to assess the maturity of our 
cyber-security capabilities and identify priority areas for improvement and further 
investment. Our cyber-security framework is aligned to the internationally recognised 
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework. 
Additionally, our security policies and standards are aligned to ISO 27002:2013 Information 
technology — Security techniques (‘ISO 27002’), which provides an international code of 
practice for information security controls. Cyber security posture and mitigations are 
regularly reported to, and monitored by, the Board and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Our privacy and digital security policies, procedures, governance forums, education and 
awareness programs, and active membership with the federal government Joint Cyber 
Security Centre, help to strengthen our ongoing management of evolving data, privacy and 
cyber-security threats. We also regularly test and review our information technology 
infrastructure, systems, and processes to assess security threats and the adequacy of 
controls.

Coles technology systems utilise dual data centres and cloud services to make sure critical 
business systems have high levels of redundancy with resiliency embedded across our 
ecosystem. We actively manage technology changes to reduce the risk of system instability, 
especially during peak trading periods. Our service management function is responsible for 
responding to incidents and coordinating recovery activities, should a disruption occur. 

In the event of a disruption, we have information technology recovery plans in place for 
critical systems, and dedicated plans to respond to data loss. We have also retained industry 
experts to be on call in the event of a cyber-security incident.

Additional information on cyber incident reporting under the Critical Infrastructure 
legislation can be found in the Legal and Regulatory risk section. 

Financial risks

Risk Description

Mitigations

Financial, treasury and insurance

The availability of funding and 
management of capital and liquidity are 
important requirements to fund our 
business operations and growth. In 
addition, we are exposed to material 
adverse fluctuations in interest rates, 
foreign exchange rates and commodity 
movements that could impact business 
profitability. We may also be exposed to 
financial loss from accidents, natural 
disasters and other events.

Our Group Treasury function is responsible for managing our cash funding position and 
supporting the management of interest rate and foreign currency risks. Our Treasury 
Policy and related policies are approved by the Board, and govern the management of 
our financial risks, including liquidity, interest rates, foreign currency, commodity risks 
and the use of other derivatives. Further information is included in Note 4.2 Financial 
Risk Management of the Financial Report. 

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.

In the Operating and Financial Review we have documented the trading and financial 
reporting impacts of the pandemic.

Climate change

As outlined in our Climate Change Position Statement (available 
at www.colesgroup.com.au) Coles supports the goals of the Paris 
Agreement to keep global average temperatures to well below 2°C 
above pre-industrial levels. We will also pursue efforts to limit the 
temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

We  understand  that  we  have  a  responsibility  to  minimise  our 
environmental footprint, as well as to mitigate the environmental 
and social impacts of climate change. We will do this by: 

•  building the resilience of our business, our community and our 
value chain against climate-related impacts, both physical and 
transitional (manage climate risks and opportunities);

• 

taking  action  to  reduce  and  negate  our  climate  impacts 
(decarbonisation); and

Summary of our progress in aligning with the TCFD

•  using  our  position  and  voice  to  play  a  constructive  role  in 
building  a  roadmap  aligned  with  the  Paris  Agreement 
(influence climate action).

We  are  committed  to  engaging  with  our  stakeholders,  and 
disclosing  how  we  identify,  assess  and  manage  climate-related 
financial  risks  and  opportunities  using  the  recommendations  of 
the  Task  Force  on  Climate-related  Financial  Disclosures  (TCFD). 
is  the  third  year  we  have  reported  using  the  TCFD 
This 
recommendations. 

We have continued work commenced in FY21 to develop a climate 
action  plan  aligned  with  the  recommendations  of  the  TCFD 
(outlined below). The purpose of this plan is to help us to respond 
effectively  to  the  strategic 
implications  of  climate  change 
(informed by scenario analysis) and strengthen our disclosures to 
meet stakeholder needs for relevant climate-related information.

TCFD theme

Governance

Disclose the organisation’s 
governance around climate-related 
risks and opportunities

Strategy

Disclose the actual and potential 
impacts of climate-related risks 
and opportunities on the 
organisation’s businesses, strategy, 
and financial planning where such 
information is material

Risk management

Disclose how the organisation 
identifies, assesses, and manages 
climate-related risks

Metrics and targets1

Disclose the metrics and targets 
used to assess and manage 
relevant climate-related risks and 
opportunities where such 
information is material

Our progress

•  The Board oversees sustainability issues (including climate change) with the support of 

the Audit and Risk Committee.

•  Accountability for overseeing the Group’s response to current and emerging environmental 
and  social  obligations,  including  in  relation  to  risks  and  opportunities  associated  with 
climate change, sits with the management Sustainability Steering Committee.

•  Climate-related  risks  and  opportunities  have  been  identified  over  the  short  term  (0-2 

years) to long term (5-10 years).

•  Scenario analysis has been further developed considering four plausible climate change 

scenarios, including a 2°C or lower scenario.

•  This analysis has informed the development of a climate action plan focused on managing 

Coles’ material climate-related risks and opportunities.

•  Climate change is considered a material risk for the Coles Group.

•  Risk  management  processes  for  identifying,  assessing  and  managing  climate-related 

risks and opportunities are in place. 

•  Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are disclosed, and Scope 3 emissions have 

been calculated.

•  A Scope 3 target has been approved by the Board and submitted to the Science Based 

Targets Initiative for validation.

•  Renewable electricity and waste diversion targets have been established.

50

51

1  Data and target performance will be available in our 2022 Sustainability Report.

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationGovernance

Strategy 

Climate change scenarios

The  Board  oversees  and  approves  the  strategic  direction  of  the 
Group and oversees the effectiveness of Coles’ sustainability and 
governance policies and practices, including exposure to climate 
change  and  other  environmental  and  social 
risks  and 
opportunities. 

including  evaluating 

The Audit and Risk Committee supports the Board in fulfilling its 
responsibilities 
the  adequacy  and 
effectiveness  of  the  Group’s  identification  and  management  of 
environmental and social sustainability risks and its disclosure of 
any material exposures to those risks including financial and non-
financial risks.

to  sustainability 

is  responsible 
response 

is  a  management 
The  Sustainability  Steering  Committee 
for  overseeing  Group-wide 
committee  and 
identification  and 
risks  and 
opportunities, including climate change. The committee reviews 
progress  of  Coles’  Sustainability  Strategy  (which  supports 
delivery  of  the  corporate  strategy)  and  our  Environment  Policy 
against agreed performance measures, including targets relating 
to emissions reductions. It is chaired by the Chief Operations and 
Sustainability  Officer,  a  member  of  the  Executive  Leadership 
Team  reporting  to  the  Chief  Executive  Officer.  Its  standing 
members  are  leaders  from  functions  with  key  sustainability 
responsibilities  including  Risk  and  Compliance,  Sustainability, 
Coles  Own  Brand,  People  and  Culture,  Marketing,  Company 
Secretariat and Corporate Affairs. 

The  Chair  of  the  Sustainability  Steering  Committee  provides 
regular updates to the Board and the Audit and Risk Committee 
on sustainability risks, issues, and progress against commitments. 
Standardised  quarterly  reporting,  with  performance  monitoring 
against our sustainability commitments, including those relating 
to climate change, is also provided to the Board.

As  climate  change 
is  recognised  as  having  wide-ranging 
implications  for  our  business,  our  goals  for  managing  and 
mitigating  climate-related  risks are  Group-wide. The Sustainability 
Steering Committee coordinates this response through a specific 
Climate  Change  Subcommittee  that  oversees  Coles’  climate 
change  response  and  reports  to  the  Sustainability  Steering 
Committee and its Chair. 

is  chaired  by 

the  General  Manager 
The  Subcommittee 
Sustainability and Property Services and includes senior leaders 
from  key  functions  within  Coles,  such  as  Finance,  Strategy,  Risk 
and Compliance, and Sustainability.

During FY22 the Board was presented with the scenario analysis 
work  described  below,  informing  its  review  of  the  corporate 
strategy.  The  Board  reviews  Coles’  corporate  strategy  annually 
which includes considering whether it is responsive to the future 
risks and opportunities arising from the low carbon transition.

Managing climate risks and opportunities 

This year we built on the initial scenario analysis work undertaken 
in FY21 and continued to analyse transition and physical climate-
related  risks  and  opportunities  relevant  to  our  business.  A 
physical climate risk assessment was undertaken incorporating a 
high-level  assessment  of  Coles’  national  portfolio  and  a  ‘deep-
dive’ assessment of six sites. 

Scenario analysis

To  enhance  our  management  of  climate-related  risks  and 
opportunities,  we  have  further  developed  our  scenario  analysis 
work. The purpose of this analysis was to provide information on 
future  climate  scenarios,  as  well  as  climate-related  commodity 
risks  and  opportunities.  While  scenario  analysis  is  an  important 
planning  tool  for  Coles,  there  are  inherent  limitations  with 
scenario  analysis  and  scenarios  do  not  constitute  definitive 
outcomes or probabilities. It is difficult to predict which, if any, of 
the  scenarios  might  eventuate  and  scenario  analysis  relies  on 
assumptions that may or may not prove to be correct.

With  the  assistance  of  external  experts,  four  plausible  and 
divergent scenarios relevant to the Australian grocery and liquor 
industry  were  selected.  These  were  aligned  with 
the 
Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change  (IPCC)  Shared 
Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios.

The  future  scenario  narratives  were  developed  around  the  two 
key themes identified as being likely to have the most impact and 
create the most uncertainty for our industry – high or low levels of 
‘government policy and intervention’ (domestically and globally) 
and ‘sustainable technology innovation and adoption’. 

Fifty-five  core  commodities  covering  around  60%  of  Coles’ 
revenue  were  assessed  against  both  physical  and  transitional 
climate vulnerabilities. We subsequently undertook a ‘deep dive’ 
into  10  commodities  with  red  meat  and  dairy,  as  well  as 
international  commodities  (such  as  cocoa  and  coffee),  assessed 
as being highly vulnerable to both physical and transition climate 
risks. This analysis informed the identification of actions to help 
mitigate  risks  in  these  categories  of  commodities,  including 
forming  long-term  relationships  with  smaller  suppliers  and 
continuing  to  monitor  supply  availability,  global  commodity 
markets and emerging consumer trends.

Impacts  and  actions  were  considered  for  the  short  (0-2  years), 
medium (2-5 years) and long-term (5-10 years).

+1.8ºC world (SSP1–2.6) 

+2.7ºC world (SSP2–4.5) 

+3.7ºC world (SSP3–7.0) 

+4.4ºC world (SSP5–8.5)

High government policy  

High government policy and 

Low government policy and 

Low government policy and 

and high technological 

low technological innovation

high technological innovation

low technological innovation

Key assumptions:

Key assumptions:

Key assumptions:

•  Climate outlook is mixed

•  Governments are  

largely committed to 
sustainability, but 
required technology 
remains either 
undeveloped or 
prohibitively expensive

•  Government direction 
and intervention 
minimal, with action 
falling to private sector

•  Technology advances in 
silos and only marginal 
improvement in rate of 
environmental 
degradation

•  Nations are de-

sensitised to global 
warming and post-
pandemic economic 
recovery is key focus 

•  Public and private 

funding for sustainable 
innovation dries up  
and technological 
innovations remain 
unaffordable

innovation

Key assumptions:

• 

International 
institutions, national 
governments and 
private sector 
collaborate to deliver 
sustainable change  
and democratise 
technologies 

•  Consumer preferences 

shift – increasing 
adoption of sustainable 
products, support for 
new technologies and 
rejection of businesses 
seen as laggards

Next steps – climate action plan

Under each of the assessed scenarios (depicted above), climate change would impact areas of our business and our corporate strategy 
to varying levels. In response, we have identified three strategic objectives on which to focus our efforts to manage the material climate 
risks and opportunities identified across all four scenarios:

• 

• 

reinforce a mindset and culture that actively considers the impact of climate change in key business decisions;

 over time establish a more resilient and traceable supply chain (in material areas) that can anticipate and respond to climate-
related supply chain disruptions; and

•  appropriately build awareness and promote sustainable environmental choices to increase customer trust and loyalty.

Climate-related risks 

We recognise within the next five to 10 years Coles is likely to be 
exposed to increasing climate-related risks and we must respond 
by developing, refining and implementing adaptation and 
mitigation actions.

Our assessment of climate-related risks includes transition risks and 
physical risks. Transition risks are risks associated with the 
transition to a net zero carbon economy and include heightened 
stakeholder expectations, policy, regulatory and legal changes, 
technological developments and increased insurance requirements. 
Physical risks include acute event driven weather impacts, for 
example increasing severity of extreme weather events and chronic 
long-term shifts in climate patterns. A description of Coles’ 
transition and physical risks is presented below, together with our 
management response. Many of these risks are also considered to 
be material business risks to Coles Group. 

Analysis of the risk exposures considered financial, reputational, 
health and safety, legal and regulatory, and operational 
consequences in the short-term (0-2 years) to long-term (5-10 years).

As set out below, consideration has been given to the potential for 
these transition risks and physical risks to create financial impacts 
to the Group. 

During FY22 the Group faced significant climate-related 
operational challenges, including floods in South Australia which 
significantly disrupted road and rail transport to Western Australia 
and the Northern Territory; and multiple major flood events in 
New South Wales and Queensland which also affected transport 
and resulted in some store closures. These events were managed 
through the Group Response Policy and Program, and contingency 
plans were executed to minimise the supply chain and retail 
operational impacts of these events. While these climate-related 
events are resulting in some operational disruptions in the short 
term, we currently do not anticipate any material short to medium 
term financial impacts.

52

53

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationConsideration has also been given to the potential financial 
impacts of climate-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. 

Transition risks

Changing stakeholder expectations of acceptable  

climate performance

Coles seeks to minimise the impact of its operations on the 
environment. We also recognise the expectations and preferences 
of our team members, customers, community, investors, and 
NGOs are shifting in relation to climate change and the 
environment. This includes enhanced expectations around 
minimising the impact of climate-related disruptions to our 
customers, improving energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse 
gas emissions.

Potential financial impacts of not achieving acceptable climate 
performance include: decreased revenue due to reduced demand for 
goods and services, increased costs due to loss of team members or 
third parties with whom we do business, and loss in market share if 
we fail to respond to stakeholder expectations appropriately. 

Our response: one of the key focus areas of our Sustainability 
Strategy is Together to Zero to drive generational sustainability. 
This incorporates our ambition to deliver on Scope 1 and 2 
emission reduction targets. During FY22 Coles signed the last of 
the power purchase agreements needed to meet our target of 
having 100% renewable electricity by the end of FY25.

We have teams and processes in place to understand, monitor and 
respond to the concerns and expectations of key stakeholders and 
the community more broadly. We also have detailed governance 
arrangements to manage and monitor the development and the 
progress against sustainability goals and initiatives, including 
those related to climate change.

Changing policy, regulatory and legal requirements to decarbonise 

and manage climate risk

New and evolving climate-related regulations need ongoing 
assessment to determine the requirements for compliance, 
including whether additional implementation or operational costs 
are incurred, the risk of breaches or litigation, and process steps 
that need to be implemented to manage compliance. 

Changing regulations in existing and future markets may also 
negatively impact our business, including but not limited to, the 
introduction and/or expansion of trading taxes and barriers on 
high emissions such as carbon pricing. 

Potential financial impacts include: increased cost to comply with 
changing requirements, and costs associated with offsetting 
carbon-intensive operations or products. 

Our response: regulatory non-compliance is one of our material 
business risks and is managed with regards to the risk appetite 
statements and key risk indicators agreed by the Board. The Coles 
Compliance Framework, based on AS ISO 37301:2021 Compliance 
management systems – Guidelines, sets out the standards, 
requirements and accountability for managing regulatory 
compliance obligations across the Coles Group. We also monitor 
new and impending legislative and policy changes.

Pace of low emissions technology development and adoption

Decarbonising, or becoming more resilient to climate impacts, can 
be aided by technology. Risks occur when technology changes are 
slower than industry demand for those improvements; when 
technologies become rapidly outdated resulting in financial loss; 
or when there is a lack of people trained in the installation, 
operation, and maintenance of the technology, thereby restricting 
its adoption. 

Potential financial impacts include: write-offs or early retirement 
of existing assets, and increased costs associated with 
investments in technology research and development, and 
implementing and adapting to new technology. 

Our response: we regularly assess new technologies with the 
potential to advance how we mitigate or adapt to climate change. 
We do this through literature reviews, attending conferences, and 
assessing inbound requests from potential suppliers to review 
their products. Technologies are reviewed for their suitability for 
use within our operations and supply chain, prior to 
implementation. 

Coles is currently trialing a soil organic carbon monitoring 
technology with two meat producers. Through this trial the 
producers receive actionable insights into soil organic carbon 
levels, which has the potential to build climate resilience and 
support decarbonisation across our supply chain.

Decreased access to capital and insurance 

Banks and insurers may become increasingly reluctant to support 
businesses and operations with significant exposure to climate risk. 

Potential financial impacts include: increasing cost of finance and 
higher insurance premiums, or the unavailability of insurance for 
certain activities in specific high-risk areas.

Our response: Coles’ Sustainability Strategy (and associated 
metrics and targets) has facilitated access to the sustainable 
finance markets. Coles has established a total of $1.425 billion 
bilateral bank facilities in sustainability linked loan formats (SLLs). 
The SLLs draw a direct line between our sustainability 
performance and our cost of capital. Coles is incentivised through 
margin adjustments to achieve sustainability targets linked to 
Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions, waste and women in 
leadership. 

Coles transfers risk through the insurance market where it is 
competitive to do so and based on exposure to the balance sheet. 
Coles Captive Insurance is used as a mechanism to fund additional 
exposures that cannot be risk transferred to a certain extent. 

Physical risks

People safety and wellbeing (Coles team members and broader 

supply chain)

Increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather 
events, and changes in weather patterns, can lead to increasing 
health and safety risks to Coles team members, customers, and 
third-party suppliers and providers. This includes exposure to the 
risk of physical harm in the event of acute weather events; and 
adverse health and wellbeing impacts due to chronic changes to 
climate patterns. 

Potential financial impacts include: increased operational costs 
associated with implementing plans to reduce and mitigate the 
associated health and wellbeing impacts to our team members, 
customers, and third-party suppliers and providers; and disruptions 

to our operations and higher costs associated with employee leave, 
including disaster leave, absenteeism and/or turnover. 

Our response: health and safety is a material business risk and is 
managed with regards to the risk appetite statements and key risk 
indicators agreed by the Board. The Coles Health, Safety and Injury 
Management system (SafetyCARE) and the safety plans for each of 
our segments factor in the acute impacts (eg. bushfires) and 
chronic impacts (eg. heat fatigue) of climate change. These 
systems are supplemented by emergency management and Group 
Response Policy and Program, which sets out the governance 
arrangements, accountabilities and processes for crisis 
management and business continuity. This program was initiated 
on multiple occasions in FY22 as a result of East Coast floods to 
ensure the safety of our team, customers and supplier partners. 
Learnings from incidents and events, and opportunities for 
improvement, are identified and incorporated into our safety, 
emergency management and response plans and processes.

Food safety and quality

An increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather 
events and long-term shifts in climate patterns, can lead to food 
safety and quality risks throughout the supply chain, including 
changing persistence and occurrence of pests and diseases, and 
lower than expected shelf-life for fresh produce.

Potential financial impacts include: reduced revenue and 
increased operating costs, along with potential harm to 
customers’ health and wellbeing, customer dissatisfaction and 
reputational damage.

Our response: product and food safety is a material business risk 
and is managed with regards to the risk appetite statements and 
key risk indicators agreed by the Board. Coles has a food safety 
governance program and a Product Safety Program in place which 
are overseen by an experienced technical team. Further 
information is available in the Risk Management section. Major 
food safety and quality issues are also managed through the 
Group Response Program.

Supply chain resilience

Our ability to procure, move and sell products domestically and 
internationally, can be adversely impacted by the occurrence of 
extreme weather events, and longer-term changes in weather 
patterns.

Potential financial impacts include: disruptions to transportation 
and logistics routes; and to the continuity of site, store, and 
distribution centre operations, and third-party operations, due to 
acute weather events. Chronic changes to weather patterns can 
adversely impact supplier productivity and result in increasing 
costs to operate (eg. due to changing production regions for fresh 
produce) and reduced revenues.

Our response: supply chain resilience is a material business risk 
and is managed with regards to the risk appetite statements and 
key risk indicators agreed by the Board. Our Group Response 
Program includes established processes to manage interruptions 
to our supply chain and delivery of goods to stores during extreme 
weather and business disruptive events. The operation of our 
program during FY22 flooding incidents saw sophisticated 
solutions being developed to overcome transport outages, 
including container shipping being used to transport ambient 
grocery products to Perth due to a protracted outage of the 
continental east-west rail link. Medium and longer-term supply 

security risks and mitigations are assessed on an ongoing basis as 
part of category planning. We also continue to analyse Coles’ 
supply chain resilience in key food categories including meat, dairy 
and seafood – this was informed in FY22 by the scenario analysis 
discussed above.

Asset integrity and continuity of operations

Acute and chronic weather events, such as the FY22 floods, can 
result in physical damage to assets and equipment as well as 
closure of stores and/or inability to access assets and equipment. 
There may also be more frequent and prolonged instances of 
power outages; and decreases in the efficiency, and increases in 
the disruption of, assets and equipment that are sensitive to 
climate (e.g. refrigeration units, heating and cooling). 

Potential financial impacts include: increased operating and capital 
costs, loss of sales, increased insurance premiums, and write-offs 
or impairment of assets.

Our response: crisis management, business continuity and 
emergency response plans are in place to mitigate potential 
disruptions. These plans are updated on a regular basis to take 
account of changing internal and external risks and conditions. 
Store design specifications consider their resilience in extreme 
conditions. We have an ongoing maintenance and asset 
replacement program aimed at progressively maintaining and 
replacing assets when required. 

Insurance arrangements are in place for property and business 
interruption (subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions).

In FY22, we completed a physical climate change risk assessment 
that identified adaptation actions for Coles at both a strategic and 
asset level. The risk assessment was undertaken in two stages:

1) 

2) 

 Stage one – a high-level assessment of the physical climate 
risks which identified the highest risk geographic regions for 
Coles under different climate change scenarios. The 
assessment took into consideration climate hazards based on 
the regional geography and historic context. The results 
informed the site selection for the second stage.

 Stage two – six specific sites in high-risk exposure regions were 
further assessed through a ‘deep-dive’. The sites included a 
distribution centre and a store / area connected to the 
distribution centre, in three priority regions. The site level 
assessments were used to identify priority risks, and site-
specific adaption plans to address them. The priority risks 
included extreme heat, flooding, cyclones and storms, 
bushfires and humidity.

