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J Sainsbury PLC

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FY1996 Annual Report · J Sainsbury PLC
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J Sainsbury plc

Annual Review 1996 
and Summary Financial Statement

Our new store at Straiton, Edinburgh
brings to five the number of Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
in Scotland where, with Savacentre, Homebase and Texas, 
the Group has a total of 32 stores.

Contents

Group Profile
and
Group Objectives
2
Financial Highlights
3
Chairman’s Statement
4-7
Directors and Senior Management
8-9

Sainsbury’s Supermarkets
10 -17
Savacentre
18-19
Homebase and Texas
20-23
JS in the US
24-27
The Environment
28-29
Community Involvement
30-31

Ten Year Financial Record
and
New Store Openings and Extensions
32-33
Financial Review
34-35
Summary Financial Statement
36-39
Investor Information
40-41
Financial Calendar
and
Registered Office and Advisers
42

1

J Sainsbury   

Group Profile

J Sainsbury plc is one of the world’s leading retailers, operating four separate store chains in the

UK and US which together serve more than 12 million customers a week.

Sainsbury’s supermarkets is the largest part of the Sainsbury Group, accounting for 87% of

Group operating profit before profit sharing and exceptional items and 75% of Group sales.

The other UK retailing arms are Savacentre, the country’s only specialist hypermarket company,

and Homebase, our chain of home improvement and garden centres which is in the process of integrating its

recent acquisition, Texas Homecare, into its trading operations.

In the US, Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., operates a chain of supermarkets in New England. 

Since November 1994, Sainsbury’s has had a 16.7% holding in Giant Food Inc., a supermarket group which

is the market leader in the Washington DC and Baltimore areas.

Founded in London in 1869, Sainsbury’s was privately owned until public flotation in 1973. 

The Sainsbury family and its charitable trusts remain major shareholders and the present Chairman, 

David Sainsbury, is a great-grandson of the founders.

Group Objectives

To discharge the responsibility as leaders in our trade by acting with complete integrity, by

carrying out our work to the highest standards, and by contributing to the public good and to the quality of

life in the community.

To provide unrivalled value to our customers in the quality of the goods we sell, in the

competitiveness of our prices and in the range of choice we offer.

To achieve the highest standards in efficiency of operation, convenience and customer service in

our stores, thereby creating as attractive and friendly a shopping environment as possible.

To offer our staff outstanding opportunities in terms of personal career development and in

remuneration relative to other companies in the same market, practising always a concern for the welfare of

every individual.

To generate sufficient profit to finance continual improvement and growth of the business whilst

providing our shareholders with an excellent return on their investment.

2

plc

Financial Highlights

£ million

1996

1995
52 weeks to 52 weeks to
11th March

9th March

UK Sales

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

US Sales*

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

12,037

1,462

10,719

1,346

GROUP SALES (incl. taxes)

.   .

———————————
13,499
———————————

———————————
12,065
———————————

UK Operating Profit

.   .   .   .   .

803

859

US Operating Profit*

.   .   .   .   .

51
———————————

40
———————————

GROUP OPERATING PROFIT
before profit sharing and
exceptional costs

.   .   .   .   .   .

Profit Sharing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Associates
Net Interest Payable

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .

GROUP PROFIT
before tax, exceptional costs 
and property items

.   .   .   .   .

(Loss)/profit on sale of properties

Exceptional integration costs .   .

854

(50)

19
(59)

764

(4)

899

(61)

6
(36)

808

1

(48)
———————————

—
———————————

%
Change

12.3

8.6

11.9

(6.5)

27.5

(5.0)

(5.4)

GROUP PROFIT BEFORE TAX .

Tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

712

(234)

809

(270)

GROUP PROFIT AFTER TAX .

———————————
478
———————————

———————————
539
———————————

EARNINGS PER SHARE

.   .   .   .

26.8p

29.8p

FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS 
PER SHARE before
exceptional costs and 
property items

.   .   .   .   .   .   .

DIVIDEND PER SHARE

.   .   .

27.8p

12.1p

29.0p

11.7p

(4.1)

3.4

Group Sales

£ billion

13.5

12.1

11.2

10.3

9.2

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

Group sales increased 
by 11.9% to £13.5 billion.

Group Profit

735

731

808

764

£ million

631

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

Group profit before tax, exceptional costs
and property items decreased by 
5.4% to £764 million.

Dividend per Share

11.7

12.1

10.6

10.0

Pence

8.75

*In dollar terms, US sales rose by 10.5% to $2.3 billion and US operating profit rose 28.4% to $$80.0 million
for the 54 weeks to 9th March 1996.

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

Dividend per share increased 
by 3.4% to 12.1 pence.

3

Chairman’s Statement

David Sainsbury greeting a customer 
in the Sainsbury’s supermarket at 
New Cross Gate, London 
which opened in February.

The Year’s Results

In a difficult year Group sales increased by 11.9% to £13.5 billion and Group profit before tax,

exceptional costs and property items reduced by 5.4% to £764 million. In highly competitive market

conditions in UK food retailing we invested substantial resources in improving the service, value for money

and choice we provide to our customers. These measures, together with a low rate of sales growth, led to a

reduction of 5.1% in the operating profit of Sainsbury’s supermarkets to £744.3 million. This is not a

satisfactory financial performance but we have taken decisive action to enhance our competitive position in

the future. Homebase, our UK home improvement and garden centre business, and Shaw’s, our supermarket

chain based in New England, USA, both achieved excellent results and provide good opportunities for future

growth. A detailed review of the performance of the Group businesses follows on pages 10 to 27.

We continue to see significant opportunities for profitable investment and Group capital expenditure

totalled £759 million, of which almost one-third was spent on our newer businesses of Shaw’s, Savacentre

and Homebase. Net Group borrowing increased to £1,212 million at the end of the year, up from £689

million at the previous year end, due mainly to the acquisition of Texas and higher capital expenditure.

We have increased the dividend per share by 3.4% to 12.1p for the year. The Group’s dividend cover

of 2.3 remains extremely strong. Further details of the Group’s financial position are outlined on pages 34 and 35.

UK Food Retailing

The net operating margin of Sainsbury’s supermarkets at 7.3% leads the UK food retail sector.

Sainsbury’s supermarkets also achieved sales of £18.59 per sq. ft. of sales area per week: a sales intensity

significantly higher than competitors and an indicator of the popularity and effectiveness of our stores. However,

sales growth of 5.7% during the year was disappointing. New space contributed 3.1% and like-for-like sales

growth for the full year was 2.6%, although this growth strengthened to 4% for the final quarter of the year.

We are committed to providing superior choice and quality at very competitive prices, together

with customer service that is unsurpassed in the food retail sector. 

We are improving our marketing and making it central to the development of our offer. We are

determined to strengthen the value for money we give our customers and, in a tough trading environment,

we reinforced our price advantage over other major supermarkets. During the year we also introduced a

series of measures to improve customer service. In the second half, we recruited over 5,000 additional staff

in existing stores to provide extra packers, more staff serving at service counters and more assistance with

customer queries on the sales floor. We will continue to search for new ways to provide our customers

with unsurpassed service.

We have further enhanced the choice and quality of products offered by Sainsbury’s stores. 

In partnership with suppliers we introduced many new own brand ranges with a particular emphasis on

innovation in fresh and chilled food. This programme is backed up by a continuous quality and value audit 

to ensure that our own brand range continues to meet the highest standards. Our product quality assurance

leads the industry, as outlined on page 12, and our ‘Farm Assured’ partnership with meat suppliers has

provided additional reassurance to customers during the recent period of public concern regarding BSE.

We entered the current difficult planning environment with a relatively small landbank and this

resulted in a reduction in the rate of openings of new Sainsbury’s supermarkets to 10 this year from 20 the 

5

year before. We therefore initiated a major programme of store extensions designed to improve service to

our customers and achieve sales increases from crowded stores. Twenty-one extensions were completed

during the year. These enlarged the sales area of these stores by an average of 25% and have shown

encouraging sales increases. A similar programme of extensions is planned for the coming year. Planning

continues to be extremely difficult but we have adjusted our site search to the new realities and this has

resulted in our supermarket opening programme recovering to 16 stores in the coming year, including our

first three stores in Northern Ireland and three smaller stores in country towns.

Sainsbury’s subsidiary Savacentre, the UK’s only specialist hypermarket business, opened two 

new hypermarkets during the year to bring its total number of stores to 12 and added 170,000 sq. ft. to its

sales area. Savacentre’s sales increased by 7.7% but its operating profit declined by15.9% to £34.4 million. 

Its performance was affected by similar factors to Sainsbury’s supermarkets and was also burdened by weak

clothing sales and the costs of opening the two new stores compared to none the year before.

Homebase and Texas

The UK home improvement and garden products market was extremely depressed last year and

recorded no volume growth for the first time since 1991. Despite the competitive pressures generated by

this environment, Homebase’s sales grew strongly and, combined with tight cost control, this resulted in an

increase of 17.5% in operating profit to £36.2 million. This is an excellent performance, especially when

compared with Homebase’s main competitors. Homebase’s success reflects its outstanding value for money,

product range and service which continue to set new standards for its sector.

We acquired Texas Homecare, the second largest UK DIY retailer, at the beginning of the financial

year in order to expand Homebase rapidly by converting Texas stores to the superior Homebase format.

Although Texas’ trading results have not been satisfactory, encouraging progress has been made in integrating

Texas into Homebase and we have decided to accelerate the conversion process. It is now planned that all 

Texas stores will be changed to the Homebase livery in the Autumn and remodelling of Texas stores to the

complete Homebase format will be increased to a rate of 50 stores per annum for the next three years. 

North America

Shaw’s produced an excellent performance. In dollar terms, operating profit increased by 28.4%

to $80.0 million for the 54 weeks to 9th March 1996. Shaw’s operating margin increased by 0.5 percentage

points to 3.5%. This is higher than when we took over the company and we believe it has further potential

for improvement. Over the last three years, Shaw’s operating profit has increased by 144%. Shaw’s is

obtaining an increasing number of opportunities for profitable expansion. The success of the new store format

developed for its entry into the Connecticut market gives great confidence for expansion in new territories.

We own one-sixth of Giant Food Inc., the leading food retailer in Washington DC and Baltimore.

Giant recently announced an increase of 8.1% in profit before tax to $167.8 million for the year to 

24th February 1996. Giant is also increasing its rate of expansion. Eight new stores are planned for the coming

year including six in new operating areas.

Board Changes

In July, Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP rejoined the Board as a Non-Executive Director after a

distinguished period of public service in government. We were also pleased to welcome, as a Non-Executive

6

Director, Clive Thompson, Group Chief Executive of Rentokil Group PLC, who has great experience of

running a very successful international service company.

In order to focus and strengthen the top management structure of Sainsbury’s supermarket

business, we appointed Tom Vyner, our Deputy Chairman, to the new position of Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s

supermarkets with effect from 13th March this year. Dino Adriano, whilst remaining Chairman of Homebase,

became Deputy Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. He will progressively assume responsibility for

Sainsbury’s supermarkets and will succeed Tom Vyner who will be retiring at the end of 1997.

Kevin McCarten was appointed to the position of Marketing Director at the end of December.

Kevin will significantly strengthen the marketing function of Sainsbury’s supermarkets with his experience

and expertise gained at Kingfisher and Procter & Gamble.

Ivor Hunt retired from the Board in March. He leaves with our deep appreciation for his great

contribution to the Company’s marketing function over 25 years, the last two years of which he served as

Marketing Director.

David Quarmby retired from the Board at the end of April having served as Distribution Director

and Joint Managing Director in his 11 years with the Company. He played a key role in the top management

team of the Group in recent years and we will miss the energy, enthusiasm and intelligence that he brought

to all his responsibilities.

I am delighted that David Bremner, currently the Chief Executive of Watson & Philip Plc, will be

joining us in the next few months as Chief Executive, New Businesses. His appointment completes the

management restructuring started in January and, with it, my role as Chairman and Chief Executive will

change to that of Executive Chairman.

Tribute to Staff

During the year our staff have made an invaluable contribution to the Company and I would like

to thank them for their strong commitment to delivering an outstanding service to our customers. To achieve

high levels of innovation, quality and customer service, we believe we need to have highly motivated and 

well trained staff and we are, therefore, investing heavily in operator training, management development and

communications at all levels of the Company.

Outlook 

In the past year we have improved the competitive position of Sainsbury’s supermarkets,

strengthened its rate of expansion and reinforced its top management structure. These changes will take

time to translate fully into improved performance. Further innovation and development of our offer is under

way and we are moving decisively forward.

Looking beyond our main supermarket business, Savacentre provides us with a strong, distinctive

format with substantial growth potential. Shaw’s is expanding rapidly and profitably and the integration of

Texas into Homebase is a major opportunity to increase profits. These businesses will add significantly to

the earnings growth of the Group in the years ahead.

David Sainsbury

7

Directors 

and Senior Management

Tom Vyner,  Deputy Chairman and 
Chief Executive Sainsbury’s supermarkets.
Appointed to Board 1978.  Age 59.(cid:2) (cid:3)

David Sainsbury,  Chairman and 
Group Chief Executive.
Appointed to Board 1966.  Age 55.(cid:3)

Dino Adriano,  Deputy Chief Executive
Sainsbury’s supermarkets, 
Chairman Homebase Group Limited.
Appointed to Board 1990.  Age 53.(cid:2)

Joint Presidents
Lord Sainsbury of Drury Lane
Sir Robert Sainsbury
Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover KG

Departmental Directors
Sainsbury’s Supermarkets

Trading & Marketing
Allan Cheesman 
Mike Conolly 
Angela Megson 

- Off-Licence
- Operational Marketing
- Dairy/Cheese and Frozen 

Ian Merton 
Andrew Mitcham 
Stuart Mitchell 
Michael Morgan 
Anthony Rees 
John Renshaw 

Food Buying
- Produce Buying
- Non-Foods Buying
- Meat and Fish
- Grocery and International Buying
- Strategic Marketing
- Marketing Services

Retail Regional Directors
- East
Ken Barden 
- South East
Colin Etheridge 
- North
Peter Guildford 
- South West
Graham Naylor 
- Midlands
David Smith 
- Central & Western
Terry Wigley 

Support Services
Robin Anderson 
Nigel Broome 
Hamish Elvidge 
Trefor Hales 
Chris Montagnon 
Bob Parle 
John Phillipson 
John Rowe 
Martin Webb 

- Property Services
- Retail Personnel
- Branch Services
- Branch Operations
- Information Systems
- Distribution Operations
- Store Format
- Logistics
- Procurement

Savacentre
Edward Bonner 
Mike Broomfield
John O’Sullivan 
Allan Webb 

Homebase
Ross McLaren 
Ian Baldwin 
Steve Bradbury 
Mike Powell 
Bill Williams 

Shaw’s
Phil Francis 

Verne Powell 

Ruth Bramson 

Paul Gannon 

- Finance and Systems
- Development
- Retail Operations
- Food and Marketing 

- Managing Director
- Buying 
- Finance 
- Information Systems and Logistics
- Retail Operations

- President and 

Chief Executive Officer
- Executive Vice President, 
Corporate Development 
and External Affairs
- Senior Vice President, 
Human Resources
- Senior Vice President, 

Administration

Pete Gunderson 

- Senior Vice President, 

Distribution and Logistics

John Kelleher 

- Senior Vice President,

Scott Ramsay 

Real Estate and Developments
- Senior Vice President, Operations

Group Services
Richard Chadwick 
Judith Evans 
Christopher Leaver  - Public Relations
Nigel Matthews 

- Business Development
- Corporate Personnel

- Group Secretary, 

David Roberts 

Geoff Spriegel~ 
Bernard Willis 

Legal and Insurance 

- Treasury, Tax and 
Corporate Finance
- Scientific Services
- Group Financial Controller

Left to Right

John Adshead Responsible for personnel, information systems, logistics and distribution.
Appointed to Board in 1989.  Age 50.(cid:2)

Ian> Coull Responsible for property development and environmental issues. Chairman of Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.,
Deputy Chairman, Homebase Group Limited. Appointed to Board in 1988.  Age 45.(cid:2)

Rosemary Thorne Finance Director. Appointed to Board in 1992.  Age 44.

Colin Harvey  Chairman and Managing Director, Savacentre. Appointed to Board in 1989.  Age 54.

Left to Right
Kevin McCarten Marketing Director. Appointed to Board in 1995.  Age 38.(cid:2)
David Clapham Responsible for Retail Operations. Appointed to Board in 1992.  Age 49.(cid:2)

Robin Whitbread Responsible for produce, fresh food, grocery, petrol and non-foods buying, and for pharmacies
and scientific services. Appointed to Board in 1990.  Age 45.(cid:2)

Bob Cooper  Responsible for meat, fresh fish, off-licence, delicatessen, bakery and dairy buying, and procurement.
Appointed to Board in 1988.  Age 47.(cid:2)

Left to Right
Dr John> Ashworth Non-Executive Director. Appointed to Board in 1993.  Age 57.*†(cid:3)

Clive Thompson Non-Executive Director, Chairman Remuneration Committee. Appointed to Board in 1995.  Age 53.*†(cid:3)

The Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP Non-Executive Director. Appointed to Board in 1995.  Age 63.*†(cid:3)

Sir Terence Heiser GCB Non-Executive Director, Chairman Audit Committee. Appointed to Board in 1992.  Age 63.*†(cid:3)

(cid:2)  

Member of Supermarket Executive Committee *Member of Remuneration Committee † Member of Audit Committee (cid:3) Member of Nomination Committee    

9

Sainsbury’s

Supermarkets

Serving over 8 million  

We aim to be the British consumers’ 
first choice for food shopping. Our largest
Sainsbury’s supermarkets stock some 20,500
product lines. During the year we introduced
over 1,000 new own brand lines and increased
the choice of proprietary brands.

Sainsbury’s is committed to providing superior quality and 

choice at very competitive prices and a level of customer service unsurpassed by

our competitors.

Sales at £10,148.1 million, a rise of 5.7%, were held back by slower

growth at existing stores and a lower contribution from new space.  

  customers every week

Analysis

1996

1995

Sales (incl. taxes)

£10,148.1m £9,597.2m

Operating Profit 

£744.3m

£784.3m

Number of supermarkets

Sales area (’000 sq. ft.)

Full-time employees

Part-time employees

363

9,767

36,082

79,746

355

9,338

33,568

67,911

Sales picked up towards the end of the year as measures to

improve our market position took effect. The cost of these measures and the

low sales growth led to a reduction in operating profit.

During the year, we improved the service we give our customers

by investing heavily in our older stores and through our customer service

charter ‘Customer First’. We spent £65 million refurbishing 97 stores to

provide new up-to-date facilities. One hundred and ten stores now have fresh

meat counters compared to 68 last year. We now have service counters for

fresh fish at 135 stores and for delicatessen at 312. We increased the number

of stores that stock CDs and videos from 76 to 248 and have also increased

the number of stores stocking our Cookshop range from 5 to 69.

We introduced the first of our own in-store pharmacies and at the

year end had six, bringing to 51 the number of stores where a pharmacy

service is available. Customers appreciate this in-store convenience and we

plan to add a further 13 in-store pharmacies by March 1997. Customers also

appreciate the convenience of buying petrol during their shopping trip and we

opened a further 16 petrol filling stations bringing the total number at the

year end to 168.

To make our customer service commitments a reality, we took on

an extra 5,000 new staff at an annual cost of £30 million and will be spending

an extra £8 million on staff training. ‘Customer First’, our customer service

charter, consolidates improvements made previously and articulates our

commitment to customer service. It includes the provision of extra packers at

busy times, helpers to go and fetch items customers may have forgotten, a 

no-quibble refund or replacement policy if an item is dropped and a freephone

customer helpline.

