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Marks and Spencer Group PLC

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FY2000 Annual Report · Marks and Spencer Group PLC
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Annual report and financial statements 2000 

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M

This publication includes the Financial Review, the Corporate Governance Statement, the Remuneration

Report, the Directors’ Report, the Financial Statements and the Auditors’ Report for the year ended 

31 March 2000. The Chairman’s Statement and Chief Executive’s Review are contained in a separate 

report entitled Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement 2000.

This publication, together with the Annual Review and Summary Financial Statement 2000, comprise 

the full Annual Report and Accounts of Marks and Spencer p.l.c. for 2000, prepared in accordance 

with the Companies Act 1985.

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16
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23
25
44

Financial review
Corporate governance
Remuneration report  
Directors’ interests  
Directors’ responsibilities  
Auditors’ report
Directors’ report 
Consolidated profit and loss account 
Note of historical cost profits and losses
Consolidated statement of total recognised 
gains and losses
Balance sheets
Consolidated cash flow information
Accounting policies 
Notes to the financial statements  
Group financial record 

www.marksandspencer.co.uk

THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR 
TECHNOLOGICAL ACHIEVEMENT 1996

THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR EXPORT 
ACHIEVEMENT 1997

THE QUEEN’S AWARD FOR 
INNOVATION 2000

1 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Financial review

Group structure and performance measurement

This year’s Financial Reporting period covers 53 weeks. 

We have four Operating Divisions: UK Retail, International

An estimate of operating profit (before exceptional items) 

Retail, Financial Services and Ventures. A fifth division, 

for a 52 week comparative period and the 53 week reporting

Property, is separately reported for internal purposes only.

period is shown below.

UK Retail is organised into seven Customer Business Units:

Womenswear, Menswear, Lingerie, Childrenswear, Home,

Beauty and Foods.

We have refined the target setting and monitoring processes 

to ensure key performance criteria are fully linked to the

creation of shareholder value. Each Operating Division has

targets for operating profit and Value Created, the latter being

defined as the contribution made over and above the cost of

capital employed. For the Group, the weighted average cost of

capital is 10%. 

All investment decisions are made using discounted cashflow

analysis, applying a hurdle rate determined by assessing the

business risk appropriate to the specific Operating Division.

Group summary

Summary of results

Turnover (ex VAT)

2000
53 WEEKS
£m

1999
52 WEEKS
£m

8,195.5

8,224.0

BEFORE EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

2000

53 WEEKS
£m

52 WEEKS
£m

1999
52 WEEKS
£m

Operating Profit 

UK Retail

420.1

386.8

478.9

Financial Services

115.9

115.9

110.7

International Retail:

Europe

Americas

Far East

Total International

Excess interest charged to cost 

(6.1)

16.4

(3.3)

7.0

(9.4)

(26.8)

14.0

(4.3)

0.3

15.7

(3.5)

(14.6)

of sales of Financial Services

–

–

25.5

Total Operating Profit

543.0

503.0

600.5

Operating profit (before exceptional items)

543.0

600.5

Interest

14.2

14.2

27.9

Exceptional operating charges

(72.0)

(88.5)

Profit Before Tax 

557.2

517.2

628.4

Operating profit (after exceptional items)

471.0

512.0

Adjusted earnings per share 

13.2p

12.2p

15.6p

Profit on ordinary activities before tax

417.5

546.1

Basic earnings per share

9.0p

13.0p

Review of performance by operating segment – UK Retail

Adjusted earnings per share

13.2p

15.6p

Sales

UK Retail sales for the 52 week comparative period were

Dividend per share

9.0p

14.4p

£6,351.1m (last year £6,601.1m). After adding sales for the 53rd

Group turnover

UK Retail

International Retail

Financial Services

Total

2000
53 WEEKS
£m

1999
52 WEEKS
£m

6,482.7

6,601.1

1,348.2

1,274.3

week of £131.6m the total for the 53 week year was £6,482.7m.

An analysis of the movements in UK Retail sales (including

VAT) for the 52 weeks is given below:

FIRST
QUARTER
%

SECOND 
QUARTER
%

15 WEEKS
TO
8 JAN
%

11 WEEKS
TO
25 MARCH
%

52 WEEKS
TOTAL
%

364.6

348.6

Clothing, footwear 

8,195.5

8,224.0

& gifts

(9.8)

(10.3)

(6.7)

(3.6)

(7.8)

Profit on ordinary activities before tax of £417.5m (last year

£546.1m) is shown after charging £139.7m for exceptional items

(last year £82.3m).

Foods

Total

(1.2)

(6.1)

Home furnishings

(1.6)

(11.6)

6.0

3.2

11.7

1.8

1.0

1.2

0.4

(6.2)

(2.8)

(0.5)

(4.0)

2 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Financial review

Estimated like for like sales for the same reporting periods are

Operating expenses

below:

FIRST
QUARTER
%

SECOND 
QUARTER
%

15 WEEKS
TO
8 JAN
%

11 WEEKS
TO
25 MARCH
%

52 WEEKS
TOTAL
%

General

(14.6)

(15.1)

(9.2)

(6.0)

(11.1)

Operating expenses increased by 3% (on a 52 week comparative

basis). The main cost movements were:

– £39m additional marketing costs, of which £13m is specifically

attributable to increased advertising and £14m to the visual

merchandising in stores.