In FY23, we will continue to review the viability of adaptation 
actions identified in the FY22 assessment and will further develop 
our analysis of the physical climate risk exposure for Coles’ 
portfolio of stores and distribution centres. This further review will 
help inform the work necessary to reduce exposure to climate risk 
across the portfolio.

Climate-related opportunities

We have identified a number of opportunities for the Group 
associated with the transition to a net zero economy, including 
improved resource efficiency across our operations, supporting 
our suppliers to strengthen their climate resilience, and partnering 
with community organisations to reduce emissions and deliver 
positive environmental outcomes. 

54

55

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationResource efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction

We are continuing to increase our resource efficiency and reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions in areas over which we have control and 
influence. See discussion below in Metrics and Targets section.

Potential financial benefits include: reduced operating costs (e.g. 
through efficiency gains and cost reductions), increased 
production capacity, and benefits to the health and wellbeing of 
our team members, community and supply chain partners. 

Increased operational resilience, supply chain resilience and 

business continuity planning

Metrics and targets

Decarbonisation

In FY21, we announced targets to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions including the following commitments:

• 

• 

• 

to deliver net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 20502;

for the entire Coles Group to be powered by 100% renewable 
electricity by the end of FY25; and

to reduce combined Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 
by more than 75% by the end of FY30 (from a FY20 baseline).

We are seeking to build the resilience of our business, our 
community and our value chain against climate-related impacts, 
both physical and transitional.

In FY23, we will continue to review the physical climate risks 
exposure for our stores and distribution centres. This will build on 
the physical site assessment undertaken in FY22 and will help 
inform the work necessary to reduce exposure to climate risk 
across the portfolio.

We will also continue to support suppliers through grants for 
climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives through the 
Coles Nurture Fund (further information about this grants program 
will be available in our 2022 Sustainability Report).

Our main sources of Scope 1 (direct) emissions include emissions 
from  refrigerant  gases,  natural  gas  and  transport  fuel,  with  a 
minimal  contribution  from  stationary  LPG  and  diesel  for  onsite 
back-up generators. 

Scope  2  (indirect)  emissions  are  those  associated  with  our 
electricity use and make up the bulk of our combined Scope 1 and 
2 emissions. 

Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) 
that occur in our value chain and make up the bulk of Coles’ overall 
emissions profile. 

Emissions data will be available in our 2022 Sustainability Report.

Potential financial benefits include: enhanced resilience of the 
supply chain and ability to operate in various conditions, and 
increased sales and revenue. 

Risk management

We apply an integrated Group-wide approach to the management 
of risk through the application of the Coles Risk Management 
Framework. 

Climate change has been identified and disclosed as a material risk 
to the Coles Group under our Risk Management Framework since 
FY19. Refer to the Risk Management section for further information 
on Coles’ material risks.

Climate change risk exposure, together with associated 
management plans, risk appetites and metrics, is reported to 
Group Executive, the Audit and Risk Committee, and the Board 
regularly during the year, along with the broader suite of material 
risks to the Coles Group. 

Climate change risk is supported by an underlying climate change 
risk and opportunity profile. This profile was developed in FY20 
and identifies transition and physical climate change risks and 
opportunities impacting the Coles Group, together with associated 
actions and management plans. These risks and opportunities are 
presented in the Strategy section above. 

In FY23, we will further integrate climate-related risks and 
opportunities as part of our risk management process to identify 
and assess the risks to business units and functional business 
plans and objectives.

Further information about Coles’ Risk Management Framework 
will be available in our 2022 Corporate Governance Statement. 

Scope 1 and 2 emissions

We are continuing to increase our resource efficiency and reduce 
greenhouse  gas  emissions  in  areas  over  which  we  have  control 
and influence. 

With  respect  to  refrigeration  management,  we  are  increasing  the 
use  of  natural  refrigerant  gases  which  have  close  to  no  global 
warming potential (GWP) compared with older synthetic refrigerant 
gases with high GWP. To reduce gas loss we have continued to invest 
in leak detection technology and our refrigeration pipe replacement 
program. We also have a number of energy efficiency initiatives in 
place across our stores and distribution centres, including doors on 
fridges and optimised lighting.

During  the  year  we  signed  the  last  of  the  power  purchase 
agreements needed to meet our renewable electricity target. The 
new renewable electricity agreements for large-scale generation 
certificate  (LGC)  agreements  are  with  Lal  Wind  Farms,  Neoen, 
Origin  Energy,  ACCIONA  Energía,  and  ENGIE  and  will  be  sourced 
from  renewable  electricity  generated  at  wind  and  solar  farms 
across  Victoria,  New  South  Wales,  South  Australia  and 
Queensland. The portfolio of generation assets includes several 
wind  and  solar  farms  which  are  under  construction  as  well  as 
existing sites such as Willogoleche Wind Farm in South Australia 
and Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm in Victoria.

Coles  became  the  first  Australian  retailer  to  announce  a  renewable 
power  purchase  agreement  in  2019  with  global  renewable  power 
generation company MYTILINEOS, previously known as METKA EGN. In 
June 2021, Corowa Solar Farm in New South Wales became the first of 
three solar plants included in the agreement to be fully operational, 
with Junee and Wagga North following in December 2021.

Scope 3 emissions

As  an  organisation  with  an  extensive  supply  chain  there  are  a 
range  of  challenges  related  to  measuring  and  reducing  Scope  3 
emissions – namely, our reliance on supplier partners for relevant 
information, gaps in data, issues with data quality and our ability 
to  influence  suppliers’  operational  and  commercial  practices. 
These  are  not  challenges  we  can  solve  on  our  own  and  we 
recognise  we  will  need  to  work  together  with  our  partners  to 
reduce Scope 3 emissions. 

During FY22 we calculated a FY20 and FY21 inventory for Scope 3 
emissions covering the following Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG 
Protocol) categories3:

We  understand  food  waste  and  packaging  also  contribute  to 
emissions and will continue to focus on reducing food waste and 
packaging in our supply chain. We have set a target to divert 85% of 
solid waste from landfill by FY25 and are working towards a suite of 
packaging-related targets. In addition to waste and packaging, in 
coming  years  we  will  consider  other  ‘cross  category  levers’  (i.e. 
initiatives to target activities that occur across most supply chain 
categories)  including  transport,  soil  health  and  biodiversity  and 
nature related impacts.

Disclosure on performance against our Together to Zero emissions 
and  waste  targets  will  be  available  in  our  2022  Sustainability 
Report.

1. Purchased goods & services

2. Capital goods

3. Fuel & energy-related activities 

4. Upstream transportation & distribution

5. Waste generated in operations

6. Business travel

Influencing climate action

We are collaborating with industry and other stakeholders, 
as well as investing in knowledge and research, to identify 
decarbonisation  pathways 
the  Paris 
Agreement’s goals. Our Chief Executive Officer is a founding 
member  of  the  Australian  Climate  Leaders  Coalition6  and 
Coles is a corporate member of the Carbon Market Institute7, 
with  representatives  participating  in  working  groups  and 
other forums. 

in  support  of 

During FY22 we have:

•  participated in a ‘deep dive’ working group, as part of the 

Australian Climate Leaders Coalition, focusing on 
mapping and reducing Scope 3 emissions with value 
chain partners;

7. Employee commuting

•  participated in the Australian Beef Sustainability 

Framework, an initiative of the Red Meat Advisory Council 
managed by Meat and Livestock Australia. We consider 
the framework the most appropriate way to address 
climate and environmental issues facing the beef industry 
(such as emissions reduction and deforestation) from a 
national and industry-wide perspective;

•  partnered with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. 

Through the 10-year, $10 million partnership, Coles will 
dedicate funds towards a number of innovative projects 
developing ‘blue carbon’ – the process of capturing and 
storing carbon in oceanic or coastal ecosystems such as 
mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses; and

•  continued to partner with food rescue organisations 

SecondBite and Foodbank to divert edible, unsold food 
from landfill.

12. End-of-life treatment of sold products

15. Investments & Joint Ventures

We subsequently proposed a Scope 3 target, which was approved 
by  our  Board  in  May  2022.  We  have  submitted  our  target  to  the 
Science  Based  Targets  Initiative  (SBTi)4  for  validation  and  at  the 
time of publishing are awaiting the outcome. We will disclose the 
proposed Scope 3 target after it is validated. 

When calculating our Scope 3 emissions, we gained deeper insights 
into  our  high  emitting  supply  chain  categories.  During  FY22  we 
continued to partner with Integrity Ag and Environment to complete 
a lifecycle assessment on fresh beef to improve our understanding 
of its emissions profile. We are also currently participating in two 
feed additive trials to reduce methane emissions associated with 
beef farming. In addition, we partnered with farmers in Victoria and 
New  South  Wales  to  produce  our  certified  carbon  neutral  beef 
range5.  The  Coles  Finest  Carbon  Neutral  Beef  was  launched  in 
Victoria in April 2022 with the aim of launching nationally over time.

3 

4 

 Consistent with guidance in the GHG Protocol, Category 8 - Upstream leased assets, Category 9 – Downstream transportation & distribution and Category 11 –  
Use of sold products are excluded from our Scope 3 emissions inventory. Category 10 - Processing of sold products, 13 – Downstream leased assets and 14 
- Franchises are not relevant to Coles Group.
 The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature. It provides an 
independent assessment and validation of net-zero science-based targets in line with a 1.5°C future.

5  Product is certified carbon neutral from paddock to shelf under Climate Active’s Carbon Neutral Standard and ranged in selected Victorian stores. 
6 

 An independent industry association helping business manage risks and capitalise on opportunities in the transition to a net-zero emissions economy –  
see https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/.
 A group of cross-sectoral corporate CEOs supporting the Paris Agreement commitments and setting public decarbonisation targets –  
see https://www.climateleaders.org.au/. 

7 

2 

 At this point in time our commitment refers only to Coles’ Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

56

57

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationMaria from Coles’ livestock team and Dane from Endhill Pty Ltd with state-of-the-art machinery which can harvest lucerne in the paddock and convert it to 
pellets for cattle. The pelletising machine was purchased with a $400,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund.

58

Coles Group Limited 2022 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)

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

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

Age: 60

Age: 74

James Graham has extensive business, investment, corporate and 
governance  experience,  including  as  a  Non-executive  Director  of 
Wesfarmers  Limited  for  20  years,  prior  to  his  retirement  in  July 
2018.  James  is  Chairman  of  Gresham  Partners  Limited,  having 
founded the Gresham Partners Group in 1985. 

From  2001  to  2009,  James  was  a  Director  of  Rabobank  Australia 
Limited, initially as Deputy Chairman and then Chairman, and was 
responsible for the Bank’s operations in Australia and New Zealand. 
He  was  also  Chairman  of  the  Darling  Harbour  Authority  between 
1989 and 1995, and was previously Managing Director of Rothschild 
Australia Limited. In 2008, James was made a member of the Order 
of Australia.

Steven Cain 
MEng (1st)

Managing Director and CEO

Age: 57

Steven  Cain  has  over  20  years  of  experience  in  Australian  and 
international retail. Steven was previously Chief Executive Officer of 
Supermarkets and Convenience at Metcash Limited. He was Chief 
Executive of Carlton Communications plc, a FTSE 100 media group 
company, and Operating Director and Portfolio Company Chairman 
at Pacific Equity Partners, a private equity firm. 

Steven was also the Group Marketing Director, Store Development 
Director  and  Grocery  Trading  Director  of  Asda  Stores  Ltd  (UK) 
during  its  turnaround  and  has  held  roles  at  UK  retail  group 
Kingfisher plc, and Bain & Company. 

Steven was previously the Managing Director of Food, Liquor and 
Fuel at Coles Myer and was an advisor to Wesfarmers Limited on its 
takeover of the Coles Group in 2007.

David  Cheesewright  retired  in  early  2018  as  President  and  Chief 
Executive  Officer  of  Walmart  International,  which  comprises 
Walmart’s  operations  outside  the  United  States.  It  includes  more 
than  6,200  stores  and  over  a  million  associates  in  27  countries. 
David  was  also  responsible  for  Walmart’s  global  sourcing 
operations  and  offices  around  the  world.  He  was  previously 
President  and  CEO  of  Walmart  EMEA  (Europe,  Middle  East  and 
Africa), CEO Walmart Canada, and COO Asda. 

David’s  other  former  roles  include  a  range  of  key  positions  with 
Mars  Confectionery  in  the  UK  across  manufacturing,  marketing, 
sales and logistics. David was a board member of Walmex (Walmart 
Mexico);  the  Chinese  online  grocery  business  Yihaodian;  South 
African  retailer  and  distributor,  Massmart;  The  Retail  Council  of 
Canada and ECR Europe, as well as Chair of Walmart Canada Bank 
and Gazeley Holdings (UK). 

David is a Non-executive Director of Rapha Racing Ltd and DFI Retail 
Group Holdings Limited. 

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

Non-executive Director of DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited (since 
November 2021).

Jacqueline Chow 
MBA, BSc (Hons), GAICD

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

Age: 50

Jacqueline Chow is a Non-executive Director of Boral Limited, nib 
Holdings Limited and Charter Hall Group. She is also a Director of 
the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce of New South Wales. 

From 2016 to 2019, Jacqueline was a Director of Fisher & Paykel 
Appliances.  Jacqueline  previously  held  senior  management 
positions, including Chief Operating Officer: Global Consumer and 
Food  Service,  with  Fonterra  Co-operative  Group,  one  of  the 
world’s  largest  dairy  product  producers  and  exporters.  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, New Zealand and Deputy 
Chair of the Global Dairy Platform Inc. She was previously a Senior 
Advisor at McKinsey Consulting RTS.

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

Non-executive  Director  of  Boral  Limited  (since  March  2022),  nib 
Holdings  Limited  (since  April  2018),  Charter  Hall  Group  (since 
February 2021).

59

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationAbi Cleland
MBA, BCom/BA

Paul O’Malley
BCom, M.AppFinance, ACA

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

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

Age: 48

Age: 58

Abi Cleland is currently a Non-executive Director of Computershare 
Limited and Orora Limited.  She was previously a Non-executive 
Director of Sydney Airport Corporation Limited, Chair of Planwise 
AU, a Director of Swimming Australia and on the Lazard PE Fund 
advisory committee. From 2012 to 2017, Abi established and ran 
an  advisory  and  management  business,  Absolute  Partners, 
focusing  on  strategy,  mergers  and  acquisitions  and  disruption. 
Before that, she held senior management roles at KordaMentha’s 
333, where she was Managing Director, and at ANZ Banking Group 
Limited, Incitec Pivot Limited and Amcor Limited.

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

Non-executive Director of Computershare Limited (since February 
2018),  Orora  Limited  (since  February  2014),  Sydney  Airport 
Corporation Limited (April 2018 to March 2022).

Richard Freudenstein
LLB (Hons), BEc

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

COL2335_AR_

Paul  O’Malley  is  the  Chairman  and  a  Non-executive  Director  of 
Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  Limited.  He  was  Managing 
Director  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  BlueScope  Steel  Limited 
from  2007  to  2017,  after  joining  the  company  as  Chief  Financial 
Officer.  Previously,  Paul  was  the  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  TXU 
Energy, a subsidiary of TXU Corp based in Dallas, Texas. He held 
other  senior  financial  management  roles  within  TXU  and 
previously  worked  in  the  investment  banking  and  consulting 
sectors. A former Director of the Worldsteel Association, Paul was 
Chair of their Nominating Committee and Trustee of the Melbourne 
Cricket  Ground  Trust.  He  has  also  served  as  Chairman  for 
Australian Catholic Redress Ltd.

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

Chairman  of  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  Limited  (since 
August 2022) and Non-executive Director (since January 2019).

Wendy Stops
BAppSc (Information Technology), GAICD

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

Age:  57

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 8:10 AM

Richard  Freudenstein  is  the  Chairman  and  a  Non-executive 
Director of Appen Limited as well as a Non-executive Director of 
REA Group Limited (where he was Chairman from 2007 to 2012). 
He is a board member of Cricket Australia and Deputy Chancellor 
of the University of Sydney. 

Richard was previously Chief Executive Officer of Foxtel (2011 to 
2016), Chief Executive Officer of The Australian and News Digital 
Media at News Ltd (2006 to 2010), and Chief Operating Officer at 
British  Sky  Broadcasting  plc  (2000  to  2006).  His  previous  board 
positions  include  Ten  Network  Holdings  (2015  to  2016),  Foxtel 
(2009 to 2011) and Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad (2016 to 2019). 
Richard  was  also  a  member  of  the  Advisory  Board  of  artificial 
intelligence software company, Afiniti Ltd (2017 to 2022).

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

Chairman  of  Appen  Limited  (since  October  2021)  and  Non-
executive Director (since August 2021), Non-executive Director of 
REA  Group  Limited  (since  November  2006),  Astro  Malaysia 
Holdings Berhad (September 2016 to August 2019).

Age:  61

Wendy Stops is a Non-executive Director of Blackmores Limited, 
Director of Fitted for Work, a Council member at the University of 
Melbourne,  Chair  of  the  Advisory  Board  for  the  Melbourne 
Business School’s Centre for Business Analytics, a member of the 
AICD’s  Governance  of  Innovation  and  Technology  Panel  and  a 
member  of  the  Advisory  Committee  to  the  Digital  Technology 
Taskforce of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. 

Previously,  Wendy  was  a  senior  management  executive  in  the 
information technology and consulting sectors. This includes her 
last  16  years  with  Accenture  in  various  senior  management 
positions  in  Australia,  Asia  Pacific  and  globally.  Her  board 
experience  includes  Commonwealth  Bank  of  Australia  Limited, 
Altium  Limited,  Accenture  Software  Solutions  Australia  and 
Diversiti. Currently, Wendy is a member of Chief Executive Women, 
serving on their Leaders Program Committee, and a graduate of 
the AICD.

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

Non-executive Director of Blackmores Limited (since April 2021), 
Commonwealth Bank of Australia Limited (March 2015 to October 
2020), Altium Limited (February 2018 to November 2019). 

Directors’ Report

The  Directors  present  their  report  on  the  consolidated  entity  consisting  of  Coles  Group  Limited  (‘the  Company’)  and  its  controlled 
entities at the end of, or during, the financial year ended 26 June 2022 (collectively, ‘Coles’ or ‘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 7.5 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 as at the date of this report are: 

NAME

POSITION HELD 

PERIOD AS A DIRECTOR

James Graham AM

Chairman and Independent, Non-executive Director

Appointed 19 November 2018

Steven Cain

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer 

Appointed  Chief  Executive  Officer  17  September  2018 
Appointed Managing Director 2 November 2018

David Cheesewright

Independent, Non-executive Director 

Jacqueline Chow 

Independent, Non-executive Director 

Abi Cleland

Independent, Non-executive Director

Richard Freudenstein

Independent, Non-executive Director

Appointed 19 November 2018

Appointed 19 November 2018

Appointed 19 November 2018

Appointed 19 November 2018

Paul O’Malley

Wendy Stops 

Independent, Non-executive Director

Appointed effective 1 October 2020

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). 

60

61

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
Directors’ meetings

Events after the reporting date

The number of Directors’ meetings (including meetings of committees of Directors) and the number of meetings attended by each of 
the Directors of the Company during the financial year are listed below:

On 24 August 2022, the Directors determined a final dividend of 30.0 cents per fully paid ordinary share to be paid on 28 September 
2022,  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 26 June 2022, is expected to be $401 million.

DIRECTOR – CURRENT1,2

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Held

Attended

Dividends since Coles’ last Annual Report: 

BOARD

AUDIT AND RISK   
COMMITTEE

PEOPLE AND CULTURE 
COMMITTEE

NOMINATION       
COMMITTEE

Dividends

James Graham

Steven Cain

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Paul O’Malley

Wendy Stops

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

 12

 10

 12

 12

 12

12

12

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

5

3

5

5

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

4

3

4

4

4

4

4

1 
2 

‘Held’ indicates the number of meetings held during the period that the Director was a member of the Board or Committee. 
‘Attended’ indicates the number of meetings attended during the period that the Director was a member of the Board or Committee. 

Directors’ shareholdings in the Company                                                                                                                             

TYPE

PAID DURING THE YEAR

2021 final dividend 

2022 interim dividend 

TO BE PAID AFTER END OF YEAR

2022 final dividend 

DEALT WITH IN THE FINANCIAL REPORT AS

Dividends paid

CENTS PER SHARE 

TOTAL AMOUNT 
$m

FRANKED 
PERCENTAGE

DATE OF  
PAYMENT

28.0

33.0

30.0

373

441

401*

100%

100%

28 September 2021

31 March 2022

100%

28 September 2022

NOTE

3.3

$m

814

Details of Directors’ shareholdings in the Company 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.

Environmental regulations

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

DIRECTOR

James Graham
Steven Cain2
David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Paul O’Malley

Wendy Stops

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 8:10 AM

NUMBER OF SHARES HELD1

500,188

218,115

20,000

20,000

19,816

19,000

3,809

25,000

1 

 The number of shares held refers to shares held either directly or indirectly by Directors as at 24 August 2022. Refer to the Remuneration Report tables for total 
shares held by Directors and their related parties directly, indirectly or beneficially as at 26 June 2022.
2  As at 24 August 2022, Steven Cain also holds 140,380 STI Shares and 725,010 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

There have been no significant changes in Coles’ state of affairs during the financial year.

Review and results of operations

A review of the operations of the Group during the financial year, the results of those operations and the Group’s financial position are 
contained in the Operating and Financial Review (OFR). 

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

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 such officers to the 
extent permitted by law.

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 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 the Company has with its auditors, Ernst & Young (EY), the Company 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 the Company. No payment has been made to EY 
by the Company pursuant to this indemnity, either during or since the end of the financial year.

62

63

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information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 the Company

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

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 8:10 AM

James Graham AM  
Chairman  

24 August 2022 

Steven Cain
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

24 August 2022

64

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportRemuneration Report

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

Dear Shareholder,

On  behalf  of  the  Board,  I  am  pleased  to  present  the  FY22  Remuneration  Report  for  Coles  Group  Limited  (‘the  Company’)  and  its 
controlled entities (together, ‘Coles’, ‘Coles Group’ or ‘the Group’). The Remuneration Report provides information on the remuneration 
arrangements for our Key Management Personnel (‘KMP’) which include the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (‘Managing 
Director and CEO’), Other Executive KMP and Non-executive Directors of the Company.