We continue to offer customers outstanding value for money,

enhanced with regular price promotions throughout the year. Since January,

our ‘Saver’ and ‘Bonus’ promotions have each offered substantial savings on

200 lines generally included in a family shopping basket. We sharpened our

competitive position and our prices are now 3% below the average for other

major supermarkets.

Since its launch in November 1995, 
the Occasions range has taken around 25%
of the party food market.

Our Witney, Oxon. store is one of about 20 which
now have a new-style Customer Services Desk 
providing leaflets, in-store information, refunds
and other services.

11

This year, we focused on enhancing our 
appeal to families and were voted
‘Parent Friendly Retailer of the Year’ and
‘Mother and Baby Retailer of the Year.’

Working closely with our suppliers, we have improved the choice

of products we offer. Our largest stores now stock some 20,500 product lines.

Nearly 10,000 of these are Sainsbury brand products which account for 57%

of our grocery sales. This year we introduced over 1,000 new own brand

products and replaced 500 existing lines to meet customers’ ever-changing

requirements. We have also widened the choice that we offer customers on

proprietary products.

Assuring the safety and quality of our products

Retaining customer confidence in the safety and quality of our

products is paramount and we have continued to work in partnership with our

suppliers to maintain and improve production standards. We bring to these

partnerships a knowledge of the market and the technical expertise of our

140 strong Scientific Services Division. 

At no time has this been more important than with current concerns

about BSE. As long ago as 1990, Sainsbury’s took the lead to introduce a

comprehensive Farm Assured Scheme linking farmer, food processor and

retailer. The scheme is the largest of its kind in the country covering over 9,000

selected livestock farms in the UK and Ireland. Approved suppliers are inspected

regularly to ensure that controls are rigorously enforced. All our fresh meat

now carries the ‘Farm Assured Meat’ logo which has been independently

endorsed by The Farm Assured British Beef and Lamb Organisation.

In August, our ‘Partnership in Produce’ scheme extended the concept

of supplier partnership to fruit, vegetable and salad products. The scheme has

over 1,500 growers, including one overseas in New Zealand, who work closely

with us to supply a wide variety of quality produce. Close co-operation with

growers helps us to improve supplies and quality as well as research new

varieties together. Typical of this is a new salad potato, Anya, which we added

to our range of over 40 different named varieties of potatoes. Bred by the

Scottish Crops Research Institute for its outstanding eating quality, Anya is a

seasonal variety available exclusively at Sainsbury’s during the late Summer

and Autumn. 

Our Scientific Services Division maintains close links with several

major research institutes and is at the forefront of innovation. In February,

following research conducted in conjunction with Zeneca plc and Nottingham

University, we introduced a tomato paste made from Californian tomatoes

genetically modified to stay fresh longer. There is less wastage and customers

benefit by saving some 15% on the price of the standard product. The product

generated considerable public interest and is selling well. We label the new

tomato paste “made with genetically modified tomatoes” so that an informed

choice can be made. As a matter of policy other genetically modified products

12

The Paws cat food range, 
launched in October, now represents a quarter 
of total cat food sales in Sainsbury’s.

The nine varieties of Sainsbury’s Indulgence 
ice cream have proved immensely popular 
and now account for over 20% of the luxury 
ice cream market in Great Britain.

Our range of Economy lines offers good basic
quality at low prices and has proved to be very
popular, particularly amongst family shoppers.

Sainsbury’s won the title 
‘Supermarket Wine Merchant of the Year’ 
for the second consecutive year. 
A number of our wines also received 
recommendations and awards in their own right. 

Mike Calnun, a butcher 
at our Cheadle store, 
has  successfully achieved
membership of the Sainsbury’s 
Guild of Butchers.

will only be introduced where there is a real consumer benefit and will be

clearly labelled.

Amongst other new products, our range of ‘Sausages of Distinction’

won a top prize in the 1996 British Sausage Awards. Our range of ready

meals was extended by new Thai dishes such as nasi goreng, green chicken

curry and Thai rice. Entertaining in a hurry has been made simple by our range

of ‘Occasions’ party food. ‘Chicken Saucery’, ‘Beef Saucery’ and ‘Fish Saucery’

make up our new range of cook-in sauces. 

Our work to raise awareness among our customers of how to

enjoy the benefits of a healthy diet was recognised by the Department of

Health in February when we were the first retailer to be accredited to use the

Health of the Nation ‘Meeting the Challenge’ symbol. 

Achievement through people

Sainsbury’s supermarkets employ more than 115,000 people: 

two-thirds are women and the same proportion work part time. Women now

account for about 37% of those in management grades. We encourage 

part-time opportunities and these are available in senior positions, including

store management. A typical store employs more than 300 people and is

open for over 76 hours each week. 

We are committed to staff training for the benefit of the individual

as well as for the Company and offer all staff opportunities for personal

achievement and career development. At management level, we support

specialised MBA and degree courses. Seventeen managers have achieved the

MBA and, in July, the first 30 managers graduated from our Retail Marketing

Degree course run by the Manchester Metropolitan University. 

Sainsbury’s continues to be a strong supporter of National Vocational

Qualifications (NVQs). During the year, 500 staff members achieved Level 2

NVQs bringing the total to over 1,000. A further 800 staff are working

towards Level 2. NVQs are a key component of our Retail Training Scheme for

16 to 18-year-olds which offers school leavers the opportunity to learn about

retailing. Currently we have 205 Retail Trainees: 98 achieved an NVQ Level 2

during the year. To enable us to assess our staff ourselves we are encouraging

our trainers to qualify as NVQ assessors and, by the year end, 23 District

Trainers had successfully achieved this NVQ Level 3 qualification.

During the year, we introduced new programmes for training in

specialist fresh food trades. These are run in conjunction with independent

bodies such as the Meat and Livestock Commission, the Sea Fish Authority

and MAFF. Successful candidates become members of the Sainsbury’s Guilds

of Butchers, Fishmongers or Greengrocers as appropriate and obtain a part

qualification towards an NVQ Level 2.

15

Sales at our Bridgend in-store bakery have 
more than doubled under the management of 
Mike Maher who was a finalist in the 
‘1995 Bakery Manager of the Year’ Competition.

Sylvia Blight (centre), Retail Trainee Scheme Tutor
for 63 stores, is a qualified NVQ assessor and 
is working towards an NVQ verifier qualification.

Steve Haley (right), Large Goods Vehicle Instructor
at our Charlton Depot, uses VeMIS, a new 
in-cab computer system, as a training aid to fine
tune driving skills to maximise fuel economy and
minimise vehicle wear.

Supermarkets Sales Area
Million square feet

9.8

9.3

8.8

8.3

7.6

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

Sainsbury’s supermarkets sales area 
increased by 4.6% last year to 9,767,000 sq. ft.

Our Wigan store is one of six stores to have 
a new-style in-store pharmacy. In total, 
pharmacy facilities are available at 51 of our stores.

Several of our stores received public recognition 
for our continued commitment to high quality
architecture, planning and landscaping. 
These awards from the Royal Institute of 
British Architects and The Civic Trust were made
to our store at Harlow, Essex.

This year, our ‘Choices’ career development programme, established

four years ago, was extended to all stores. So far over 2,000 staff have taken

the opportunity for sponsored study and enrolled in further education courses. 

We invested nearly half a million pounds in our special ‘Helping

Hands’ programme for training staff to provide practical assistance to

customers with disabilities. Staff have responded very positively to this

initiative which came from an employee suggestion and 6,000 staff are proud

to wear the distinctive ‘Helping Hands’ badge. We are delighted that it

received public recognition through the award of the first AccessAbility Award

in the Multiple Retailer category.

We have made particular efforts to improve communications

between staff and senior management. We carried out an opinion survey

amongst all our staff and, following independent analysis, the results will be

available this Summer. These will form the basis for action plans designed to

enhance staff commitment and motivation.

Developing new stores

During the year, we invested £364 million to grow our supermarket

business through the opening of new stores and the extension of existing

stores. This provided 467,000 sq. ft. of new sales area. 

We opened 10 new stores, eight in the second half of the year.

Openings at Hamilton and Straiton, Edinburgh increased the number of our

supermarkets in Scotland to five. Our store at New Cross Gate, London is the

latest example of our commitment to urban regeneration through the reuse of

former industrial sites. It is built on the site of a disused railway goods yard

and was developed in conjunction with the Deptford City Challenge project

and the London Borough of Lewisham.

Although, in recent years, we have made substantial investment 

in stores in out-of-centre locations, we have never neglected the traditional

high street to which we remain totally committed. More than half of our

supermarkets are in, or on the edge of, town centres and we do not see this

proportion changing significantly in the foreseeable future. We encourage 

our store management to take an active role in the commercial life of the

town centre. Through our Town Centre Management initiative, we are

currently involved in projects at over 110 locations, co-operating with other

local businesses and local authorities to revitalise and improve the town 

centre environment.

In 1996/97, we plan to open 16 new stores. At least three will be

smaller stores in country towns. The opening programme includes our first

three stores in Northern Ireland where our planned total investment is over

£100 million with the creation of over 2,000 new job opportunities.

16

The Coffee Shop at our Winterstoke Road, 
Bristol store is one of the new facilities provided by 
our investment in improving 118 existing stores.

Savacentre

The only specialist hypermarket

The new Savacentre at Sydenham, London 
got off to a flying start when it opened in August.
With a sales area of 85,000 sq. ft. it stocks over
62,000 product lines and employs some 850 people.

Helped by the opening of two new stores, Savacentre’s sales rose

by 7.7% to £751.2 million. Sales performance was held back by depressed

clothing sales in a weakened market due to the unusually hot Summer. 

business in the UK

Almost half a million customers now visit our stores each week, an

increase of 15% over the previous year. The fall in operating profit reflects the

costs of the store openings at Sydenham, London and Stockton-on-Tees, the

refurbishment of three stores at Calcot, Merton and Oldbury and increased

promotional activity to combat intense competition. 

Much more in one store

Savacentre is the only specialist hypermarket business in the 

UK offering a large selection of top quality food, clothing, household goods,

toys and electrical products. Price and value for money are the cornerstones

of our offer and our food prices are consistently 5% below the average 

of our direct competitors. We aim to make shopping at Savacentre an

enjoyable experience for the whole family with customer service an 

important ingredient.

A typical Savacentre stocks over 62,000 product lines of which

about one-third are food and grocery products. During the year, we improved

the range of foods offered as well as our displays of fresh fish, delicatessen,

hot food and bakeries. Most notably, we launched a range of French

patisseries prepared in-store. Other developments this year include Cookshop,

Babyshop and Home Entertainment. We also introduced top name brands of

washing machines, dishwashers and freezers into the electrical department

adding to the audio and visual equipment already on offer.

Savacentre’s Lifestyle clothing range, now in its fourth year,

features quality casualwear and selected co-ordinates for adults and children.

This year we introduced new lines of babywear and accessories and we

featured the popular Mr Men on selected childrenswear. 

Savacentre employs around 10,000 people: over two-thirds are

part time and the same proportion are women. A typical store has 800

employees and is open 78 hours per week. We have training programmes for

staff at all levels. During the year, we introduced a new personalised

management development programme which is aimed at matching training to

individual skills requirements.

Savacentre’s expansion continues with a new store currently under

construction in Leeds planned to open in 1997. This will be followed by a

major development at Braehead in Glasgow in 1998.

19

Analysis

1996

1995

Sales (incl. taxes)

£751.2m

£697.7m

Operating Profit 

£34.4m

£40.9m

Number of hypermarkets

12

Sales area (’000 sq. ft.)

Full-time employees

Part-time employees

1,034

2,796

7,002

10

864

2,458

5,698

Our special Customer Helpers, in their distinctive
outfits, are on hand to assist at all times.

Our younger customers find the animation and
activity in our new toy departments irresistible!

Directors
Colin Harvey (Chairman and Managing Director), 
Robin Anderson*, Edward Bonner, 
Mike Broomfield, David Empson, Trefor Hales*, 
Andrew Mitcham*, John O’Sullivan, Allan Webb.

*Non-Executive.

The strongest 

The former Texas store at Longwell Green, 
Bristol reopened as a fully converted 
Homebase store in February. 
Sales have increased by over 50%. 
Following this  success, the store 
conversion programme has been accelerated 
to 50 a year for the next three years.

Homebase more than trebled its size this year when, in March

1995, the company acquired Texas Homecare and its 241 DIY outlets.

Achieving synergy from the acquisition is well under way, although the two

companies have traded separately during the year.

Homebase has once again had another excellent year in a difficult

market. Operating profit was up by 17.5%. Sales increased by 12.9% and 

like-for-like sales by 4.5%. 

The stores continuing to trade under the Texas name had a

Analysis

1996

1995

Sales (incl. taxes)

£425.7m

£376.9m

Operating Profit 

£36.2m

£30.8m

Number of stores

Sales area (’000 sq. ft.)

Full-time employees

Part-time employees

91

3,453

2,723

4,040

83

3,082

1,957

3,390

difficult year and made an operating loss. Prior to the acquisition sales were 

Homebase

brand in DIY

in steep decline. During the year, in spite of the relative weakness of the 

Texas brand and the depressed state of the DIY market, this position has

gradually been reversed. 

Integrating the Texas stores 

The Homebase barbecue range has everything 
for a sizzling barbecue from 
basting brushes and spray cleaners to exotic oak
and hickory chips and outdoor candles.

The first Texas store to be fully converted to the Homebase format

reopened at Longwell Green, Bristol in February with an increase in sales of

over 50%. Following the overwhelming success of this and subsequent

conversions, the store conversion programme has been accelerated to 50 a

year with full completion planned by 1999. The integration of the Homebase

and Texas product ranges is also progressing well and is targeted for 70%

completion by Autumn 1996. Texas stores are being rebadged to the Homebase

fascia and we have brought forward the completion date from Spring 1997 to

Autumn 1996.

Price harmonisation between Homebase and Texas is well advanced.

During the year, we extended to our Texas customers the Spend & Save

loyalty card and its benefits already on offer to our Homebase customers.

A typical Homebase store now stocks over 20,000 home

improvement products as well as a full range of seasonal horticultural

products. Some 4,000 of these are Homebase brand lines which account for

around 25% of total sales.

This year we introduced over 600 new Homebase lines including

garden furniture, tools, ironmongery, decorative wall coverings, bathroom

Wrighton, the Texas kitchen brand, has been 
introduced into two Homebase stores and is shown 
here at Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh. 

Directors
Dino Adriano (Chairman),
Ian Coull (Deputy Chairman)*,
Ross McLaren (Managing Director),
Ian Baldwin, Diego du Monceau de Bergendal*,
Steve Bradbury, Bob Cooper*,  
Jean Pitz*,  Mike Powell, Bill Williams.

accessories and fitted kitchens. Half were products which had been redesigned

*Non-Executive.

21

Analysis

or reformulated and replaced existing lines. We continued to sell Texas brand

Sales (incl. taxes)

Operating Loss 

Number of stores

Sales area (’000 sq. ft.)

Full-time employees

Part-time employees

1996

£677.9m

£(10.4)m

219

7,819

3,240

7,040

Number of Stores

91 Homebase stores

219 Texas stores

With the acquisition of Texas Homecare,
Homebase has more than trebled its number of
stores, sales area and market share.

products but these are being phased out.
Extending Homebase training to Texas staff

Together, Homebase and Texas employ around 17,000 people:

two-thirds work part time and the split between men and women is about

equal. A typical Homebase store has over 50 staff and is open 79 hours per

week. During the year, the number of staff at the Homebase Head Office at

Wallington, Surrey was increased to accommodate the needs of the combined

businesses. The Texas offices at Wellingborough, Northants are being wound

down with a view to closure this Summer and staff who have agreed to

relocate have been accommodated at Wallington. A distribution centre will,

however, continue to operate at the Wellingborough site serving both Texas

and Homebase stores. 

In February 1996, Homebase and Texas store managers were

brought together at a series of events around the country to discuss the

opportunities for synergy and for improving the performance of the combined

business. Texas staff are now participating in Homebase training programmes

to improve techniques for customer service and to enhance trading skills and

product knowledge. For example, 97 Texas staff are currently undertaking the

Homebase horticultural skills course for Garden Centre staff, which has been

developed in liaison with Hadlow Horticultural College, Kent.

Expansion of Homebase

Ten new Homebase stores opened during the year. These included

three stores on sites originally acquired by Texas at Winchester, Falkirk and

Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh. In addition two Texas stores at Longwell Green,

Bristol and Telford were converted and reopened as Homebase stores. 

The outstanding success of these conversions, and the very positive customer

response we have received to them, underline the significant opportunity for

sales expansion for the Homebase business resulting from the acquisition. 

Geographically, the Homebase and Texas store portfolios are highly

complementary and provide national coverage. During the year 22 Texas

stores, already selected for closure by the previous management, were closed.

Homebase closed two poorly performing stores at Chelmsford and Walsall. At

12%, the combined businesses’ share of the home and garden products market

is more than three times that of Homebase in the previous year. Together the

two chains serve around 1.3 million customers a week. 

In 1996/97, we plan to open 10 new Homebase stores. There will

be no new store openings under the Texas name. 

22

Homebase’s well-established Spend & Save 
loyalty card was extended to Texas customers in
July 1995. Since then nearly 2 million Texas
customers have become Spend & Save cardholders,
bringing the total number to 5 million.

The Garden Centre is a key attraction. 
During the year, 35 Texas stores were refitted 
to include a Homebase Garden Centre.

JSintheUS

Operating successfully   

Together, Shaw’s, our wholly-owned
supermarket chain, and Giant, another
leading food retailer in which we have 
a 16.7% interest, operate over 260 stores
in nine East Coast states.

24

J Sainsbury plc’s investments in the US have been growing since

1983 when we took a 21% stake in Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., the US

supermarket chain. We acquired the outstanding balance in 1987 and Shaw’s 

  in a dynamic market

Analysis

1996*

1995

Sales (incl. taxes)

$2.30bn

$2.08bn

Operating Profit 

$80.0m

$62.3m

Number of stores

Sales area (’000 sq. ft.)

Full-time employees

96

3,137

5,534

87

2,762

4,547

Part-time employees

12,232

11,204

*Results for 1996 are for a 54 week period.

is now a wholly-owned subsidiary. Our second US interest is in Giant Food Inc.

another leading food retailer in North America. In November 1994 we acquired

a 16.7% interest, including 50% of the voting shares. 

At the year end Shaw’s had 96 stores in Massachusetts, New

Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Connecticut and Giant had 166 in

Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey. Not only do

the two companies complement each other extremely well geographically but,

rooted in family backgrounds similar to that of Sainsbury’s, they share the

trading ethos of giving customers quality at good prices. Both companies have

positive expansion programmes in the heavily populated and economically

attractive East Coast area of the US. 

These investments provide considerable opportunities for practical

co-operation between the supermarket companies both within the US and

across the Atlantic. 

Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.

Shaw’s had another excellent trading year. Sales grew by 10.5% 

to $2.3 billion. Customer numbers increased by 6% to 1.8 million a week.

Like-for-like sales continued the positive trend seen last year and increased 

to 1.5%. Operating profit for the 54 week financial period was $80 million, 

an increase of 23.6% on a 52 week basis.

A new large store format was developed during the year and was

first seen at the Fairhaven, Massachusetts store in August. This features a

large first aisle for fresh foods and a number of new and improved facilities

such as an in-store bakery, an in-store pharmacy, a dry cleaning service and

an attractive food court, all of which have proved very popular.

The quality of the Shaw’s brand

Also new in-store were over 750 Shaw’s brand products, bringing

the total number to over 4,000 lines. In the last six years, the Shaw’s own

brand has gone from strength to strength and now represents 40% of total sales. 

Customers benefit by savings of at least 10% compared to national

This farfalle pasta is prepared in Italy 
and is sold on both sides of the Atlantic 
under the Shaw’s and Sainsbury’s brands.