Foods

Total

(4.2)

(10.3)

(2.5)

(9.9)

0.8

(5.6)

(0.1)

(3.3)

(1.3)

(7.2)

– £13m additional consultancy fees principally arising from 

the supply chain review and the restructuring of the UK Retail

business.

– £23m savings in estates and premises costs due to the

reduction in the development programme.

International Retail

(All sales and profit comparatives are given on a 52 week basis

at constant exchange rates.) 

International Retail increased sales by 5.9%, and made an

operating profit before exceptional items of £0.3m (last year, 

loss of £9.9m). The effect of the 53rd week was to increase 

full year profits to £7.0m.

In Europe, the second half performance was considerably

better than the comparable period last year, helped by the

closure of seven under-performing stores (three in France and

four in Germany) and by the improved performance of our

franchises, particularly in Greece and Turkey. There was a small

improvement in the bought in margin, partly due to better buying

practices. We opened new stores in Barcelona and Frankfurt,

however overall footage reduced by 130,000 sq ft.

Sales in the Far East improved by 7% helped by an 

improving economy and by significantly increased local

production. Costs have been well controlled and we have

reduced operating losses from £14m to £4m.

Although sales in Brooks increased by 8%, higher mark-

downs and additional costs arising from US expansion impacted

on trading profits. Following a first half where operating losses

were £5m compared to profits of £1m in the previous year,

second half operating profits of £11m were in line with last year.

Kings Super Markets performed well, and we increased 

sales by 7% and operating profit by 5%. Three new stores 

were opened in the second half-year.

We have changed our method of calculating like for like sales

and now report the comparison of total sales with new and

developed stores excluded. We have adopted this revised

method for calculating like for like sales because it is more

commonly used and therefore familiar. The previous method,

which added back sales from deflected stores, is shown below

for comparison:

FIRST
QUARTER
%

SECOND 
QUARTER
%

15 WEEKS
TO
8 JAN
%

11 WEEKS
TO
25 MARCH
%

52 WEEKS
TOTAL
%

General

(12.5)

(11.3)

(8.8)

(4.8)

Foods

Total

(3.1)

(9.3)

(0.2)

(7.0)

1.2

0.6

(5.3)

(2.5)

(9.1)

(1.0)

(5.9)

At the end of March 2000 we had 296 stores with a selling space

of 12.27m sq ft compared with 11.96m sq ft the previous year, a

weighted average increase of 6.1%. 

The UK shape of the chain, based on closing footage, is

shown below:

Departmental
Stores 39%

Regional
Centres 27%

High Street 
Stores 19%

Small Stores 
15%

Cost of sales

On a 52 week comparative basis, the gross margin percentage

improved over last year’s level. However, the shortfall in sales

led to an overall fall in gross profit.

3 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Financial Services

(d) The net loss on other property disposals was £14.0m

This Operating Division includes five profit centres:

(excluding European store closures referred to in (b) above),

Store Cards

Personal Lending

Unit Trusts

Life Assurance

MS Insurance (Guernsey)

of which a £17.2m loss relates to the disposal of The Gyle

Shopping Centre (see note 4C, page 27). As an investment

property, the Gyle had been revalued annually since its

acquisition in January 1997 and the cumulative revaluation

had been recognised through the Statement of Total

The overall results are given in the segmental analysis (see note

Recognised Gains and Losses in previous years. As a

2, page 25).

consequence, the Group has realised a profit of £53.4m

The first four of the five profit centres are managed as a 

based on net sale proceeds less the original purchase price

single operation (the results for the Life Assurance company

which has not been reflected in the profit and loss account.

being aggregated on an Embedded Value basis). MS Insurance

derives the majority of its underwriting business from the other

Interest

Financial Services activities.

Net interest income fell to £14.2m from £27.9m last year. 

The scale of current business levels is indicated below:

This was caused by lower average sterling cash balances

ACCOUNT
CARDS

PERSONAL
LENDING

UNIT
TRUSTS

LIFE
ASSURANCE

Number of accounts/

policy holders (000s)

2000

1999

5,101

5,166

567

548

186

171

Customer outstandings/funds 

under management (£m)

2000

1999

646

652

1,495

1,283

1,166

1,101

58

30

n/a

n/a

The credit activities are carried out within Marks and Spencer

Financial Services Limited, a bank regulated by the FSA. The

(including interest-bearing investments) of £422m (last year

£820m), offset by an increase in sterling interest rates.

Interest payments on intra group and external borrowings 

for the Financial Services business are charged to that business

as cost of sales. The operating profit for Financial Services is

shown in the segmental analysis (see note 2, page 25). The total

interest cost incurred by Financial Services was £105.5m (last

year £102.3m). 