Coles has continued to pursue its vision to be the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term 
shareholder value

Coles has continued to deliver on its transformation strategy in FY22, while maintaining stable earnings before interest and tax (EBIT). 
This is despite significant COVID-19 costs, transformation project costs, flood events and lower Express earnings as a result of reduced 
mobility from COVID-19 lockdowns. 

Notwithstanding the highly disrupted operating environment, the Coles management team led by Managing Director and CEO, Steven 
Cain maintained focus on our vision to ‘become the most trusted retailer in Australia and grow long-term shareholder value’ across 
FY22, and delivered a solid set of financial results and strategic achievements to progress the ‘Winning Together in our Second Century’ 
strategy including:

COL2335_AR_

Inspire Customers

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

•  Delivered trusted value with an extensive Exclusive to Coles range of almost 6,000 products, with more than 1,300 Coles Own Brand 

products launched during the year, while successful value campaigns focused on lowering the cost of living for customers

•  Supermarkets eCommerce sales growth of 41% with progress made in the unified customer experience through the launch of a new 

shoppable Coles App enabling customers to shop anytime, anywhere, anyhow

•  Liquor eCommerce sales growth of 49% through an expanded range, continued roll out of Click & Collect and on demand (immediacy 

delivery) now available in more than 400 stores

Smarter Selling

•  Benefits of over $230 million were delivered through our Smarter Selling program in FY22 and we are on track to deliver $1billion in 

benefits by FY23

•  Refreshed Coles career website and recruitment processes using technology to deliver a more streamlined and efficient process

•  Renewed 50 supermarkets as part of Coles’ store format strategy including six new Coles Local stores. In Liquor, 191 Liquorland stores 

were renewed in the new Black and White format, eight First Choice Liquor Market and nine Vintage Cellar stores were renewed

Win Together

•  A significant improvement in safety performance was achieved, with a 14.7% reduction in Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR)

•  Team member engagement strengthened across the year with a three percentage point improvement

•  A number of accolades were received for achievements in diversity and inclusion, including recognition by the Australian Network 
on Disability as a top employer for people with a disability and, for the second year in a row, recognition as a Gold tiered employer at 
the 2022 Australian LGBTQ Inclusion Awards

•  A $10 million commitment over 10 years to our ‘Blue Carbon Partnership’ with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation

•  Ranked the number two food retailer globally for sustainable business practices in the World Benchmarking Alliance’s 2021 Food 

and Agriculture Benchmark1

1 

 Based on 2021 Food and Agriculture Benchmark of 350 food and agriculture companies globally by the World Benchmarking Alliance. Benchmark across four 
key measurement areas of social inclusion, nutrition, governance & strategy, and environment. Coles ranked #12/350 companies overall and #2/62 of food 
retailers globally.

65

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationOutcomes for FY22

Looking ahead

Given the significant disruption caused by COVID-19 across FY21, the Board made the decision to defer the setting of FY22 financial 
targets for both the short-term incentive (STI) and long-term incentive (LTI) plans until the end of the first quarter. With the information 
available at that time, including actualised first quarter performance, full year forecasts and budgets, and market sentiment, the Board 
approved targets for each plan which were either flat to, or exceeded, the original FY22 budget. 

The Board regularly reviews our remuneration and incentive frameworks so that it continues to strongly align to our remuneration 
strategy, principles and our long-term strategy. For the FY23 STI, the Board has chosen to expand the Safety metric to include a broader 
safety index, beyond TRIFR which has a greater focus on lead indicators. Aside from this important amendment to STI, the Board has 
determined the current remuneration framework for the Executive KMP continues to reflect Coles’ strategy and market positioning. 

Notwithstanding the challenges presented to management across the year, the Group’s performance was solid against all financial metrics 
included in the Executive KMP STI balanced scorecard for FY22, delivering above target performance against each of the targets set by the 
Board. Specifically, Group sales revenue increased by 2% to $39.4 billion and EBIT decreased marginally by 0.2% to $1,869 million. However, 
EBIT includes COVID-19 costs of approximately $240 million, compared to approximately $130 million of COVID-19 costs incurred in FY21. 

Performance was also strong against our safety and team member engagement non-financial metrics with significant improvements in 
both areas, and ongoing focus on A team that is better together. Following strong performance at the beginning of the year, in the second 
half of FY22, our main customer metric - net promoter score (NPS) - was negatively impacted as a result of supply chain challenges, which 
affected availability for customers. 

Coles has made significant eCommerce investments in its digital platforms to provide a seamless unified customer experience. The Ocado 
program is a key enabler of our eCommerce strategy delivering an enhanced experience for our customers to shop Anytime, Anywhere, 
Anyhow.

The Ocado program will be delivered within the timeframes previously advised however will require further investment to complete. The 
additional investment will address the significant increase in the size of our eCommerce business compared to the size at the time the 
original  program  was  approved,  including  an  expanded  scope,  an  enhanced  customer  experience  and  offer,  COVID-19  impacts  and 
program  delays,  efficiency  and  sustainability  initiatives  and  contingency.  In  consideration  of  the  additional  investment  required  to 
complete, the Board has decided not to reward Executive KMP for in year achievements against the Ocado program metric in the FY22 STI 
balanced scorecard.

Section 4.4 covers the STI outcomes in more detail and includes a summary of the Board’s approach in determining the final STI payable 
to Executive KMP. The resulting impact was STI outcomes for the Executive KMP that ranged between 69.0% to 75.7% of the maximum 
STI  opportunity.  The  Board  is  of  the  opinion  these  outcomes  reflect  the  solid  achievements  delivered  by  management  against  the 
commitments made to shareholders for FY22. 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 KMP STI awards will be deferred into equity for one year.

The Board is appreciative of the efforts of all Coles team members across what was another challenging year. Our teams managed the 
ongoing impacts of COVID-19 along with unprecedented weather events, including the devastating floods in NSW, Queensland and WA, 
which impacted our customers, suppliers and communities.

We could not be prouder of the performance and resilience of our Team Members and their capacity to face into these challenges to 
ensure we deliver on our promise of trusted value to our customers.

Richard Freudenstein
Chair of the People and Culture Committee

With respect to the FY20 LTI that covered performance between FY20-FY22, 100% of the performance rights allocated to Executive KMP 
will vest on 1 September 2022 based on performance against set targets. This award had two performance metrics. The first metric was 
cumulative Return On Capital (ROC) achieving a result of 110.9% of target. The second metric was relative Total Shareholder Return 
(TSR) with performance assessed at the 84.3 percentile against the comparator group. 

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

The  Board  is  satisfied  this  outcome  reflects  management  performance  based  on  an  absolute  and  market  relative  basis.  Further 
information of performance against set targets and vesting outcomes is covered in Section 4.5.

Executive KMP Transition

As announced to shareholders in November 2021, Greg Davis ceased being an Executive KMP during April 2022 and will cease employment 
with Coles on 14 October 2022. Leah Weckert moved from the role of Chief Financial Officer into the role of Chief Executive, Commercial 
& Express on 15 April 2022. Leah brings a wealth of experience to this role having held a number of leadership roles across Coles since 
she joined in 2011.

Following an internal and external search SR (Charlie) Elias joined Coles on 1 December 2021 and was appointed to the role of Chief 
Financial Officer on 28 February 2022. Charlie has extensive finance and executive leadership experience. Prior to joining Coles, Charlie 
was the CEO of BlueScope Building Products Asia and North America. His previous roles have included CFO of BlueScope Limited, CFO 
and Executive Director of Linfox Group and CFO, Director and General Manager Strategy & Business Development for TXU Australia.

After a review of portfolios across Coles leadership, Matthew Swindells assumed the role of Chief Sustainability Officer in addition to his 
role of Chief Operations Officer from 17 June 2022. Elevating the sustainability role to a member of the Executive KMP further supports 
our commitment to ‘sustainably help all Australians to lead healthier, happier lives’.

66

67

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationIntroduction

The Directors of Coles Group Limited (‘the Company’) present the Remuneration Report for the Company and its controlled entities 
(together, ‘Coles’, ‘Coles Group’ or ‘the Group’) for the financial year ended 26 June 2022 (‘FY22’). This Remuneration Report forms part 
of the Directors’ Report and has been prepared in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and is audited.

This Remuneration Report covers the period from 28 June 2021 to 26 June 2022.

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) FY22 Executive KMP remuneration outcomes

(5) FY22 Non-executive Director remuneration

(6) Ordinary Shareholdings

Section 1: Key Management Personnel

We have prepared this Remuneration Report in respect of the Group’s Key Management Personnel (‘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.

The  ‘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 shows the people who were considered KMP of the Group during FY22.

Table 1:

Non-executive Directors

NAME

POSITION HELD 

James Graham AM

Chairman and Non-executive Director

David Cheesewright

Non-executive Director

Jacqueline Chow

Abi Cleland

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Richard Freudenstein

Non-executive Director

Paul O’Malley

Wendy Stops

Non-executive Director

Non-executive Director

Executive KMP

NAME

Current

Steven Cain
SR (Charlie) Elias1

Leah Weckert2
Matthew Swindells3
Former

Greg Davis

POSITION HELD

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Executive, Commercial & Express from 15 April 2022  
Chief Financial Officer to 27 February 2022 

Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer

Chief Executive, Commercial & Express

To 14 April 2022

d20a 

TERM

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

Full Year

 TERM

Full Year

From 28 February 2022 

Full Year

Full Year

Section 2: Remuneration Governance

2.1 Governance framework

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

Further information regarding the membership and meetings of the People and Culture Committee is provided in the Directors’ Report.

The Board

The Board maintains overall accountability for oversight of the Group’s remuneration policies to ensure that they are aligned with 
the Group’s vision, values, strategic objectives, and risk appetite. 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 (‘Executive 
Direct Reports’), having regard to the recommendations made by the People and Culture Committee and the remuneration 
arrangements for Non-executive Directors. The Board maintains absolute discretion to either positively or negatively adjust the 
remuneration outcomes for the Managing Director and CEO and Executive Direct Reports. The Board will use its discretion based 
on the provision of supporting data and their assessment of performance aligned to the Group’s values and LEaD behaviours, risk, 
compliance, reputational, safety and sustainability considerations as well as the quality of earnings delivered.

Audit and Risk 
Committee 

People and Culture Committee

COL2335_AR_

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

The Audit and Risk 
Committee advise the 
Board and People and 
Culture Committee on any 
risk, conduct and 
compliance matters that 
may relate to executive 
remuneration  outcomes 
and/or financial targets 
and results. 

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):

•  setting remuneration arrangements of Non-executive Directors, 
the Managing Director and CEO, and Executive Direct Reports;
the annual performance review of the Managing Director and 
CEO and Executive Direct Reports; and

• 

•  assessing remuneration outcomes for the Managing Director 

and CEO and Executive Direct Reports.

The Committee delegate authority for the operation and 
administration of all Group incentive and equity plans to 
management.

External 
advisers

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 Direct 
Reports.

Shareholders and other stakeholders

Management

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 Direct Reports.

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

• 

remuneration arrangements of Executive Direct Reports, 
including the establishment of any new incentive and 
equity plans, or amendments to the terms of existing 
arrangements;

•  annual performance review of Executive Direct Reports; and
•  changes to the Group’s remuneration policies.

1  Charlie Elias commenced employment on 1 December 2021.
2 

 Between 28 February 2022 and 14 April 2022, Leah Weckert took a period of long service leave and completed a handover from Greg Davis. Leah is considered a KMP 
for the full year.

3  Matthew Swindells commenced in the role of Sustainability Officer on 17 June 2022.

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.

68

69

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
During FY22 Mercer provided independent benchmarking in relation to executive remuneration to management and the People and 
Culture  Committee.  No  remuneration  recommendations  were  made  by  external  consultants.  The  People  and  Culture  Committee  is 
satisfied that the information provided was free from undue influence by any executive. 

2.2 Corporate governance policies related to remuneration

Executive KMP remuneration is delivered using both fixed and variable (at-risk) components as outlined in the following graphic.

Our Executive KMP remuneration is delivered through a simple,  
three element structure using both fixed and variable (at-risk) components.

Our robust remuneration framework is supported by several corporate governance polices related to remuneration including those following.

Fixed elements

Variable elements

2.2.1 Securities Dealing Policy

1. Total Fixed Compensation (TFC)

2. Short-term incentive (STI)

3. Long-term incentive (LTI)

Coles has adopted a Securities Dealing Policy that applies to all Group 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 all Group team members must 
comply with, including specific restrictions with which KMP must comply. This includes obtaining approval prior to trading in the Group’s 
securities and not trading within blackout periods, other than with approval in exceptional circumstances as detailed within the policy. The 
policy aims to protect the reputation of the Group and maintain confidence in trading in the Group’s securities. It prohibits specific types 
of transactions being made which are not in accordance with market expectations or may otherwise give rise to reputational risk.

How it is delivered

Cash

Cash

Equity (Shares)

Equity (Performance Rights)

How it works:

2.2.2 Minimum Shareholding Policy 

•  consists of base salary and 

•  paid as part cash, part deferred equity:

•  delivered in Performance Rights, subject 

The Group’s Minimum Shareholding Policy is a key means by which the interests of the KMP are aligned with those of the shareholders. 
The policy requires both Non-executive Directors and Executive KMP to build and maintain a significant shareholding in the Group.

Non-executive Directors

Non-executive Directors are 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 their own name, or indirectly in the name of an entity controlled by the Non-executive 
Director or a closely related party. As at the date of this Remuneration Report, each Non-executive Director satisfies this requirement.

Within five years of appointment, each Non-executive Director is expected to increase their shareholding to an amount equivalent to 
100% of their annual base fee at that time. The details of each Non-executive Director’s shareholding are summarised in Table 10.

Executive KMP

Executive KMP are 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 Table 11.

In addition to Executive KMP, this policy also applies to all other Executive Direct Reports.

Section 3: Executive remuneration policy and structure overview

3.1 Executive remuneration policy for FY22

Our remuneration framework is aligned with our ‘Winning Together in our Second Century’ strategy and is guided by our remuneration 
principles. The People and Culture Committee determined the framework is appropriately aligned with our strategy and the interests 
of our shareholders.

1

1

1

1

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 with 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 with the 
achievement of sustainable 
shareholder returns.

Fit for purpose 

Designed to be relevant to 
how the Group 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  FY22  are  included  in  section  4.  Details  of  prior  years’  remuneration,  including 
performance measures and outcomes, are set out in the Remuneration Reports of prior Annual Reports, which are available on the 
Coles website.

superannuation

• 

target position is the 50th 
percentile of the ASX 10-40 
comparator group (plus 
reference to local and 
international retailers, as 
required)

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

to a 3-year Performance Period

•  opportunity levels:

=  Managing Director and CEO 175%  

of TFC

=  Other Executive KMP 150% of TFC

•  measured against:

=  50% Relative TSR (RTSR)  

(ASX 100 comparator group)

=  50% cumulative Return on Capital (ROC)

•  dividend equivalent payment made in 

shares upon vesting

=  Managing Director and CEO 50% 

deferred into shares and restricted  
for 2 years

=  Other Executive KMP 25% deferred into 

shares and restricted for 1 year

•  opportunity levels (all Executive KMP):

= 80% of TFC at Target

= 120% of TFC at Maximum

•  measured against an individual balanced 

scorecard consisting of:

= 60% financial measures

=  40% strategic and non-financial 

measures

• 

includes a mixture of group and functional 
strategic measures

What it does

Allows us to attract and retain 
key talent through competitive 
and fair fixed remuneration

Incentivises strong individual and Company 
performance, based on strategically aligned 
deliverables, through variable, at-risk 
payments

Aligns reward with creation of sustainable, 
long-term shareholder value

What are the time horizons of the awards?

FY22

FY23

FY24

C
F
T

I
T
S

I
T
L

Performance Period (1 year)

Salary paid during the year

Performance Period (1 year)

MD & CEO – 50% paid in cash

Other Executive KMP 75% paid in cash

1-year vesting period

Other Executive KMP 25%  deferred into Shares held in restriction for 1 year

MD & CEO – 50% deferred into shares held in restriction for 2 years 

2-year vesting period

Performance Period (3 years)

3-year vesting period, vesting occurs post FY24 results

Performance Rights vest subject to performance hurdles being met

70

71

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.2 FY22 target remuneration mix for Executive KMP

The FY22 total target remuneration mix for the Executive KMP in Chart 1.

Chart 1 – Total target remuneration mix

Managing Director and CEO 

Other Executive KMP

50%

28%

11%

11%

TFC Cash

STI Cash

STI Equity

LTI

30%

46%

18%

6%

TFC Cash

STI Cash

STI Equity

LTI

3.3 Executive KMP employment agreements

Executive KMP employment terms are formalised in employment contracts that have no fixed term. Specific information relating to the 
terms of the Executive KMP’s employment contracts is in Table 2.

Table 2: Executive KMP employment contracts

NAME

Current

Steven Cain

SR (Charlie) Elias

Leah Weckert

Matthew Swindells

Former
Greg Davis2

NOTICE PERIOD1

RESTRAINT OF TRADE

12 months

12 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

12 months

12 months

12 months

6 months

6 months

1 

2 

 Executive KMP can be terminated without notice if they are found to have engaged in serious or willful 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. The Group may also make a payment in lieu of notice.
 Greg Davis’ entitlements on ceasing employment are aligned to his employment contract, and the terms of the STI and LTI plans that Greg participated in as 
Executive KMP.

d20a 

Section 4: FY22 Executive KMP remuneration outcomes

4.1 Company performance

The remuneration framework has been designed to reward Executive KMP for their contribution to the collective performance of the 
Company and to support the alignment between the remuneration of Executive KMP and shareholder returns.

As the Group listed on the ASX on 21 November 2018, it is not possible to address the statutory requirement that the Group provides a 
five- year discussion of the link between performance and remuneration. This data will continue to be expanded each year to provide 
the required comparative metrics for the financial years in which the Group was listed.

The  following  graphs  and  table  represent  the  relationship  between  remuneration  of  Executive  KMP  and  the  Group’s  financial 
performance over the last four financial years (including FY22). 

Short-term measures

Long-term measures

Sales Revenue1
($m)

Coles Online Sales1, 2
($m)

EBIT
($m)

8
0
4
,
7
3

1
0
0
,
5
3

5
8
5
,
8
3

9
6
3
,
9
3

6
1
8
,
2

8
9
9
,
1

3
7
8
,
1

9
6
8
,
1

2
6
7
,
1

7
6
4
,
1

1
0
3
,
1

1
0
1
,
1

TSR3
(%)

7
.
1
3

9
.
3

6
.
9

9
.
6

ROC4
(%)

ROC

(ROC pre AASB16)

1
.
9
3

1
.
8
3

2
.
5
3

9
.
2
3

2
.
5
1

0
.
6
1

4
.
6
1

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

FY19

FY20

FY21

FY22

STI outcomes (AVG Executive KMP % of maximum)

COL2335_AR_

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

LTI outcomes (% of maximum)
Dividends determined in respect of the financial year (cents)5
Closing share price (at end of financial year)6

FY19

39.0%

n/a

35.5

$13.35

FY20

97.4%

n/a

57.5

$16.79

FY21

88.2%

97.6%

61.0

$16.83

FY22

73.1% 

100%

63.0

$17.81

1  FY21 sales revenue and online sales have been restated to reflect a reclassification of fulfilment income to sales revenue (previously reported within Other Income).
2  Coles Online Sales comprises retail sales on a gross basis before adjusting for concession sales and the cost of Flybuys scheme points. 
3  TSR is calculated as the change in share price during the financial measurement period plus dividends reinvested on the respective ex-dividend dates.
4  ROC is Group EBIT divided by capital employed. Capital employed is calculated on a rolling average basis (seven months in FY19).
5  The dividends determined in respect of the financial year reflect the dividends determined for the financial year irrespective of the dividend payment date.
6  The opening share price on listing on the ASX on 21 November 2018 was $12.49.

4.2 Board oversight of remuneration outcomes

The  Board  maintains  absolute  discretion  to  ensure  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  steps  undertaken  by  the  Board  to  inform  their  decisions  with 
respect to remuneration outcomes for FY22 is further outlined in sections 4.3 to 4.5.

4.3 Total fixed compensation (TFC)

TFC is designed to be competitive to attract, motivate and retain the right talent. The TFC for Executive KMP is compared to the ASX 
10-40 (based on market capitalisation) benchmark group, as well as local and international retailers. We target TFC at the 50th percentile 
of this peer group for comparable roles. This approach to benchmarking has remained unchanged since FY19.

The Board reviewed Executive KMP TFC and total remuneration packages against the comparator group during FY22. This was informed 
by  a  detailed  benchmarking  exercise  conducted  by  Mercer.  The  Board  determined  that  it  was  appropriate  to  award  TFC  increases 
ranging between 2% and 5% to each of the Executive KMP effective 1 October 2021. These increases were reflective of the sustained 
high performance of the Executive KMP and designed to support the market competitiveness of their total remuneration.

A  review  of  fixed  remuneration  will  be  conducted  in  FY23  in  line  with  our  remuneration  principles.  Any  approved  changes  will  be 
disclosed in our FY23 Remuneration Report.

72

73

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
4.4 Short-term incentive (STI)

Table 3: FY22 Performance measures for the Managing Director and CEO

The Group’s STI rewards Executive KMP for the achievement of key short-term performance measures.

The FY22 STI payable for the Executive KMP was assessed against individual balanced scorecards consisting of Financial, Strategic and 
Non- financial metrics. The scorecards include a mix of group and functional strategic metrics. The balanced scorecard approach for 
Executive KMP provides a simple and transparent approach to highlighting performance priorities, measuring performance outcomes 
against each weighted metric, and gives clarity regarding the connection between the performance assessment and reward outcomes.

The scorecards include a ‘Quality and Behaviour’ overlay that considers:

•  how the Executive KMP achieved performance aligned with the Group’s values and LEaD behaviours;

• 

• 

risk, compliance, and reputational matters; and

the quality of earnings delivered.

The Executive KMP have a target STI opportunity of 80% of TFC. The maximum STI opportunity for Executive KMP is 120% of TFC which 
is equivalent to 150% of the target STI opportunity. The FY22 Group Financial performance measures contribute up to 110% of the 
target STI opportunity for all Executive KMP (60% at target). The strategic and non-financial measures contribute up to 40% of the 
target STI opportunity for all Executive KMP.

Details of the performance measures for the Managing Director and CEO’s calculated balanced scorecard for FY22 are set out in Table 3.