Shaw’s introduced a new range of children’s books
under its own name. The 32 titles are published 
in association with the same publishing group
that has been working with Sainsbury’s 
on children’s books for the last 10 years.

Directors
Ian Coull (Chairman)*, Phil Francis 
(President and Chief Executive Officer),
Robin Whitbread*, Richard Chadwick*, 
Harry Beckner*, Steve DuBrul*, Verne Powell, 
Scott Ramsay, Ruth Bramson, 
Pete Gunderson, Paul Gannon.

brand prices and are reassured in the knowledge that all products meet Shaw’s 

*Non-Executive.

25

This store at Vernon was 
one of four Shaw’s stores opened 
this year in Connecticut.

demanding quality standards and specifications and have the Shaw’s quality

guarantee seal.

A wide variety of products was introduced ranging from Healthy

Blends bio yogurts, wedding cakes, frozen pasta and ‘Right Selections’ frozen

ready meals to an entire hosiery collection, stationery and disposable cameras.

A number of products such as the Belgian chocolate and Italian pasta ranges

and Balsamic vinegar have been jointly sourced with Sainsbury’s. Others, such

as Performers nappies, the children’s books range, and the ‘Shaw’s Fresh Ideas’

magazine, were introduced following the success of similar products in

Sainsbury’s. Sainsbury’s customers have also benefited from this close working

relationship. ‘Select Diet’, a range of premium pet foods for cats and dogs

introduced in Shaw’s last year, went on sale in Sainsbury’s in January.

In December, Shaw’s became the first supermarket chain in the

North East states of America to establish a presence on the Internet. This was

closely followed by the launch in January of Shaw’s home delivery shopping

service, another first in the area. Customers can place orders by PC, fax or

telephone and, as long as orders are placed by midday, groceries are delivered

that evening. To meet demand for this service, Shaw’s has set up 18 fulfilment

operations in existing stores.

Shaw’s employs around 18,000 people, called associates: over two-

thirds are part time and there is an equal proportion of men and women. A typical

Shaw’s store employs 160 associates and is open for 121 hours each week. 

A new organisational structure introduced in prototype stores last

year has encouraged staff to improve their technical expertise through

external and internal training programmes. All senior managers have now

completed an extensive personal development course.

Expansion of Shaw’s

Ten new stores opened during the year, including one replacement

store. The company expanded into new territory in the Autumn opening four

stores in Connecticut. A major extension was completed at the store at

Weymouth, Massachusetts. A further seven stores were remodelled to include

the new in-store concept which is now in 11 stores.

Selective acquisition of existing stores from other businesses has

helped Shaw’s expansion. Two of the stores opened during the year were

former Purity stores in New Hampshire acquired from Stop and Shop. Three

of the openings planned for 1996/97 will be at former Almac’s stores in

Rhode Island also acquired during the year. 

In all, 11 new stores are planned for 1996/97; two will be the first

openings in Vermont. Shaw’s opened its 100th store at North Quincy,

Massachusetts in April 1996. 

27

Analysis

Sales (incl. taxes)

1996

$3.9bn

1995

$3.7bn

Profit before tax

$167.8m

$155.2m

Group share 
(16.7%) of profit

£18m
(52 weeks)

£7m
(15 weeks)

Number of stores

166

161

Giant opened its first store in New Jersey at
Cherryhill. It opened a total of seven stores 
in 1995/96 and plans to open 
a further eight in 1996/97. Giant is currently
celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Directors*
appointed by J Sainsbury plc

David Sainsbury, Rosemary Thorne, 
Mike Broomfield, Harry Beckner.

*All Non-Executive.

Air Quality

As part of an overall drive on Air Quality, we have
taken  a  number  of  initiatives  such  as  making
available  customer  vehicle  emission  testing
equipment at 37 of our petrol filling stations. We
have also introduced City Diesel, a reformulated
diesel  fuel  previously  available  only  in  Sweden
where it has contributed to a significant reduction
in  air  pollutants.  It  is  now  available  in  156
Sainsbury’s  and  Savacentre  outlets.  Despite
costing 2p per litre more at the pump, it accounts
for  around  a  quarter  of  diesel  sales  at  those
outlets. Since February, City Diesel has been used
by the fleets operating out of the four distribution
depots in the South East owned and managed by
Sainsbury’s.

Reduction in emissions by using City
Diesel instead of standard diesel
City Diesel produces significantly fewer pollutant
emissions than other diesel fuels currently on the
market  in  the  UK.  It  already  out  performs  the
stricter standards that will be enforced in the UK
from  October  1996  and  demonstrates  the
quality standard that is achievable.

Pollutant

Particulate

Concerns

Reduction 

Breathing problems

Organic Particulates Cancer risk

Smoke

Hydrocarbons

City grime on 
buildings 

Cancer risk/
ground level ozone &
breathing problems 

Carbon Monoxide

Harmful gas/
drowsiness

Sulphur Oxides

Acid rain

Oxides of Nitrogen  Breathing problems/
ground level ozone

40%

60%

28%

25%

17%

99%

6%

Demonstrating 

Within the Sainsbury Group there is a strong environmental

awareness and a commitment to reducing the impact which our activities and

our products have on the environment. We have been developing and

monitoring our environmental policies for several years and in June will publish

an Environmental Report to demonstrate our commitment and to serve as a

benchmark for future progress.

An award-winning store

The breadth of our environmental approach is well illustrated by

the new Sainsbury’s at Horsham. The store is built on the edge of the town

centre to which it is linked by a new footpath. Externally, it fits comfortably

within its surroundings, which include a nearby conservation area with a

medieval church, houses and a small brook and fields.

Inside, the store features the most advanced refrigeration and

energy-saving systems. It was the first supermarket to have a new secondary

refrigeration system which uses ammonia instead of ozone-depleting CFCs. 

It also pioneered the use of a high frequency lighting system which results in

energy savings of between 10-15%. Energy use at the store is further

minimised by a new computer system, RealMT, which was developed by

Sainsbury’s engineers with financial assistance from the European

Commission’s Thermie scheme. Some 255 Sainsbury’s supermarkets now

have Thermie scheme equipment installed.

The release of petrol vapour at petrol filling stations is a significant

contributor to poor air quality. Like all our petrol filling stations, Horsham is

equipped to capture vapour emissions from its storage tanks which occur when

they are being filled. Twenty-five of our outlets, including Horsham, have the

Stage Two recovery equipment designed to recover petrol vapour released

when customers fill their cars. Horsham was also one of our first petrol filling

stations to offer City Diesel, introduced as part of our Air Quality initiative.

Timbertracker

Concern for the environmental aspects of our products led

Sainsbury’s to be the first grocery retailer to join the World Wide Fund for

Nature’s ’95 Group. We have established a computer database, Timbertracker,

to monitor the ‘forest of origin’ for all Sainsbury’s, Savacentre and Homebase

wood-based products. Since February 1996, a small number of products have

qualified for the independent Forest Stewardship (FSC) trademark denoting

that the ‘forests of origin’ have been well managed. We aim to achieve the

target of full FSC certification for all 13,000 of our paper and wood products

City Diesel, a cleaner fuel for cleaner air.

by the year 2000.

28

 our concern for the

Environment

The environmental features at the new
Horsham store have been recognised
by awards from Business Commitment
for the Environment, The Civic Trust
and Horsham District Council.

Playing our part in  

We have enhanced our community programme, both nationally

and locally in the communities in which our stores trade, in a variety of ways.

Corporate contributions to charitable and community causes in the UK totalled 

£2 million. These included donations to direct appeals and contributions to the

funding of voluntary organisations and to town centre improvement schemes. 

In addition, substantial sums were raised through store door

collections and fund-raising campaigns. Foremost amongst these was the

Children In Need campaign for which staff and customers at Sainsbury’s and

Savacentre raised over £370,000. In America, Shaw’s associates successfully

raised nearly $500,000 for the United Way Campaign.

The Sainsbury’s Penny Back scheme raised over £600,000 for

local charities. Schoolbags, which also encourages the re-use of carrier bags, was

launched in September. Vouchers collected by our customers can be redeemed

by schools against school equipment. Over 14,000 schools are currently registered.

Side By Side local volunteering

Most importantly, our stores have continued to build supportive links

with their local communities drawing on the enthusiasm and energy of our staff.

This year we piloted a new community scheme called Side By Side

at 25 Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Through meetings with local voluntary

organisations, staff identified a variety of worthwhile projects and carried them

out partly in their own and partly in Company time. For example, staff at Milton

Keynes and Sheffield planted sensory gardens for people with disabilities; staff

at Plymouth and Huddersfield organised outings for handicapped children and

their families; and staff at Croydon, Derby and Norwich refurbished community

and daycare centres.

Our staff volunteers have responded very positively to the chance

to get involved and their help has been greatly appreciated by local

organisations as shown by the following comments: “The Sainsbury’s staff are

wonderful. Not only did they end up decorating three rooms for us but they

really got involved and brought their families and friends along too”, said 

Len Shillingford, community worker at the Hadhari Project, Derby; and 

Hazel Wigmore, director of the National Children’s Centre, Huddersfield

commented “I feel very positive about the whole thing . . . it has opened

Sainsbury’s staff’s eyes to the everyday difficulties faced by the parents of

severely handicapped and traumatised kids . . . it was lovely getting them

involved with us.” 

The BBC gave special recognition to 
Sainsbury’s and Savacentre’s staff and customers 
for raising over £1 million for the 
Children In Need Appeal during the last five years.

Whizz Kidz supplies specially adapted mobility
aids for disabled children. Laura Harmer (right), 
with her sister Michelle, enjoys a ride 
on her specially adapted trike. 
She is one of 51 children to receive help from
donations raised by Texas staff.

The brothers and sisters of handicapped 
children enjoying an outing arranged by our
Plymouth Side By Side volunteers.

Following the success of these initial projects, staff at another 100

stores will become involved in Side By Side initiatives during the coming year. 

30

  the local 

Community

The enthusiastic youngsters of The Haseltine 
School Steel Band, seen here with their Head Teacher, 
are sponsored by Savacentre, Sydenham.

New Sales Area

New Store Openings 1995/96
Horsham • Watford • Cheadle 
Kenton, London • Witney • Hamilton • Wigan 
New Cross Gate, London
Street • Straiton, Edinburgh 

New stores’ sales area – 324,000 sq. ft.

Extensions 1995/96
Tunbridge Wells • Selly Oak • Bridgend
Loughborough • Cobham • Victoria, London
Stratton, Swindon • Rayleigh Weir • Beeston
Bradford • Whitstable • Tonbridge • Braintree 
Newport, Gwent • New Barnet, London • East Grinstead
Cheltenham • Lancaster • Dulwich, London 
Hedge End, Southampton • Wrexham

Extensions’ sales area – 143,000 sq. ft.

Planned Store Openings 1996/97
Dalston, London • Castle Court, Bristol 
Sittingbourne • Emersons Green, Bristol
Clapham, London • Aberdeen
Drumchapel, Glasgow • Kirkcaldy • Coleraine
Ballymena • Newtownbreda • March 
Melksham • Sale • Winnersh • Stroud

Planned stores’ sales area – 460,000 sq. ft.

Planned Extensions 1996/97
Major extensions planned at 25 stores 

Planned extensions’ sales area – 163,000 sq. ft.

Ten Year Financial  

.   .

238

238

298

298

352

352

RESULTS (£ MILLION)

.   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

RESULTS (£ MILLION)
Group Sales (including VAT & sales taxes)
Group Sales (including VAT & sales taxes)
.   .   .
Increase on previous year
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Increase on previous year
Group Operating Profit (before profit sharing)
Group Operating Profit (before profit sharing)
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Savacentre
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Savacentre
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Homebase
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Homebase
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Texas
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Texas
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Shaw’s
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Shaw’s
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Other operating activities
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Other operating activities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit sharing
Profit sharing
Associates
Associates
Interest receivable/(payable)
Interest receivable/(payable)
Group Profit before Tax and Property Items
Group Profit before Tax and Property Items
Increase/(decrease) on Previous Year
Increase/(decrease) on Previous Year
Profit/(loss) on sale of property
Profit/(loss) on sale of property
Group Profit before Tax
Group Profit before Tax
Increase/(decrease) on Previous Year
Increase/(decrease) on Previous Year
EARNINGS PER SHARE*
Basic
Increase/(decrease) on previous year

Basic
Increase/(decrease) on previous year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .

.   .

EARNINGS PER SHARE*

Fully diluted (excluding profit/loss 
on sale of properties)
Increase/(decrease) on previous year

Fully diluted (excluding profit/loss 
on sale of properties)
Increase/(decrease) on previous year
DIVIDEND PER SHARE*

DIVIDEND PER SHARE*

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

RETAIL STATISTICS
NUMBER OF OUTLETS AT FINANCIAL YEAR END

RETAIL STATISTICS
NUMBER OF OUTLETS AT FINANCIAL YEAR END
Sainsbury’s supermarkets – 
Sainsbury’s supermarkets – 
over 25,000 sq. ft. sales area 
over 25,000 sq. ft. sales area 
15,000 - 25,000 sq. ft. sales area
15,000 - 25,000 sq. ft. sales area
under 15,000 sq. ft. sales area
under 15,000 sq. ft. sales area

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
Savacentre
Savacentre
Homebase/Texas
Homebase/Texas
Shaw’s
Shaw’s

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

TOTAL NUMBER OF STORES

TOTAL NUMBER OF STORES

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

SALES AREA (’000 SQ. FT.)
SALES AREA (’000 SQ. FT.)
Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
Sainsbury’s supermarkets 
Savacentre
Savacentre
Homebase/Texas (approx. 80% 
Homebase/Texas (approx. 80% 
covered sales area)
covered sales area)
Shaw’s
Shaw’s

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group Total
Net increase on previous year**

Group Total
Net increase on previous year**

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

New Sainsbury’s supermarkets openings
New Sainsbury’s supermarkets openings
Average size of all Sainsbury’s 
Average size of all Sainsbury’s 
supermarkets (sq. ft.)
supermarkets (sq. ft.)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .

AVERAGE SAINSBURY’S SUPERMARKETS 
SALES (including VAT)

AVERAGE SAINSBURY’S SUPERMARKETS 
SALES (including VAT)
Per square foot (£ per week)

Per square foot (£ per week)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Share of national trade in predominantly 
Share of national trade in predominantly 
food stores and pharmaceutical, medical, 
food stores and pharmaceutical, medical, 
cosmetic and toilet goods outlets***
cosmetic and toilet goods outlets***

.   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .

1987

1987

1988

1988

1989

1989

4,044

4,044

5,010

5,010

5,915

5,915

13.1%

13.1%

23.9%

23.9%

18.1%

18.1%

229
229
—
—
3
3
—
—
—
—
—
—
———————
———————
232
232

276
276
—
—
4
4
—
—
16
16
—
—
———————
———————
296
296

342
342
—
—
9
9
—
—
22
22
—
—
———————
———————
373
373

(21)
18
9

(21)
18
9

(24)
18
8

(24)
18
8

(27)
16
(10)

(27)
16
(10)

27.3%
9

27.3%
9

25.2%
10

25.2%
10

18.1%
23

18.1%
23

247

247

308

308

375

375

28.0%

28.0%

24.7%

24.7%

21.8%

21.8%

11.04p
22.6%

11.04p
22.6%

13.42p
21.5%

13.42p
21.5%

16.57p
23.5%

16.57p
23.5%

10.48p
21.6%

10.48p
21.6%

12.90p
23.1%

12.90p
23.1%

14.44p
11.9%

14.44p
11.9%

3.46p

3.46p

4.15p

4.15p

4.99p

4.99p

1987

1987

1988

1988

1989

1989

54
54
119
119
110
110
———————
———————
283
283
6
6
32
32
—
—
———————
———————
321
321

74
74
115
115
94
94
———————
———————
283
283
6
6
38
38
60
60
———————
———————
387
387

95
95
110
110
87
87
———————
———————
292
292
7
7
48
48
61
61
———————
———————
408
408

5,034
433

5,034
433

5,463
436

5,463
436

5,964
543

5,964
543

1,424
1,424
—
—
———————
———————
6,891
6,891

1,645
1,592
———————
9,136

1,645
1,592
———————
9,136

1,886
1,693
———————
10,086

1,886
1,693
———————
10,086

7.9%

7.9%

32.6%

32.6%

10.4%

10.4%

15

15

16

16

20

20

17,790

17,790

19,300

19,300

20,430

20,430

15.43

15.43

16.30

16.30

16.50

16.50

9.6%

9.6%

9.9%

9.9%

10.1%

10.1%

Adjusted in respect of capitalisation issues in1984 and 1987 and rights issue in 1991. 
Excluding Texas the net increase in sales area was 8.4%.

*
**
*** Based on Central Statistical Office/Office for National Statistics (Re-based during 1995) and Sainsbury’s and Savacentre sales, excluding petrol.

32

Record

1990

7,257

22.7%

1991

8,201

13.0%

1992††
9,202

12.2%

1993

1994††

1995

1996†††

10,270

11.6%

11,224

12,065

13,499

9.3%

7.5%

11.9%

409
17
11
—
34
—
———————
471

516
23
13
—
30
3
———————
585

604
28
15
—
21
(2)
———————
666

716
36
18
—
19
(4)
———————
785

697
38
23
—
31
7
———————
796

784
41
31
—
40
3
———————
899

744
34
36
(10)
51
(1)
———————
854

(34)
1
(18)

420

19.3%
31

451

(44)
—
(36)

505

20.2%
13

518

(49)
1
13

631

25.0%
(3)

628

20.3%

14.9%

21.2%

(59)
—
9

735

16.5%
(2)

733

16.7%

(56)
—
(9)

731

(0.5)%
7

738

0.7%

20.57p
24.1%

23.11p
12.4%

25.69p
11.2%

28.47p
10.8%

28.0p
(1.6)%

18.15p
25.7%

6.03p

21.74p
19.7%

7.27p

25.34p
16.6%

8.75p

28.07p
10.8%

10.0p

27.0p
(3.7)%

10.6p

(61)
6
(36)

808

10.5%
1

809

9.6%

29.8p
6.3%

29.0p
7.4%

11.7p

(50)
19
(59)

764

(5.4)%
(4)

760

(6.1)%

26.8p
(10.1)%

27.8p
(4.1)%

12.1p

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

116
106
69
———————
291
8
55
66
———————
420

6,434
665

2,107
1,928
———————
11,134

136
102
61
———————
299
9
61
70
———————
439

6,951
798

2,317
2,107
———————
12,173

159
98
56
———————
313
9
64
73
———————
459

7,632
798

2,406
2,229
———————
13,065

177
99
52
———————
328
9
70
79
———————
486

8,303
798

2,609
2,448
———————
14,158

193
99
49
———————
341
10
76
87
———————
514

8,827
864

2,810
2,740
———————
15,241

208
98
49
———————
355
10
83
87
———————
535

9,338
864

3,082
2,762
———————
16,046

227
87
49
———————
363
12
310
96
———————
781

9,767
1,034

11,272
3,137
———————
25,210

10.4%

9.3%

7.3%

8.4%

7.6%

5.3%

57.1%

22

20

21

23

23

20

10

22,110

23,250

24,380

25,310

25,890

26,304

26,906

17.26

18.17

18.51

18.84

18.60

18.53

18.59

10.8%

11.3%

11.7%

12.3%

12.4%

12.6%

12.5%

New Sales Area

New Store Openings 1995/96
Sydenham, London • Stockton

New stores’ sales area – 170,000 sq. ft.

New Store Openings 1995/96
Preston • Staines • Wolverhampton
Winchester • Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh
South Ruislip • Hedge End, Southampton
Aintree, Liverpool • Falkirk • Wigan

New stores’ sales area – 435,000 sq. ft.