Taxation

The Group tax charge for the year is £158.2m, giving an

effective rate of 38% after exceptional charges. This is an

increase on the previous year’s rate of 32%. The increase 

results from certain exceptional charges and unrelieved 

Unit Trust, Life Assurance and Corporate PEP/ISA businesses are

losses arising overseas. 

carried out by companies regulated by IMRO, PIA and the FSA.

Earnings per share

Exceptional items (£139.7m)

(a) UK Restructuring (£63.3m) – of this total, £16.0m of

An adjusted earnings per share figure of 13.2p (last year 15.6p)

has been calculated to give a clearer understanding of the

redundancy costs were reported at the half year in respect

trading performance of the Group. It excludes the effect of the

of the rationalisation of UK store management and the

closure of a distribution centre. The additional £47.3m

exceptional items noted above. Details of the calculation are

given in note 9, page 29.

includes:

– Head Office costs of £18.5m mainly resulting from the

Dividend

restructuring of UK Retail into seven Customer Business

The reduction of the dividend payout to 9.0p was a difficult

Units

– £28.8m which reflects reductions in store management

supervision numbers.

(b)

European Restructuring (£17.0m) – the loss on sale of

property of £8.3m relates to the European store closures

decision for the Company, but our confidence in the future is

reflected by the fact that shareholders will receive a payment

equivalent to the full net profits for the year just ended. This will

re-base the dividend to a level from which appropriate earnings

cover can be re-established more quickly, improving our ability

announced during the period. After including the redundancy

to invest in the Group’s future growth.

and related costs of £8.7m the total was £17.0m.

(c) Canada (£45.4m) – the closure of our Canadian business

was completed at a cost of £21m compared to an estimate

of £25m. Goodwill previously written off to reserves of

£24.4m increased the exceptional charge.

4 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Financial review

Cash flow

Capital expenditure

The analysis of the increase in net debt shows the operating cash

Capital expenditure (gross) during the year totalled £451m.

flows within Retailing and Financial Services activities. The cash

Capital expenditure is expected to fall in the financial year

outflow from Financial Services operating activities includes a

2000/01. We plan to open a further 230,000 sq ft of selling

£206.2m increase in loans and advances to customers.

space, 64% of which will be in the UK.

Of the resulting net debt of £1,251m, £1,616m relates to

Financial Services. (See Balance Sheet commentary below.)

Financing

Cash flow analysis

£m

programme was increased to £2.0bn and this has been used as a

During the financial year the Medium Term Note (‘MTN’)

Net debt at 31 March 1999

Cash inflow from Retail operating activities

Cash outflow from Financial Services  

operating activities

Capital expenditure (net of disposals)

Dividends

Tax

Other 

Increase in net debt

Net debt at 31 March 2000

(1,182)

728

(87)

(167)

(413)

(146)

16

(69)

flexible and cost effective source of funds. 23 MTNs were issued

during the year in various currencies with a sterling equivalent of

£768m. Maturities ranged from 6 months to 7 years and were

swapped into operating currencies. The Group’s total

outstandings within this programme at the end of the financial

year were equivalent to £1,387m.

Other sources of finance were US$ Commercial Paper and

bank borrowings both in the London money market and by

individual international subsidiaries. A committed facility of

$50m and uncommitted credit facilities of £655m are in place 

(1,251)

in the UK.

New footage

During the year, total worldwide footage (excluding Canadian

closures) increased by 300,000 sq ft as shown below:

UK

Europe

North America

sq ft

300,000

(130,000)

130,000

300,000

Stores totalling 300,000 sq ft were closed in Canada, leaving 

net worldwide footage unchanged at 15.4m sq ft.

New store openings account for 66% of additional UK

footage mainly because of the new Braehead store in Glasgow

(91,000 sq ft) and the relocation of our Manchester store

(198,400 sq ft replacing the 98,800 sq ft temporary site). 

Seven European stores were closed during the year –

Details of the maturity profile of borrowings are given in

note 21B, page 37.

During the year, both the leading credit agencies reduced 

the Group’s long-term credit ratings: Standard & Poor’s to AA

and Moody’s to Aa3. 

Balance sheet

The Group balance sheet consolidates Retailing and Financial

Services businesses which have very different characteristics. 

The salient figures are disaggregated below:

Retail & Financial Services balance sheets 1 April 2000

Fixed assets

Stocks

RETAILING
2000
£m

FINANCIAL
SERVICES
2000
£m

TOTAL
GROUP
2000
£m

4,282.0

16.4

4,298.4

474.4

–

474.4

Loans & advances to customers

–

2,141.4

2,141.4

Dortmund, Essen, Wuppertal and Frankfurt (Nord West Zentrum)

Other debtors

334.9

78.9

413.8

in Germany and Grand Littoral (Marseille), Rouen and Parinor 

in France. Two new stores were opened (Plaza Catalunya in

Barcelona and the Zeil in Frankfurt). The overall effect was 

to reduce European footage by 130,000 sq ft.