Performance 
Measure

Target 
Weighting

Max 
Weighting

Target 

FY22 Performance  
Outcome

Actual STI 
Outcome

Commentary

Group EBIT

35%

70%

$1,823m

$1,869m 
Above Target

Group Sales

15%

30%

$39,217m

$39,369m 
 Above Target

52.7% Group EBIT: delivered through 

sales growth and Smarter Selling 
cost reduction benefits, offsetting 
COVID-19 costs, which were 
elevated as the Delta variant 
spread in the first half of the year 
followed by Omicron in the early 
part of the second half of the year. 
This was delivered despite trading 
volatility driven by external 
events, including COVID-19, 
flooding and disruption to global 
supply chains.

20.8% Group Sales: Sales revenue growth 
supported by eCommerce 
performance in Supermarkets and 
Liquor, successful execution of 
trade plans delivering trusted 
value, tailored ranges, and 
customer continuity programs. 

Coles  
Online Sales

10%

10%

$2,667m

$2,816m 
 Above Target

10%

Transformation –  
Ocado program

10%

10%

Not achieved 
Below threshold

0%

Program 
meeting 
approved on 
time, on budget 
and on strategy 
FY22 
deliverables

Safety –  
TRIFR

10%

10%

10% 
improvement

14.7% improvement 
 Above Target

10%

People –  
mysay

10%

10%

2pp 
improvement

3pp improvement 
 Above Target

10%

Customer – 
NPS

10%

10%

1.9 point 
improvement

3.6pp decrease 
 Below threshold

0%

Coles Online Sales: growth 
supported by ongoing expansion 
of the customer offer across home 
delivery, Click & Collect and 
increased investment into 
immediacy offers through Click & 
Collect Rapid and same day home 
delivery.

In consideration of the additional 
investment required to complete, 
the Board has decided not to 
reward Executive KMP for in year 
achievements

Team member safety significantly 
improved across FY22 with TRIFR 
improving by 14.7%.

Team member engagement 
increased by three percentage 
points and we achieved a four 
percentage point increase in ‘our 
company values the mental health 
of its team members’ score. 

NPS was negatively impacted as a 
result of supply chain challenges 
which affected availability for 
customers. 

l
a
i
c
n
a
n
i
F

c
i
g
e
t
a
r
t
S

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

Overall  
Performance

100% 
(80% of 
TFC)

150% 
(120% of 
TFC)

103.5%  
(82.8% of 
TFC)

Other Executive KMP share the same financial measures as the Managing Director and CEO, except the Chief Financial Officer who has a 
Group cash realisation metric instead of an Online Sales metric. The Group cash realisation metric was achieved in full for FY22. Strategic 
and non-financial measures for Other Executive KMP are also aligned to the Managing Director and CEO with variations relevant to their 
portfolio. For FY22, achievement against strategic and non-financial measures for Other Executive KMP ranged from not achieved to 
fully achieved.

74

75

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information4.4.1 FY22 STI award

The Board assessed performance against the calculated balanced scorecards of the Managing Director and CEO and the Other Executive 
KMP, to determine any STI award payable. The Board also considered the appropriate application of the ‘Quality and Behaviour’ overlay 
to determine the final Executive KMP STI outcomes for FY22 as detailed in Table 4.

When will the FY22 STI award be paid?

The cash component of the STI award will be paid in September 2022.

The STI equity component will be allocated following the Coles 2022 AGM, where shareholder approval will be sought for the grant to 
the Managing Director and CEO.

Table 4: FY22 Executive KMP STI outcomes

What happens if an Executive KMP leaves the organisation prior to payment?

STI OPPORTUNITY1

STI AWARDED

STI 
FORFEITED4

TARGET 80%

MAXIMUM 
120%

$

% OF TFC

CASH2

EQUITY3

(%)

$1,720,000 

 $2,580,000 

 $1,780,364 

$429,808

$644,712 

 $487,874 

$796,000 

 $1,194,000 

 $893,461 

$714,000 

 $1,071,000 

 $796,178

82.8%

52.7%

89.8%

89.2%

$890,182 

$365,906 

$670,096 

$597,134 

 $890,182

 $121,968 

 $223,365 

 $199,044 

31.0%

24.3%

25.2%

25.7%

$714,000 

 $1,071,000 

 $767,618 

86.0%

$767,618 

- 

28.3%

NAME

Current

Steven Cain
SR (Charlie) Elias5
Leah Weckert6
Matthew Swindells

Former
Greg Davis7

1  The minimum STI opportunity was nil.
2  The FY22 cash component of the STI will be paid on or about 15 September 2022.
3 

 The FY22 equity component of the STI will be granted in STI Shares following the Coles 2022 AGM, using a 10-day Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) for the period 
up to and including 26 June 2022 of $17.19. Shareholder approval will be sought for the grant of equity to the Managing Director and CEO at the Coles 2022 AGM.

4  As a percentage of STI maximum opportunity.
5 

6 
7 

 The STI opportunity and STI awarded to Charlie Elias is reflective of his pro-rata opportunity and payment aligned with his 1 December 2021 commencement date. 
The full time equivalent of STI awarded to Charlie is 90.8% of TFC.
 The STI awarded to Leah Weckert considers achievements in both her prior role of Chief Financial Officer and her current role of Chief Executive, Commercial & Express.
 Greg Davis ceased as KMP on 14 April 2022 and remains employed until 14 October 2022 during which time he remains subject to obligations under his employment 
contract. Therefore, Greg’s STI is reflective of his full year entitlement. The amount shown as cash includes $191,904 that would normally be granted in STI Shares, 
however due to Greg’s impending cessation date this amount will be deferred into cash and payment aligned to the normal vesting date of STI Shares for all other 
Executive KMP.

4.4.2 Other terms of the FY22 Short term incentive (STI)

What was the Performance Period?

 28 June 2021 to 26 June 2022

Why were the performance conditions chosen?

The Financial measures align with the Company’s strategy and the commitments made to shareholders. In particular, Group EBIT focuses 
on delivering strong earnings through the business cycle and ensuring strong returns for shareholders. Including sales metrics as well as 
Group EBIT ensures a strong focus upon our capability to deliver sustainable returns for shareholders in the long-term.

Strategic and non-financial metrics align to all three pillars of the Coles strategy: ‘Inspire Customers’, ‘Win Together’ and streamline 
our business through ‘Smarter Selling’.

The Board replaced the ‘Smarter Selling’ strategic performance metric for the Managing Director and CEO in FY22 in favour of a new 
strategic metric focused on the FY22 key deliverables critical to the successful delivery of the Ocado transformation program, given 
the significance of this transformation program for all Coles stakeholders. ‘Smarter Selling’ remains a priority for Coles and features in 
the balanced scorecards for all Other Executive KMP.

How were the performance conditions assessed?

Performance  against  the  balanced  scorecard  metrics  was  assessed  by  the  Board  based  on  the  Company’s  annual  audited  results, 
financial statements and other data provided to the Board.

The Board determined this method is the most appropriate way to assess the true performance of the Company’s and the Executive 
KMP’s contributions to determine remuneration outcomes.

What portion of the STI component was deferred into equity?

The equity deferred amount is determined once the individual balanced scorecard calculation has been completed and the total STI 
award is determined (refer Table 4). Fifty per cent of the total STI award for the Managing Director and CEO, is deferred into equity and 
25% of the total STI award for the Other Executive KMP is deferred into equity.

The number of STI Shares that will be granted and subject to deferral is calculated by using the 10-day VWAP up to and including the 
final day in the Performance Period (ie, 26 June 2022). STI Shares are unable to be traded during the restricted period, being 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.

In the event of resignation or dismissal for cause or significant underperformance prior to payment of the STI, an Executive KMP will 
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.

In any other circumstances (including by reason of redundancy, permanent disability, death, or ill health) the shares will continue on 
foot until the usual vesting date, unless the Board determines otherwise.

Can the Board amend the STI program?

The Board retains discretion to suspend or terminate the program at any time or amend all or any elements of the program up until the 
date of payment.

4.5 Long-term incentive (LTI)

The LTI rewards Executive KMP for the achievement of long-term sustainable returns for shareholders.

For FY22 the LTI component of Executive KMP remuneration was delivered in Performance Rights. The Performance Period for the FY22 
LTI runs from 28 June 2021 to 30 June 2024 (FY22 - FY24).

Performance Rights will vest subject to the satisfaction of the following performance conditions measured over the Performance Period:

•  50% of Performance Rights are subject to a cumulative return on capital (‘ROC’) hurdle (‘ROC component’); and

•  50%  of  Performance  Rights  are  subject  to  a  relative  total  shareholder  return  (‘RTSR’)  performance  hurdle.  Coles’  RTSR  will  be 

compared to companies in the S&P ASX100 (‘Comparator Group’) at 28 June 2021.

COL2335_AR_

The  Board  chose  these  performance  conditions  because  they  provide  a  direct  link  between  Executive  KMP  reward  and  sustained 
shareholder returns, to promote further alignment with shareholders.

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

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 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 achieved

Straight-line pro rata vesting between 0% – 100%

Equal to 105% or above of the Cumulative ROC target is achieved

100%

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.

4.5.2 RTSR component

The number of Performance Rights in the RTSR component that vest, if any, will be based on Coles’ RTSR ranking within the Comparator 
Group over the Performance Period, as set out in the following vesting schedule:

76

77

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COLES RTSR RANK IN THE COMPARATOR GROUP

% OF PERFORMANCE RIGHTS THAT VEST

How can the Board apply discretion to claw back outcomes?

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%

Equal to the 75th percentile or above

100%

Following testing, any Performance Rights that do not vest will lapse. There is no re-testing of awards. The Board has discretion to 
adjust the comparator group to take account of events such as takeovers, mergers and demergers. 

4.5.3 FY22 LTI outcomes

Performance Rights granted under the FY22 LTI will be tested following the end of FY24 (the end of the Performance Period). Details of the 
number of Performance Rights granted under the FY22 LTI are included in section 4.7. Details of equity awards granted to Executive KMP in 
prior years (including applicable performance conditions and vesting dates) have been disclosed in previous Remuneration Reports.

4.5.4 Other terms of the FY22 LTI

How was 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 allocation of shares.

Performance Rights vest subject to achievement of relevant performance conditions and were allocated 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 FY22 LTI plan were granted on 9 December 2021 following the Coles 2021 AGM 
(at which the grant made to the Managing Director and CEO was approved for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and details of 
which are published in this FY22 Remuneration Report).

How were 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 27 June 2021, rounded up to the nearest 
whole number.

How are the performance conditions assessed?

RTSR performance is independently assessed over the Performance Period against the constituents of the 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 the accuracy 
of underlying information.

When does vesting occur?

Following testing, the Board will determine the number of Performance Rights to vest, which is expected to occur in late August 2024. 
Details regarding the vesting of the Performance Rights will be included in the FY24 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 that of dividends 
that would have been paid on the vested Performance Rights had the Executive KMP been the owner of Coles shares during the period 
from the Performance Rights grant date to the vesting date. 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.

The Board has broad claw back 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.

4.5.5 FY20 LTI vesting outcome

On 29 November 2019, Executive KMP were granted Performance Rights relating to their FY20 LTI award. The Performance Period for 
the award was 1 July 2019 to 26 June 2022.

The Performance Rights were subject to two vesting conditions (as well as a service condition): 

•  50% of the Performance Rights were subject to the Group’s cumulative ROC (pre-AASB16) performance over the Performance Period; and

•  50% of the Performance Rights were subject to the RTSR condition, measured over the Performance Period. The Company’s TSR was 

compared to a comparator group of the companies in the ASX100 (Comparator Group) at 30 June 2019.

Table 5: Testing of performance hurdles

Based on testing of each performance hurdle, the following vesting will occur on 1 September 2022 in relation to the FY20 LTI award. 

Cumulative ROC 

COL2335_AR_

RTSR

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

OVERALL VESTING

50%

50%

100%

WEIGHTING

THRESHOLD 
0% vest

TARGET 
50% vest

MAX 
100% vest

95% of target

100% of target

105% of target

RESULT

110.9% 

n/a

50th percentile

75th percentile

84.3 percentile

% VEST

100%

100%

100%

As a result of the overall vesting outcome, the below number of shares will vest to each of the Exectuive KMP on 1 September 2022. The 
total  number  of  shares  includes  both  the  conversion  of  performance  rights  to  shares,  and  shares  allocated  in  consideration  of  the 
dividend equivalent amount.

 NAME
Current 1
Steven Cain

Leah Weckert

Matthew Swindells

Former

Greg Davis

1  Charlie Elias was not eligible for the FY20 LTI plan.

Further details regarding each performance hurdle in Table 5 is provided as follows:

NUMBER OF SHARES 

300,217

116,411

98,031

107,222

Cumulative  ROC  (pre-AASB16):  The  ROC  exceeded  the  stretch  targets  set  by  the  Board  on  a  cumulative  basis  over  the  three-year 
Performance Period and resulted in 100% of this component of the LTI vesting as detailed below:
ROC

CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE

FY22

FY20

FY21

% of target achieved

108.3%

114.8%

109.5%

110.9%

Group EBIT was delivered in excess of target in each of the three years, supported by strong trade performance and Smarter Selling 
savings.  Supermarkets  and  Liquor  outperformance  offset  Coles  Express  performance,  which  was  adversely  impacted  by  COVID-19 
lockdowns  resulting  in  subdued  fuel  volumes.  Through  this  period  the  capital  expenditure  program  has  expanded,  including  the 
increasing transformational spend on Witron and Ocado in FY22.

RTSR: The Company performed at 84.3 percentile against the Comparator Group which resulted in 100% of  this  component of the  
LTI vesting.

Based on the calculated performance, overall vesting outcomes of 100% was achieved. The Board reviewed the vesting outcomes for 
each metric and considered the Company’s strong performance over the period and returns to shareholders. The Board determined 
that the vesting outcomes are appropriate. 

78

79

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
g
n
i
r
u
d
s
e

i

i
r
a
d
i
s
b
u
s
s
t
i

f
o
y
n
a
r
o
y
n
a
p
m
o
C
e
h
t
d
n
a
P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
n
e
e
w

t
e
b
s
n
a
o

l

r
o
s
n
o
i
t
c
a
s
n
a
r
t
o
n
e
r
e
w
e
r
e
h
T

.

P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
e
h
t

f
o
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

f
o
t
n
e
m
e
l
e
h
c
a
e
f
o
t
n
u
o
m
a
d
n
a
e
r
u
t
a
n
e
h
t
s
l
i

a
t
e
d
6
e
l
b
a
T

)
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
y
r
o
t
u
t
a
t
s
(
P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
y
b
d
e
v
i
e
c
e
r
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
f
o
y
r
a
m
m
u
S
6
.
4

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
:
6
e
l
b
a
T

.
2
2
Y
F

L
A
T
O
T

E
C
N
A
M
R
O
F
R
E
P

N
O
I
T
A
U
N
N
A
R
E
P
U
S

E
V
A
E
L
D
E
U
R
C
C
A

$

$

$

$

$

$

N
O
I
T
A
S
N
E
P
M
O
C

S
E
R
A
H
S

S
T
H
G
R

I

S
T
I
F
E
N
E
B

S
T
I
F
E
N
E
B

I
T
S
H
S
A
C

$

R
E
H
T
O

1
S
T
I
F
E
N
E
B

$

Y
R
A
L
A
S
E
S
A
B

D
E
S
A
B
-
E
R
A
H
S
F
O
E
U
L
A
V

-
T
S
O
P

2
S
T
N
E
M
Y
A
P

T
N
E
M
Y
O
L
P
M
E

M
R
E
T
-
G
N
O
L

M
R
E
T
-
T
R
O
H
S

1
3
9
,
3
5
2
,
7

4
9
5
,
5
9
6
,
6

6
0
6
,
4
5
1
,
1

0
1
4
,
2
9
0
,
3

9
9
0
,
0
5
1
,
3

0
0
9
,
8
7
7
,
2

1
5
7
,
1
1
7
,
2

9
1
2
,
5
5
5
,
3

5
7
9
,
3
3
8
,
2

6
6
0
,
5
3
8
,
7
1

9
1
4
,
1
9
3
,
5
1

3
6
4
,
4
2
2
,
1

4
0
0
,
3
1
3
,
1

8
0
8
,
8
3

2
4
6
,
6
2
3

8
5
7
,
6
7
5

2
9
1
,
1
7
2

2
5
0
,
9
6
4

2
3
9
,
2
3
2

4
0
3
,
6
1
5

7
3
0
,
4
9
0
,
2

8
1
1
,
5
7
8
,
2

6
8
7
,
7
4
9
,
2

6
2
9
,
7
4
0
,
2

5
5
1
,
5
9
3

8
9
9
,
9
3
1
,
1

0
5
0
,
0
7
7

5
7
4
,
8
9
9

5
4
6
,
7
6
6

8
1
0
,
0
1
7

6
0
8
,
9
7
2
,
1

0
2
2
,
1
6
7
,
6

9
3
6
,
5
9
1
,
4

8
6
5
,
3
2

4
9
6
,
1
2

2
9
8
,
5

8
6
5
,
3
2

4
9
6
,
1
2

8
6
5
,
3
2

4
9
6
,
1
2

6
7
6
,
7
1

4
9
6
,
1
2

2
7
2
,
4
9

6
7
7
,
6
8

6
7
5
,
0
5

7
1
9
,
7
5
1

2
8
2
,
6
4

)
2
4
4
,
9
2
(

4
0
9
,
5
6

9
1
3
,
8
2

2
4
6
,
3
7

7
1
9
,
2
2

0
3
0
,
8
2

2
5
6
,
8
1
1

3
9
4
,
5
2
3

2
8
1
,
0
9
8

0
5
1
,
4
7
0
,
1

6
0
9
,
5
6
3

6
9
0
,
0
7
6

8
8
8
,
5
8
7

4
3
1
,
7
9
5

3
6
3
,
2
6
6

8
1
6
,
7
6
7

4
4
8
,
2
0
7

6
3
9
,
0
9
2
,
3

5
4
2
,
5
2
2
,
3

4
2
4
,
3

7
9
5
,
2

2
2
1

6
6
3
,
1

9
9
4
,
1

4
0
9
,
1

9
4
5
,
1

9
7
7
,
1

5
0
7
,
2
5
5

1
2
5
,
9
5
5

4
2
4
,
7

2
3
9
,
3
1
1
,
2

6
0
3
,
8
7
0
,
2

1
4
4
,
2
0
3

2
8
1
,
0
6
9

6
0
3
,
8
2
9

7
0
3
,
8
5
8

6
0
8
,
5
1
8

6
6
5
,
1
8
6

6
0
3
,
3
5
8

8
2
4
,
6
1
9
,
4

4
2
7
,
5
7
6
,
4

R
A
E
Y

2
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

2
2
0
2

1
2
0
2

3
s
a
i
l

E
)
e

i
l
r
a
h
C
(
R
S

4
t
r
e
k
c
e
W
h
a
e
L

i

s
l
l
e
d
n
w
S
w
e
h
t
t
a
M

i

n
a
C
n
e
v
e
t
S

t
n
e
r
r
u
C

E
M
A
N

5
s
i
v
a
D
g
e
r
G

r
e
m
r
o
F

2
2
0
2
L
A
T
O
T

1
2
0
2
L
A
T
O
T

s
r
e
m
r
a
f
s
e
W
o
t
t
n
a
u
s
r
u
p
r
e
g
r
e
m
e
d
e
h
t
o
t
r
o
i
r
p
s
i
v
a
D
g
e
r
G
d
n
a
s
l
l
e
d
n
w
S
w
e
h
t
t
a
M

i

,
t
r
e
k
c
e
W
h
a
e
L
o
t
d
e
t
a
c
o

l
l
a
s
d
r
a
w
a
e
r
a
h
s
s
r
e
m
r
a
f
s
e
W
y
c
a
g
e
l
e
d
u
l
c
n

i

1
2
Y
F
r
o
f
s
t
n
u
o
m
a
e
h
T

.
s
d
o
i
r
e
P
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P
d
n
a
s
n
o
i
t
i
d
n
o
c
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
p
r
i
e
h
t
,
s
t
n
a
r
g
e
h
t
r
o
f
s
l
i
a
t
e
d

r
e
h
t
r
u
f
r
o
f
5
.
4
n
o
i
t
c
e
s
o
t
r
e
f
e
R

.
s
e
r
a
h
s
e
h
t
o
t
d
e
l
t
i
t
n
e
e
b
t
o
n

l
l
i

w
P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
e
h
t
,
t
e
m

t
o
n
e
r
a
s
n
o
i
t
i
d
n
o
c
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
p
e
h
t
f
I

.
s
e
r
a
h
S

I

T
S
d
n
a

,
s
e
r
a
h
S
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P

,
s
e
r
a
h
S
d
e
t
c
i
r
t
s
e
R
f
o
s
t
n
a
r
g
e
h
t
f
o
e
u
l
a
v
r
i
a
f
g
n
i
t
n
u
o
c
c
a
e
h
t
t
n
e
s
e
r
p
e
r
s
t
n
u
o
m
a
e
h
 T

s
t
n
a
r
g
e
h
t
f
o
e
u
l
a
v
r
i
a
f
g
n
i
t
n
u
o
c
c
a
e
h
t
s
d
r
a
d
n
a
t
S
g
n
i
t
n
u
o
c
c
A
e
h
t
h
t
i

w
e
c
n
a
d
r
o
c
c
a
n

I

.

i

d
o
i
r
e
p
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
p
t
n
a
v
e
l
e
r
e
h
t
r
e
v
o
d
e
s
n
e
p
x
e
g
n
e
b
e
r
a
d
n
a
s
e
e
y
o
p
m
e
s
r
e
m
r
a
f
s
e
W
s
a
d
e
v
i
e
c
e
r
s
i
v
a
D
g
e
r
G
d
n
a
s
l
l
e
d
n
w
S
w
e
h
t
t
a
M

l

i

,
t
r
e
k
c
e
W
h
a
e
L
t
a
h
t
,
s
n
a
l
p
e
r
a
h
s

.
)
x
a
t
s
t
i
f
e
n
e
b
e
g
n
i
r
f
e
l
b
a
c
i
l

i

p
p
a
y
n
a
g
n
d
u
l
c
n
i
(
t
n
e
m
y
o
p
m
e
h
t
i

l

w
d
e
t
a
i
c
o
s
s
a
s
t
s
o
c
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
t
i
f
e
n
e
b
r
e
h
t
O

l
l

u
f
e
h
t
r
o
f
d
e
v
i
e
c
e
r
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
f
o
e
v
i
t
c
e
l
f
e
r
s
i

2
2
Y
F
r
o
f
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
s
’
h
a
e
L
,
r
e
v
e
w
o
H