Planned Store Openings 1996/97
Marsh Mills, Plymouth • Cannock 
Altrincham • Warrington • Christchurch
Sevenoaks • Blackhall, Edinburgh
Dagenham • Watford • Newport, Gwent

Planned stores’ sales area – 401,000 sq. ft.

New Store Openings 1995/96
Royal Ridge • North Providence 
Fairhaven • Upper Valley • Northbridge
Manchester • Bristol • Vernon
New Britain • Ellsworth

New stores’ sales area – 399,000 sq. ft.

Planned Store Openings 1996/97
North Quincy • Cranston • Riverside
Newport • Colchester • Berlin Corness
Bangor • Waterford • Newington
Johnston • Westerly

Planned stores’ sales area – 417,000 sq. ft.

†
††

Property profits for 1992 restated to comply with FRS 3.
1994 figures for profits and earnings per share are stated before exceptional costs of £369.5 million but after changes in
accounting for depreciation of £38.7 million.

††† 1996 figures for profits and earnings per share are stated before exceptional costs of £48 million.

33

Group 
Capital Expenditure
Total £759 million

£55m Distribution,
Systems and Other
£238m Existing
Sainsbury’s supermarkets

£233m Savacentre, 
Homebase, Texas, Shaw’s 
and other companies
£233m 
New Sainsbury’s supermarkets

Currency Composition 
of Debt

£927m (65.0%)

$761m* (35.0%)

*Sterling equivalent: £499m

Financial Review

Group Financial Performance

The Group increased sales by 11.9% to £13.5 billion. Group

operating profit, before profit sharing and exceptional integration costs,

decreased by 5.0% to £854 million.

Operating profit of Sainsbury’s supermarkets decreased by 5.1%

to £744.3 million, and operating profit of Savacentre decreased by 15.9% to

£34.4 million. These reductions were partly offset by an increase in Shaw’s

operating profit of 26.3% to £50.9 million and an increase in Homebase’s

operating profit of 17.5% to £36.2 million. The Texas Homecare business

acquired at the start of the financial year made an operating loss of 

£10.4 million before exceptional integration costs.

The Group’s share of associates’ profits increased from £6 million

to £19 million reflecting the full year contribution of Giant Food Inc. compared

to fifteen weeks’ contribution in the previous year.

Profit sharing reduced to £50 million (1995: £61 million)

reflecting the decrease in UK profits. To those employees eligible to participate

in the scheme, this represents a distribution rate of approximately 7.1% of pay

(1995: 9.6%).

Group net interest payable increased from £36 million to £59

million due mainly to the financing costs of the acquisition of Texas (£19 million)

and the full year cost of funding the Group’s investment in Giant Food Inc.

Group profit before tax, exceptional costs, and property items

decreased by 5.4% to £764 million.

Exceptional costs of £48 million were provided for in the year for

the anticipated revenue costs of converting 150 Texas stores to the

Homebase store format by Spring 1999, the cost of changing Texas stores to

Homebase livery in Autumn 1996 and other associated conversion costs. Of

the total exceptional costs of £48 million, £5 million was incurred in the year

to 9th March 1996 and the remainder relates to costs identified and

committed for future periods. After charging these exceptional costs, group

profit before tax decreased by 12% to £712 million.

Fully diluted earnings per share, before exceptional costs and

property items amounted to 27.8p which represents a fall of 4.1% from 1995.

The operating loss (before exceptional costs) of Texas and financing costs of

the acquisition reduced earnings per share by 0.6p or 2.1%. Dividends per

share of 12.1p (with an interim of 3.4p and a proposed final of 8.7p) compare

with 11.7p for 1995, an increase of 3.4%. The total dividend for 1996 is

covered 2.3 times by earnings before exceptional costs.

34

Cash Flow and Capital Expenditure

The Group generated cash from operating activities of £1,012 million (1995: £1,070 million), of

which £550 million was expended on dividends, interest and tax.

Group capital expenditure was £759 million compared to £492 million in the previous year. This

increase resulted from higher expenditure in Savacentre, Homebase and Shaw’s, a larger programme of

Sainsbury store extensions and refurbishments and the increasing number of new Sainsbury’s supermarkets

to open in 1996/97. The higher capital expenditure along with the acquisition of Texas contributed to an

overall increase in net Group borrowing of £523 million. In the current year, Group capital expenditure is

expected to total approximately £700 million.

Capital Structure

Total shareholders’ funds as at 9th March 1996 amounted to £3,534 million (1995: £3,289 million).

Movements for the year comprised retained profits of £266 million, a deduction from reserves of £103

million for goodwill on the purchase of Texas, new share capital subscriptions of £80 million and currency

translation differences of £2 million.

Group net debt of £1,212 million gives a balance sheet gearing (net debt as a percentage of

shareholders’ funds) of 34.3% at 9th March 1996 (1995: 20.9%) which is below the Group’s desired

maximum for balance sheet gearing of 40%. Net interest before interest capitalised is covered 11 times by

profit before net interest, exceptional costs and taxation (1995:16).

Treasury Management

Treasury policy and significant treasury transactions are reviewed and approved by the Board.

Foreign currency transactions are actively hedged to reduce or eliminate exchange rate exposure.

Use is made of forward cover for currency payments to foreign suppliers. 

The Group protects its balance sheet from adverse currency translation effects by matching

overseas investments with liabilities of the same currency. Movements on foreign currency borrowings used

for balance sheet hedging purposes are taken directly to reserves. The interest payable on these borrowings

serves partially to reduce the Group’s profit and loss exposure to foreign exchange movements.

All funding requirements are covered by committed borrowing sources including a series of

committed bank facilities with maturities of between two and five years.

It is the Group’s policy to provide a degree of protection against interest rate volatility. It is

normally planned that 50% of borrowing should be at fixed rates, although the actual mix may vary with

market conditions. As at 9th March 1996 the overall fixed rate component of gross borrowings was 44%.

The senior long-term debt of J Sainsbury plc is rated ‘AA–’ by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group.

Short-term indebtedness is rated ‘A1+’ by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group.

35

Corporate Governance

The Group has complied throughout the
period under review with all the
provisions of the Code of Best Practice
contained in the Cadbury Committee’s
Report, as laid down in the Listing Rules
of the London Stock Exchange. 

Summary Financial 

The Directors present the Summary Financial Statement of the Group

for the 52 weeks ended 9th March 1996. This Summary Financial Statement

does not contain sufficient information to allow for a full understanding of the

results of the Group and the state of affairs of the Company or of the Group.

For further information the separate publication, entitled Annual Accounts 1996,

containing the Directors’ Report, the Accounts and the Auditors’ Report on

those Accounts (which is unqualified) should be consulted.

Group Performance

A review of the performance of the Company and its subsidiaries

during the period and at the period end, with an indication of likely

developments in the Group, is contained in the Chairman’s Statement on

pages 4 to 7 and in the Review on pages 10 to 31. A review of the Group’s

financial performance and dividends payable is given on pages 34 and 35.

The Board

The Board of Directors meets regularly and is responsible for the

effective management of the business. During the year a number of changes

were made to the executive structure of the Board. Tom Vyner became 

Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. Dino Adriano, whilst remaining

Chairman of Homebase, became Deputy Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s

supermarkets and will succeed Tom Vyner who will be retiring at the end of

1997. Kevin McCarten joined the Board as Marketing Director. These

appointments and the existing Directors, together with the recruitment of

David Bremner as Chief Executive, New Businesses, will form a strong team to

lead the Group to future success. The Board includes a number of widely

experienced Non-Executive Directors, one of whom, Sir Terence Heiser GCB,

is the nominated senior Non-Executive Director. All Directors have access to

the advice and services of the Company Secretary. In addition there is an

agreed procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice, if

necessary, at the Company’s expense. The Chairman and the Non-Executive

Directors do not have service contracts. The service contracts for the

Executive Directors have either less than 24 months to run or are on a rolling

24-month basis.
Board Committees

The Company’s Remuneration Committee is responsible for advising

on Executive Directors’ pay and benefits. The full report of this Committee is

included in the Annual Accounts. The Nomination Committee advises the

Board on the appointment of Executive Directors. The Audit Committee

36

Statement

receives reports regularly from the Group Internal Audit Department and ensures that an objective and professional relationship

is maintained between the Board and the external auditors. In line with the changes to the executive structure of the Board

outlined on page 36, a new Supermarket Executive Committee has been established to concentrate specifically on the running

of the business of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The membership of these Committees is shown on pages 8 and 9 of this Review.

Directors

The Directors are shown on pages 8 and 9. All the Directors shown held office throughout the year except 

Kevin McCarten who was appointed on 2nd December 1995 and The Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP and Clive Thompson

who were appointed as Non-Executive Directors on 5th July 1995. Angus Clark retired on 28th April 1995, Lady Eccles

retired on 5th July 1995, Ivor Hunt retired on 7th March 1996 and David Quarmby retired on 26th April 1996. The

emoluments of the Executive Directors are determined by the Board on the advice of the Remuneration Committee. The aggregate

emoluments of the Directors of the Company were £4.2 million (1995: £4.4 million).

Group Balance Sheet   9th March 1996

Fixed Assets 

Tangible assets 
Investments 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Current Assets 

Stocks 
Debtors 
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Creditors: due within one year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net Current Liabilities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Creditors: due after one year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Convertible Capital Bonds
Other

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges
Minority Equity Interest

1996
£m

1995
£m

5,458
117

4,852
98
———————————— ————————————
4,950
———————————— ————————————

5,575

761
204
5
209

509
172
2
199
———————————— ————————————
882
(1,836)
———————————— ————————————
(954)
———————————— ————————————
3,996

1,179
(2,519)

(1,340)

4,235

(156)
(480)
(54)
(11)

(200)
(469)
(17)
(21)
———————————— ————————————
3,289
————————————— ————————————

3,534

Capital and Reserves 

Called up share capital
Share premium account
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Equity Shareholders’ Funds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

458
1,074
43
1,959

452
1,000
39
1,798
———————————— ————————————
3,289
————————————— ————————————

3,534

The Summary Financial Statement on pages 36 to 38 was approved by the Board of Directors on 7th May 1996, and is
signed on its behalf by David Sainsbury Chairman

37

Group Profit and Loss Account
for the 52 weeks to 9th March 1996

Continuing Operations

Acquisitions
1996
£m

1996
£m

Total
1996
£m

Total
1995
£m

Group Sales including VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

12,821

678

13,499

12,065

VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group Sales excluding VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

771

708
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
11,357

12,627

12,050

101

872

577

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Cost of sales
Exceptional cost of sales –
Texas Homecare integration costs

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Gross Profit

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Administrative expenses

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group Operating Profit before profit sharing 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit sharing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group Operating Profit

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Associated undertakings – share of profit
(Loss)/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit on Ordinary Activities before Interest

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net interest payable

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit on Ordinary Activities before Tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit on Ordinary Activities after Tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Minority equity interest

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit for the Financial Year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Dividends

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Retained Profit

.   .    .   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Earnings Per Share

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Exceptional cost of sales
Loss/(profit) on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Earnings Per Share before exceptional cost of sales 
and loss/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share before exceptional cost of sales 
and loss/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

38

10,949

572

11,521

10,241

—

—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
1,116

1,101

1,058

(43)

48

48

237

217
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
899

(58)

252

864

806

15

48

61
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
838

(60)

816

756

50

2

19
(4)

6
1
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
845

19
(4)

(60)_

771

831

—‚
—

59

36
———————————— ————————————
809

712

234

270
———————————— ————————————
539

478

10

(4)
———————————— ————————————
535

488

222

211
———————————— ————————————
324
————————————— ————————————

266

26.8p

1.3p
0.2p

29.8p

—
(0.1p)

———————————— ————————————

28.3p

29.7p

————————————— ————————————

26.4p

27.8p

29.0p

29.0p

Statement by the Auditors to the Shareholders
of  J Sainsbury plc on the Summary Financial Statement

We have examined the Summary Financial Statement set out on pages 

36 to 38.

Respective Responsibilities of Directors and Auditors

The Summary Financial Statement is the responsibility of the Directors. Our

responsibility is to report our opinion on its preparation and consistency with

the Annual Accounts and Directors’ Report.

Basis of Opinion

We conducted our work in accordance with Auditing Guideline ‘The auditors’

statement on the summary financial statement’ adopted by the Auditing

Practices Board. 

Opinion

In our opinion the Summary Financial Statement is consistent with the Annual

Accounts and the Directors’ Report of J Sainsbury plc for the 52 weeks ended

9th March 1996 and complies with the requirements of Section 251 of the

Companies Act 1985, and the regulations made thereunder.

Coopers & Lybrand

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

London 

7th May 1996

39

Annual Review and
Summary Financial
Statement

This Annual Review and the Summary
Financial Statement on pages 36 to 38
do not contain sufficient information to
allow for a full understanding of the
results of the Group and state of affairs of
the Company or of the Group. 
The Directors’ Report, the Accounts and
Auditors’ Report on those Accounts are
contained in a separate publication,
entitled Annual Accounts 1996, which,
together with this publication, comprise
the full Annual Report and Accounts of 
J Sainsbury plc for 1996. Copies may be
obtained, free of charge, by telephoning
Freephone 0800 387504.

Shareholders wishing to receive the 
Annual Accounts as well as the 
Annual Review and Summary Financial
Statement in future years should 
write to the Registrars 
at the address on page 42.

Shareholders’ Interests at 
9th March 1996
Number of Shareholders: 111,012 (1995: 110,820)

Range of Shareholdings

Shareholders %

Shares %

1996

1995

1996

1995

500 and under

39.38 36.47

501 to 1,000

20.55 21.56

1,001 to 10,000

36.99 38.94

10,001 to 100,000

2.31

2.34

0.45

0.95

5.73

3.78

0.43

1.01

6.08

3.77

100,001 to 1,000,000 0.58

0.49 11.83 10.31

over 1,000,000

0.19

0.20 77.26 78.40

100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Shareholders % 1996

Investment trusts 0.09
Insurance companies 0.59
Pension funds 0.05

Individuals and 
other shareholders 84.74
Other corporate bodies 1.77
Banks and 
nominee companies 12.76

Shares % 1996

Insurance companies 4.26
Pension funds 2.50
Individuals 47.25 
and other shareholders 

Other corporate bodies 7.06
Banks and 
nominee companies 38.89
Investment trusts 0.04

At the year end, the Trustees of the J Sainsbury 
Profit Sharing Scheme Share Trust 
held 19.5 million shares (1995: 20.1 million) 
on behalf of 43,472 participants (1995: 41,749). 
The Trustees’ holding is included in
‘other shareholders’.

Investor Information

Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting will be held at 12 noon on

Wednesday 3rd July 1996 at The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre,

Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The Notice of Meeting 

and the proxy card accompany this Annual Review.

American Depositary Receipts (ADRs)

In the US, the Company’s ordinary shares are traded in the 

over-the-counter markets (‘OTC’) in the form of American Depositary Shares,

evidenced by ADRs, and trade under the symbol JSNSY. Each American

Depositary Share represents four ordinary shares. Citibank is the Authorised

Depositary Bank for the Sainsbury ADR programme. All enquiries regarding ADR

holder accounts and payment of dividends should be addressed to: Citibank,

N.A., ADR Shareholder Services, 111 Wall Street, New York, NY 10043.

Share Dividend Alternative

The Company is again offering the option of a share dividend

alternative to holders of ordinary shares. An ‘evergreen’ system is now in

operation so shareholders who have already completed a mandate and wish

to receive shares for the final dividend 1995/96 need take no action.

Low Cost Share Dealing Service

The Company offers a share dealing service for J Sainsbury plc

ordinary shares through The Share Centre Ltd., in conjunction with SBC

Warburg, the Company’s corporate stockbroker. Dealing commission on both

purchases and sales of J Sainsbury plc ordinary shares is 1%, with no minimum

charge, although purchases are subject to a minimum investment of £500. For

further information, please write to: J Sainsbury Share Dealing Service, The Share

Centre Ltd., PO Box 1000, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 4JR. The publication of

the above information relating to the low cost dealing service has been

approved, for the purposes of Section 57 of the Financial Services Act 1986, by

The Share Centre Ltd., a member of the Securities and Futures Authority.

Personal Equity Plans

On the Company’s behalf, a Single Company PEP and a General

PEP are now operated by The Royal Bank of Scotland. For further information

contact The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, PEP Unit, Registrar’s Department, 

PO Box 1840, 8 Bankhead, Crossway North, Edinburgh EH11 4BS.

Telephone number: 0131 523 6101.

40

Key dates in respect 
of the Share Dividend Alternative: 
Final 1995/96

Calculation period for 
share dividend price

Ordinary shares record date

Last date for receipt by 
Registrars of mandates/revocations 
(Return Date)

Share Dividend Alternative 
certificates posted

20th May to 
24th May 1996

29th May 1996

19th June 1996

25th July 1996

First date of dealing in new shares

26th July 1996

The cash equivalent 
of the new shares is as follows:

Dividend

Final 1994/95 
(paid 28th July 1995)

Interim 1995/96 
(paid 17th January 1996)

Cash
Equivalent

Gross Income
for UK  
Tax Purposes*

436.4p

545.5p

391.2p

489.0p

* Cash equivalent grossed up for tax at 20%

Shares have been 
issued in respect of share dividends
at the following prices:

Dividend

1991/92

1992/93

1993/94

1994/95

1995/96

Interim 
Payment
Date

Issue 
Price

20th January  
1992

18th January  
1993

17th January  
1994

18th January  
1995

17th January
1996

349.0

483.4

406.8

418.2

391.2

Final
Payment
Date

31st July   
1992

30th July  
1993

29th July   
1994

28th July  
1995

Issue
Price

471.6

476.6

389.0

436.4

Entry into CRESTSystem

CREST, the new computerised system for settling sales and

purchases of shares will be introduced by the Stock Exchange in July 1996.

The Board has resolved to join the CREST system and expects to do so 

in October 1996. The Company will be assisting private shareholders to join

the CREST system through the services of a CREST Nominee to be run by the

Company Registrar. Full details of this service will be circulated with the

interim announcement in November. Shareholders need not join CREST and

will be able to retain their share certificates if they so wish.

Tax Information – Capital Gains Tax

For Capital Gains Tax purposes, the market value of ordinary

shares on 31st March 1982 is 69.375p.

Share Price

The middle market price of the Company’s ordinary shares on 

9th March 1996 was 379p per share and the range during the year was

477p to 367p. The Company’s market capitalisation on 9th March 1996 

was £6,942 million in comparison with £7,497 million on 11th March 1995.

Further Information

Below are some useful telephone numbers:

Information about shareholdings, dividends and changes to

personal details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Royal Bank of Scotland 0117 930 6600.

Information about low cost dealing

facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Share Centre 01442 890844.

An audio tape of this Annual Review can be

obtained by calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 01435 866102.

The Company’s Environment Report is available by calling . . . . 0800 387504.

For any other enquiries please contact our

Customer Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0800 636262.

Contact via the Internet:

Information about the Company may be found on 

the Internet at. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.j-sainsbury.co.uk

Shaw’s has its own Internet site at. . . . . . . . . . . . http://www.shopat.com/shaw’s

41

Financial Calendar
1996/97

Registered Office and Advisers

Dividend and Interest Payments

REGISTERED OFFICE

J Sainsbury plc 

Ordinary Dividend

Final

.   .   .   .   . payable 26th July 1996

Interim

.   .   .   .   . payable January 1997

Stamford House, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LL

Registered Number 185647

8% Irredeemable Unsecured Loan Stock .   . 1st March

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 1st September

91

8% Notes 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 2nd October

REGISTRAR

81

2% Convertible Capital Bonds 2005 .   .   . 6th March

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 6th September

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

$150m 7 3

⁄8% MTN 1997

.   .   .   .   .   .   . 17th November

Registrar’s Department, PO Box 82

Caxton House, Redcliffe Way

Bristol BS99 7NH

AUDITORS

Coopers & Lybrand

1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6NN

SOLICITORS

Denton Hall

Five Chancery Lane, Clifford’s Inn

London EC4A 1BU

STOCKBROKERS

SBC Warburg

£150m 81

⁄4% Notes 2000

.   .   .   .   .   .   . 22nd December

Other Dates

Results for half year 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   . announced 30th October

Interim Report circulated 

.   .   .   .   .   .   . 1st November

Results for the year 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . announced in May

Report and Accounts 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

circulated in June

1 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PP

Annual General Meeting 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .

July

Designed and Produced by
McBain, Noel-Johnson & Co Ltd.  
Printed in England by Royle Print Limited.  
Printed on Zanders Mega-Matt paper made from
100% chlorine-free bleached pulp and awarded the
Nordic Swan environmental label.

42

Sainsbury’s supermarket at Braintree, Essex 
is one of 21 existing stores extended during the year. 
Its sales area was increased by 12,000 sq. ft. to 
26,000 sq. ft. and so far sales have increased by over 60%. 
Extensions at a further 25 supermarkets are planned 
for the coming year.

J Sainsbury plc
Stamford House  Stamford Street  London SE1 9LL

J Sainsbury plc

Annual Accounts 1996

Contents

Report of the Directors
1-3
Report of the Remuneration Committee
4-7
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
8
Report of the Auditors on 
Corporate Governance
8
Report of the Auditors to the 
Shareholders of J Sainsbury plc
8
Accounting Policies
9
Balance Sheets
10
Group Profit and Loss Account
11
Group Cash Flow Statement
12
Group Statement of 
Recognised Gains and Losses
13
Reconciliation of Movements 
in Shareholders’ Funds
13
Notes to the Accounts
14-28
Registered Office and Advisers
29

Annual Accounts
This publication includes the Directors’ Report, the Report of the Remuneration Committee, the Accounts and the Auditors’
Reports for the period ended 9th March 1996. The Chairman’s Statement and review of the business are contained in a separate
publication entitled Annual Review 1996 and Summary Financial Statement.

These Annual Accounts together with the Annual Review 1996 and Summary Financial Statement comprise the full Annual
Report and Accounts of J Sainsbury plc for 1996, in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. Copies may be obtained, free of
charge, by telephoning Freephone 0800 387504.

J Sainsbury plc

Report of the Directors
for the 52 weeks to 9th March 1996

Principal Activity

The principal activity of the Group is the retail distribution of food and home improvement and garden products.

Group Performance

A review of the Group’s performance during the period, with comments on the financial results and future developments, is
contained in the Annual Review which is published separately and, together with this document, comprises the full J Sainsbury plc
Annual Report and Accounts.

Corporate Governance

The Group has complied throughout the period under review with all the provisions of the Code of Best Practice contained in the
Cadbury Committee’s Report, as laid down in the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange.

The Board

The Board of Directors meets regularly and is responsible for the effective management of the business. During the year a number
of changes were made to the executive structure of the Board. R T Vyner became Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. 
D B Adriano, whilst remaining Chairman of Homebase, became Deputy Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s supermarkets and will succeed
R T Vyner who will be retiring at the end of 1997. K McCarten joined the Board as Marketing Director. These appointments and
the existing Directors, together with the recruitment of D M Bremner as Chief Executive, New Businesses, will form a strong team
to lead the Group to future success. The Board includes a number of widely experienced Non-Executive Directors, one of whom,
Sir Terence Heiser GCB, is the nominated senior Non-Executive Director. All Directors have access to the advice and services of the
Company Secretary. In addition there is an agreed procedure for Directors to take independent professional advice, if necessary, at
the Company’s expense. The Chairman and the Non-Executive Directors do not have service contracts. The service contracts for
the Executive Directors have either less than 24 months to run or are on a rolling 24-month basis.

Board Committees

The Company’s Remuneration Committee is responsible for advising on Executive Directors’ pay and benefits. The report of this
committee is set out on pages 4 to 7. The Nomination Committee advises the Board on the appointment of Executive Directors.
The Audit Committee receives reports regularly from the Group Internal Audit Department and ensures that an objective and
professional relationship is maintained between the Board and the external auditors. In line with the changes to the executive
structure of the Board outlined above, a new Supermarket Executive Committee has been established to concentrate specifically
on the running of the business of Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The membership of these Committees is shown on page 3.

Internal Financial Control

The Directors are responsible for the Group’s system of internal financial control. In order to meet that responsibility the Board
has established an organisational structure with clear responsibilities and authorities, corporate standards and procedures and a
thorough system of internal financial reporting.

The Board has carried out a formal review of the effectiveness of the system of internal financial control using a Risk Self
Assessment process. This was carried out in all major Group companies and the results reviewed and signed off by the Board.

The Directors believe that proper accounting records are maintained and that financial information used within the business and
for publication is reliable.

The system of internal financial control can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement
and loss. 
The key elements of the system of internal financial control are:–
Control Framework

There is an organisational structure with clear accountabilities and levels of authority. Group financial control standards are set
out in statements to the business and are supported by procedures manuals.

Process

There are well-established planning processes which include detailed operational budgets for the year ahead and projections for
future years. These are approved by the Board.

Performance against these budgets is reviewed by the Board monthly. More detailed performance reviews are carried out by
management.

There are clear policies and procedures for capital expenditure. These include investment appraisals, authorisation procedures
and post-implementation reviews.

Treasury policy changes and significant treasury transactions are reviewed and approved by the Board. Foreign exchange transactions
are actively managed to reduce or eliminate exchange rate exposure and are used solely for the operation of the business.

Review

The Audit Committee has responsibility for ensuring that internal financial control is defined and monitored. It reviews interim and
annual financial statements and receives regular reports from management, internal audit and external audit.

1

J Sainsbury plc

Report of the Directors – continued

The Group has a well-established internal audit function. Homebase/Texas and Shaw’s have their own internal audit departments,
whilst Group Internal Audit covers Sainsbury’s supermarkets and other Group companies. The Head of Group Internal Audit has
overall responsibility for coverage and reports significant matters and has direct access to the Audit Committee.

The Risk Self Assessment process established by the Group allows management to consider internal financial control. This will
continue to be used as a regular management tool and will be formally reviewed and signed off by the Board annually.

Going Concern

In order to comply with the Code, the Directors confirm that they are satisfied that the Group has sufficient resources to continue in
operation for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group Accounts.

Profit and Dividend

The profit on the ordinary activities of the Group before tax amounted to £712 million (1995: £809 million).

The Directors are proposing the payment of a final dividend of 8.7p per share on 26th July 1996 to shareholders on the Register
at the close of business on 29th May 1996; together with the interim dividend paid of 3.4p per share, this makes a total dividend
for the year of 12.1p (1995: 11.7p) per share.

Share Capital

The principal changes in share capital during the period were as follows:

–  10.2 million shares were allotted and further options granted under the Company’s share schemes for employees;

–  1.9 million shares were allotted under the terms of the share dividend alternative to shareholders;

–  13.1 million shares were allotted following the conversion of £44 million of the Convertible Capital Bonds 2005.

Further details are given in Note 12.

A Resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to renew the authority of the Directors to issue shares without
applying the statutory pre-emption rights.

Resolutions will also be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to enable the Company to make market purchases of its own
shares up to a maximum of 182,960,000 shares, to establish new employee share schemes and renew/update existing schemes
and to establish an Employee Share Ownership Trust to facilitate the provision of shares to employee schemes.

The full text of the Resolutions is set out in the Notice of Meeting.

Share Dividend Alternative

Around 27,000 shareholders elected to take shares instead of cash for both the final dividend for 1995 and the interim dividend
for 1996. Shareholders are to be offered a similar choice in respect of the final dividend payable in July 1996 and the interim
dividend for 1997.
Acquisition of Texas Homecare

On 14th March 1995, Homebase Limited acquired the whole of the issued share capital of Home Charm Group PLC from
Ladbroke Group PLC. The principal operating business within Home Charm Group PLC is Texas Homecare. Full details of the
acquisition are set out in Note 4.

Market Value of Properties

The Directors believe that the aggregate open market value of Group properties exceeds the net book value of £4,224 million by
a considerable margin.

Employment Policies

Group employment policies respect the individual and offer career opportunities regardless of gender, race or religion. Full and fair
consideration is given to the employment and opportunities for training and development of people with disabilities according to
their skills and capacity. The Company has been awarded the usage of the symbol “Positive about disabled people”. This shows
the Company’s commitment to improving employment opportunities for disabled applicants or employees who become disabled.
The services of any existing employee who becomes disabled are retained wherever possible. The Group also has an extensive and
well-established structure for communicating with employees, especially in relation to the financial results at the period end. The
Company has a full range of employee share schemes and about one-third of all shareholders are employees or former employees.

Donations

Donations to charitable organisations and local community projects amounted to £2 million (1995: £2 million) which included
contributions to enterprise agencies, job creation, educational schemes, community projects and the arts. There were no political
donations.
Research and Development

The Scientific Services Division employs 140 people and has an annual expenditure of £6 million. It works in close co-operation
with suppliers to achieve the highest standards of product quality, hygiene and safety and to maintain them throughout the
Company’s distribution chain and stores. It also works with the Company’s buyers to develop new products.

2

J Sainsbury plc

Directors and Directors’ Interests

The Directors are as follows:– D J Sainsbury (Chairman), R T Vyner (Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Sainsbury’s
supermarkets), D B Adriano (Deputy Chief Executive Sainsbury’s supermarkets), I D Coull, R Cooper, J E Adshead, C I Harvey, 
R P Whitbread, R P Thorne, D J Clapham, K McCarten, Sir Terence Heiser GCB (Non-Executive), Dr J M Ashworth (Non-Executive),
Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP (Non-Executive) and C M Thompson (Non-Executive).

Committee membership

D J Sainsbury
R T Vyner
D B Adriano
I D Coull
R Cooper
J E Adshead
R P Whitbread
D J Clapham
K McCarten
Sir Terence Heiser GCB
Dr J M Ashworth
Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP
C M Thompson

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Supermarket
Executive

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Audit Remuneration

Nomination
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

*
*
*
*

All Directors held office throughout the period except K McCarten who was appointed on 2nd December 1995 and the Rt Hon
Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP and C M Thompson who were appointed as Non-Executive Directors on 5th July 1995. R A Clark
retired on 28th April 1995, Lady Eccles retired on 5th July 1995, I J Hunt retired on 7th March 1996 and D A Quarmby retired on
26th April 1996.

In accordance with the Articles of Association the following Directors will retire by rotation and seek re-appointment at the
Annual General Meeting on 3rd July 1996:– D B Adriano, J E Adshead, C I Harvey and R P Whitbread. K McCarten was appointed
during the period and will be proposed for re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting. All the Directors who are being proposed
for re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting have service contracts on a rolling 24-month basis.

No Director had, during or at the end of the period, any material interest in any contract of significance to the Group’s business.

Details of Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the Company are set out in the Report of the Remuneration Committee.

Substantial Interests

The substantial material interests notified to the Company, all of which include duplications, are set out below:–
Miss J S Portrait and C T S Stone are trustees of various settlements, including charitable settlements. At 7th May 1996 the total
holdings of the trusts of which the above are trustees amounted to 18% and 6% respectively. 

At 7th May 1996 the interests, as trustees of charitable and other trusts and beneficially, of D J Sainsbury, the Hon S D Sainsbury,
Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover and the Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP were 17%, 5%, 4% and 4% respectively.

Annual General Meeting

The 1996 Annual General Meeting of shareholders will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday 3rd July 1996 at The Queen
Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE. The Notice of Meeting and proxy card
accompany these Annual Accounts.

CREST

Auditors

CREST, the new computerised system for settling sales and purchases of shares, will begin during 1996. The Board has resolved
to join the CREST system and arrangements are being made for shareholders to have the opportunity to join the electronic
system if they wish to do so. A formal notice to members of the Board’s action in passing this resolution is included in the
Chairman’s letter accompanying the notice of the Annual General Meeting.

A resolution to re-appoint Coopers & Lybrand as Auditors of the Company and to authorise the Directors to fix their
remuneration will be put to the Annual General Meeting.

By Order of the Board

N F Matthews

Secretary

7th May 1996

3

J Sainsbury plc

Report of the Remuneration Committee
Composition and Terms of Reference

The Remuneration Committee has been reconstituted following the Report of the Greenbury Committee and now consists
entirely of Non-Executive Directors. D J Sainsbury has stepped down from membership and C M Thompson has become
Chairman of the Committee. The membership of the Committee is shown on page 3.

The Committee’s terms of reference provide for it to make recommendations to the Board on all matters relating to the
remuneration of the Executive Directors of the Company. These recommendations are considered by the Board but no Director
participates in the decision relating to his or her own remuneration.

Policy on Remuneration of Executive Directors

Total Level of Remuneration

In framing its remuneration policy the Committee has given full consideration to Section B of the best practice provisions on
Directors’ remuneration, annexed to the Listing Rules of the London Stock Exchange. The Committee aims to ensure that the
remuneration packages offered are competitive and designed to attract, retain and motivate Executive Directors of the highest
calibre. In doing so, the Committee takes account of information from internal and independent sources on the remuneration for
similar jobs in similar companies in the retail sector and other large companies in the FTSE 100 Index.
The main components of Executive Directors’ remuneration are:–
i) Basic Salary
Basic salary for each Director is determined taking into account recommendations on individual performance.

ii) Performance-Related Bonus
A performance-related bonus is calculated in accordance with a formula which is linked to the period-on-period increase in profits as
reduced by inflation, before profit sharing and the profit or loss on the sale of property. It is subject to a maximum of 35% of basic
salary which is achieved when real profit growth is 20%. No bonus is payable in respect of the period ended 9th March 1996
(1995: 17.8%). It is proposed to replace these arrangements with new arrangements explained in paragraph iv) below.

iii) Share Options
Directors hold options under the SAYE Scheme and the Executive Share Option Scheme. Under the latter scheme it has been the
practice to grant options to Executive Directors at intervals of approximately 18 months to a value of one and a half times salary and
subject to an overall maximum value of outstanding options of four times taxable emoluments. Exercises of options granted on
8th September 1995 and after are subject to the condition that over a period of three years the Company must achieve an average of
2.5% per annum real growth in earnings per share before the options may be exercised. Details of Directors’ options are set out on page 7.

iv) New Share Option Schemes and Long Term Incentive Scheme
Proposals to replace the Executive Share Option Scheme and the Directors’ bonus arrangements are to be put to shareholders for
their approval at the Annual General Meeting. The proposed arrangements reflect the Company’s belief that share ownership by
Executive Directors and Senior Executives strengthens the link between their personal interests and those of the shareholders as
well as incentivising personal performance.
The proposals may be summarised as follows:–
It is intended to continue to grant options to Directors and Senior Executives at intervals of approximately 18 months and, for
Directors, to a value of one times salary only instead of one and a half times.

Accordingly, the existing approved Executive Share Option Scheme will be replaced by a new approved scheme under which
options will be granted to the maximum value permitted by the Inland Revenue, currently £30,000. Grants of options above the
value of £30,000 will be made under a new unapproved Executive Share Option Scheme which will take into account the relevant
institutional guidelines. For any individual the maximum value of outstanding options at any time under both schemes will be four
times total annual remuneration. The performance criterion to be satisfied prior to exercise of options will be an average over a
three-year period of 2% per annum real growth in earnings per share.

In addition to the new share option schemes it is intended to introduce a long term incentive scheme to come into effect from the
1997 financial year. This scheme will provide Executive Directors with a bonus established by a formula related to real growth in
earnings per share. No bonus will be earned in respect of any year unless real growth in earnings per share as against the previous
year reaches 2%. Bonuses will be paid partly in cash and partly in shares. The shares will be held in trust for three years and may
be augmented at the end of that period depending on performance measured in relation to real growth in earnings per share.

Full particulars of the proposals for the share option schemes and the long term incentive scheme are contained in the letter from
the Chairman to shareholders which accompanies the Notice of Meeting.

v) Profit Sharing
Executive Directors participate in the Company’s Profit Sharing Scheme in the same way as all other participants. Although profit
sharing is accounted for on an accruals basis, payments are not finally calculated and paid until after the Annual General Meeting.
Accordingly, profit sharing to Directors is included on a paid basis in the table of Directors’ Emoluments on page 5.

Profit sharing in respect of the period ended 9th March 1996 which will be paid in August 1996 is expected to amount to
approximately 7.1% of basic salary (1995: 9.6%).

vi) Benefits
Benefits include the provision of a company car and medical insurance premiums.

4

J Sainsbury plc

Contracts of Service

With the exception of the Chairman, who does not have a service contract, the service contracts for the Executive Directors are on
a rolling 24-month basis, or have less than 24 months to run. The notice period is in line with the market and there are no current
plans to reduce it. All the Directors who are being proposed for re-appointment at the Annual General Meeting have service
contracts on a rolling 24-month basis.

Company Pension Policy regarding Executive Directors

The Group’s policy is to offer its most senior employees membership of the J Sainsbury Executive Pension Scheme.

The scheme is a funded, Inland Revenue approved, final salary, occupational pension scheme. Under the Group’s pension arrangements
the Executive Directors are entitled to a pension on retirement at age 60, or earlier in the event of 40 years service or ill health, of
up to two-thirds of their pensionable earnings (defined as salary in the last 12 months of service plus the average of the
performance-related bonus paid in the Company’s last three financial years), subject to Inland Revenue limits.

Pensions are also payable to dependants on death and a lump sum is payable if death occurs in service. In the case of three
Directors who joined the Company on or after 17th March 1987 the Company has agreed to make up that portion of the
standard pension entitlement which is in excess of Inland Revenue limits. This last obligation is unfunded, although full provision
has been made in respect of the period ended 9th March 1996 (£147,000) and in respect of prior periods (£269,000).

In principle the Remuneration Committee does not think that variable payments should be pensionable and accordingly cash
payments under the new long term incentive scheme will not be pensionable. The Committee is currently examining the need to
compensate senior executives for this alteration to present arrangements.

Pending the outcome of further official guidance on disclosure of pension values the Company has retained the method of
disclosure used last year. With the exception of I J Hunt, for whom details are given in note 5 to the tables, the pension
contributions included in the tables of Directors’ emoluments are 8.5% (1995: 8.2%) of pensionable earnings which was the level
of Company contribution into the J Sainsbury Executive Pension Scheme.

Directors’ Emoluments

The aggregate emoluments of the Directors of the Company were as follows:–

Executive Directors

Salary
Performance-related bonus
Profit sharing
Benefits

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Compensation for loss of office
Pension contributions

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Non-Executive Directors

Fees

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1996
£000

1995
£000

2,951
—
270
149

2,919
525
247
183
———————————— ————————————
3,874
—
449
———————————— ————————————
4,323

3,370
271
465

4,106

79

59
———————————— ————————————
4,382
———————————— ————————————

4,185

The emoluments of each of the Executive Directors are set out below:–
Benefits

Salary

Totals

Performance-
related bonus
1996 1995
£000 £000
51
69
35
59
48
38
38
34
31
31
33
27
23
–
8

Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
Nil
—

1996 1995
£000 £000
276
296
373
405
185
212
320
345
258
65
210
225
207
227
184
204
170
177
168
184
177
196
145
157
127
145
–
113
119
—

1996 1995
£000 £000
389
359
523
491
266
261
450
413
457
94
296
272
293
280
265
253
243
216
243
228
254
240
211
197
194
680
–
122
239
—
————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— ————— —————
2,951 2,919
449 4,106 4,323
—————— ————— —————— ————— —————— ————— —————— ————— —————— ————— —————— ————— —————— ————— —————— —————  

1996 1995
£000 £000
11
14
13
13
15
10
11
14
10
14
12
13
23
–
10

11
16
13
8
1
8
14
14
8
12
10
13
16
5
—

Compensation
for loss of office
1996 1995
£000 £000
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
271
—
—

Pension
contribution
1996 1995
£000 £000
27
36
18
31
114
20
20
18
17
16
17
14
12
–
89

25
34
18
29
3
19
19
17
15
16
17
13
236
4
—

Sub
totals
1996 1995
£000 £000
362
334
487
457
248
243
419
384
343
91
276
253
273
261
247
236
226
201
227
212
237
223
197
184
182
173
–
118
150
—

Profit
sharing
1996 1995
£000 £000
24
31
15
27
22
18
17
15
15
14
15
12
9
–
13

27
36
18
31
25
20
20
18
16
16
17
14
12
—
—

183 3,370 3,874

525

270

247

149

271

465

Nil

–

D J Sainsbury1
.
R T Vyner2
.   .
D B Adriano
.
D A Quarmby3 .
R A Clark4
.   .
.   .   .
I D Coull
.   .
R Cooper
J E Adshead .   .
C I Harvey
.   .
R P Whitbread .
R P Thorne .   .
D J Clapham .
I J Hunt5
.   .   .
K McCarten6
.
K C Worrall7
.