Brooks Brothers US opened 19 new stores, and closed 

four stores, resulting in net additional footage of 83,000 sq ft.

Openings include a new flagship store at Fifth Avenue in
New York (22,400 sq ft).

Net cash/(debt)

364.5

(1,615.9)

(1,251.4)

Trade & other creditors

(982.7)

(172.1)

(1,154.8)

Net assets

4,473.1(1)

448.7

4,921.8

(1) Retailing includes £21.4m of liabilities classified as

unallocated in the segmental analysis (see note 2, page 25).

Loans and advances to customers have increased to £2.1bn (last

year £1.9bn). Within this, £1.5bn relates to personal lending

with the balance representing storecard debt.

5 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Treasury policy and financial risk management

EMU

The Board approves treasury policies, and senior management

Preparations for the introduction of the euro remain on 

directly controls day-to-day operations.

target, with significant progress in a number of different 

The Group’s Treasury uses derivatives and financial

areas. These include:

instruments to manage risk by altering the interest rate and

(a) The roll-out of new tills to all European and UK stores 

currency exposures to give greater certainty of future costs.

was completed in October 1999.

Transactions are only undertaken when there is an underlying

(b) Dual pricing (national currency and euro) has been

commercial justification and with counterparties which fulfil

introduced in The Netherlands and Germany and in all

predetermined credit criteria. The main types of instrument used

Food sections in stores in Continental Europe and the

are interest rate and currency swaps, forward rate agreements

Republic of Ireland. During the course of the next

and forward currency contracts. The Group does not hedge

12 months, we will roll out dual pricing to our General

balance sheet and profit and loss account translation exposures

sections reflecting the requirements of each country.

but, where appropriate, borrowings are arranged in local

We expect the cost of the introduction of the euro in the first

currencies or currency swaps are used to provide a natural

wave countries will be approximately £9m. Costs to date have

hedge against overseas assets.

not been material and we anticipate in the order of £5m will 

Interest rate exposures for Financial Services are managed, as

be incurred in the coming financial year.

far as practical, by matching the periods of borrowings and their

Until the UK’s position is resolved, we are careful to avoid

interest basis with the periods of the customer debt.

significant financial commitment in the UK, but we also know

Currency exposure arising from exports from the UK to

that the work completed and in progress in Continental Europe

overseas subsidiaries is managed by the use of forward currency

will provide us with valuable precedents and experience.

contracts for periods averaging 10-15 months.

We remain confident the second National Changeover Plan

The details of derivatives and other financial instruments

will provide us with sufficient time to make the necessary changes. 

required by the Financial Reporting Standard, FRS13, are 

shown in notes 18, 21 and 23 to the Accounts.

Accounting developments

Financial Reporting Standards 11-15 were adopted during the

Y2K

last financial year. 

The work necessary to ensure compliance of all our computer

We have responded to the exposure drafts on ‘Retirement

equipment, software and embedded systems was completed in

Benefits’ and ‘Deferred Tax’ and the discussion paper on

good time for the Millennium. Over the Millennium weekend

‘Leases’. The most noticeable impact of these three proposals

and the period covering 29 February there was no material

would be on our Group balance sheet, and we estimate that the

disruption to the Group’s operations.

leasing proposals would result in assets and liabilities in the

We continue to monitor systems but do not expect 

region of £0.9bn being brought onto the balance sheet. This, in

further problems. The total cost of the programme to the 

turn, would increase current gearing by 18 percentage points.

Group was £25m.

Going concern statement

After making enquiries, the directors have a reasonable

expectation that the Group has adequate resources to 

continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 

For this reason, they have adopted the going concern basis 

in preparing the financial statements.

6 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Corporate governance

The Company is committed to high standards of corporate

Remuneration Committee: ensures the executive directors and

governance and reports on how it applies the principles in 

senior management are appropriately rewarded, giving due

the Combined Code as follows.

regard to the financial and commercial health of the Company. 

It has been a year of significant change during which the

It comprises five non-executive directors and meets at least four

Board has reviewed its governance framework and updated

times annually. Dame Stella Rimington took over the chair from

those matters reserved to it following the Group’s restructuring

Brian Baldock on 1 July 1999 following his appointment at the

into five separate Operating Divisions: UK Retail, International

time as non-executive Chairman of the Company. 

Retail, Financial Services, Ventures and Property, each

responsible for policy, decision-making and delivery of their 

own specific functions. Board Committees have also been

reviewed and their remits updated. This reflects the importance 

of responsibility, accountability and risk being at the 

appropriate level.

Directors

Nomination Committee: keeps under review the Board

structure, size and composition; selects and proposes to the

Board suitable candidates for appointment as directors of the

Company, and considers Board successional plans. It comprises

six non-executive directors, chaired by Brian Baldock, and meets

as required.