.
2
2
0
2
l
i
r
p
A
5
1
n
o
s
s
e
r
p
x
E
&

l
a
i
c
r
e
m
m
o
C

i

,
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
f
e
h
C
s
a
d
e
c
n
e
m
m
o
c
n
e
h
t
e
h
S

.
2
2
0
2
y
r
a
u
r
b
e
F
7
2
e
v
i
t
c
e
ff
e
r
e
c
i
ff
O

i

i

l
a
i
c
n
a
n
F
f
e
h
C
s
a
d
e
r
i
t
e
r
t
r
e
k
c
e
W
h
a
e
 L

.
r
a
e
y
l
a
i
c
n
a
n
i
f

.
7
0
9
,
1
2
5
$
s
a
w

t
n
e
m
e
c
n
e
m
m
o
c
m
o
r
f
y
r
a
l
a
s
e
s
a
b

l
a
t
o
T

.

d
r
a
w
a
l
l

u
f
e
h
t
g
n
i
t
c
e
l
f
e
r
I

T
S
h
s
a
c
h
t
i

w

,
2
2
0
2
y
r
a
u
r
b
e
F
8
2
m
o
r
f

,

P
M
K
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
E
s
a
w
e
h
d
o
i
r
e
p
e
h
t
f
o
e
v
i
t
c
e
l
f
e
r
s
i

2
2
Y
F
r
o
f
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
’
s
a
i
l

E
e
i
l
r
a
h
C

.

d
o
i
r
e
P
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
P
s
’
t
n
a
r
g
e
h
t
r
e
v
o
y
l
l
a
n
o
i
t
r
o
p
o
r
p
d
e
s
i
n
g
o
c
e
r
s
i

j

s
i
h
o
t
t
c
e
b
u
s
,
2
2
0
2
r
e
b
o
t
c
O
4
1
n
o
t
n
e
m
y
o
p
m
e
f
o
n
o
i
t
a
s
s
e
c
s
i
h

l

l
i
t
n
u
2
2
0
2
l
i
r
p
A
4
1
m
o
r
f
g
e
r
G
o
t
d
e
d
i
v
o
r
p
s
t
i
f
e
n
e
b
m
a
r
g
o
r
p
g
n
i
t
r
o
p
p
u
s
d
n
a
t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
e
d
e
v
i
t
u
c
e
x
e
,

n
o
i
t
a
u
n
n
a
r
e
p
u
s
,

n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
d
e
x
i
f
s
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
i
v
a
D
g
e
r
G
r
o
f
s
t
i
f
e
n
e
b
r
e
h
t
o
m
r
e
t
t
r
o
h
 S

1

2

3

4

5

.
s
d
r
a
d
n
a
t
S
g
n
i
t
n
u
o
c
c
A
e
h
t
h
t
i

w
e
c
n
a
d
r
o
c
c
a
n

i

d20a 

2
2
Y
F
n

i

d
e
t
a
r
e
l
e
c
c
a
y
l
l

u
f
n
e
e
b
s
a
h
s
t
h
g
i
r
e
c
n
a
m
r
o
f
r
e
p
s
’
g
e
r
G

f
o
g
n
i
s
n
e
p
x
e
e
h
T

i

.
t
e
m
g
n
e
b
s
n
o
i
t
a
g
i
l

l

b
o
t
n
e
m
y
o
p
m
e
g
n
o
g
n
o

i

4.7 Summary of Executive KMP shareholding and Performance Rights

Table  7.1  and  7.2  show  the  movements  of  Coles  Performance  Rights,  Restricted  Shares,  Performance  Shares  and  STI  Shares,  held 
beneficially, by each Executive KMP during FY22. No other shares were acquired as remuneration during the year. Details of Executive 
KMP’s holdings of ordinary shares are provided in Table 11.

Table 7.1: Restricted, Performance and STI Shares

MOVEMENTS DURING THE FINANCIAL PERIOD

BALANCE OF 
SHARES HELD 
AT 27 JUNE 2021

GRANTED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

VESTED/ 
RELEASED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

LAPSED 
DURING  
THE YEAR

CLOSING 
BALANCE AT 
26 JUNE 20225

ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING 
FAIR VALUE OF 
GRANT YET TO 
VEST ($)1

85,057

85,057

75,866

-

36,453

36,453

17,305

26,327

26,327

14,354

32,402

32,402

14,610

-

-

(85,057)

(83,058)

-

(1,999)

-

-

-

-

64,514

-

-

-

15,734

-

-

13,261

-

-

14,071

-

-

(36,453)

(35,596)

(17,305)

(26,327)

(25,708)

(14,354)

(32,402)

(31,640)

(14,610)

-

-

-

(857)

-

-

(619)

-

-

(762)

-

140,380

2,522,695

-

-

-

-

-

-

15,734

280,852

-

-

-

-

13,261

236,709

-

-

-

-

14,071

251,167

NAME

Current

Steven Cain

SR (Charlie) Elias

Leah Weckert

SHARE TYPE

Restricted Shares2
Performance Shares3
STI Shares4
STI Shares
Restricted Shares2
Performance Shares3
STI Shares4

Matthew Swindells Restricted Shares2

Former

Greg Davis

Performance Shares3
STI Shares4

Restricted Shares2
Performance 
Shares3
STI Shares4

1 

COL2335_AR_

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

 The fair value of STI Shares for Steven Cain was $17.63 at the grant date of 10 November 2021. The fair value of STI Shares at the grant date of 9 December 2021 was 
$17.85 for Other Executive KMP. The fair value of Restricted Shares, Performance Shares and STI Shares is an estimate of the total maximum value of grants in future 
financial years. Restricted Shares, Performance Shares and STI Shares are subject to the satisfaction of conditions and therefore the minimum total value of the 
awards for future financial years is nil.
 Restricted Shares noted relate to the FY19 Executive Restricted Share (ERS) offer which vested during FY22. Restricted Shares are time based only and full details of 
this award are detailed in the FY19 Remuneration Report.
 Performance Shares vest based on the achievement of performance conditions aligned with RTSR and cumulative EBIT with a ROC gateway. This award vested on 25 
August 2021 as per the vesting details set out in Table 7 of the FY21 Remuneration Report, Table 7. Full details regarding this award are detailed in the FY19 
Remuneration Report.

2 

3 

4  STI Shares are time-based only. Greg Davis’ closing balance is reflective of balance at date of cessation as KMP. 
5  No Restricted, Performance or STI Shares were held nominally by the Executive KMP or their related parties as at 26 June 2022.

Table 7.2: Performance Rights

MOVEMENTS DURING THE FINANCIAL PERIOD

BALANCE OF 
RIGHTS HELD AT 
27 JUNE 2021

RIGHTS 
ALLOCATED AS 
REMUNERATION

RIGHTS VESTED 
DURING THE 
YEAR

RIGHTS 
FORFEITED /
LAPSED DURING 
THE YEAR

CLOSING 
BALANCE AT  
26 JUNE 2022 

ADDITIONAL 
INFORMATION

ACCOUNTING 
FAIR VALUE OF 
GRANT YET TO 
VEST ($)1

499,034

-

193,503

167,505

225,976

83,334

89,640

80,406

178,228

80,406

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

725,010

83,334

283,143

247,911

9,334,657

1,086,675

3,609,993

3,161,839

(71,273)

187,361

2,376,552

NAME 

Current
Steven Cain2
SR (Charlie) Elias

Leah Weckert

Matthew Swindells

Former
Greg Davis3

1 

 The fair value of Performance Rights is an estimate of the total maximum value of grants in future financial years. The fair value of Steven Cain’s FY22 Performance 
Rights at the grant date of 10 November 2021 was $9.27 for the RTSR component and $15.95 for the ROC component. The fair value of the Other Executive KMP’s FY22 
Performance Rights at the grant date of 9 December 2021 was $9.87 for RTSR component and $16.21 for ROC component. The Performance Rights are subject to the 
satisfaction of conditions and therefore the minimum total value of the awards for future financial years is nil.

2  Approval from shareholders for the issue of these Performance Rights to Steven Cain was obtained for the purpose of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 at the Coles 2021 AGM.
3  Greg Davis’ closing balance is reflective of the balance at the date of cessation as KMP.

80

81

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.4 Other transactions and balances

During FY22, Mr Freudenstein sold livestock to Coles via a livestock agent for an aggregate amount of $81,335. The transaction occurred 
on an arm’s length basis with normal commercial terms.

Section 6: Ordinary shareholdings

6.1 Non-executive Director Ordinary Shareholdings

Table 10 shows the shareholdings and movements in shares held directly, or indirectly, by each Non-executive Director, including their 
related parties during FY22. No shares held by Executive KMP were held nominally.

Table 10: Non-executive Director Ordinary Shareholdings

NAME

James Graham

David Cheesewright

Jacqueline Chow

Abigail Cleland

Richard Freudenstein

Paul O’Malley

Wendy Stops

TOTAL

BALANCE OF 
SHARES HELD AT 
27 JUNE 2021

SHARES 
ACQUIRED

SHARES 
DISPOSED

CLOSING 
BALANCE AS AT  
26 JUNE 2022

MINIMUM 
SHAREHOLDING 
REQUIREMENT 
ACHIEVED

500,188

20,000

20,000

19,816

19,000

3,809

25,000

607,813

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

500,188

20,000

20,000

19,816

19,000

3,809

25,000

607,813

✓

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

6.2 Executive KMP Ordinary Shareholdings

Table 11 shows the shareholdings and movements in shares held directly, or indirectly, by each KMP, including their related parties 
during FY22.

Table 11: Executive KMP Ordinary Shareholdings

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

NAME

Current

Steven Cain
SR (Charlie) Elias1
Leah Weckert

Matthew Swindells

Former
Greg Davis2
TOTAL

BALANCE OF 
SHARES HELD AT 
27 JUNE 2021

SHARES 
ACQUIRED

SHARES 
DISPOSED

CLOSING 
BALANCE AS AT 26 
JUNE 2022

MINIMUM 
SHAREHOLDING 
REQUIREMENT 
ACHIEVED

50,000

-

36,330

14,529

69,244

170,103

168,115

-

89,354

66,389

78,652

402,510

-

-

-

-

-

-

218,115

✓ 

- Not Yet Achieved

125,684

80,918

147,896

572,613

✓ 

✓ 

✓ 

1  Opening balance reflects shareholding at 1 December 2021 for Charlie Elias.
2  Greg Davis’ closing balance is reflective of the balance at the date of cessation as KMP on 14 April 2022.

Section 5: FY22 Non-executive Director remuneration

5.1 Non-executive Director remuneration framework

Non-executive Director remuneration is designed to ensure the Company can attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced 
Non- executive Directors.

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. 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 2.1.2).

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. They reflect the qualifications 
and experience necessary to discharge the Board’s responsibilities.

The maximum aggregate fee limit is $3.6 million. This was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the 2018 AGM prior to listing. 
There were no increases to Board and Committee fees in FY22. Table 8 sets out the Board and committee fees (inclusive of superannuation) 
for FY22.

Table 8: Board and committee fees (inclusive of superannuation) for FY22

BOARD AND COMMITTEE FEES
Board
Audit and Risk Committee
People and Culture Committee
Nomination Committee

CHAIR
$695,0001
$55,000
$55,000
No fee

MEMBER
$220,000
$27,000
$27,000
No fee

1  The Chairman of the Board does not receive Committee fees in addition to his Board fee. 

5.3 FY22 Non-executive Director remuneration

Table 9 outlines the remuneration for the Non-executive Directors of Coles during FY22. There were no transactions or loans between 
Non-executive Directors and the Company or any of its subsidiaries during FY22.

Table 9: FY22 Non-executive Director remuneration

FINANCIAL  
YEAR
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021
2022
2021

BASE AND 
COMMITTEE FEES 
(EXCLUDING  
SUPERANNUATION)  
$
671,432
673,306
246,655
247,000
224,267
225,306
247,000
241,576
269,108
264,153
251,432
189,979
224,267
226,818
2,134,161
2,068,138

OTHER  
BENEFITS4  
$
215
628
-
-
434
807
497
396
-
-
-
-
1,498
1,595
2,644
3,426

SUPER-
ANNUATION 
BENEFITS  
$
23,568
21,694
345
-
22,733
21,694
-
5,424
5,892
10,847
23,568
16,271
22,733
20,182
98,839
96,112

TOTAL 
COMPENSATION  
$
695,215
695,628
247,000
247,000
247,434
247,807
247,497
247,396
275,000
275,000
275,000
206,250
248,498
248,595
2,235,644
2,167,676

NAME
James Graham

David Cheesewright1

Jacqueline Chow

Abigail Cleland2

Richard Freudenstein2

Paul O’Malley3

Wendy Stops

TOTAL 2022
TOTAL 20215

1  Due to David Cheesewright residing outside of Australia, superannuation obligations are only payable for any time worked in Australia.
2 

 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.

3  Paul O’Malley was appointed to the Board on 1 October 2020, his remuneration for FY21 is disclosed from this date to 27 June 2021. 
4  Other benefits include costs associated with directorships (including any applicable fringe benefits tax).
5  Zlatko Todorcevski retired from the Board effective 30 September 2020. His total compensation for FY21 was $68,810.

82

83

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of  
Coles Group Limited 
Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of  
As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Coles Group Limited for the financial year ended 
Coles Group Limited 
26 June 2022, 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. 
26 June 2022, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been: 

No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
relation to the audit;  

a. 
b. 

c. 
b. 

No contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in 
No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit; and 
relation to the audit;  
No non-audit services provided that contravene any applicable code of professional conduct in 
No contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit; and 
relation to the audit. 

c. 
No non-audit services provided that contravene any applicable code of professional conduct in 
This declaration is in respect of Coles Group Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial 
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 

David Shewring 
Partner 
24 August 2022 
David Shewring 
Partner 
24 August 2022 

COL2335_AR_

d20a 

  September 21, 2022 9:52 AM

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 

84

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Financial Report

Consolidated Financial Statements

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Income Statement
Balance Sheet
Statement of Changes in Equity
Cash Flow Statement

Basis of preparation and accounting policies

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 Subsidiaries
5.4 Parent entity information

Section 6: Unrecognised items
6.1 Commitments
6.2 Contingencies

Section 7: Other disclosures
7.1 Related party disclosures
7.2 Employee share plans
7.3 Auditor’s remuneration
7.4 New accounting standards and interpretations
7.5 Events after the reporting period

Directors’ Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report

85

OverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationIncome Statement
for the 52 weeks ended 26 June 2022

Balance sheet 
as at 26 June 2022

Sales revenue

Other operating revenue

Total operating revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Administration expenses

Share of net loss from equity accounted investments

Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT)

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Profit attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent entity

Earnings per share (EPS) attributable to equity holders of the parent:

Basic EPS (cents)

Diluted EPS (cents)

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 income/(loss) which may be reclassified to profit or loss 
in subsequent periods

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent entity

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements. 

NOTES

1.3

1.4

5.1

1.5

1.6

1.2

1.2

1.6

2022
$m

39,369

377

39,746

(29,210)

10,536

96

(8,756)

(7)

1,869

(396)

1,473

(425)

1,048

2021
$m

 38,585

 370 

 38,955 

 (28,773)

 10,182

 88 

 (8,392)

 (5)

 1,873 

 (427)

 1,446 

 (441)

 1,005 

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

1,048

1,005

Equity accounted investments

78.8

78.7

31

(9)

22

1,070

75.3

75.3

(9)

3

(6)

999

Other assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Income tax payable

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

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements. 

86

87

NOTES

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

2022
$m

589

470

2,448

42

82

120

3,751

4,807

7,199

1,864

822

219

174

15,085

18,836

2021
$m

787

368

2,107

-

85

87

3,434

4,463

7,288

1,698

873

220

147

14,689

18,123

4,335

3,660

854

-

914

312

950

60

897

252

6,415

5,819

1,095

424

7,767

11

9,297

15,712

3,124

1,636

95

1,393

3,124

1,142

458

7,859

32

9,491

15,310

2,813

 1,585

 69 

 1,159 

 2,813

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statement of Changes in Equity 
for the 52 weeks ended 26 June 2022

Cash Flow Statement
for the 52 weeks ended 26 June 2022

SHARES 
HELD IN 
TRUST
$m

SHARE-
BASED 
PAYMENTS 
RESERVE
$m

CASH FLOW 
HEDGE 
RESERVE
$m

SHARE 
CAPITAL
$m 

2022

Balance at beginning of period

1,655

(70)

88

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Dividends paid

Issue of shares to satisfy the dividend 
reinvestment plan

Issue of shares to Trust

Transfer of shares to employees under the 
employee equity incentive plan

Share-based payments expense

Transfers

-

-

-

-

16

24

-

-

-

Balance at end of period

1,695

-

-

-

-

-

(24)

21

-

14

(59)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(21)

25

-

92

2021

Balance at beginning of period

1,655

(44)

56

Profit for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

Dividends paid

Share-based payments expense

Transfer of shares to employees under 
employee equity incentive plan

Purchase of shares to satisfy employee equity 
incentive plan

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Balance at end of period

1,655

-

-

-

-

-

-

(26)

(70)

-

-

-

-

32

-

-

88

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements.

RETAINED 
EARNINGS
$m

1,159

1,048

-

1,048

TOTAL
$m

2,813

1,048

22

1,070

(814)

(814)

-

-

-

-

-

16

-

-

25

14

1,393

3,124

961

1,005

-

1,005

(807)

-

-

-

2,615

1,005

(6)

999

(807)

32

-

(26)

2,813

(19)

-

22

22

-

-

-

-

-

-

3

(13)

-

(6)

(6)

-

-

-

-

(19)

1,159

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers 

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 

Net investments in joint venture and associate

Net cash flows used in investing activities

Cash flows used in financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayment of borrowings

Payment of principal component of lease payments

Dividends paid

Purchase of shares under Equity Incentive Plan

Net cash flows used in financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents 

Cash at beginning of period

Cash at end of the period 

The accompanying notes form part of the consolidated financial statements.

NOTES

2.1

5.1

2022
$m

41,887 

(38,309)

(41)

(363) 

1

(485) 

2,690 

(1,272) 

136 

(6) 

2021
$m

41,138

(37,510)

(47)

(390)

4

(358)

2,837

(1,279)

181

(8)

 (1,142) 

(1,106)

5,082 

(5,129) 

 (901) 

(798) 

- 

7,232

(7,444)

(891)

(807)

(26)

(1,746) 

(1,936)

(198)

787

589

(205)

992

787

88

89

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

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 52-week period ended 26 June 2022 (collectively, ‘Coles’ or ‘the Group’) was authorised for issue in accordance with 
a resolution of the Directors on 24 August 2022. The comparative period is for the 52-week period ended 27 June 2021.

Reporting entity

Basis of preparation and accounting policies (continued) 

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 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 Notes are organised into the following sections:

The nature of the operations and principal activities of the Group are described in Note 1.1 Segment Reporting.

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’).

1. PERFORMANCE: this section provides information on the performance of the Group, including segment results, earnings per share 
and income tax.

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.

The accounting policies adopted are consistent with those of the previous period. Refer to Note 7.4 New accounting standards and 
interpretations.

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.

This  Financial  Report  presents  reclassified  comparative  information  where  required  for  consistency  with  the  current  period’s 
presentation.

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.

Key judgements, estimates and assumptions 

Basis of consolidation 

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 ongoing impacts of COVID-19 in determining 
the amounts recognised in the financial statements based on conditions existing at the reporting date, recognising uncertainty still 
exists in relation to its timeframe, the measures to control it and its economic impact.

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.

The key areas involving judgement or significant estimates and assumptions are set out below:

Accounting policies

NOTE

Note 2.7

Note 5.1

NOTE

Note 2.4

Note 2.7

Note 2.9

Note 4.1

Note 6.2

Note 7.2

Leases

Equity accounted investments

Inventories

Leases

Provisions

JUDGEMENTS

Determining the lease term

Control and significant influence

ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

Net realisable value, Commercial income

Incremental borrowing rate

Employee benefits, Self-insurance, Restructuring

Impairment of non-financial assets

Assessment of recoverable amount

Contingencies

Employee share plans

Contingent liabilities

Valuation of share-based payments

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. 

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.

90

91

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information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. Segment reporting 

The Group has identified its operating segments based on internal reporting to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (the 
chief operating decision-maker). The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer regularly reviews the 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 Financial Services)

Liquor

Express

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 Insurance and Treasury) are included in ‘Other’.

There  are  varying  levels  of  integration  between  operating  segments.  This  includes  the  common  usage  of  property,  services  and 
administration functions. Financing costs and income tax are managed on a Group basis and are not allocated to operating segments.

EBIT is the key measure by which management monitors the performance of the segments.

The Group does not have operations in other geographic areas or economic exposure to any individual customer that is in excess of 10% 
of sales revenue. 

EPS attributable to equity holders of the Company 

Basic EPS (cents) 

Diluted EPS (cents)

Profit for the period ($m) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic EPS (shares, million) 

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted EPS (shares, million) 

Calculation methodology

2022

78.8

78.7

1,048

1,330

1,331

2021

75.3

75.3

1,005

1,334

1,335

EPS is profit for the period attributable to ordinary equity holders of the Company, divided by the weighted average number of ordinary 
shares on issue, adjusted in FY22 to exclude shares held in trust during the period. 

Diluted EPS is calculated on the same basis except it includes the impact of any potential commitments the Group has to issue shares in 
the future. 

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 

The Group operates a network of supermarkets, retail liquor stores and convenience stores, as well as online platforms. 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 upon delivery, or when collected by the customer.

Revenue comprises the fair value of consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and is recorded net of discounts and 
goods and services tax (GST). 

SUPERMARKETS
$m

LIQUOR
$m

EXPRESS
$m

OTHER CONSOLIDATED 
$m

$m

1.4 Administration expenses

2022

Sales revenue

Segment EBIT

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

Share of net loss from equity accounted 
investments included in EBIT

2021

Sales revenue

Segment EBIT

Financing costs

Profit before income tax 

Income tax expense 

Profit for the period 

Share of net loss from equity accounted 
investments included in EBIT

34,624

1,715

3,613

163

1,132

42

-

(51)

33,868

1,702

3,525

165

1,192

67

-

(61)

39,369

1,869

(396)

1,473

(425)

1,048

(7)

38,585

1,873

(427)

1,446

(441)

 1,005

(5)

Employee benefits expense 

Occupancy and overheads
Depreciation and amortisation1 
Marketing expenses

Net impairment reversal

Other store expenses

Other administration expenses

Total administration expenses

2022
$m

5,085

734

1,524

241

(10)

610

572

2021
$m

4,898 

707 

1,513 

242 

(3) 

623 

412 

8,756

8,392

1 

 Total depreciation and amortisation for FY22 is $1,571 million (FY21: $1,559 million), the remaining depreciation and amortisation is included within cost of sales.