5

Report of the Remuneration Committee – continued

The emoluments of each of the Non-Executive Directors are set out below:–

Sir Terence Heiser GCB
Dr J M Ashworth
Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP 8
C M Thompson8
Lady Eccles 9
Sir James Spooner 10

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

Fees

1996
£000
22
21
15
15
6
—

1995
£000
18
17
—
—
19
5
———————————— ————————————
59
———————————— ————————————

79

Notes to the tables:–
1. Chairman.   2. Highest paid Director.

3. Retired as a Director on 26th April 1996. The accounts include a provision of £336,000 for compensation for loss of office

and £556,000 in respect of additional pension contributions. However, these amounts are not included within Directors’
emoluments as they were due and paid after the period end. Following his retirement D A Quarmby retains the right to
exercise outstanding share options as set out in the table of Directors’ options over Ordinary Shares on page 7.

4. Retired as a Director on 28th April 1995. Following retirement R A Clark received £124,000 of fees as Chairman of NewMarket

Foods Limited and for other services, which are not included above. 1995 includes an additional pension contribution of £89,000.

5. Retired as a Director on 7th March 1996. 1996 pension contribution includes £225,000 in respect of compensation for loss of office.
In addition, I J Hunt retains the right to exercise 112,680 options over Ordinary Shares previously granted under the Company’s
option schemes. These options have exercise prices ranging from 237.1p to 475.0p. The average exercise price is 419.0p.

6. Appointed 2nd December 1995. 1996 salary includes £62,000 in respect of acceptance of office.

7. K C Worrall became a Non-Executive Director on 3rd July 1994 and retired on 31st December 1994. 1995 emoluments

include £85,000 of fees as a Non-Executive Director and an additional pension contribution of £79,000.

8. Appointed 5th July 1995. The fees of C M Thompson are remitted to Rentokil Group PLC.

9. Retired 5th July 1995.   10. Retired 6th July 1994.

Directors’ Interests

Details of the Directors’ interests in the ordinary shares of the Company are as follows:–

Ordinary Shares

9th March
1996

12th March
1995
D J Sainsbury.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 321,674,572 321,674,572
R T Vyner .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
14,433
D B Adriano .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
23,991
D A Quarmby .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
63,330
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
I D Coull
11,288
R Cooper .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
77,499
J E Adshead .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
21,022
C I Harvey.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
54,951
R P Whitbread .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
31,097
R P Thorne .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
5,657
D J Clapham .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
31,701
K McCarten .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
— *

16,683
37,764
53,441
23,674
81,535
29,504
88,386
40,574
7,653
39,056
1,310

Sir Terence Heiser GCB .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Dr J M Ashworth .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
C M Thompson.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1,000
2,112
13,431,900
881

1,000
2,054
13,731,900*
881*

* At date of appointment.

These beneficial holdings include the Directors’ personal holdings and those of their spouses and minor children, as well as
holdings in family trusts of which a Director or his minor children are beneficiaries or potential beneficiaries. It includes also the
beneficial interest in shares which are held in trust under the J Sainsbury Profit Sharing Scheme.

D J Sainsbury has a non-beneficial interest in holdings of 4,703,759 (1995: 4,902,737) shares and £43,974 (1995: £2,095) 8%
Irredeemable Unsecured Loan Stock held by trusts, including a charitable trust, of which he is a trustee.

The Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury MP has a non-beneficial interest in holdings of 66,538,569 (73,688,569 at date of
appointment) shares.

There were no changes to the Directors’ interests shown above between 9th March 1996 and 7th May 1996.

6

Options  over  Ordinary  Shares

Directors’ options under the Company’s Executive Share Option Scheme (a) and Savings-Related Share Option Scheme (b) are
set out in the table below:–

Total
12th March
1995

Number
granted

Number
exercised

Date
exercised

Option
price

Pence

Market
price
on exercise
Pence

Total
9th March
1996

J Sainsbury plc

D J Sainsbury
R T Vyner

D B Adriano

D A Quarmby

I D Coull

R Cooper

J E Adshead

C I Harvey

R P Whitbread

R P Thorne
D J Clapham

K McCarten

.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .

222,564
293,565

165,894

377,570

211,572

244,787

183,691

206,884

182,316

142,821
145,852

89,683 (a)
122,526 (a)
396 (b)
61,894 (a)
396 (b)
71,110 (a)
308 (b)
68,210 (a)
308 (b)
67,894 (a)
529 (b)

60,631 (a)
1,234 (b)
54,947 (a)
440 (b)

54,947 (a)
220 (b)

58,105 (a)
47,368 (a)
529 (b)

—

*

73,834 (a)

— (a)
— (a)

32,594 (a)

51,500 (a)
1,331 (b)
46,564 (a)

16,333 (a)
31,166 (a)
21,700 (a)
18,500 (a)
3,542 (b)
15,623 (a)
23,459 (a)
31,166 (a)
695 (b)
10,000 (a)
55,928 (a)
3,153 (b)
— (a)
22,732 (a)
27,316 (a)
948 (b)
— (a)

7.6.95

7.6.95
1.9.95
7.6.95

7.6.95
7.6.95
23.8.95
3.8.95
8.3.96
7.6.95
7.6.95
7.6.95
8.3.96
7.6.95
3.8.95
14.6.95

7.6.95
7.6.95
6.3.96

322.1

322.1
205.5
322.1

322.1
272.7
322.1
447.0
237.1
281.6
217.4
272.7
237.1
272.7
447.0
205.5

272.7
322.1
237.1

312,247
416,487

195,590

396,157

233,526

244,011

223,514

191,328

168,402

200,926
142,753

73,834

449

449
471
449

449
449
471
465
379
449
449
449
379
449
465
450

449
449
379

* At date of appointment.

Outstanding options above and below the market price of 379p on 9th March 1996 are set out in the table below:–

Options outstanding
below market price
——————————————————————
Weighted
Number
average
price
Pence

Options outstanding
above market price
——————————————————————
Weighted
Number
average
price
Pence

222,564

153,624

77,768

196,412

89,254

106,176

116,885

73,226

112,681

75,707

62,500

—

330.2

357.7

355.9

256.2

357.7

349.4

345.1

357.1

308.7

356.3

356.2

89,683

262,863

117,822

199,745

144,272

137,835

106,629

118,102

55,721

125,219

80,253

73,834

475.0

459.9

461.7

457.0

460.2

460.6

462.7

459.8

473.9

460.0

463.5

386.0

Number of 
options
outstanding

312,247

416,487

195,590

396,157

233,526

244,011

223,514

191,328

168,402

200,926

142,753

73,834

D J Sainsbury
R T Vyner
D B Adriano
D A Quarmby
I D Coull
R Cooper
J E Adshead
C I Harvey
R P Whitbread
R P Thorne
D J Clapham
K McCarten

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

No options lapsed during the period. The options outstanding are exercisable at prices between 237.1p and 475p. In the period from
12th March 1995 to 9th March 1996 the highest middle market price was 477p and the lowest middle market price was 367p.

Approved by the Board on 7th May 1996.

C M Thompson
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

7

J Sainsbury plc

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

Company law requires the Directors to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of
affairs of the Company and the Group at the end of the period and of the profit or loss of the Group for that period. In preparing
accounts, the Directors are required to:

(cid:2) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

(cid:2) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

(cid:2) state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained

in the accounts;

(cid:2) prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Company will continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the
financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are
also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud
and other irregularities.

Report of the Auditors to J Sainsbury plc on Corporate Governance

In addition to our audit of the financial statements, we have reviewed the Directors’ statement on pages 1 and 2 on the Company’s
compliance with the paragraphs of the Code of Best Practice specified for our review by the London Stock Exchange. The objective
of our review is to draw attention to non-compliance with those paragraphs of the Code which is not disclosed.

Basis of Opinion

We carried out our review in accordance with Bulletin 1995/1 “Disclosures relating to corporate governance” issued by the
Auditing Practices Board. That Bulletin does not require us to perform the additional work necessary to, and we do not, express
any opinion on the effectiveness of either the Group’s system of internal financial control or its corporate governance procedures,
nor on the ability of the Group to continue in operational existence.

Opinion

With respect to the Directors’ statements on internal financial control on pages 1 and 2 and going concern on page 2, in our
opinion the Directors have provided the disclosures required by paragraphs 4.5 and 4.6 of the Code (as supplemented by the
related guidance for Directors) and such statements are not inconsistent with the information of which we are aware from our
audit work on the financial statements.

Based on enquiry of certain Directors and Officers of the Company, and examination of relevant documents, in our opinion the
Directors’ statement on pages 1 and 2 appropriately reflects the Company’s compliance with the other paragraphs of the Code
specified for our review.

Coopers & Lybrand
Chartered Accountants, London, 7th May 1996.

Report of the Auditors to the Shareholders of J Sainsbury plc

We have audited the accounts on pages 9 to 28.

Respective responsibilities of Directors and Auditors

As described above the Company’s Directors are responsible for the preparation of accounts. It is our responsibility to form an
independent opinion, based on our audit, on those accounts and to report our opinion to you.

Basis of Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the accounts. It also includes an assessment of
the significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting
policies are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order
to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement,
whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the
presentation of information in the accounts.

Opinion

In our opinion the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group at 9th March 1996 and
of the profit, total recognised gains and cash flows of the Group for the 52 weeks then ended and have been properly prepared
in accordance with the Companies Act 1985.

Coopers & Lybrand
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, London, 7th May 1996.

8

J Sainsbury plc

Accounting Policies
Basis of Accounts 

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain properties.
They comply with all applicable Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards.

No Profit and Loss Account is presented for the Company as provided by Section 230(3) of the Companies Act 1985.

All the activities in the Group are continuing businesses.

Consolidation

The results of Subsidiaries and Associated undertakings are included in the Group Profit and Loss Account from the date of acquisition. 

Goodwill arising in connection with the acquisition of shares in Subsidiaries and Associated undertakings is deducted from
reserves in the period of acquisition. Goodwill comprises the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible
assets acquired.

Sales

Sales consist of sales through retail outlets and sales of development properties. Rental and other income is excluded.

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales consists of all costs to the point of sale including warehouse and transportation costs and all the costs of operating
retail outlets.

Deferred Tax

Deferred tax is accounted for, at anticipated tax rates, in respect of all timing differences between accounting and tax treatment,
except to the extent that it is thought reasonably probable that the tax effects of such deferrals will continue for the foreseeable
future.
Depreciation

Freehold land is not depreciated. Freehold buildings, and leasehold buildings with more than 50 years unexpired, are depreciated
in equal instalments at the rate of 2% per annum. 

Leasehold properties with less than 50 years unexpired are depreciated to write off their book value in equal annual instalments
over the unexpired period of the lease. 

Certain tenants’ fixtures, which have been capitalised as part of leasehold properties, are depreciated in equal annual instalments
over the estimated useful life of the asset to the Group.

Fixtures, equipment and vehicles are depreciated in equal annual instalments to write off their cost over their estimated useful
lives, which range from 3 to 15 years, commencing when they are brought into use. 

A permanent diminution in value of any fixed asset is charged to the Profit and Loss Account.

Capitalisation of Interest

Interest incurred on borrowings to finance specific property developments is capitalised net of tax relief.

Research and Development

Research and development expenditure is written off as incurred against the profits of the period.

Pension Costs

The costs of providing pensions for employees are charged in the Profit and Loss Account in accordance with the
recommendations of independent qualified actuaries. Any funding surpluses or deficits that may arise from time to time are
amortised over the average service life of members of the relevant scheme.

Leased Assets

Assets used by the Group which have been funded through finance leases are capitalised and the resulting lease obligations are
included in creditors net of finance charges. Interest costs on finance leases and all payments in respect of operating leases are
charged directly to the Profit and Loss Account.

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Stocks at warehouse are valued at cost, and at retail outlets at
calculated average cost prices.

Foreign Currencies

Foreign currency assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rates ruling at the Balance Sheet date. Results from overseas
companies are translated at the average rates of exchange for the relevant accounting period and at the period-end rates for the
balance sheets. Differences on translation of investments in overseas companies and related loans are taken directly to reserves.

9

Balance Sheets
9th March 1996

Fixed Assets 

Tangible assets 
Investments 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1
2

Note

Current Assets 

Stocks 
Debtors 
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

6
7
8

Creditors: due within one year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

9

Net Current Liabilities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

Group

Company 

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1995
£m

1996
£m

1996
£m

4,852
98

5,458
117

3,981
887
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
4,868
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————

4,281
1,565

5,575

5,846

4,950

761
204
5
209

303
160
—
89
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
552

357
174
—
84

509
172
2
199

1,179

615

882

(1,836)

(2,519)

(1,607)
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
(1,055)
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————

(2,280)

(1,665)

(1,340)

(954)

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

4,235

3,996

4,181

3,813

Creditors: due after one year

Convertible Capital Bonds
Other

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges
Minority Equity Interest

9
9
11

(156)
(480)
(54)
(11)

(200)
(469)
(17)
(21)

—
(483)
(15)

—
(666)
(7)

———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
3,140
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————

3,534

3,683

3,289

452
1,000
39
1,798

458
1,074
43
1,959

452
1,000
40
1,648
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
3,140
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————

458
1,074
44
2,107

3,534

3,683

3,289

Capital and Reserves 

Called up share capital
Share premium account
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

12
13
14
15

Equity Shareholders’ Funds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Notes to the accounts are on pages 14 to 28.

The Accounts on pages 9 to 28
were approved by the Board of Directors on 
7th May 1996, and are signed on its behalf by

D J Sainsbury Chairman

R T Vyner Deputy Chairman

10

Group Profit and Loss Account
for the 52 weeks to 9th March 1996

J Sainsbury plc

Continuing Operations

Acquisitions
1996
£m

1996
£m

Note

Total
1996
£m

Total
1995
£m

Group Sales including VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

16

12,821

678

13,499

12,065

VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group Sales excluding VAT & sales taxes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

771

708
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
11,357

12,627

12,050

872

101

577

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

16

10,949

572

11,521

10,241

Cost of sales
Exceptional cost of sales –
Texas Homecare integration costs

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

4

Gross Profit

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Administrative expenses

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

16

Group Operating Profit before profit sharing 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

16

Profit sharing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

17

Group Operating Profit

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Associated undertakings – share of profit
(Loss)/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

5

Profit on Ordinary Activities before Interest

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net interest payable

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

18

Profit on Ordinary Activities before Tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 19

Tax on profit on ordinary activities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 22

Profit on Ordinary Activities after Tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Minority equity interest

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit for the Financial Year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Dividends

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 23

Retained Profit

.   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Earnings Per Share

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 24

Exceptional cost of sales
Loss/(profit) on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Earnings Per Share before exceptional cost of sales 
and loss/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 24

Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share
Fully Diluted Earnings Per Share before exceptional cost of sales 
and loss/profit on sale of property

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 24

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 24

11

—

—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
1,116

1,101

1,058

(43)

48

48

237

217
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
899

(58)

806

864

252

15

48

61
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
838

(60)

756

816

50

2

19
(4)

6
1
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
845

19
(4)

(60)_

771

831

—‚
—

59

36
———————————— ————————————
809

712

234

270
———————————— ————————————
539

478

10

(4)
———————————— ————————————
535

488

222

211
———————————— ————————————
324
————————————— ————————————

266

26.8p

29.8p

1.3p
0.2p

—
(0.1p)

———————————— ————————————

28.3p

29.7p

————————————— ————————————

26.4p

29.0p

27.8p

29.0p

Group Cash Flow Statement
for the 52 weeks to 9th March 1996

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Note
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 25

J Sainsbury plc

1996
£m
1,012

1995
£m
1,070
———————————— ————————————

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Interest received
Interest paid
Interest element of finance lease rental payments
Dividends received from Associated undertaking
Dividends paid

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net cash outflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Tax

Corporation tax paid
Overseas tax paid

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Tax paid

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Investing activities

Payments for tangible fixed assets
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets
(Purchase)/sale of investments
Purchase of Texas Homecare net of cash acquired
Purchase of other subsidiaries net of cash acquired
Purchase of investment in Giant Food Inc.
Investment in other Associated undertakings

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

4
4

Net cash outflow from investing activities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

11
(73)
(9)
5
(208)

13
(69)
(8)
—
(169)
———————————— ————————————
(233)
———————————— ————————————

(274)_

(261)
(10)

(208)
(13)
———————————— ————————————
(221)
———————————— ————————————

(271)

(709)
50
(4)
(300)
(21)
—
(4)

(494)
33
7
—
—
(214)
7
———————————— ————————————
(661)
———————————— ————————————

(988)

Net cash outflow before financing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

(521)

(45)
———————————— ————————————

Financing

Issue of ordinary share capital
Proceeds of long term borrowing
Repayment of long term borrowing to Associated undertaking
Repayment of other long term borrowing
Capital element of finance lease rental payments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net cash inflow from financing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 26

22
182
—
(31)
(6)

14
98
(8)
(103)
(1)
———————————— ————————————
—
———————————— ————————————

167

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 27

(354)

(45)
————————————— ————————————

Notes to the accounts are on pages 14 to 28.

12

Group Statement of 
Recognised Gains and Losses
for the 52 weeks to 9th March 1996

Profit for the Financial Year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Currency translation differences on foreign currency net investments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Total recognised gains and losses relating to the Financial Year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

1996
£m
488

1995
£m
535

2

—
———————————— ————————————
535
————————————— ————————————

490

There is no material difference between the above profit for the period and the historical cost equivalent.

Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders’ Funds

Group

Company 

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m
484

1995
£m
535

1996
£m
576

1996
£m
488

(211)

(222)

(222)

(211)
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
273
—
—
54
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
327

266
2
(103)
80
—

324
—
(129)
54
—

354
—
—
80
109

543

245

249

3,040

3,289

2,813
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
3,140
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————

3,534

3,683

3,140

3,289

Profit for the Financial Year

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Dividends

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Currency translation differences
Goodwill deducted from reserves (Note 4)
New share capital subscribed less expenses of capital issues
Other (Note 15)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net movement in Shareholders’ Funds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Opening shareholders’ funds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Closing Shareholders’ Funds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

13

Notes to the Accounts
at 9th March 1996

Note 1 Tangible Fixed Assets

Group

Company

J Sainsbury plc

£m

166
417
59
13

71
69
8
4

——————————————————————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————————————————————
Total

Properties

Properties

Total

Fixtures,
Equipment
& Vehicles
£m

Fixtures,
Equipment
& Vehicles
£m

£m

£m

£m 

4,341

1,988

6,329

3,538

1,556

5,094

554
93
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
5,555
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————

240
34
—

314
59
—

3,793

1,762

7,336

4,878

2,458

518

959

1,477

377

736

1,113

161
342
38
5

86
209
33
3

327
759
97
18

157
278
41
7

191
30
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
1,274
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————

150
23
—

41
7
—

1,878

1,224

411

863

654

4,224

4,281
————————————— ————————————— ————————————— ————————————— ————————————— —————————————
3,981
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————

5,458

3,382

1,234

3,161

1,029

4,852

3,823

820

899

98
61

85
46

183
107

65
39

66
38

131
77

.   .   .   .   .   .