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee: provides the 

As at 31 March 2000 the Board comprises 15 directors, six of

Board with an overview of the social and ethical impact of 

whom are non-executive. Luc Vandevelde (appointed Chairman

the Company’s activities including community involvement,

on 28 February 2000) and Peter Salsbury (Chief Executive) 

environmental management and ethical trading. It comprises

head the Board and work together as an effective partnership. 

four executive directors, one non-executive director and one

Sir Martin Jacomb is the Company’s senior independent director.

divisional director, is chaired by Guy McCracken and meets 

Sir David Sieff is not considered independent for the purposes 

at least three times annually.

of the Combined Code because of his previously held executive

position in the Company. 

Directors’ remuneration

All directors have access to the advice and services of the

The Remuneration Report appears on pages 8 to 15 and 

Company Secretary, Graham Oakley, who ensures that the

contains a statement of remuneration policy and details 

Board, which meets monthly, receives appropriate and timely

of the remuneration of each director. The remuneration of 

information for its decision making, that Board procedures are

non-executive directors is determined by the Chairman together

followed and that statutory and regulatory requirements are met.

with the other executive directors. The Board considers each

He also assists the Chairman in ensuring that all directors are

year whether shareholders should be invited to consider

properly briefed on issues arising at Board meetings. Directors

separately the Remuneration Report at the AGM, and does 

receive appropriate induction training when they join the

not consider it necessary at the 2000 AGM, particularly as 

Company and coaching to develop individual skills as required.

the introduction of new share schemes are themselves subject 

There is an established procedure whereby any director,

to shareholder approval. 

wishing to do so in the furtherance of his or her duties, may take

independent professional advice at the Company’s expense.

Relations with shareholders

Pursuant to the Company’s Articles currently the nearest

The Company is committed to ongoing communication across its

number to but not exceeding one third of the Board shall retire

entire shareholder base, whether institutional investors, private

each year by rotation. In practice, all directors are required to

or employee shareholders. This is achieved through regular

offer themselves for re-election at least every three years and 

annual and interim reports, other trading statements and the

the Articles will be amended to reflect this practice when they

AGM. The website at www.marksandspencer.com contains

are next revised. 

Principal Board committees

corporate and customer information updated on a regular basis.

Regular dialogue and presentations take place throughout the

year with institutional investors. The AGM held in July in London

Audit Committee: assists the Board in fulfilling its oversight

is well attended by shareholders who receive a business

responsibilities, primarily reviewing the reporting of financial

presentation and have the opportunity to ask questions of the 

and non-financial information to shareholders, the systems of

full Board including the chairs of the Audit, Remuneration and

internal control and risk management, and the audit process. 
It comprises six non-executive directors, chaired by Sir Martin

Nomination Committees. The results of the proxy votes are
declared at the meeting and a résumé of the question and

Jacomb and meets at least three times annually. The external

answer session is available after the Meeting.

auditors and the chief internal auditor attend all meetings, 

which executive directors also have a right to attend.

7 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Accountability and audit

The boards of the operating divisions review their annual 

Going concern: A statement in accordance with the going

and three year operating and capital plans with the relevant

concern principle is included in the Financial Review on page 5.

executive directors prior to submission to the parent Board for

Internal control: The Combined Code has extended the 

existing requirement that the Board reviews the effectiveness 

of the Group’s system of internal financial controls to cover all

controls including financial, operational, compliance and risk

management. The Group has adopted the transitional approach

for the Combined Code set out in the letter from the London

Stock Exchange to listed companies in September 1999 and has

continued to review and report upon internal financial controls.

approval. This process includes the identification and assessment

of the business and financial risks inherent in each operating

area. Treasury policies are regularly reviewed by the Treasury

Committee and any changes are approved by the Board.

The systems of internal financial control include:

– comprehensive budgeting systems with annual budgets

approved by the Board

– regular consideration by the Board of year end forecasts

– clearly defined capital investment control guidelines and

Wider aspects of internal control: Nevertheless, the Board

procedures which have been revised this year and agreed

confirms that it has established the procedures necessary 

with the Board

to review and report on internal controls for next year. 

– regular reporting of legal and accounting developments to

In particular:

the Board.

– the Board has established a new corporate risk management

On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee examines the

process which will enable it to report that there is an

effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal financial control

“ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing

primarily through agreeing the scope of the internal audit

the significant risks faced by the Company, that it has been 

programme and reviewing its findings, reviews of the annual 

in place for the year under review and that it is regularly

and interim financial statements and a review of the nature 

reviewed by the Board”.

and scope of the external audit. Any significant findings or

– the Audit Committee has extended its remit to include the

identified risks are closely examined so that appropriate 

monitoring of the new corporate risk management process 

action can be taken.

on behalf of the Board by reviewing a programme of risk

The work of the internal audit department is focussed on 

assessment activity and a report from internal audit on the

areas of priority as identified by risk analysis and in accordance

risk assessment process.