Employee benefits expense is comprised of:

Remuneration, bonuses and on-costs

Superannuation expense

Share-based payments expense

Total employee benefits expense 

Employee benefits expense

2022
$m

4,652

408

25

5,085

2021
$m

4,493

369

36

4,898

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 Employee share plans.

92

93

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.4 Administration expenses (continued)

1.6 Income tax (continued)

Share-based payments expense includes both awards granted by the Company that will be settled in equity of the Company and in the 
prior period awards granted by Wesfarmers (pre demerger) to employees of the Group that were settled in equity of Wesfarmers.

Reconciliation of the Group’s applicable tax rate to the effective tax rate

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 Income Statement when 
incurred.

1.5 Financing costs

Interest on debt and borrowings

Interest on lease liabilities

Other finance related costs

Total financing costs

Financing costs 

2022
$m

16 

363 

17 

396 

2021
$m

 23 

 390 

 14 

 427

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 Income Statement are set out below:

Current income tax expense 

Adjustment in respect of current income tax of previous periods

Deferred income tax relating to origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustment in respect of deferred income tax of previous periods

Income tax expense reported in the Income Statement

The components of income tax expense recognised in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) are set out below:

Deferred tax related to items recognised in OCI during the period: 

Net (profit)/loss on revaluation of cash flow hedges

Deferred income tax charged to OCI

2022
$m

391

(8) 

39 

3 

425 

2022  
$m

(9)

(9)

2021
$m

 449 

 13 

 (18)

 (3)

 441

2021  
$m

3

3

The tax expense included in the Income Statement consists of current and deferred income tax.

CURRENT INCOME TAX IS:

DEFERRED INCOME TAX IS:

• 

the expected tax payable on taxable income for the period

• 

recognised using the liability method

•  calculated using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted  

at the reporting date 

• 

inclusive of any adjustment to income tax payable or 
recoverable in respect of previous periods

•  based on temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting 
purposes and the amounts for taxation purposes

•  calculated using the tax rates that are expected to 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 Income Statement. However, when it relates to items charged or 
credited  directly  to  the  Statement  of  Changes  in  Equity  or  Other  Comprehensive  Income,  the  tax  is  recognised  in  equity,  or  OCI, 
respectively.

Profit before income tax

At Australia’s corporate tax rate of 30.0% (2021: 30.0%)

Adjustments in respect of income tax of previous periods

Share of results of joint venture

Non-deductible expenses for income tax purposes

Non-assessable income for income tax purposes

Recognition of prior year capital losses
Income tax expense reported in the Income Statement1

1  At an effective income tax rate of 28.9% (2021: 30.5%).

Tax consolidation

2022  
$m

1,473

442 

(5) 

2 

2 

(11)

(5)

425 

2021  
$m

1,446

 434 

 10 

 2 

 2 

(7)

-

 441

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.

Deferred income tax balances recognised in the Balance Sheet

2022

Provisions

Employee benefits

Trade and other payables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Lease Liabilities

Cash flow hedges

Other individually insignificant balances

Deferred tax assets

Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes

Right-of-use assets

Other assets

Other individually insignificant balances

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

OPENING 
BALANCE  
$m

CHARGED  
TO PROFIT  
OR LOSS  
$m

CREDITED  
TO OCI  
$m

OTHER  
$m

CLOSING 
BALANCE  
$m

61

257

50

45

153

18

2,627

9

12

3,232

116

2,186

9

48

2,359

873

6

(27)

(22)

8

18

(18)

(268)

(1)

(6)

(310)

9

(271)

(1)

(5)

(268)

(42)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(9)

-

(9)

-

-

-

-

-

(9)

-

-

-

-

-

-

245

-

-

245

-

245

-

-

245

-

67

230

28

53

171

-

2,604

(1)

6

3,158

125

2,160

8

43

2,336

822

94

95

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information1.6 Income tax (continued)

2. Assets and liabilities

2021

Provisions

Employee benefits

Trade and other payables

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Lease Liabilities

Cash flow hedges

Other individually insignificant balances

Deferred tax assets

Accelerated depreciation for tax purposes

Right-of-use assets

Other assets

Other individually insignificant balances

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

Tax assets and liabilities

OPENING 
BALANCE  
$m

CHARGED  
TO PROFIT  
OR LOSS  
$m

CREDITED  
TO OCI  
$m

OTHER  
$m

CLOSING 
BALANCE  
$m

56

249

34

45

139

17

2,725

6

19

3,290

96

2,297

-

48

2,441

849

5

8

16

-

14

1

(268)

-

(7)

(231)

20

(272)

-

-

(252)

21

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3

 -

3

-

-

-

-

-

3

-

-

-

-

-

-

170

-

-

170

-

161

9

-

170

-

61

257

50

45

153

18

2,627

9

12

3,232

116

2,186

9

48

2,359

873

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.

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.

The Group has unrecognised deferred tax assets relating to temporary differences arising from its investments in Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd 
(operator of the Flybuys loyalty program) and Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd (QVC), and capital losses from disposal of capital gains tax 
assets. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in relation to these amounts as the Group has determined that at the reporting 
date, it is not probable that capital gains will be available against which the Group can utilise these benefits. The unrecognised deferred 
tax asset is $107 million (2021: $109 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 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 26 June 2022 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 
Balance Sheet. 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 Cash Flow Statement 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.

This section details the assets used in the Group’s operations and the liabilities incurred as a result.

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

2022  
$m

559

30

589

2021  
$m

576

211

787

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 Cash Flow Statement, 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

Net impairment reversal

Net loss on disposal of non-current assets

Share of net loss of equity accounted investments

Share-based payments expense

Other

Changes in assets and liabilities net of the effects of acquisitions and disposals of businesses:

(Increase) / decrease in inventories

(Increase) / decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease / (increase) in prepayments

Increase in other assets

Decrease / (increase) in deferred tax assets

(Increase) / decrease in income tax receivable

Increase / (decrease) in trade and other payables

(Decrease) / increase in provisions

Increase in other liabilities

Net cash flows from operating activities

2022  
$m

1,048

1,571

(10)

14

7

25

5

(341)

(102)

4

(64)

51

(102)

675

(130)

39

2021  
$m

1,005

1,559

(3)

12

5

32

13

59

66

(12)

(32)

(24)

102

(77)

75

57

2,690

2,837

96

97

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.2 Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables are comprised of the following: 

Trade receivables1
Other receivables

Allowance for expected credit losses 

Total trade and other receivables

1 

Includes commercial income due from suppliers of $117 million (2021: $119 million).

Trade receivables and other receivables are classified as financial assets held at amortised cost.

Trade receivables

2022  
$m

386

95

481

(11)

470

2021  
$m

315

63

378

(10)

368

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 Income Statement 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. 

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.

Commercial income 

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 Income Statement within ‘administration expenses’.

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  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 Balance Sheet.

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

2022 
 $m

83

37

120

15

159

174

2021  
$m

85

2

87

17

130

147

  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 

98

99

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
D
L
O
H
E
S
A
E
L

m
$

L
A
T
O
T

m
$

m
$

m
$

S
T
N
E
M
E
V
O
R
P
M

I

T
N
E
M
P
I
U
Q
E
&
T
N
A
L
P

I

S
G
N
D
L
I
U
B

m
$

D
N
A
L

e
s
a
e
l

f
o
m
r
e
T

s
r
a
e
y
0
2
–
3

s
r
a
e
y
0
4
–
0
2

e
l
b
a
c
i
l

p
p
a
t
o
N

d
n
a
m
e
t
i

e
h
t

f
o
n
o
i
t
i
s
i
u
q
c
a
e
h
t
o
t
e
l
b
a
t
u
b
i
r
t
t
a
y
l
t
c
e
r
i
d
s
i

t
a
h
t
e
r
u
t
i
d
n
e
p
x
e
s
e
s
i
r
p
m
o
c
t
s
o
C

.
t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

i

d
e
s
i
n
g
o
c
e
r
y
n
a
d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
d
d
e
t
a
l
u
m
u
c
c
a
s
s
e
l

t
s
o
c
t
a
d
e

i
r
r
a
c
s
i

i

t
n
e
m
p
u
q
e
d
n
a
t
n
a
l
p

,
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
P

d
n
a

t
n
a
l
p

,
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
P

.

d
e
r
r
u
c
n

i

e
r
a

y
e
h
t

h
c
i
h
w
n

i

d
o

i
r
e
p

e
h
t

g
n
i
r
u
d

t
n
e
m
e
t
a
t
S

e
m
o
c
n

I

e
h
t

o
t

d
e
g
r
a
h
c

e
r
a

s
t
s
o
c

e
c
n
a
n
e
t
n
a
m
d
n
a

i

s
r
i

a
p
e
R

.

n
o
i
t
a
s
i
l
a
t
i
p
a
c

r
o
f

i

e
l
b
g
i
l
e

e
r
a

t
a
h
t

d
e
r
r
u
c
n

i

s
t
s
o
c

t
n
e
u
q
e
s
b
u
s

.
e
f
i
l

l

u
f
e
s
u
d
e
t
c
e
p
x
e
s
t
i

r
e
v
o
e
u
l
a
v
l
a
u
d
i
s
e
r
s
t
i

o
t
s
i
s
a
b
e
n

i
l
-
t
h
g

i

a
r
t
s
a
n
o
d
e
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
d
s
i

t
n
e
m
p
u
q
e

i

i

t
n
e
m
p
u
q
e
d
n
a
t
n
a
l
p

,
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
P
5
.
2

7
6
8
,
9

)
0
6
0
,
5
(

7
0
8
,
4

3
6
4
,
4

8
3
0
,
1

)
2
8
(

)
8
6
5
(

4
1

)
8
5
(

7
0
8
,
4

2
1
2
,
1

8
9
0
,
9

)
5
3
6
,
4
(

3
6
4
,
4

7
2
1
,
4

9
6
0
,
1

)
5
8
(

)
2
6
5
(

8

)
4
9
(

7
1
9

3
6
4
,
4

2.6 Intangible assets 

)
2
8
6
(

4
5
5

6
3
2
,
1

-

0
0
5

5
3
1

-

)
6
(

)
5
7
(

4
5
5

0
7
1

)
9
3
6
(

0
0
5

9
3
1
,
1

4
7
4

8
0
1

)
1
(

)
6
7
(

-

)
5
(

0
0
5

8
0
1

4
4
9
,
7

)
8
6
3
,
4
(

6
7
5
,
3

)
6
1
(

0
9
7

)
9
8
4
(

)
6
(

)
6
1
(

3
1
3
,
3

1
9
9

6
7
5
,
3

0
0
3
,
7

)
7
8
9
,
3
(

3
1
3
,
3

)
9
(

6
1
8

)
0
8
4
(

)
1
(

)
2
2
(

9
0
0
,
3

1
6
6

3
1
3
,
3

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. 

In respect to cloud computing arrangements, the Group assesses whether the arrangement contains a lease and if not, whether the 
arrangement provides the Group with a resource that it can control. Costs associated with implementation are then assessed as to 
whether they can be capitalised in accordance with relevant accounting standards.

)
0
1
(

8
6
2

8
5
2

1
0
3

0
1

)
7
2
(

)
4
(

-

)
2
2
(

1
5

8
5
2

)
9
(

0
1
3

1
0
3

1
3
2

6
2
1

)
2
3
(

)
6
(

-

)
8
1
(

1
0
3

8
4
1

Goodwill 

-

9
1
4

9
1
4

9
4
3

3
0
1

)
9
3
(

-

0
2

)
4
1
(

9
1
4

-

-

9
4
3

9
4
3

3
1
4

9
1

)
3
4
(

-

9

)
9
4
(

9
4
3

-

.
)
s
s
o

l

t
e
n
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
2
1
$
:
1
2
0
2
(
n
o

i
l
l
i

m
4
1
$
s
a
w
d
o

i
r
e
p
e
h
t
g
n

i

i
r
u
d
t
n
e
m
p
u
q
e
d
n
a
t
n
a
l

p

,
y
t
r
e
p
o
r
p
f
o

l
a
s
o
p
s
i
d
n
o
s
s
o

l

t
e
N

1

e
v
o
b
a
d
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
s
e
r
g
o
r
p
n

i

k
r
o
w
n
o
i
t
c
u
r
t
s
n
o
C

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

e
l
a
s
r
o
f
d
l
e
h
s
t
e
s
s
a
o
t

r
e
f
s
n
a
r
T

s
n
o
i
t
i
d
d
A

1
s
ff
o
-
e
t
i
r

w
d
n
a
s
l
a
s
o
p
s
i
D

l
a
s
r
e
v
e
R
/
)
t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

I
(

n
o
i
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
D

d
o

i

i

i
r
e
p
f
o
g
n
n
n
g
e
b
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

e
v
o
b
a
d
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
s
e
r
g
o
r
p
n

i

k
r
o
w
n
o
i
t
c
u
r
t
s
n
o
C

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

i

d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
d
d
e
t
a
l
u
m
u
c
c
A

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

1
2
0
2

t
s
o
C

e
l
a
s
r
o
f
d
l
e
h
s
t
e
s
s
a
o
t

r
e
f
s
n
a
r
T

s
n
o
i
t
i
d
d
A

1
s
ff
o
-
e
t
i
r

w
d
n
a
s
l
a
s
o
p
s
i
D

l
a
s
r
e
v
e
R
/
)
t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

I
(

n
o
i
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
D

100

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

i

d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a

i
c
e
r
p
e
d
d
e
t
a
l
u
m
u
c
c
A

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

)
e
g
n
a
r
(
e
f
i
l

l

u
f
e
s
U

2
2
0
2

t
s
o
C

d
o

i

i

i
r
e
p
f
o
g
n
n
n
g
e
b
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

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.

101

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
m
$

L
A
T
O
T

4
6
9
,
2

)
0
0
1
,
1
(

4
6
8
,
1

8
7
2

8
9
6
,
1

)
1
(

)
3
(

)
8
0
1
(

1
6
3

4
6
8
,
1

8
0
7
,
2

)
0
1
0
,
1
(

8
9
6
,
1

-

)
5
(

)
7
9
(

3
0
2

7
9
5
,
1

0
2
2

8
9
6
,
1

-

9
2

9
2

7
2

2

-

-

-

-

9
2

)
1
(

8
2

7
2

7
2

-

-

-

-

-

7
2

m
$

S
E
C
N
E
C
I
L

e
t
i
n

i
f
e
d
n

I

m
$

s
r
a
e
y
5

5
7
7
,
1

)
0
0
1
,
1
(

5
7
6

5
1
5

2
7
2

)
1
(

)
3
(

)
8
0
1
(

5
7
6

1
6
3

4
2
5
,
1

)
9
0
0
,
1
(

5
1
5

4
1
4

3
0
2

-

)
5
(

)
7
9
(

5
1
5

0
2
2

m
$

e
t
i
n

i
f
e
d
n

I

-

0
6
1
,
1

0
6
1
,
1

6
5
1
,
1

4

-

-

-

-

0
6
1
,
1

-

6
5
1
,
1

6
5
1
,
1

6
5
1
,
1

-

-

-

-

-

6
5
1
,
1

E
R
A
W
T
F
O
S

L
L
I
W
D
O
O
G

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

i

d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
t
r
o
m
a
d
e
t
a
l
u
m
u
c
c
A

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

)
e
g
n
a
r
(
e
f
i
l

l

u
f
e
s
U

2
2
0
2

t
s
o
C

)
d
e
u
n
i
t
n
o
c
(
s
t
e
s
s
a
e
l
b
i
g
n
a
t
n
I
6
.
2

d
o

i

i

i
r
e
p
f
o
g
n
n
n
g
e
b
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

e
v
o
b
a
d
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
s
e
r
g
o
r
p
n

i

k
r
o
w

t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
e
D

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

s
ff
o
-
e
t
i
r

w
d
n
a
s
l
a
s
o
p
s
i
D

s
n
o
i
t
i
d
d
A

n
o
i
t
a
s
i
t
r
o
m
A

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

I

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

i

d
n
a
n
o
i
t
a
s
i
t
r
o
m
a
d
e
t
a
l
u
m
u
c
c
A

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

1
2
0
2

t
s
o
C

102

e
v
o
b
a
d
e
d
u
l
c
n

i
s
s
e
r
g
o
r
p
n

i

k
r
o
w

t
n
e
m
p
o
l
e
v
e
D

d
o
i
r
e
p
f
o
d
n
e
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

s
ff
o
-
e
t
i
r

w
d
n
a
s
l
a
s
o
p
s
i
D

s
n
o
i
t
i
d
d
A

n
o
i
t
a
s
i
t
r
o
m
A

t
n
e
m

r
i

a
p
m

I

d
o

i

i

i
r
e
p
f
o
g
n
n
n
g
e
b
t
a
t
n
u
o
m
a
g
n
i
y
r
r
a
C

2.7 Leases

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:

2022

NON-
PROPERTY 
LEASES  
$m 

112

25 

- 

(34) 

103

PROPERTY 
LEASES  
$m

7,176

183 

598 

(861)

7,096

TOTAL  
$m

7,288

208 

598 

(895)

7,199

PROPERTY 
LEASES  
$m

7,541

 298 

 199 

(862)

7,176

At beginning of period

Additions
Other remeasurements1
Depreciation expense

At end of period

1 

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

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

At beginning of period

Additions
Other remeasurements1
Accretion of interest

Payments

At end of period

Current

Non-current

2021

NON-
PROPERTY 
LEASES  
$m 

119

31 

 - 

 (38)

112

2022  
$m

8,756

 208 

618

363 

(1,264) 

8,681

914

7,767 

TOTAL  
$m

7,660

329

199 

(900)

7,288

2021  
$m

9,083

329 

235

 390 

 (1,281)

8,756

897 

 7,859

1 

Includes reasonably certain options and remeasurements, 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

A number of the Group’s retail property lease agreements contain variable payment terms that are linked to sales. These lease 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: 

FIXED 
PAYMENTS  
$m

2022

VARIABLE 
PAYMENTS  
$m

TOTAL  
$m

FIXED 
PAYMENTS  
$m

2021

VARIABLE 
PAYMENTS  
$m

TOTAL  
$m

587

47

634

567

42

609

Leases with lease payments 
based on sales

Extension options

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 1 to 15 years.

103

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.7 Leases (continued)

2.7 Leases (continued)

Of  the  Group’s  lease  portfolio,  70%  of  leases  have  extension  options  (2021:  72%).  Of  those  leases,  30%1  have  an  extension  option 
included in the calculation of the lease liability at 26 June 2022 (2021: 30%).

The following amounts have been recognised in the Income Statement:

Depreciation of right-of-use assets

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Expenses relating to short-term leases (included in administration expenses)

Variable lease payments based on sales (included in administration expenses)

Other variable lease payments (included in administration expenses)

2022  
$m

895 

 363

2

47

3

2021  
$m

 900 

390 

6

42

7

Total amount recognised in the Income Statement

1,310 

 1,345

The Group recognised a total gain of $17 million relating to four sale and leaseback transactions during the period (2021: gain of 
$25 million).

Group as lessee

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.

  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 Group. 

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 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 from the date the leased asset is available for use by the Group.

Group as lessor

Each lease payment is apportioned between the liability and financing costs. Financing costs are recognised in the Income Statement 
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 
expensed when incurred in the Income Statement.

Cash payments for the principal portion of the lease liability are presented within financing activities in the Cash Flow Statement, 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. 

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.

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 five years

More than five years

Total 

2022  
$m

29

59

37

125

2021  
$m

23

49

22

94

Rental income is accounted for on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is included in ‘other operating revenue’ in the Income 
Statement. 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 $31 million for the period with respect to 
subleasing of its right-of-use assets (2021: $21 million).

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

2.8 Trade and other payables 

Trade and other payables are comprised of the following: 

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

Trade payables

Other payables 

Total trade and other payables

2022  
$m

3,211 

1,124 

4,335 

2021  
$m

 2,794 

 866

 3,660

 Right-of-use assets are also subject to impairment testing. Refer to the accounting policies in Note 4.1 Impairment of non-financial 
assets.

Trade payables are non-interest-bearing and are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method.

1  54% of these leases contain one or more future extension options not included in the lease liability (2021: 51%).

104

105

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
2.9 Provisions 

Current

Employee benefits

Restructuring provision

Self-insurance liabilities

Other

Total current provisions

Non-current

Employee benefits

Restructuring provision

Self-insurance liabilities

Total non-current provisions

2022  
$m

2021  
$m

716

6

114

18

854

72

96

256

424

778

51

110

11

950

91

104

263

458

Movements in restructuring, self-insurance and other provisions

At beginning of period

Arising during the period

Utilised

Unused amounts reversed

Unwind / changes in discount rate 

At end of period

Current

Non-current

RESTRUCTURING 
$m

SELF-
INSURANCE  
$m

OTHER  
$m

TOTAL  
$m

155

1

(37)

(15)

(2)

102

6

96

373

168

(134)

(14)

(23)

370

114

256

11

7

(1)

1

-

18

18

-

539

176

(172)

(28)

(25)

490

138

352

2.9 Provisions (continued)

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 Income Statement.

PROVISION

Employee benefits 

Provisions for employee entitlements to annual leave, long 
service leave and employee incentives (where the Group does 
not have an unconditional right to defer payment for at least 
twelve months after 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 has an 
unconditional right to defer payment for at least twelve months 
after the reporting date are recognised within the non-current 
provision for employee benefits.

Self-insurance

The Group is self-insured for workers compensation and certain 
general liability risks. The Group seeks external actuarial advice 
in determining self-insurance provisions. Provisions are 
discounted and are based on claims reported and an estimate of 
claims incurred but not reported.

These estimates are reviewed bi-annually, and any 
reassessment of these estimates will impact self-insurance 
expense.

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:

  KEY ESTIMATES

 Employee benefits provisions are based on a number of 
estimates including, but not limited to:

•  expected future wages and salaries

•  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 

Self-insurance provisions are based on a number of estimates 
including, but not limited to:

•  discount rates

• 

future inflation

•  average claim size

•  claims development

• 

risk margin

Restructuring provisions are based on a number of estimates 
including, but not limited to:

•  number of employees impacted

•  employee tenure and costs

• 

• 

the business or part of the business impacted

• 

restructure timeframes

the location and approximate number of employees impacted

•  discount rates

•  an estimate of the associated costs

• 

the timeframe for restructuring activities

106

107

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
3. Capital

3.2 Contributed equity and reserves (continued)

The following reconciliation shows the total number of ordinary shares on issue less the shares held in trust:

This section provides information relating to the Group’s capital structure and financing.