Cost or Valuation
At 12th March 1995
Assets acquired on purchase 
of subsidiaries
Additions (see below)
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .

Depreciation
At 12th March 1995
Cumulative depreciation 
of assets acquired on purchase 
of subsidiaries
Provided in the period
Disposals
Exchange adjustments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .

Net Book Value
At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .

At 11th March 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .

Capital Work-in-Progress 
included above
At 9th March 1996 
At 11th March 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

The amount included in the additions of £759 million in respect of interest capitalised during the period ended 9th March 1996
amounted to £9 million after deducting tax relief of £4 million (Company £7 million after deducting tax relief of £3 million).
Accumulated interest capitalised net of tax relief included in the cost or valuation total above amounts to £241 million 
(1995: £233 million) for the Group, and £217 million (1995: £211 million) for the Company.

Included in the net book value of fixed assets for the Group is £84 million (1995: £59 million) for assets held under finance leases,
of which £75 million (1995: £59 million) relates to properties and £9 million (1995: £Nil) to fixtures.

Analysis of Properties 
At 9th March 1996

Freehold:

Long leasehold: Cost

Short leasehold: Cost

Cost
1973 valuation
1992 valuation

1973 valuation
1992 valuation

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1992 valuation

Group

Company

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
Valuation
£m

Valuation
£m

Cost
£m
3,143

Cost
£m
3,750

2
65

4
22

490

68

2
63

4
22

645

389

1
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
92
————————————— ————————————— ————————————— —————————————  

3,701

4,784

94

1

14

J Sainsbury plc

If the properties included at valuation had been included at cost, the cost and accumulated depreciation figures at 9th March 1996
would have been:–

Group

Company

Freehold
Long leasehold
Short leasehold

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Cost Depreciation
£m
384
114
154

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
Cost Depreciation
£m
304
85
20
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
409
————————————— ————————————— ————————————— —————————————  

£m
3,170
507
72

£m
3,780
662
393

4,835

3,749

652

Note 2 Fixed Asset Investments

Group

Company

Subsidiaries (Note 3)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Associated undertakings (Note 5)
Listed on a UK Stock Exchange
Listed on a US Stock Exchange
Other

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Other investments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m
878
———————————— ————————————

1996
£m
1,553

1995
£m

1996
£m

—
88
9

3
98
13

—
—
12

—
—
9
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
9
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
887
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

114
3

1,565

12
—

97
1

117

98

The net increase in Other investments consists of additions of £2 million.

Note 3 Investment in Subsidiaries

The Company’s principal Subsidiaries are:–

Share of Ordinary
Allotted Capital

Savacentre Limited
Homebase Limited
Texas Homecare Limited
NewMarket Foods Limited
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc.
J Sainsbury (Channel Islands) Limited
J Sainsbury Developments Limited

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

100%
75%
75%
100%
100%
100%
100%

Country of
Registration or
Incorporation
England
England
England
England
USA
Jersey
England

Details of other Subsidiaries will be set out in the Company’s Annual Return.

All shares in principal Subsidiaries are held directly by J Sainsbury plc, apart from those in Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., 
Savacentre Limited and Texas Homecare Limited which are held by other Subsidiaries. All Subsidiaries operate in the countries of
their registration or incorporation apart from J Sainsbury (Channel Islands) Limited which is managed and controlled in the UK.

Summary of movements

Shares
At 12th March 1995
Transfers to other group companies
Acquisitions and other additions

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Long term capital advances
At 12th March 1995
Additions
Write back of provision against advances

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Total Net Investment 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

11th March 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Company
————————————
£m

303
(224)
31
————————————
110
————————————

575
782
86
————————————
1,443
————————————
1,553
—————————————  
878
———————————— 

Total net investment by the Company in Subsidiaries at 9th March 1996 consists of total cost of shares and capital advances of
£1,556 million (1995: £990 million) less £3 million (1995: £112 million) for cumulative amounts deducted from reserves.

15

J Sainsbury plc

Note 4 Acquisitions of Subsidiaries
4.1 Texas Homecare

On 14th March 1995 Homebase Limited completed the purchase of Home Charm Group PLC from Ladbroke Group PLC. This
has been accounted for as an acquisition. Home Charm Group PLC is the holding company of Texas Homecare Limited together
with a number of other Subsidiaries and has a 29.9% shareholding in Hampden Group PLC.

(a) Assets and liabilities acquired
The fair value of net assets and consideration at the date of acquisition were as follows:–

Book Value

Fair Value
Fair Value Adjustments
———————————— —————————————————————————— ————————————

Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Stocks
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors (within one year)
Creditors (over one year)
Ladbroke liability
Provision for store rationalisation
Deferred tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Goodwill

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Consideration for shares, including costs and fees

.   .   .   .   .   .   .

£m
(23)
1
(16)
5
—
(38)
—
—
(16)
24

£m
168
2
185
42
9
(52)
(3)
(143)
(23)
—

Alignment to
Revaluations Group Policy
£m
(16)
—
(24)
(10)
—
—
(17)
—
—
8

£m
129
3
145
37
9
(90)
(20)
(143)
(39)
32
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
63
103
————————————
166
——————————————

(63)

(59)

185

Notes:

1.

In addition to the purchase consideration for the shares 
of Home Charm Group PLC, an additional amount of 
£143 million was paid to Ladbroke Group PLC on completion,
representing the amount of intercompany indebtedness
between the Texas businesses and Ladbroke Group PLC.
The total amount paid of £309 million represents the
provisional total consideration of £290 million previously
announced, fees and other costs of £3 million, (including
£1.3 million payable to the Company’s auditors, Coopers &
Lybrand) together with an adjustment of £16 million relating
to additional funding provided by Ladbroke Group PLC to
Texas Homecare prior to Completion.

The consideration is provisional pending agreement of the
completion accounts and other matters. Agreement has not
been reached and therefore the consideration is subject to
arbitration in line with the terms of the contract.

2. The book values of the assets and liabilities shown above have
been taken from the management accounts of the acquired
businesses at the date of acquisition.

3. Fair value adjustments in respect of the revaluation of fixed
assets represent the restatement of the freehold and long
leasehold properties acquired at their estimated market
values and the write-off of obsolete store fixtures and fittings.
Fair value adjustments for stocks reflect the write down to
their estimated net realisable value.

4. The adjustments to creditors relate to liabilities which the

Group considers were not adequately reflected in the balance
sheets of Texas businesses on acquisition. These include
provisions for liabilities under onerous contracts and liabilities
in respect of legal claims against the acquired businesses
which have subsequently been settled.

5.

In the year ended 31st December 1994, an exceptional
charge of £51 million for reorganisation and restructuring
was made in the financial statements of Texas Homecare
Limited, relating principally to a store rationalisation

programme and other business reorganisation costs. Of this
charge, £28 million was utilised during that year, including
£16 million applied to write down the book value of fixed
assets at the stores included within the closure programme,
leaving a provision of £23 million in the balance sheet on
acquisition.

Following the acquisition a review of the costs of completing
the store rationalisation programme was undertaken. The
result of this review was that provisions of £39 million were
required to cover the net occupancy costs of the stores during
the period from closure to assignment or surrender of each
lease, and the expected level of reverse premiums payable at
that time. In consequence an increase of £16 million has
been included in the fair value adjustments.]

6. A deferred tax asset of £32 million has been recognised as a
fair value adjustment on acquisition. This represents expected
tax relief on losses on ordinary activities for the period from
1st January 1995 to 13th March 1995 and on the fair value
adjustments.

7. The fair value adjustments for alignment to accounting

policies reflect the restatement of assets in accordance with
the policies of the Group, which are generally more prudent
than those previously adopted by the acquired businesses.
For fixed assets, the adjustments include a restatement of
store fixtures and fittings at depreciated replacement cost
under the asset lives used by the Group. Additionally, certain
leased assets have now been accounted for as being held
under finance leases. The fair value adjustments for conformity
of accounting policies include an increase in fixed assets of
£13 million to reflect the net book value of such assets, with
the outstanding finance obligation of £16 million being
included within creditors.

The Group’s accounting policies are now being consistently
applied by Texas Homecare.

16

J Sainsbury plc

Note 4 Acquisitions of Subsidiaries – continued

(b) Cash Flow
The net cash outflow in respect of the acquisition was:–

Consideration for shares
Settlement of loans at acquisition
Cash at bank and in hand acquired

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

£m
166
143
(9)
————————————
300
——————————————

The contribution of Texas Homecare to the Group’s cash flow for the period was an outflow of £31 million consisting of £5 million
for operating activities, £2 million for the servicing of finance, £20 million on investing activities and £4 million for financing.

(c) Integration

The costs of reorganising, restructuring and integrating the Texas Homecare businesses included in the Group Profit and Loss
Account for the period totalled £48 million. This consists of £5 million charged as incurred and a £43 million provision for
expenditure identified and committed for future periods.

(d) Pre-acquisition results of the Texas Homecare businesses

For the year to 31st December 1994 the Texas Homecare businesses reported a loss on ordinary activities after tax of £54 million
including an exceptional charge for a fundamental reorganisation of £51 million.

For the period from 1st January 1995 to 13th March 1995 a loss on ordinary activities after tax of £3 million has been
calculated from management accounting information.

4.2 Other subsidiaries

The Company acquired Objectrevise Limited (later renamed J Sainsbury Distribution Limited) on 31st March 1995 and 
Ballyowan Limited on 29th August 1995 and has accounted for them as acquisitions. These were not material acquisitions and
therefore the acquisition details shown below are in aggregate.

(a) Assets and liabilities acquired

The fair value of net assets and consideration at the dates 
of acquisitions were as follows:–

Tangible fixed assets
Stocks
Debtors
Creditors
Loans

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Goodwill

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Consideration for shares, including costs and fees

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Book Value

Fair Value
Adjustments

Fair Value

———————————————— ———————————————— ————————————————

£m
23
1
1
(4)
(18)

Revaluations
£m
18
—
—
—
—

£m
41
1
1
(4)
(18)
———————————————— ———————————————— ————————————————
21
—
————————————————
21
———————————————————

18

3

£18 million of the consideration was met by the issue of 6% Loan Stock which was redeemed after the period end on 1st April
1996. The remaining £3 million was paid in cash financed by bank borrowings and cash resources.

(b) Cash Flow

The net cash outflows in respect of the acquisitions were:–

Consideration for shares 

Less met by issue of Loan Stock

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Settlement of acquired loans

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Cash at bank and in hand acquired

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

£m
21
(18)
————————————
3
18
————————————
21
—
————————————
21
——————————————

The contribution to Group cash flows for the period was not material.

(c) Integration

There were no material costs incurred in integrating these acquisitions.

17

Note 5 Investment in Associated undertakings

The  Company’s  principal  Associated  undertakings  are:–

J Sainsbury plc

Share  of
Allotted
Capital

Share  of  Profit/(Loss)
before  Tax

———————————————— ——————————————————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

}

.   .   .   .   .

50%

Breckland Farms Limited (Pig Farming – UK)
200,000 “B” Ordinary Shares of £1 each
141,532 1% Redeemable Preference Shares of £1 each
(other shareholder Pauls plc)
Giant Food Inc. (Food Retailing – US)
125,000 Voting Common Stock of $1 each
9,779,931 Non-Voting Common Stock of $1 each
Hampden Group PLC (DIY Retailing – UK)
4,470,000 Ordinary Shares of 10p each
acquired on purchase of Texas Homecare
Other

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

50%
16.6%

29.9%

1

18

—

—

7

—

—

(1)
———————————————— ————————————————
6
————————————————— ————————————————

19

Summary of movements

Shares
At 12th March 1995
Acquired on purchase of Texas Homecare
Exchange adjustments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Share of post acquisition reserves
At 12th March 1995
Share of retained profit for the period 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Long term capital advances
At 12th March 1995
Additions in period

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Total Net Investment 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

11th March 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group

Company
———————————— ————————————
£m

£m

92
3
3

7
—
—
———————————— ————————————
7
———————————— ————————————

98

3
7
————————————
10
————————————

6

2
4

2
3
———————————— ————————————
5
———————————— ————————————
12
—————————————— ——————————————
9
———————————— ————————————

114

97

The Group’s investment in shares in Associated undertakings at 9th March 1996 represented £224 million (1995: £221 million)
in respect of the cost of shares, less goodwill of £129 million set off against reserves (1995: £129 million), together with
accumulated exchange adjustments of £3 million (1995: £Nil). The Company’s investment in shares in Associated undertakings
at 9th March 1996 represented cost of shares of £7 million (1995: £7 million).
At 9th March 1996 the market value of shares listed on a recognised US Stock Exchange was £206 million (1995: £146 million),
and on a recognised UK Stock Exchange £4 million (1995: £Nil).
The proportion of the profits of the Associated undertakings attributable to the Group and the reserves included in the Group
Balance Sheet are taken from the audited accounts produced within three months of the balance sheet date.
The investments in Associated undertakings are held directly by J Sainsbury plc with the exception of Giant Food Inc. and
Hampden Group PLC which are held by Subsidiaries. The 29.9% shareholding in Hampden Group PLC is held by Homecharm
Group PLC which is a Subsidiary in which the Company has a 75% interest.
Giant Food Inc. has been classified as an Associated undertaking in view of the proportion of voting stock held.

Note 6 Stocks

Group

Company

Goods for resale and consumable stores
Land held for development

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

18

1996
£m
699
62

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m
303
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
303
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

1996
£m
357
—

1995
£m
469
40

761

509

357

Note 7 Debtors

Group

Company

J Sainsbury plc

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Trade debtors
Advance corporation tax recoverable in more than one year
Amounts owed by Subsidiaries
Other debtors (including for the Group £16 million 
(1995: £7 million) due in more than one year) 
Prepayments

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m
12
38
43

1996
£m
9
40
76

1995
£m
31
38

1996
£m
52
40

66
46

34
33
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
160
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

61
42

25
24

204

172

174

Note 8 Current Asset Investments

Group

Company

Investments listed on a recognised stock exchange at cost
(equivalent to market value)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

5

2

—

—

Note 9 Creditors

Group

Company

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1995
£m

1996
£m

1996
£m

Due within one year:
Borrowings:
Bank loans and overdrafts
Short term notes
2% Bonds 1996
81
8% Notes 1996
9 1
6% Loan Stock
Unsecured loan notes
Current portion of long term indebtedness including
obligations under finance leases
Loan to Homebase Limited from minority shareholder

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .

Total short term borrowings
Trade creditors
Amounts due to Subsidiaries
Corporation tax
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals
Proposed dividend

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Due after one year:
8 1

2% Convertible Capital Bonds 2005 .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Other:
Secured loans
Unsecured loan notes
Term bank loans 
4% Notes 2000
8 1
2% Bonds 1996
8 1
9 1
8% Notes 1996
8% Irredeemable Unsecured Loan Stock 
Obligations under finance leases 
Amounts due to Subsidiaries 
Loan to Homebase Limited from minority shareholder
Other creditors 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

1995
£m

1996
£m

581
3
98
98
18
3

221
—
—
—
—
3

8
—

2
5

539
—
98
98
18
—

—

184
—
—
—
—
—

—

231
725

809
816

———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
184
624
43
239
22
302
39
154
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
1,607
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

753
674
191
171
27
275
29
160

216
47
319
152
160

265
32
334
95
154

2,519

2,280

1,836

—
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————

156

200

—

2
166
26
150
—
—
3
101

2
129
52
—
95
95
3
75

—
148
26
150
—
—
3
—
156

—
114
176
—
95
95
3
—
183

13
19

8
10

—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
666
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

469

483

480

—

2% Convertible Capital Bonds were issued by J Sainsbury (Channel Islands) Limited, and are guaranteed on a subordinated
The 81
2% Exchangeable Redeemable
basis by the Company. These bonds are convertible, at any time prior to November 2005, into 21
Preference Shares of the issuer which are exchangeable for ordinary shares in the Company at the prescribed price of 337p per
ordinary share (after adjustment to take account of the rights issue in July 1991). Alternatively, the bonds may be redeemed 

19

J Sainsbury plc

Note 9 Creditors – continued

at par on maturity. The issuer is entitled to redeem the bonds in certain circumstances or if 80% of the bonds have been
converted or redeemed. As at 9th March 1996 22% (£44 million) had been exchanged for ordinary shares in the Company.

The secured loans and £18 million of the unsecured loan notes comprise US dollar borrowings of an overseas Subsidiary.
Repayment and interest terms, which vary with each loan, require a combination of annual instalments and balloon repayments
with interest rates ranging from 4.8% to 11.5%.

Unsecured loan notes also include US $30 million, US $150 million and £30 million Euro Medium Term Notes issued by the
Company. The US $30 million Notes, which mature in March 1998, bear interest at 5.4% payable annually. The US $150 million
Notes, which mature in November 1997, bear interest at 7.375%. The £30 million Notes, which mature in April 2000, bear
interest based on sterling LIBOR.

Included in term bank loans is US $40 million borrowed by the Company and repayable in December 1997. The loan interest
obligation which is based on US $ LIBOR has been swapped for a fixed rate of 6.9%.

The £150 million Notes which are repayable in December 2000 bear interest at 8.25% but this has been swapped for a floating
rate based on sterling LIBOR.

2% Bonds 1996 represent US $150 million repayable in May 1996 and the 91

The 81
repayable in October 1996. Arrangements have been made to avoid exposure to fluctuating US dollar interest rates following
maturity of these issues and the US $150 million Euro Medium Term Notes included under Unsecured Loan Notes by entering
into forward swaps of floating interest payments for fixed interest rate payments. A rate of 7.52% has been contracted for 
US $150 million for five years starting in May 1996, 7.685% for US $150 million for five years starting in October 1996 and
6.95% for US $150 million for five years starting in November 1997.

8% Notes 1996 represent US $150 million

The loans to Homebase Limited due after one year are unsecured loans and bear interest at base rate.

Note 10 Summary of Borrowings

Group

Company

Due within one year:

Bank and other loans
Obligations under finance leases
Due after one and within two years:

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Bank and other loans
Obligations under finance leases
Due after two and within five years:

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Bank and other loans
Obligations under finance leases

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Due wholly or in part by instalments after five years:

Bank and other loans
Obligations under finance leases

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Due otherwise than by instalments after five years:

Bank and other loans
Convertible Capital Bonds 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1995
£m

1996
£m

1996
£m

801
8

163
5

193
10

1
86

229
2

192
1

186
5

1
69

753
—

144
—

180
—

156
—

184
—

190
—

190
—

—
—

3
156

286
—
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
850
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

5
200

1,236

1,426

890

3
—

Note 11 Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

Group

Company

———————————————————————————————————— ————————————————————————————————————
Deferred
Tax
£m 

Deferred
Tax
£m

Other
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

Total
£m

At 12th March 1995
Balance at date of acquisition 
of Texas Homecare
Transfer to corporation tax
Profit and Loss Account

.   .   .   .  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Property – provision released
Texas Homecare integration
Deferred tax – UK

.   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Utilised

At 9th March 1996 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

17

7
3

23

39
—

(6)

(32)
3

(3)
48
3
(21)

(3)
48
—
(21)

—
—
3
—

17
—
—————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— ——————————
1
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————    

17
(6)

—‚
(6)

(32)

86

15

14

54

7

—

(3)

23

(16)

—

(3)

—

—

20

J Sainsbury plc

Note 11 Provisions for Liabilities and Charges – continued

The total of other provisions of £86 million consists of £14 million relating to unutilised provisions made in 1994 for losses on
realisation of surplus land and stores due for closure, £29 million representing the balance of the provision for store closure costs
of Texas Homecare and £43 million representing the provision for the integration costs of Texas Homecare.