Internal financial control

with an annual audit plan approved each year by the Audit

Committee and by the Board. The Board receives a full report

from the Chief Internal Auditor, Hilary Gay, each year on the

The Board has overall responsibility for the Group’s systems of

department’s work and findings and regular interim updates on

internal financial control and for monitoring their effectiveness.

specific issues. The external auditors are engaged to express an

However, such systems are designed to provide reasonable, but

opinion on the financial statements. They review and test the

not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.

systems of internal financial control and the data contained in

The Board maintains full control and direction over appropriate

the financial statements to the extent necessary to express their

strategic, financial, organisation and compliance issues, and has

audit opinion. They discuss with management the reporting of

reviewed the organisation structure with formally defined lines

operational results and the financial condition of the Group.

of responsibility and delegation of authority. There are established

The directors through the Audit Committee have reviewed the

procedures for planning and capital expenditure, for information

effectiveness of the Group’s systems of internal financial control.

and reporting systems, and for monitoring the Group’s businesses

and their performances. The Board has delegated to executive

Compliance with the Combined Code

management the implementation of the systems of internal

The directors confirm that for the year ended 31 March 2000 

financial control within an established framework that applies

the Company complied with all the Code provisions. 

throughout the Group; these systems are monitored and

supported by an independent internal audit function which

operates globally.

8 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Remuneration report

Strategy
Marks & Spencer operates in an international trading
environment and it is an essential part of our strategy that we
continue to attract, train, develop and retain talent at all levels
within the Company. The level of remuneration and benefits we
are able to offer is a key factor in successfully achieving this
objective.

The Company sets out to provide highly competitive salaries
and benefits for all its employees consistent with its growth and
strategy.

The Board has adopted the principles of good governance
relating to directors’ remuneration as set out in the Combined
Code. This Remuneration Report follows the provisions in
Schedule B to the Code.

Remuneration Committee
The Remuneration Committee comprises Dame Stella Rimington
(Chairman), Brian Baldock, Sir Martin Jacomb, Sir Michael Perry
and Sir Ralph Robins. Brian Baldock chaired the Committee until
he was appointed Chairman of the Company from 23 June 1999,
and Dame Stella Rimington was appointed as his successor from
1 July 1999. It recommends to the Board the Company’s
framework for retaining and rewarding its senior management, 
ie executive directors, divisional directors and executives. 
The Committee’s approach is consistent with the Company’s
overall philosophy that all employees should be appropriately
rewarded and it keeps itself informed of the developments in
best practice in the field of remuneration.

Remuneration policy
The policy of the Company aims to align the interests of 
all employees as closely as possible with the interests of
shareholders in promoting the Company’s progress. Profit
Sharing and SAYE schemes encouraging employees at all levels
to acquire and hold shares in the Company are important
elements of that policy. Share ownership remains very popular
within the Company, illustrated by the fact that over 43,000
employees hold approximately 34 million shares in their own
right and 38,000 employees hold options on 79 million shares
under the SAYE scheme.

The Government has published draft legislation for the
introduction of a new All-Employee Share Option Plan. In order 
to continue offering Profit Sharing to our employees, we are
seeking shareholder approval to operate a new scheme.

The responsibility of the Remuneration Committee is to

reward senior management competitively taking account of both
Company and individual performance. The total remuneration is
made up of three major components: salary and benefits, annual
bonus scheme and a long-term incentive in the form of an
Executive Share Option Scheme. The performance related
elements form a significant proportion of the total package.
Targets required to meet the thresholds of payment under both
the bonus and share option schemes are considered to be
challenging and motivating.

Salary and benefits
Salary should be competitive and appropriate reviews should
take place, normally annually, reflecting market conditions and
personal performance. In making recommendations on the
framework the Remuneration Committee uses information
available in specific published job-matched surveys of similar
companies and annual reports. As appropriate, specific surveys
are commissioned to supplement the published information.
The salaries of the Chairman, Chief Executive, executive
directors and divisional directors, are set by the Remuneration
Committee in June of each year after reviewing Company and
market conditions and the performance of the individual. In the
cases of the Chief Executive, executive directors and divisional

directors, the Committee is assisted by the Chairman in this
review.

In July 1999, to reflect the performance of the business, no
senior employee received an annual salary review, apart from
salary increases which were awarded to Robert Colvill, Group
Finance Director, and Clara Freeman, Director of UK Stores,
Group Personnel and Communications to reflect the market
position of these roles. The year under review reflects the first
full year salary awarded to Peter Salsbury on his promotion to
Chief Executive from 1 February 1999.

Annual bonus scheme
Bonus payments are based upon actual achievement against
challenging Group performance targets set in the annual
operating plan approved by the Board. The Group introduced 
an annual bonus scheme for executive directors and divisional
directors in 1988, which was extended in 1995 to include
executives. The bonus ranges from 0% to a maximum of 
30% of participants’ salary when target levels are exceeded. 
The bonus does not form part of pensionable salary, nor is it
eligible for profit sharing. No bonus was earned by participants
in the year under review due to Company performance being
below set targets.

An annual bonus scheme for other members of management
was introduced in July 1999, with a range between 0% and 10%
of salary paid for achievement against challenging business and
individual performance targets. Awards of up to 5% have been
made against individual targets.