The Group’s capital management strategy aims to ensure the Group has continued access to funding for current and future business 
activities by maintaining a mix of equity and debt financing, while maximising returns to shareholders.

The Group’s objective is to maintain investment grade credit metrics 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

2022  
$m

50

1,045

1,095

2021  
$m

98

1,044

1,142

During the year the Group refinanced its bilateral debt facilities and replaced $1.4 billion of existing facilities with Sustainability Linked 
Loans (SLL). The SLL draws a direct line between Coles’ sustainability performance and cost of capital through margin adjustment 
incentives by achieving sustainability targets linked to specific metrics. The SLL was undrawn at 26 June 2022.

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 Income Statement when the liabilities are derecognised.

3.2 Contributed equity and reserves

Contributed equity

Contributed equity represents the number of ordinary shares on issue less shares held in trust by the Group. Ordinary shares on issue 
are fully paid and carry one vote per share and the right to dividends. Shares held in trust are ordinary shares that have been repurchased 
by the Group and are being held to satisfy employee equity incentive plans.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any related income 
tax benefit. 

Share Capital

At beginning of period

Issue of shares to satisfy the dividend reinvestment plan

Issue of shares to Trust

At end of period

Shares held in trust

At beginning of period

Purchase of shares to satisfy the employee equity incentive 
plans

Issue of shares to Trust

Transfer of shares to employees under the employee equity 
incentive plan

Transfers

At end of period

Total contributed equity

Cash flow hedge reserve

2022

m

$m

2021

m

$m

1,333.9

1,655

1,333.9

1,655

0.9

1.3

16

24

-

-

-

-

1,336.1

1,695

1,333.9

1,655

(5.4)

-

(1.3)

1.5

-

(5.2)

(70)

-

(24)

21

14

(59)

(3.9)

(1.5)

-

-

-

(5.4)

1,330.9 

 1,636 

 1,328.5 

(44)

(26)

-

-

-

(70)

 1,585

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 Other Comprehensive Income 
within the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the Income Statement. 

Share-based payments reserve

The share-based payments reserve reflects the fair value of awards recognised as an expense in the Income Statement. 

3.3 Dividends paid and proposed

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. 

Dividends are recognised as a liability in the Balance Sheet in the period in which they are determined by the Board. 

Fully franked dividends determined and paid during the period

Paid final dividend 

Paid interim dividend 

Fully franked dividends proposed and unrecognised at 
reporting date1
Final dividend proposed 

CENTS PER SHARE

TOTAL $m

2022

28.0

33.0

61.0

30.0

30.0

2021

27.5

33.0

60.5

28.0

28.0

2022

2021

373

441

814

4011
4011

367

440

807

374

374

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

The Company operates 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.

Franking account

Total franking credits available for subsequent periods based on a tax rate of 30% (2021: 30%)

2022  
$m

558

2021  
$m

420

108

109

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information4. Financial risk

4.1 Impairment of non-financial assets (continued)

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. 

Net impairment reversal for the current and prior period is included in ‘administration expenses’ in the Income Statement as it relates 
to the day-to-day management of the Group’s freehold property portfolio and other non-financial assets.

2022 

OTHER 
NON-
FINANCIAL 
ASSETS  
$m

(11)

1

(10)

PROPERTY  
$m

(4)

24

20

2021

OTHER 
NON-
FINANCIAL 
ASSETS  
$m

(6)

-

(6)

TOTAL  
$m

(21)

24

3

TOTAL  
$m

PROPERTY  
$m

(15)

25

10

(15)

24

9

Impairment

Reversal

Net impairment reversal/
(impairment)

Recognised impairment 

An impairment loss is recognised in the Income Statement 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. 

  Key estimate: Assessment of recoverable amount 

Reversal of impairment

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  relevant  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 ongoing 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  incorporate  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 with 
reference to 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 periods. 

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  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:

2022

2021

SUPERMARKETS

LIQUOR

EXPRESS SUPERMARKETS

LIQUOR

EXPRESS

Goodwill allocation ($m)

Indefinite life intangible 
assets ($m)

Post-tax discount rate (%)

Terminal growth rate (%)

986

-

7.6%

2.8%

129

29

7.6%

2.8%

45

-

7.9%

nil

986

-

7.5%

2.7%

125

27

7.5%

2.7%

45

-

7.8%

nil

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. 

110

111

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information4.2 Financial risk management

4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

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 debt, capital market debt 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).

RISK

Credit risk

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.

In the normal course of business, the Group is exposed to various risks as set out below:

RISK

EXPOSURE

MANAGEMENT

Market risks

Interest rate risk

Foreign exchange risk

The Group’s exposure to interest rate 
risk relates primarily to interest-
bearing liabilities where interest is 
charged at variable rates.

The Group manages interest rate risk by having access to both 
fixed and variable debt facilities. In line with the Policy, this risk is 
further managed by hedging a portion of the variable rate debt 
exposures with derivative financial instruments to convert 
floating rate debt obligations to fixed rate obligations.

The Group has exposure to foreign 
exchange risk principally arising from 
purchases of inventory and capital 
equipment denominated in foreign 
currencies.

To manage foreign currency transaction risk, the Group hedges 
material foreign currency denominated expenditure at the time of 
the commitment and hedges a proportion of foreign currency 
denominated forecast exposures (mainly relating to the purchase 
of inventory) through the use of forward foreign exchange 
contracts.

Commodity price risk

The Group is exposed to changes in 
commodity prices in respect to the 
price of electricity.

To mitigate the variability of wholesale electricity prices, the 
Group utilises Power Purchase Arrangements (PPAs) and 
electricity swaps.

Liquidity risk

The Group is exposed to liquidity and 
funding risk from operations and 
external borrowings.

Liquidity risk is the risk that 
unforeseen events cause pressure on, 
or curtail, the Group’s cash flows.

Funding risk is the risk that sufficient 
funds will not be available to meet the 
Group’s financial commitments in a 
timely manner.

Liquidity risk is measured under both normal market operating 
conditions and under a crisis situation which curtails cash flows 
for an extended period. This approach is designed to ensure that 
the Group’s funding framework is sufficiently flexible to ensure 
liquidity under a wide range of market conditions.

The Group regularly reviews its short, medium and long-term 
funding requirements. The Policy requires that sufficient 
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.

EXPOSURE

MANAGEMENT

The Group is exposed to credit risk 
from its financing activities, including 
deposits with financial institutions 
and other financial instruments.

With respect to credit risk arising from 
cash and cash equivalents, trade and 
other receivables and certain 
derivative instruments, the Group’s 
exposure arises from default of the 
counterparty.

Credit risk for the Group also arises 
from various financial guarantees in 
which members of the Group act as 
guarantor.

The majority of the Group’s sales are on a cash basis, and the 
Group’s exposure to credit risk from customer sales is minimal.

The Group’s trade and other receivables relate largely to 
commercial income due from suppliers and other receivables 
from creditworthy third parties.

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 ratings (where available) or historical information 
about counterparty default.

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 Balance Sheet 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.

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: 

BUY / SELL

USD / AUD

EUR / AUD

GBP / AUD

AUD / USD

NOTIONAL VALUE

CARRYING VALUE

WEIGHTED AVERAGE HEDGE 
RATE

2022  
$m

82

208

37

(3)

2021  
$m

56

291

36

(3)

2022  
$m

3

(10)

(1)

-

2021  
$m

1

(26)

1

-

2022  
$m

0.72

0.61

0.54

0.71

2021  
$m

0.77

0.58

0.55

0.76

112

113

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

At the reporting date, the Group has the following exposures to USD, EUR and GBP:

Interest rate sensitivity

USD $m

EUR €m

GBP £m

2022

2021

2022

2021

2022

2021

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:

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade receivables

Forward exchange contracts

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables 

Forward exchange contracts

Net exposure

3

13

59

(65)

(2)

8

4

6

44

(31)

(3)

20

-

-
1271

(33)

-

94

-

-

168

(13)

-

155

-

-

20

(6)

-

14

-

-

20

(4)

-

16

1 

 EUR forward exchange contracts of $86 million (2021: $137 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

AUD / USD

AUD / EUR

AUD / GBP

CHANGE

+10% 

-10% 

+10% 

-10% 

+10% 

-10% 

Interest rate risk

POST-TAX PROFIT  
INCREASE/(DECREASE):

POST-TAX OCI  
INCREASE/(DECREASE):

2022  
$m

2021  
$m

2

(2)

1

(1)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2022  
$m

(2)

3

(10)

13

(2)

2

2021  
$m

(2)

2

(15)

18

(2)

2

Impacts of reasonably possible movements:

+1.0% (100 basis points)

Liquidity risk

POST-TAX PROFIT  
INCREASE/(DECREASE):

POST-TAX OCI  
INCREASE/(DECREASE):

2022  
$m

-

2021  
$m

1

2022  
$m

3

2021  
$m

4

The Group aims to maintain a balance between continuity of funding and flexibility through the use of bank overdrafts and bank debt 
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

2022  
$m

13

2,715

-

2,728

50

333

-

383

13

2,332

2,345

2021  
$m

13

2,715

100

2,828

-

322

100

422

13

2,393

2,406

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:

1 

 As at 26 June 2022, bank guarantees totalling $333 million (2021: $322 million) have been issued on behalf of the Group 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. 

2022

2021

The Group holds $589 million cash and cash equivalents at the reporting date (2021: $787 million).

Financial assets

Cash at bank and on deposit

Financial liabilities

Bank debt

Capital market debt

Less: interest rate swaps (notional principal amount)

Net exposure to cash flow interest rate risk

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
INTEREST 
RATE  
%

0.5

(2.1)

(2.1)

1.3

EXPOSURE  
$m

211

(100)

(150)

150

111

WEIGHTED 
AVERAGE 
INTEREST 
RATE 
%

0.3

(1.4)

(1.0)

1.8

EXPOSURE  
$m

30

(50)

(150)

150

(20)

Assets pledged as security

A controlled entity has issued a floating charge over assets, capped at $80 million (2021: $80 million), as security for 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:

114

115

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
4.2 Financial risk management (continued)

< 12 MONTHS  
$m

1-2 YEARS 
$m

2-5 YEARS  
$m

> 5 YEARS 
$m

TOTAL 
CONTRACTUAL 
CASH FLOWS 
$m

CARRYING 
AMOUNT $m

2022

Trade and other payables (less 
accrued interest)

Bank debt (principal and interest) 

Capital market debt (principal and 
interest) 

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

Electricity swaps

Power Purchase Arrangement

Total

2021

Trade and other payables (less 
accrued interest)

Bank debt (principal and interest) 

Capital market debt (principal and 
interest) 

Lease liabilities

Interest rate swaps

Forward exchange contracts

Power Purchase Arrangement

Total

4,330

12

24

-

11

24

1,288 

1,285 

2

7

13

18

2

1

-

12

-

59

512

3,653 

1

-

-

8

-

-

642

5,599 

-

-

-

-

4,330

82

1,202

11,825 

5

8

13

38

4,330

52

1,049

8,681

(7)

8

13

38

5,694

1,335

4,233

6,241

17,503

14,164

3,652

14

22

-

10

22

1,244 

1,210 

3

11

(1)

3

13

(1)

-

106

216

3,334 

4

-

1

-

-

960

4,987 

-

-

3

3,652

130

1,220

10,775 

10

24

2

3,652

100

1,048

8,756

7

24

9

4,945

1,257

3,661

5,950

15,813

13,596

For variable rate instruments, the amount disclosed is determined by reference to the interest rate at the last re-pricing date. Contractual 
cash flows are undiscounted and as such will not necessarily agree with their carrying amounts. 

Changes in liabilities arising from financing activities

2022

Bank debt 

Capital market debt 

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Total liabilities from 
financing activities

2021

Bank debt 

Capital market debt 

Lease liabilities

Derivatives

Total liabilities from 
financing activities

AT BEGINNING 
OF PERIOD  
$m

NOTE

CASH FLOWS 
$m

CHANGES IN 
FAIR VALUE 
$m

LEASES 
RECOGNISED 
$m

OTHER  
$m

AT END OF 
PERIOD  
$m

3.1

3.1

2.7

4.3

3.1

3.1

2.7

4.3

98

1,044

8,756

42

(50)

-

(1,264)

(22)

9,940

(1,336)

758 

596 

9,083

32

(660)

448

(1,281)

-

10,469

(1,493)

-

-

-

42

42

-

-

-

10

10

-

-

826

-

826

-

-

564

-

564

2

1

363

-

366

-

-

390

-

390

50

1,045

8,681

62

9,838

98

1,044

8,756

42

9,940

4.3 Financial instruments

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value

The following table sets out the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Group’s derivative financial instruments:

Cash flow hedges

Forward exchange contracts

Interest rates swaps

Electricity swaps

Power Purchase Arrangement

Total

2022

2021

FAIR VALUE 
HIERARCHY

ASSET  
$m

LIABILITY  
$m

ASSET  
$m

LIABILITY  
$m

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2

Level 3

4

7

15

48

74

(11)

-

(13)

(38)

(62)

2

-

-

-

2

(26)

(7)

-

(9)

(42)

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.

The fair value of an asset or liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or 
liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic interest. The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in 
the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and 
minimising the use of unobservable inputs. 

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)

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.

Derivatives

The Group enters into derivative financial instruments with various counterparties, principally financial institutions with investment 
grade credit ratings. Foreign exchange forward contracts, interest rate swap contracts, electricity swap contracts and power purchase 
agreements 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, interest rate curves and electricity futures. In addition, the valuation 
of the power purchase arrangement includes an unobservable input relating to forward electricity price assumptions.

Carrying amounts versus fair values

The carrying amount and fair value of financial assets and liabilities recognised in the financial statements are materially the same 
unless stated below:

Financial liabilities

Capital market debt

CARRYING AMOUNT

FAIR VALUE

2022 
$m

2021 
$m

2022 
$m

2021 
$m

1,045

1,044

892

1,054

116

117

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
4.3 Financial instruments (continued)

Offsetting of financial assets and liabilities

5. Group structure

The Group presents its financial assets and liabilities on a gross basis except where there is an enforceable legal right to offset and there 
is an intention to settle on a net basis.

Commercial income due from suppliers is recognised within trade receivables, except in cases where the Group 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.

The following table sets out the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities which have been offset in the Balance Sheet at the 
reporting date:

GROSS FINANCIAL ASSETS / 
(LIABILITIES)  
$m

GROSS FINANCIAL (LIABILITIES) 
/ ASSETS SET-OFF  
$m 

NET FINANCIAL ASSETS / 
(LIABILITIES) PRESENTED IN 
THE BALANCE SHEET  
$m

605

(4,470)

490

(3,782)

(135)

135

(122)

122

470

(4,335)

368

(3,660)

2022

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

2021

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;

interest  rate  fluctuations  over  the  hedging  period  where  the  Group  has  variable  rate  debt 
obligations; and

•  energy commodity price fluctuations over the hedging period.

The date the hedging instrument is entered into.

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 
Income Statement.

Recognition date

Measurement

Changes in fair value

This section provides information relating to subsidiaries and other material investments of the Group.

5.1 Equity accounted investments

NAME OF COMPANY

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Queensland Venue Co. Pty 
Ltd (QVC)

Operator of the Flybuys 
loyalty program

Operator of Spirit Hotels and 
Queensland retail liquor 
business

PLACE OF 
INCORPORATION

TYPE

Australia

Joint Venture

Australia

Associate

OWNERSHIP INTEREST

2022

50%

50%

2021

50%

50%

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.  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 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 Income Statement.

  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.

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

A reconciliation of the carrying amount of the Group’s investment in Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd is set out below:

At beginning of period

Additions

Loss for the period

At end of period

2022  
$m

19

6

(7)

18

2021  
$m

16

8

(5)

19

118

119

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
5.1 Equity accounted investments (continued)

Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd

In FY19, the Company entered into an incorporated joint venture with Australian Venue Co. (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’). An incorporated 
joint venture company, QVC was established. Under the joint venture documents, the Company holds all R-shares in QVC and operates 
the Retail Liquor business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Liquorland (Australia) Pty. Ltd. (LLA).

5.3 Subsidiaries

The ultimate parent of the Group is Coles Group Limited, a company incorporated in Australia. Subsidiaries are 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.

For accounting purposes, 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 
Income Statement. Revenue recognised by QVC relates solely to Spirit Hotels.

Andearp Pty Ltd

Australian Liquor Group Ltd * 

Coles Group Supply Chain Pty Ltd *

Coles Group Treasury Pty Ltd  
(formerly Coles Group Payments Pty Ltd) *

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:

At beginning of period

Additions

Profit for the period

At end of period

5.2 Assets held for sale 

2022  
$m

201

-

-

201

2021  
$m

201

-

-

201

At 26 June 2022, four of the Group’s properties with a total carrying value of $82 million have been classified as held for sale (2021: six of 
the Group’s properties with a total carrying value of $85 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. 

BetaElementCo Pty Ltd (formally CSA Retail (Finance) Pty Ltd)

Coles Online Pty Ltd *

Bi-Lo Pty. Limited *

Charlie Carter (Norwest) Pty Ltd 

Chef Fresh Pty Ltd *

CMPQ (CML) Pty Ltd

CNSCE Pty Ltd

Coles Ansett Travel Pty Ltd (97.5%)

Coles Property Management Pty Ltd 

Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd *

Coles Trading (Shanghai) Co. Limited (incorporated in China)

Coles WFS Pty Ltd (formerly Wesfarmers Finance Pty Ltd)

Eureka Operations Pty Ltd *

GBPL Pty Ltd 

Coles Captive Insurance Pte. Ltd. (incorporated in Singapore)

Grocery Holdings Pty Ltd *

Coles Export Asia Limited (incorporated in Hong Kong)

Katies Fashions (Aust) Pty Limited 

Coles Export Australia Pty Ltd  
(formerly Tooronga Holdings Pty Ltd) *

Coles Financial Services Pty Ltd 

Coles FS Holding Company Pty Ltd  
(formerly Wesfarmers Finance Holding Company Pty Ltd)

Liquorland (Australia) Pty. Ltd *

Newmart Pty Ltd 

Procurement Online Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Deposit Services Pty Ltd 

Coles Group Finance Limited *

Coles Group Properties Holdings Ltd *

Coles Group Property Developments Ltd *

Coles Group Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd 

Retail Ready Operations Australia Pty. Ltd *

Richmond Plaza Shopping Centre Pty Ltd 

Tickoth Pty Ltd 

WFPL Funding Co Pty Ltd

WFPL SPV Pty Ltd 

Entities formed/incorporated or acquired during the financial year

CNSCV Pty Ltd

Entities deregistered during the financial year

Coles Retail Services Pty Ltd **

e.colesgroup Pty Ltd ***

WFPL No 2 Pty Ltd **

WFPL Security SPV Pty Ltd **

*  These entities are parties to the Deed of Cross Guarantee as at 26 June 2022. Chef Fresh became party to the Deed on 23 June 2022.
**  Deregistered on 4 July 2021
***  Deregistered on 7 July 2021

120

121

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information5.3 Subsidiaries (continued)

Deed of cross guarantee 

Pursuant  to  ASIC  Corporations  (Wholly-owned  Companies)  Instrument  2016/785  (‘ASIC  Instrument’)  the  wholly-owned  subsidiaries 
listed on the previous page (*) are relieved from the Corporations Act 2001(Cth) requirements for preparation, audit and lodgement of 
financial reports, and Directors’ Reports. Together with Coles Group Limited, the entities represent a ‘Closed Group’ for the purposes of 
the ASIC Instrument. 

As a condition of the ASIC Instrument, the Company and the subsidiaries listed on the previous page (*) 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 in the Closed Group, 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 in the Closed Group 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.

An Income Statement and retained earnings and a Balance Sheet, 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 period are set out below:

Income Statement and retained earnings

CLOSED GROUP

Sales revenue

Other operating revenue

Total operating revenue

Cost of sales

Gross profit

Other income

Administration expenses

Share of net loss from equity accounted investments

Earnings before interest and tax

Financing costs

Profit before income tax

Income tax expense

Profit for the period

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/ (loss) which may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent 
periods

Total comprehensive income for the period

Retained earnings

Retained earnings at beginning of period

Chef Fresh retained earnings in opening balance now in Closed Group

Profit for the period

Dividends paid

Retained earnings at end of period

2022  
$m

39,369

377

39,746

(29,210)

10,536

96

(8,755)

(7)

1,870

(396)

1,474

(425)

1,049

31

(9)

22

1,071

1,245 

(12)

1,049

(814) 

1,468 

2021  
$m

38,585

370

38,955

(28,764)

10,191

87

(8,391)

(5)

1,882

(427)

1,455

(443)

1,012

(9)

3

(6)

1,006

1,040 

-

1,012 

(807) 

1,245

5.3 Subsidiaries (continued)

Deed of cross guarantee

Balance Sheet

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

Income tax payable

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

122

123

CLOSED GROUP

2022 $m

2021 $m

580

459

2,448

42

82

121

3,732

4,799

7,194

1,864

820

190

219

174

15,260

18,992

778

357

2,102

- 

85

87

3,409

4,423

7,283

1,695

869

249

220

147

14,886

18,295

4,425

3,756

-

851

913

312

62

947

897

252

6,501

5,914

1,095

424

7,762

11

9,292

15,793

3,199

1,636

95

1,468

3,199

1,142

457

7,854

29

9,482

15,396

2,899

1,585

69

1,245

2,899

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5.4 Parent entity information

Summary financial information for the Company is set out below:

6. Unrecognised items

Profit for the period

Dividends received

Profit for the period (after dividends)

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

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total equity

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 certain operating leases not recognised. Commitments are not recognised in the Balance Sheet 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

2022  
$m

233

121

354

2021  
$m

244

177

421

The commitment amounts disclosed above represent the maximum amounts that the Group is obliged to pay.

At 26 June 2022, the Group also has commitments relating to lease agreements that have not yet commenced. The commitments relate 
to lease agreements associated with new stores, the Supply Chain Modernisation program and online fulfilment centres. The future 
lease payments (undiscounted) for non-cancellable periods are set out below:

Within one year

Between one and five years

More than five years

Total commitments for lease agreements not yet commenced (undiscounted)

2022  
$m

41

491

1,613

2,145

2021  
$m

8

428

1,748

2,184

2022  
$m

327

-

327

-

327

2022  
$m

3,045

5,088

8,133

1,080

2,778

3,858

1,630

100

2,545

4,275

2021  
$m

284

-

284

- 

284

2021  
$m

3,390 

5,102 

8,492 

1,020 

2,775 

3,795 

1,585

80

3,032 

4,697

As at 26 June 2022, the Company has no guarantees in relation to the debts of its subsidiaries (2021: $nil).