The provided and unprovided liabilities for deferred tax are as follows:–

Group

Company 

———————————————————————————————————————————————— ————————————————————————————————————————————————

1996
Provided Unprovided
£m

£m

1995

Provided Unprovided 
£m

£m

1996
Provided Unprovided
£m

£m

1995

Provided Unprovided 
£m

£m

Timing differences
between 
depreciation and 
capital allowances
Other timing 
differences

.   .   .   .   .   .

.   .

11

182

9

178

—

157

—

149

(43)

—
—————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— —————————— ——————————
149
———————————— ———————————— —————————— —————————— ———————————— ———————————— —————————— ——————————

(32)

157

187

(16)

(15)

(16)

184

(6)

1

6

5

1

—

The potential liability for tax which might arise on disposal of the Group’s properties has not been quantified. In the opinion of the
Directors the likelihood of any such liability arising is remote.

Note 12 Called Up Share Capital

Allotted
fully  paid
shares

Aggregate
Nominal
Value

Consideration
———————————————— ———————————————— ————————————————
£m

Number

£m

Ordinary shares of 25p each 

Authorised — 2,000,000,000 shares

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 12th March 1995
Shares allotted: 

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1,806,449,480

500
————————————————
452

Profit sharing scheme
Savings-related share option scheme
Executive share option scheme
Scrip dividend
Capital Bond conversion

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

1,350,723
6,410,194
2,472,425
1,915,093
13,069,690

6
14
8
8
44
———————————————— ———————————————— ————————————————
80
————————————————— ————————————————— —————————————————

1,831,667,605

—
2
1
—
3

458

Contingent rights to the allotment of 46,277,448 ordinary shares in the Company at 337p (after adjustment to take account of
the rights issue in July 1991) exist until November 2005 under the terms of the issue of 81
(Note 9).

2% Convertible Capital Bonds 2005

The Company operates a Savings-Related Share Option Scheme for all employees with more than one year’s service. This is an
approved Inland Revenue Scheme and was established in 1980. The Scheme is renewable every 10 years and was last renewed
in 1989. Under the Savings-Related Share Option Scheme, options are normally exercisable within six months of the fifth
anniversary of the grant of an option. At 9th March 1996 employees held 76,248 savings contracts in respect of options over
40.7 million shares.

The Company also operates an Executive Share Option Scheme for Executive Directors and senior employees. This is an
approved Inland Revenue Scheme and was established in 1984. The Scheme is renewable every 10 years and was last renewed
in 1989. Under the Executive Share Option Scheme options are normally exercisable between three and ten years of the date of
the grant of an option. At 9th March 1996 1,280 employees had outstanding options over 24.8 million shares.

21

Note 12 Called Up Share Capital – continued

Details of these options at 9th March 1996 are set out below:–

(a)  Savings-Related Share Option Scheme

Date of Grant
9th January 1990
19th December 1990
30th December 1991
4th December 1992
6th December 1993
16th December 1994
20th December 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

Price

Options outstanding at
the end of the period

pence
205.504
237.120
276.000
393.000
301.000
331.000
313.000

———————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
3,734,947
5,731,163
6,945,343
6,729,833
8,106,108
8,687,825
—
———————————— ————————————
39,935,219
40,693,959
————————————— ————————————  

1996
2,662
3,031,709
6,526,099
6,183,522
7,320,631
8,036,213
9,593,123

(b)  Executive Share Option Scheme

Price

Options outstanding at
the end of the period

Date of Grant
14th July 1986
7th March 1987
13th July 1987
9th February 1988
31st July 1989
28th February 1991
28th August 1992
12th March 1994
8th September 1995
1st December 1995

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

pence
193.648
238.602
281.580
217.360
272.688
322.088
447.000
359.000
475.000
386.000

———————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
132,323
18,730
375,729
467,276
1,648,219
4,179,283
5,401,322
8,587,030
—
—
———————————— ————————————
20,809,912
24,846,492
————————————— ————————————  

1996
85,232
2,495
200,205
316,939
1,052,225
2,803,014
5,067,550
8,364,987
6,880,011
73,834

Figures for all prices and options outstanding are adjusted as necessary for the capitalisation issue in July 1987 and for the rights
issue in July 1991.

Note 13 Share Premium Account

At 12th March 1995
Profit sharing scheme
Savings-related share option scheme
Executive share option scheme
Scrip dividend
Capital Bond conversion

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Company
————————————
£m
1,000
6
12
7
8
41
————————————
1,074
—————————————  

Note 14 Revaluation Reserve

At 12th March 1995
Transfer from Profit and Loss Account in respect of 
property disposals during the period (Note 15)

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

22

Group

Company
———————————— ————————————
£m
40

£m
39

4

4
———————————— ————————————
44
————————————— —————————————  

43

J Sainsbury plc

Note 15 Profit and Loss Account

At 12th March 1995
Profit retained for the period
Goodwill in respect of the acquisition of subsidiaries
Transfer to Revaluation Reserve (Note 14)
Currency movements
Other

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group

Company
———————————— ————————————
£m
1,648
354
—
(4)
—
109
———————————— ————————————
2,107
————————————— —————————————  

£m
1,798
266
(103|)
(4)
2
—

1,959

The cumulative goodwill deducted from the reserves of the Group at 9th March 1996 amounted to £375 million 
(1995: £272 million).

No provision has been made for additional tax which would arise if profits of overseas Subsidiaries or Associated undertakings were
distributed.

The other adjustment of £109 million for the Company consists of the reversal of a provision of £86 million against advances to
a Subsidiary, originally offset directly to reserves, and £23 million transferred to profit and loss account for the period following
the transfer of a Subsidiary to another Group company.

Note 16 Segmental Analysis of Turnover, Profit and Net Assets

The basis of the segmental analysis of turnover has been changed to show gross turnover including intra-group sales in order 
to provide a more meaningful comparison with segmental profits and net assets. Additionally the investment in Associated
undertakings previously included within the net asset totals for each segment has been excluded and reported separately alongside
the Group’s share of Associated undertakings’ profits. Prior year comparisons have been restated accordingly.

Group
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

1996

Turnover

Incl.
Taxes
£m

Excl.
Taxes
£m
.   .   .   . 10,909 10,214
.   .   .   .
1,449
1,462

Food retailing – UK
Food retailing – US
DIY retailing – UK

Acquisition

Continuing operations

.
.   .   .   .
Food manufacturing – UK .   .
Property development
and other – UK

.   .   .   .   .   .

426
678
118

363
577
118

Gross Turnover
Intra-group sales*

Group Turnover

19

19
——————— ———————
.   .   .   .   . 13,612 12,740
.   .   .   .   .
(113)
——————— ———————
.   .   .   .   . 13,499 12,627
————————
————————

(113)

.   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

Group Operating Profit 
before profit sharing 
Profit sharing
Associated undertakings
– share of profit
– net group investment
(Loss)/profit on 
sale of property
Net interest payable

.   .   .   .   .
.   .

.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .

Group Profit before Tax

.   .

Capital employed

.   .   .   .   .

Net borrowings
Minority interest

.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

Net assets

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit
£m
779
51

36
(58)
(5)

3

806
(50)

19

(4)
(59)
———————
712
————————

1995

Turnover

Incl.
Taxes
£m
10,295
1,346

377
—
117

Excl.
Taxes
£m
9,655
1,334

321
—
117

30

30
——————— ———————
11,457
12,165
(100)
(100)
——————— ———————
11,357
12,065
——————— ———————

Profit
£m
825
40

31
—
(3)

6

899
(61)

6

1
(36)
———————
809
———————

Assets
excl.

Net Borrow-
ings
&
Borrow- Minority
Interest
£m

ings
£m
3,839
437

163
157
17

30

114

4,757
—————————

23

(1,212)
(11)
—————————

3,534
—————————

Assets
excl.

Net Borrow-
ings
&
Borrow- Minority
Interest
£m

ings
£m
3,370
338

154
—
24

16

97

3,999
———————

(689)
(21)
———————

3,289
———————

Note 16 Segmental Analysis of Turnover, Profit and Net Assets – continued

Total administrative expenses amounted to £302 million (1995: £278 million) including provision for profit sharing. Total cost of
sales amounted to £11,569 million (1995: £10,241 million) including exceptional cost of sales.

Group financing is undertaken centrally and in consequence the Group’s net interest payable has not been attributed to classes of
business or geographical areas. 

* Intra-group sales relate to Food retailing – UK, £10 million (1995: £Nil), Food manufacturing – UK, £95 million 
(1995: £94 million) and Property development and other – UK, £8 million (1995: £6 million).

Turnover is disclosed by origin. There is no material difference in turnover by destination.

J Sainsbury plc

Group
———————————————————————————
1995

1996

Net margin on tax inclusive sales:*

UK
US

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net margin on tax exclusive sales:*

UK
US

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

6.67%
3.49%

8.01%
2.99%
———————————— ————————————
7.45%
————————————— ————————————  

6.33%

7.18%
3.52%

8.57%
3.02%
———————————— ————————————
7.91%
————————————— ————————————  

6.76%

*Based on Operating Profit before profit sharing and exceptional cost of sales, and sales excluding intra-group sales.

Note 17 Profit Sharing

The amount provided for profit sharing for UK retail companies is calculated on the operating profits and net interest reflected in
the accounts of the participating companies.

The figure on which the profit fund is based is £770 million (1995: £837 million). £47 million (1995: £57 million) has been
provided for the profit fund and £3 million (1995: £4 million) for Employers’ National Insurance.

Employees participate in the Profit Sharing Scheme after completing one financial year’s service and obtain full benefits after the
third year. In respect of the period ended 9th March 1996 approximately 100,000 employees are eligible. A distribution rate is
calculated each period according to the size of the profit fund and the total qualifying pay of eligible employees and is finalised
following the Annual General Meeting. The distribution rate in 1996 is expected to be approximately 7.1% (1995: 9.6%).

Profit sharing may be taken in cash under the Cash Trust or, subject to the statutory maximum, in shares under the Share Trust.
The number of shares allotted to Profit Sharing Scheme participants in July 1995 is set out in Note 12.

At 9th March 1996 the Trustees of the J Sainsbury Profit Sharing Scheme Share Trust held 20 million shares (1995: 20 million)
on behalf of 43,472 participants (1995: 41,749) in the Scheme.

Note 18 Net Interest Payable

Interest receivable

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m
13
———————————— ————————————

1996
£m
9

Interest payable:

Bank and other interest on loans wholly repayable within five years
On loans not wholly repayable within five years:

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

56

38

Term bank loan

Finance leases
Convertible Capital Bonds

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Interest capitalised

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net Interest Payable

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

24

2
9
15

2
8
17
———————————— ————————————
65
(16)
———————————— ————————————
49
———————————— ————————————
36
—————————————— ——————————————  

82
(14)

59

68

Note 19 Profit on Ordinary Activities before Tax

This has been arrived at after charging/(crediting):

Depreciation – owned assets
– finance leases

Pension costs
Auditors’ remuneration – audit fee (Company £0.2 million (1995: £0.2 million))

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Operating lease rentals – plant and equipment

– other
– receivable

– other services

J Sainsbury plc

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

270
8
42

0.5
0.6

11
194
(19)

224
4
38

0.5
0.7
9
113
(17)

Note 20Directors’ Emoluments and Interests

The details of Directors’ emoluments and interests are set out in the Report of the Remuneration Committee on pages 4 to 7.

Note 21 Employees

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

1,236
77
42

1,074
72
38
———————————— ————————————
1,184

1,355

50

61
———————————— ————————————
1,245
————————————— ————————————  

1,405

1996
Number

1995
Number

49,764
104,897

44,129
87,169
———————————— ————————————
131,298
————————————— ————————————  
82,345
————————————— ————————————  

154,661

95,519

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

211
3
12
—
8

259
2
11
(5)
3
———————————— ————————————
270
————————————— ————————————  

234

Employees’ remuneration and related costs during the period amounted to:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Profit sharing

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

The average number of employees during the period was:
Full-time
Part-time

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Full-time equivalent

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Note 22 Tax on Profit on Ordinary Activities

The tax charge based on the profit for the period is:
Corporation tax at 33% (1995: 33%)
Deferred tax
Overseas tax – current
Over provision in prior periods
Share of Associated undertakings’ tax

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

25

Note 23 Dividends

Interim
Proposed final

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

Company
———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

62
160

57
154
———————————— ————————————
211
————————————— ————————————  

222

The interim dividend of 3.4p per share paid on 17th January 1996, together with the related tax credit, is equal to 4.25p and the
proposed final dividend of 8.7p per share, together with the related tax credit, is equal to 10.875p.

Note 24 Earnings Per Share

The calculation of earnings per share is based on profit after tax and minority interest, divided by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares in issue during the period of 1,817,446,080 (1995: 1,798,290,637).

The calculation of fully diluted earnings per ordinary share is based on the profit after tax and minority interest and adjustments
which assume:

i)

ii)

the full conversion of Convertible Capital Bonds on the first day of the financial year; and

the full exercise of all ordinary share options granted under the Company’s own schemes on the first day of the financial year,
or the date granted if later.

The adjusted weighted average number of ordinary shares arising from these calculations totalled 1,933,046,030 
(1995: 1,918,382,949).

The alternative measures of earnings per share provided reflect the Group’s underlying trading performance by excluding the
effect of the exceptional cost of sales and the profit or loss on the sale of property and taking account of anticipated future
dilution of earnings per share.

Note 25 Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities

1996
£m
806
(50)
48
270
3
(3)
(103)
24
38

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m
899
(61)
—
228
2
(4)
(53)
(14)
100
———————————— ————————————
1,097
(27)
———————————— ————————————
1,070
—————————————— ————————————  

1,033
(21)

1,012

Operating profit before profit sharing
Profit sharing
Provision for exceptional cost of sales
Depreciation
Loss on sales of fixtures, equipment and vehicles
Release of provision
Increase in stocks
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net cash inflow from operating activities before payment against provisions
Payment against provisions

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Net cash inflow from operating activities

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

26

Note 26 Analysis of Changes in Financing during the Period

At 12th March 1995
Cash flows from financing
Non cash transactions:

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Additional amount offset against term loan 
Scrip dividend
Profit sharing
Conversion of Capital Bonds
Finance leases and loans acquired with Texas Homecare 
Loan note issued as settlement for acquisition
Inception of finance leases
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Comprising:
Share capital (Note 12)
Share premium (Note 13)
Borrowings (Note 10)
Less included in cash and cash equivalents (Note 28)

.   .   .   .   .   .    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

J Sainsbury plc

Group
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Loans and Finance
Lease Obligations

Share Capital
(including premium)

1996
£m

1,452
22

1995
£m

1,397
14

1996
£m

669
145

—

1995
£m

714
(14)

(11)

8
6
44

25
16
—

—
—
—
—
(20)
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
669
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————

(44)
20
18
18
16

1,532

1,452

842

458
1,074

452
1,000

890
(221)
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
669
————————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————  

1,426
(584)

1,532

1,452

842

Cash flows from financing comprise £22 million (1995: £14 million) inflow from share capital and share premium and 
£145 million inflow (1995: £14 million outflow) from loans and finance lease obligations, resulting in an inflow of £167 million 
(1995: £Nil), as shown in the cash flow statement.

Note 27 Analysis of Changes in Cash and Cash Equivalents during the Period

Group
———————————————————————————
1995
£m

1996
£m

At 12th March 1995
Net cash outflow before adjustments for the effect of foreign exchange rate changes
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

At 9th March 1996

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

(22)
(354)
1

24
(45)
(1)
———————————— ————————————
(22)
————————————— ————————————  

(375)

Note 28 Analysis of the Balances of Cash and Cash Equivalents as shown in the Balance Sheet

1996

£m

1995

£m

1994

£m

Change in
1996
£m

Change in
1995
£m

Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank loans and overdrafts
Short term notes

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

—
209
(581)
(3)

(42)
28
(67)
35
———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————
(46)
————————————— ———————————— ———————————— ————————————— ————————————   

—
10
(360)
(3)

42
171
(154)
(35)

—
199
(221)
—

(353)

(375)

(22)

24

27

Note 29 Future Capital Expenditure

Group

Company

J Sainsbury plc

Contracted for but not provided for in the Accounts

.   .   .   .   .   .

Note 30 Contingent Liabilities and Financial Commitments

——————————————————————————— ———————————————————————————
1995
£m
240

1995
£m
268

1996
£m
236

1996
£m
247

The Company has guaranteed borrowing facilities for Associated undertakings to the extent of £1 million (1995: £1 million).

The Company has guaranteed the borrowings of a Subsidiary which, at 9th March 1996, amounted to £156 million 
(1995: £200 million).
Commitments to make operating lease payments during the next financial year are as follows:–

Group

Company
———————————— ————————————
£m

£m

Land and Buildings

Leases which expire between 1 and 5 years
Leases which expire after 5 years

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

Other Leases

Leases which expire within the year
Leases which expire between 1 and 5 years

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .
.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

2
190

2
8

1
93

—
6

Note 31 Pension Commitments

The Group operates final salary pension schemes in the UK. The costs are assessed on the advice of independent qualified actuaries.

Of the total pension costs of the Group, £35 million (1995: £32 million) relates to the UK Schemes, namely the J Sainsbury
Pension and Death Benefit Scheme (JSPDBS) and the J Sainsbury Executive Pension Scheme (JSEPS). The assets of the UK Schemes
are held by trustee companies which are separate from the Company.

The latest actuarial valuation of the UK Schemes was carried out by the actuaries as at 12th March 1994, using the projected
unit method. The significant actuarial valuation assumptions used were that future investment returns would be 8 1
long term future salary and wage increases would average 5 1
The next triennial valuation will take place in 1997.

2% per annum and pensions would increase at 4% per annum. 

2% per annum,

At the date of the latest valuation the market value of the assets of the UK Scheme was £1,435 million and the actuarial value of
the assets was sufficient to cover 122% of the JSPDBS and 120% of the JSEPS benefits that had accrued to members, allowing for
expected future increases in earnings. The ongoing pension cost in respect of the UK Schemes, incorporating the amortisation of
the surplus from the last valuation in 1991, has been adjusted to reflect the revised surplus arising from the March 1994
valuation and the net reduced surplus is being amortised by a method which causes the Company’s funding rate to rise from the
current, abated, level up to the full regular cost on a sliding scale over a period of 14 years for JSPDBS and 12 years for JSEPS.

The Group also operates a final salary pension scheme in the US. The pension cost relating to the US benefit scheme has been
determined with the advice of independent actuaries. The charge to the Profit and Loss Account is calculated in accordance with
US accounting principles but would not have been materially different had UK accounting principles been applied.

28

Registered Office 
and Advisers

REGISTERED OFFICE

J Sainsbury plc

Stamford House, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LL

Registered Number 185647

REGISTRAR

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc

Registrar’s Department, PO Box 82

Caxton House, Redcliffe Way, Bristol BS99 7NH

AUDITORS

Coopers & Lybrand

1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6NN

SOLICITORS

Denton Hall

Five Chancery Lane, Clifford’s Inn, London EC4A 1BU

STOCKBROKERS

SBC Warburg

1 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PP

Designed and Produced by McBain, Noel-Johnson & Co Ltd.  Printed in England by Royle Print Limited.  
Printed on Zanders Mega-Matt paper made from 100% chlorine-free bleached pulp and awarded the Nordic Swan environmental label.

J Sainsbury plc
Stamford House  Stamford Street  London SE1 9LL