The Company does not have a long-term bonus scheme.

Executive Share Option Scheme
We have looked at alternatives to the share option scheme and
after consideration we have continued to use the policy and
principles that are readily understood by the participants, fit 
the culture of the business and have historically delivered an
appropriate level of reward. The Remuneration Committee has
imposed performance criteria for the exercise of all options
granted since 1996. Details of the share schemes are given in
section 6 of this report. The needs of the business have dictated
that in pursuing the objective of being more flexible and linking
more closely to Company performance we will be seeking
shareholder approval to make changes to our current scheme 
at the forthcoming AGM.

Senior management restructure
As part of the process of the restructure of the business, five
executive directors, James Benfield, Lord Stone of Blackheath,
Derek Hayes, Chris Littmoden and John Sacher, have left the
business and Sir Richard Greenbury retired.

The policy for Early Retirement Pension, details of which 

are in section 5, facilitated the implementation of the new
Business structure.

Recruitment of directors
During the year Luc Vandevelde was recruited as Executive
Chairman on an annual salary of £650,000. Compensation 
was made for loss of benefits from his previous employment,
given in the form of restricted shares at a cost of £1,997,000.
Luc Vandevelde is also eligible for a bonus of 100% of salary
covering his first thirteen months of employment, paid against
the delivery of specific strategic and qualitative targets. 
In following periods his targets will be set against the same
criteria as the other executive directors. As he was not resident
in the UK at the time of his appointment, the Company has
agreed to provide him with suitable accommodation, on which
he will be assessed for tax.

Alan McWalter was also recruited as Director of Marketing.

9 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Service contracts

During the year we introduced service contracts for all executive directors, divisional directors and executives. These contracts 

are terminable on 12 months’ notice. Exceptions can be made where longer notice periods may be agreed for an initial period for 

new recruits. For example, Alan McWalter and Luc Vandevelde were appointed with service contracts entitling them to two years’

notice reducing proportionately to one year during the first 12 months of their appointment. Non-executive directors do not have

service contracts.

Non-executive directors

The remuneration of non-executive directors is determined by the Chairman together with the executive directors. Non-executive

directors do not participate in the Company’s Profit Sharing, Save As You Earn or Executive Share Option Schemes, annual bonus

scheme or the Early Retirement Plan. Their fees are non-pensionable. 

No increase in fees was made in the year under review other than for Brian Baldock in recognition of his appointment as 

Chairman following Sir Richard Greenbury’s retirement, and for Dame Stella Rimington in recognition of her appointment as 

Chair of the Remuneration Committee.

1 Directors’ emoluments

Chairman
Luc Vandevelde(1) (appointed 28 February 2000)

Chief Executive 
Peter Salsbury

Executive directors
Roger Aldridge

Robert Colvill

Clara Freeman

Guy McCracken

Alan McWalter(2) (appointed 1 January 2000)

Barry Morris

Joe Rowe

SALARY
£000

59

560

290

373

250

390

69

220

290

Non-executive directors
Brian Baldock(9) (Chairman 23 June 1999 to 27 February 2000) 177

Sir Martin Jacomb

Sir Michael Perry 

Dame Stella Rimington(8)

Sir Ralph Robins

Sir David Sieff

Retired directors (with effect from)
James Benfield(6) (31 December 1999)

Lord Stone of Blackheath(6) (31 December 1999)

Sir Richard Greenbury(6)(7) (22 June 1999)

Derek Hayes(6) (31 May 1999)

Chris Littmoden(5)(6) (31 May 1999)

John Sacher(6) (31 May 1999)

Paul Smith(5) (31 March 1999)

Keith Oates (31 January 1999)

Total

34

34

46

34

34

217

347

339

85

91

84

n/a

n/a

4,023

PROFIT
SHARE
£000

(3)

n/a

BENEFITS
£000

(4)

2,011

TOTAL
2000
£000

2,070

13

7

9

6

10

n/a

5

7

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

57

20

16

20

14

19

85

17

21

1

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

11

14

15

5

9

171

5

n/a

n/a

593

313

402

270

419

154

242

318

178

34

34

46

34

45

231

362

344

94

262

89

n/a

n/a

TOTAL
1999
£000

–

439

312

342

230

409

–

230

302

50

34

34

34

34

45

275

416

810

275

587

293

679

545

2,454

6,534

6,375

10 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Remuneration report

1 Directors’ emoluments (continued)

(1)

Luc Vandevelde was appointed to the Board as Executive Chairman on 28 February 2000. Included within his benefits is

compensation for loss of future benefits from his previous employer in the form of restricted shares at a cost of £1,997,000 

(see section 2, below). As a result of this award, Luc Vandevelde is the highest paid director with total emoluments of £2,070,000.

Last year, the highest paid director was Sir Richard Greenbury, whose emoluments were £810,000 with an accrued pension

entitlement at the end of last year of £465,000.

(2) Alan McWalter was appointed to the Board on 1 January 2000. Included within his benefits is compensation of £75,000 for 

loss of future benefits from his previous employer. 