As at 26 June 2022, the Company has no contingent liabilities (2021: $nil). As at 26 June 2022, the Company has bank guarantees totalling 
$328 million (2021: $290 million).

As at 26 June 2022, the Company has contractual commitments for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment totalling $235 
million (2021: $349 million).

124

125

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information 
 
6.2 Contingencies

7. Other disclosures

In February 2020, Coles announced it was conducting a review into the pay arrangements for all team members who received a salary 
and were covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2010 (GRIA). The review assessed the remuneration paid to 15,011 team members 
against GRIA. Coles conducted a remediation program, and to date Coles has incurred $13 million of remediation costs with a further 
$12 million provisioned at the date of this report. 

Following  the  announcement  in  February  2020,  the  Fair  Work  Ombudsman  (FWO)  commenced  an  investigation  into  Coles’  pay 
arrangements for a group of the affected salaried team members covered by the GRIA. 

In December 2021, the FWO filed proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia which include issues relating to the interpretation and 
application of various provisions of the GRIA. FWO alleges that Coles is obligated to pay a further $108 million in remediation payments 
to 7,687 team members for the period 1 January 2017 to 31 March 2020. This group is a subset of the award covered salaried employees 
which were assessed as part of the 2020 review by Coles. Additionally, the period of time covered in the proceedings is a lesser period 
than the period covered in the Coles’ remediation. 

Coles has lodged its defence in this proceeding, and the matter has been listed for trial in mid 2023. The trial will include consideration 
of threshold issues, including interpretation of the GRIA provisions. As such, the potential outcome, extent to which further remediation 
may be necessary, and costs associated with this matter remain uncertain as at the date of this report.

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. This matter will be heard in conjunction with the FWO 
proceedings at trial in mid June 2023. The potential outcome and total costs associated with this matter remain 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: Contingencies

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.

This section provides other disclosures required by Australian Accounting Standards that are considered relevant to 
understanding the Group’s financial performance or position.

7.1 Related party disclosures 

Joint ventures and associates

Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Sale of goods to members of Flybuys

Payments for loyalty program to Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Amounts owing to Loyalty Pacific Pty Ltd

Queensland Venue Co. Pty Ltd

Service fees paid to QVC

Amounts receivable from QVC

Transactions with Key Management Personnel (KMP)

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

Other transactions with KMP

2022  
$m

199 

359 

 251 

 56 

 21 

2021 
 $m

140 

299 

 212 

 55 

 25

2022  
$

2021  
$

10,903,690

9,979,957

                193,111 

118,652

 8,855,257

182,888

325,493

7,070,757

20,070,710

17,559,095

Mr Freudenstein, a Non-executive Director, sold livestock to Coles via a livestock agent for an aggregate amount of $81,335. 

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.

The Group has not recognised a provision for expected credit losses relating to amounts owed by related parties (2021: $nil). 

7.2 Employee share plans

The  Group  operates  an  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (the  ‘Plan’)  which  provide  equity  instruments  to  employees  as  a  component  of  their 
remuneration.

Long Term Incentive (LTI) Program

Refer to the Remuneration Report for the terms and conditions of the LTI program.

The fair value of Performance Rights under each performance measure is determined at grant date by an independent valuation expert 
and takes into account the terms and conditions upon which they were granted. The fair value is recognised as an employee expense 
(with a corresponding increase in equity) over the vesting period.

For  the  relative  total  shareholder  return  (TSR)  measure,  the  fair  value  is  recognised  as  an  expense  irrespective  of  whether  the 
Performance  Rights  vest  to  the  holder,  and  a  reversal  of  the  expense  is  only  recognised  in  the  event  the  instruments  lapse  due  to 
cessation of employment within the vesting period. For the return on capital (ROC) measure, the amount expensed is based on the 
expected number of Performance Rights vesting, with the ultimate expense reflecting the actual Performance Rights that vest.

126

127

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder Information7.2 Employee share plans (continued)

Short Term Incentive (STI) Program

For Executives, 25% of their STI is deferred into Restricted Shares (50% for the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer) and are 
subject to a one-year service condition (two years for the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer). The cost of the deferred STI is 
based on the market price at grant date and is recognised as an employee expense (with a corresponding increase in equity) over the 
vesting period. 

Further explanation of the deferred STI is disclosed in the Remuneration Report.

Restricted share offer

Restricted Shares are subject to a continued service condition, a three-year trading restriction period and cessation of employment 
provisions.  During  the  trading  restriction  period,  Restricted  Shares  are  held  in  trust  by  the  Trustee  on  behalf  of  the  employee.  The 
number of Restricted Shares to be granted is determined based on the currency value of the achieved Restricted Share offer divided by 
the volume weighted average price (VWAP) at which the Company’s shares are traded on the Australian Stock Exchange over the period 
outlined in the offer letter. The value of Restricted Shares granted is recognised as an employee expense (with a corresponding increase 
in equity) over the vesting period.

Restricted Shares carry the same dividend and voting rights as other fully paid Ordinary Shares in the Company.

7.2 Employee share plans (continued)

Additional information on award schemes

Details of grants made under the Plan during the period 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 measuring the fair value of awards subject to non-market based vesting conditions, the Black-Scholes Model 
has been utilised.

Performance Rights (number)

7.3 Auditor’s remuneration

Movements in Performance Rights granted under the LTI program that existed during the current or prior period are:

GRANT DATE

BALANCE AT  
28 JUNE 2021

GRANTED

FORFEITED

VESTED

BALANCE AT 
26 JUNE 2022

EXERCISABLE AT 
26 JUNE 2022

2022

Nov 2019

May 2020

Nov 2020

Nov 2020

Nov 2021

Dec 2021

GRANT DATE

2021

Nov 2019

May 2020

Nov 2020

Nov 2020

962,246

89,528

223,133

772,930

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

225,976

877,925

2,047,837

1,103,901

(6,380)

 - 

 - 

(56,651)

 - 

(80,229)

(143,260)

- 

 - 

 - 

- 

 - 

 - 

- 

955,866

89,528

223,133

716,279

225,976

797,696

3,008,478

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 -

BALANCE AT  
29 JUNE 2020

962,246

89,528

-

-

1,051,774

GRANTED

FORFEITED

VESTED

BALANCE AT 
27 JUNE 2021

EXERCISABLE AT 
27 JUNE 2021

-

-

223,133

772,930

996,063

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

962,246

89,528

223,133

772,930

2,047,837

-

-

-

-

-

Fair value of equity instruments

The assumptions underlying the fair value measurement of the performance rights are:

GRANT DATE

EXPIRY DATE

Nov 2019

May 2020

Nov 2020

Nov 2020

Nov 2021

Dec 2021

Aug 2022

Aug 2022

Aug 2023

Aug 2023

Aug 2024

Aug 2024

SHARE PRICE AT 
GRANT DATE  
$

EXPECTED 
VOLATILITY IN 
SHARE PRICE1  
%

EXPECTED 
DIVIDEND YIELD 
%

RISK FREE 
INTEREST RATE2 
%

FAIR VALUE PER 
INSTRUMENT  
$

16.26

15.02

18.26

17.95

17.63

17.85

25.0

25.0

25.0

25.0

20.0

20.0

3.90

4.20

3.68

3.68

3.56

3.53

0.65

0.25

0.10

0.11

0.89

0.95

12.58

12.92

13.52

12.67

12.61

13.04

1  Reflects the assumption that the historical volatility is indicative of future trends.
2 

 Represents the zero coupon interest rate derived from government bond market interest rates on the valuation date and vary according to each maturity date.

Fees to Ernst & Young (Australia):

Audit services:

Audit or review of the Financial Report of the Group

Assurance related

Non-audit services: 

Tax compliance services

Total fees to Ernst & Young (Australia)

Fees to overseas member firms of Ernst & Young:

Audit services:

Audit or review of the Financial Report of any controlled entities

Total fees to overseas member firms of Ernst & Young

Total auditor’s remuneration

2022  
$000

2,825

822

133

3,780

49

49

3,829

2021  
$000

2,738
6991

1641
3,601

57

57

3,658

1  Certain FY21 services were in progress at the time of disclosure. These amounts have now been updated following completion of these services in FY22.

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 was 3.5% (2021: 4.5%) of the total fees paid or payable to EY and related practices for the period. 

7.4 New accounting standards and interpretations

There are amendments and interpretations that apply for the first time in this period. These did not have a material impact on the 
consolidated financial statements of the Group. 

New and revised australian accounting standards and interpretations on issue but not yet effective 

There are no standards issued but are not yet effective that would be expected to have a material impact on the Group in the current or 
future reporting periods.

7.5 Events after the reporting period 

Other than events disclosed elsewhere in this report, the Group is not aware of any matter or circumstance that has occurred since the 
reporting date that has significantly affected or may significantly affect the Group’s operations, the results of those operations or the 
Group’s state of affairs in subsequent reporting periods.

128

129

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportColes Group Limited 2022 Annual ReportOverviewOperating and Financial ReviewDirectors’ ReportRemuneration ReportFinancial ReportShareholder InformationColes Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Directors’ Declaration

1.  The directors of Coles Group Limited (the Company) declare that, in the directors’ opinion:

(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.

 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.

 The  directors  have  been  given  the  declaration  required  by  section  295A  of  the  Corporations  Act  2001  (Cth)  from  the  Managing 
Director and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the financial year ended 26 June 2022.

 As at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the closed group identified in Note 
5.3 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 5.3 Subsidiaries.

2. 

3. 

4. 

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors.

James Graham AM 
Chairman 

24 August 2022 

Steven Cain
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

24 August 2022

Ernst & Young 
Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street  
8 Exhibition Street  
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
Melbourne  VIC  3000  Australia 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 
GPO Box 67 Melbourne  VIC  3001 

  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
  Tel: +61 3 9288 8000 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
Fax: +61 3 8650 7777 
ey.com/au 
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 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
Act 2001, including: 

(a) 
(a) 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

(b) 
(b) 
Basis for Opinion 
Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
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 
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 
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 
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 
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 
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 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with the Code.  
with the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 
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 
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 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 
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 
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. 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
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 
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 
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 
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 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 
accompanying Financial Report. 

130

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

131

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
1. 

Commercial income 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
2. 

Impairment of non-current assets including intangible assets 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Why significant 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
Commercial income (also referred to in the retail 
Opinion 
industry as “supplier rebates”) comprises 
discounts and rebates received by the Group 
from its suppliers. 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
each significant type of commercial income and 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
Determining the value and timing of when 
assessed a sample of agreements in place to 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
commercial income is recognised through the 
determine whether the terms of each 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
Consolidated Income Statement requires 
agreement were reflected in the accounting 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
judgement and the consideration of a number of 
treatment;  
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
factors including:  

Our audit procedures in respect of commercial 
income included the following: 

►  We gained an understanding of the nature of 

►  We assessed the design and operating 

effectiveness of relevant controls in place 
►  The commercial terms of each individual 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
relating to the recognition and measurement of 
Act 2001, including: 
amounts related to these arrangements; 

rebate agreement; 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

►  We performed comparisons of the various 

►  The nature and substance of the rebate 
(a) 
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 Income Statement; and 

Basis for Opinion 

(b) 

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 agreements 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

and assessed whether the agreements or other 
►  The accurate recognition and measurement 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
documentation appropriately supported the 
of rebates in accordance with  Australian 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
recognition and measurement of the rebates 
Accounting Standards and the Group’s 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
recorded in the 26 June 2022 Financial Report, 
related processes and controls to these 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
including an assessment of amounts recorded 
arrangements. 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
before and after the balance date;  
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
Disclosures relating to the measurement and 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
recognition of commercial income can be found 
►  We inquired of the Group including business 
with the Code.  
in Note 2.4 Inventories. 
category managers, supply chain managers, 
legal counsel and procurement management as 
to the existence of any non-standard 
agreements or side arrangements; and 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

►  We considered the adequacy of the financial 

report disclosures. 

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. 

►  Discount rates; and 

►  Long term inflation and growth rates; 

►  Determination of cash generating units; 

Group’s Board approved five-year forecasts; 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Our audit procedures included an evaluation of the 
following assumptions utilised in the Group’s 
impairment assessment: 

Why significant 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
The determination of the recoverable amounts 
Opinion 
of non-current assets including property, plant 
and equipment, right of use assets, goodwill and 
other intangible assets requires significant 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
judgement by the Group. 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
►  Forecast cash flows, which were based on the 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
Impairment assessments are complex and 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
involve significant management judgement. The 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
assessment completed by the Group includes 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
numerous assumptions and estimates that will 
be impacted by future performance and market 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
conditions. This includes the ongoing impacts of 
Act 2001, including: 
the COVID-19 pandemic on income and 
expenses. 
(a) 
Key assumptions, judgements and estimates 
applied in the Group’s impairment assessment 
are set out in Note 4.1. 
(b) 

In performing our procedures, we considered 
whether the Group’s forecasts considered the 
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 
income and expenses.   

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
We assessed whether the Group’s impairment 
models were in accordance with Australian 
Accounting Standards, and tested the mathematical 
accuracy of the calculations.  

Based upon the disclosed sensitivity analysis, 
Basis for Opinion 
changes to the key assumptions applied in the 
impairment test are not expected to give rise to 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
an impairment of the carrying value of the 
We considered the adequacy of the Financial Report 
those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial 
Group’s cash generating units. 
disclosures regarding the impairment testing 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
approach, key assumptions, results and sensitivity 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
analysis. 
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 
3. 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
with the Code.  
Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

►  Other market evidence. 

IT environment 

We performed procedures to understand the IT 
A significant part of the Group’s financial 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
processes are heavily reliant on IT systems with 
environment, including procedures to identify the 
for our opinion. 
automated processes and controls over the 
Group’s manual and automated controls relevant to 
capture, valuation and recording of 
Financial Reporting. 
Key Audit Matters 
transactions.  

We tested the effectiveness of the key IT controls 
relevant to the financial reporting systems of the 
Group. This  included assessing the key IT controls 
over changes made to the material financial 
reporting systems and controls over appropriate 
access to these systems and related data. 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
This was a key audit matter because of the: 
our audit of the Financial Report of the current year. These matters were addressed in the context of 
►  Complex IT environment supporting diverse 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
business processes, with varying levels of 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
integration between them; 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
►  Mix of manual and automated controls; 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
►  Multiple internal and outsourced support 
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 
►  Continuing enhancements to the Group’s IT 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
accompanying Financial Report. 

arrangements; and 

systems, including new IT systems 
implemented, which are significant to our 
audit. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

132

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

133

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
4. 

Inventory existence 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Report 

Our audit procedures included the following: 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Why significant 
Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
At 26 June 2022, the Group held inventories of 
Opinion 
$2,448 million. Being one of the Group’s most 
significant assets, its inventory existence 
verification process is extensive and occurs 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
routinely throughout the financial year.  
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
►  For the stocktakes we observed, we assessed 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
This inventory is held at geographically diverse 
whether the required adjustment to inventory 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
locations around Australia at various retail 
determined by the stocktake was accurate and 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
stores and distribution centres, some of which 
processed correctly; 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
are managed by third parties. 

►  Selected a sample of stores and observed and 
assessed the Group’s stocktake processes and 
controls throughout the year;  

The Group’s accounting policy in respect of 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
inventories is disclosed in Note 2.4 of the 
Act 2001, including: 
Financial Report.  
(a) 

distribution centres and assessed whether daily 
counts occurred at distribution centres during 
the year; 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

►  Observed a sample of cycle counts at 

►  Performed roll forward procedures for a sample 
of stocktakes and cycle counts observed during 
the year, through to 26 June 2022; and  

(b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

►  For a select number of distribution centres and 
production facilities managed by third parties, 
we obtained confirmation of inventories held by 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
third parties at year end. 
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 
Information Other than the Financial Report and Auditor’s Report Thereon 
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 
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
information included in the Company’s 2022 Annual Report, but does not include the Financial Report 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
and our auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Operating and Financial Review, Board of Directors 
with the Code.  
section and Directors’ Report that are to be included in the Annual Report, prior to the date of this 
auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the Annual report after the date of 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
this auditor’s report.  
for our opinion. 
Our opinion on the Financial Report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not 
Key Audit Matters 
express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration Report 
and our related assurance opinion. 
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 
In connection with our audit of the Financial Report, our responsibility is to read the other information 
our audit of the Financial Report as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not 
and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the Financial 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
Report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this 
We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are 
Financial Report section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our audit 
required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 
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. 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Report that gives a 
true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Act 2001 
Opinion 
and for such internal control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the 
Financial Report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due 
to fraud or error. 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
In preparing the Financial Report, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report 
In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
Act 2001, including: 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Financial Report as a whole is 
(a) 
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an 
audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material 
complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 
(b) 
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 
Basis for Opinion 
decisions of users taken on the basis of this Financial Report. 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional 
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under 
judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 
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 
 
Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Report, whether due to 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit 
Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional 
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not 
Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the 
detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the 
with the Code.  
override of internal control. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
 
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit 
for our opinion. 
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an 
opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  

Key Audit Matters 
 
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in 
estimates and related disclosures made by the Directors. 
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 
 
Conclude on the appropriateness of the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting 
provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of how our audit 
and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
addressed the matter is provided in that context. 
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.  

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. 

Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the Financial Report, including the 
disclosures, and whether the Financial Report represents the underlying transactions and 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

134

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

135

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report

Shareholder Information

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Coles Group Limited 
 
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities 
or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the Financial Report. We are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely 
responsible for our audit opinion. 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Report 

Opinion 
We communicate with the Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of 
the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we 
We have audited the Financial Report of Coles Group Limited (the Company) and its subsidiaries 
identify during our audit. 
(collectively, the Group), which comprises the Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 26 June 2022, the 
Consolidated Income Statement, Consolidated Statement of Other Comprehensive Income, 
We also provide the Directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical 
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the year then 
requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other 
ended, notes to the consolidated financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting 
matters that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions 
policies, and the Directors' Declaration. 
taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied. 

In our opinion, the accompanying Financial Report of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations 
From the matters communicated to the Directors, we determine those matters that were of most 
Act 2001, including: 
significance in the audit of the Financial Report of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public 
(a) 
giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 26 June 
disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
2022 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would 
reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 
(b) 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report 
Basis for Opinion 

Opinion on the Remuneration 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 
Report section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor 
We have audited the Remuneration Report included in the Directors’ report for the year ended 
independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the 
26 June 2022. 
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 
In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Coles Group Limited for the year ended 26 June 2022, 
Financial Report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance 
complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 
with the Code.  
Responsibilities 
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis 
for our opinion. 
The Directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the 
Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our 
Key Audit Matters 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in 
accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 
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. 
Ernst & Young 

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 
David Shewring 
procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the 
Partner 
accompanying Financial Report. 
Melbourne 
24 August 2022 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

136

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 2022

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

State Street Corporation

Twenty largest ordinary fully paid shareholders as at 26 August 2022

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 Noms Pty Ltd 

7 BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd 

8 Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited

9 HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 

10 Argo Investments Limited

11 Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 

12 Netwealth Investments Limited 

13 Washington H Soul Pattinson and Company Limited

14 Mutual Trust Pty Ltd

15 BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Hub24 Custodial Serv Ltd 

16 Australian Executor Trustees Limited 

17 Warbont Nominees Pty Ltd 

18 Mr Peter Alexander Brown

19 Djerriwarrh Investments Limited

20 The Senior Master of The Supreme Court 

Distribution of shareholders and shareholdings as at 26 August 2022

Number of fully paid shares

66,814,399

83,226,846

67,541,898

Number of fully 
paid shares

% of issued 
capital

376,392,484

183,301,800

111,717,035

37,193,541

34,125,021

33,550,722

30,498,304

8,677,500

8,396,349

5,290,027

4,573,058

4,018,644

3,177,375

2,708,045

2,438,907

2,298,532

1,639,422

1,552,825

1,535,505

1,481,985

28.17

13.72

8.36

2.78

2.55

2.51

2.28

0.65

0.63

0.40

0.34

0.30

0.24

0.20

0.18

0.17

0.12

0.12

0.11

0.11

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

351,230

81,316

10,091

4,942

127

447,706

106,685,034

173,608,169

70,409,714

98,149,053

887,435,986

1,336,287,956

7.98

12.99

5.27

7.34

66.41

There were 27,471 shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel ($500).

137

O
v
e
r
v
i
e
w

O
p
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
a
n
d
F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

i

R
e
v
i
e
w

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s
’

R
e
p
o
r
t

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
R
e
p
o
r
t

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t

S
h
a
r
e
h
o
l
d
e
r
I
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coles Group Limited 2022 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 2022, 3,119,560 performance rights with 14 holders were on issue pursuant to Coles’ equity incentive plan. 

On-market share acquisitions

During  FY22,  123,793  Coles  ordinary  shares  were  purchased  on  market  at  an  average  price  of  $17.14  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 
Mr Paul O’Malley 
Ms Wendy Stops

Company Secretary 

Ms Daniella Pereira 

Auditor

Ernst & Young 
8 Exhibition Street 
Melbourne 
VIC 3000 Australia

Coles Share Registry

Computershare Investor Services 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

Record date for final dividend

Final dividend payment date

Date

5 September 2022

28 September 2022

Coles Group Limited Annual General Meeting

9 November 2022

Half-year end

Year-end

1 January 2023

25 June 2023

*Timing of events is subject to change.

Annual General Meeting

The  2022  Annual  General  Meeting  of  Coles  Group  Limited  will  be 
held  as  a  hybrid  meeting  on  Wednesday  9  November  2022, 
commencing  at  10:30am  (AEDT)  at  Melbourne  Convention  and 
Exhibition  Centre,  Melbourne  Room,  1  Convention  Centre  Place, 
South  Wharf,  Melbourne,  Victoria,  Australia.  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 Annual General Meeting.

Coles’ Notice of Annual General Meeting has been released on the 
ASX Market Announcements Platform.

O
v
e
r
v
i
e
w

O
p
e
r
a
t
i
n
g
a
n
d
F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

i

R
e
v
i
e
w

D
i
r
e
c
t
o
r
s
’

R
e
p
o
r
t

R
e
m
u
n
e
r
a
t
i
o
n
R
e
p
o
r
t

i

F
n
a
n
c
i
a
l

R
e
p
o
r
t

S
h
a
r
e
h
o
l
d
e
r
I
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n

138

139

Coles Group Limited 2022 Annual Report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Coles Group Limited
ABN 11 004 089 936
800–838 Toorak Road
Hawthorn East  
VIC 3123 Australia