(3)

In line with all other employees, executive directors performing their duties mainly in the UK are allocated a profit share based

on a percentage of their salary following the qualifying period. Further information on profit sharing is given in note 10C to the

financial statements.

(4) Benefits for UK directors relate mainly to the provision of cars, fuel and travel. In addition, a payment is made to both

Luc Vandevelde and Alan McWalter in respect of pension (see section 2 below). For expatriate directors see footnote (5).

(5)

Expatriate directors carrying out their duties overseas have their remuneration adjusted to take account of local living costs. 

This adjustment is to put them in a position, after taking into account taxation differentials, where they are no better or worse 

off as a result of carrying out their duties overseas. Payments made to them, or on their behalf, such as allowances for working

overseas and the provision of accommodation are treated as benefits for the purpose of the above table and are non-pensionable.

(6)

Included in the salary figures for Lord Stone of Blackheath, James Benfield, Derek Hayes, Chris Littmoden, John Sacher and

Sir Richard Greenbury are contractual non-pensionable payments in lieu of holiday entitlement.

(7)

Sir Richard Greenbury retired as Chairman on 22 June 1999. His salary includes a 3 month payment in lieu of notice in

accordance with his contract as Chairman.

(8) Dame Stella Rimington was appointed Chairman of the Remuneration Committee on 1 July 1999 and received an associated

increase of £16,000 pa.

(9) Brian Baldock was appointed non-executive Chairman on 23 June 1999 on a salary of £220,000 pa.

2 Recruitment of directors

During the year, two new directors have been recruited and appointed to the Board on the following terms:

(i)

Luc Vandevelde

– Salary of £650,000 pa.

– Compensation for loss of future benefits from previous employer in the form of 808,080 ‘restricted shares’ purchased on his

behalf at a cost of £1,997,000. He is the beneficial owner of the shares but they will not be transferred to him until the third

anniversary of employment irrespective of him being employed at that time or the second anniversary where employment is 

not renewed by the Company at the end of his initial two year contract (included within benefits in section 1).

– Supplement of 16% of base salary to compensate for the fact that he is not a member of the Company Pension Scheme

(included within benefits in section 1).

– Award of shares under 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme with a market value at the date of employment of eight times

salary including bonus (see section 6 – Long-term benefits).

(ii) Alan McWalter

– Salary of £275,000 pa.

– A payment of £75,000 as compensation for loss of future benefits from previous employer (included within benefits in section 1).

– Supplement of 10% of the difference between the pension earnings cap and his basic salary (see section 4 – Pensions)

(included within benefits in section 1).

– Award of shares under 1997 Executive Share Option Scheme with a market value at the date of employment of eight times

salary (see section 6 – Long-term benefits).

3 Gains made on directors’ share options

No Executive Share Options were exercised during the year. Two directors exercised SAYE contracts but gains were negligible 
(see section 6, page 14). Last year the total gain of £116,000 made by directors on the exercise of their share options included:

Peter Salsbury £4,000, Roger Aldridge £7,000, Clara Freeman £14,000, Guy McCracken £7,000, James Benfield £7,000, Lord Stone 

of Blackheath £11,000, Derek Hayes £10,000 and Paul Smith £56,000.

11 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

4 Directors’ pension information

Pension scheme

The executive directors, management and employees all participate in the Company’s Pension Scheme. The Scheme is non-contributory,

fully funded and the subject of an Independent Trust. The normal retirement age under the Pension Scheme for senior management is 60

to harmonise with the Company contractual retirement age. For all other employees the normal retirement date is aged 65 (previously

60) but for those employees who joined the Scheme prior to 1 January 1996 their accrued rights were not affected by the change of

normal retirement date.

The Pension Scheme enables members to achieve the maximum pension of two-thirds of their salary in the twelve months ending 

at normal retirement age after 30 years’ service. For employees (including senior management) who joined the Scheme prior to

1 January 1996 no actuarial reduction is applied to pensions payable from the age of 58. Employees who joined the Scheme on 

or after 1 January 1996 are subject to an actuarial reduction in their pension if payment starts prior to their normal retirement age. 

In the case of earnings over £100,000 per annum, the pensionable salary is based on an average of the earnings over the last 

three years to retirement.

Pension commutation to enable participants to receive a lump sum on retirement is permitted within Inland Revenue limits.

For death before retirement, a capital sum equal to four times salary is payable, together with a partner’s pension of two-thirds 

of the member’s prospective pension at the age of 65 (60 for senior management). For death in retirement, a spouse’s pension is 

paid equal to two-thirds of the member’s current pension. In the event of death after leaving service but prior to commencement 

of pension, a spouse’s pension of two-thirds of the accrued preserved pension is payable. In all circumstances, children’s allowances 

are also payable, usually up to the age of 16. Substantial protection is also offered in the event of serious ill health.

Post-retirement pension increases for pension earned before 6 April 1997 are purely discretionary, but the practice has been to

award annual increases in line with inflation.

Luc Vandevelde(3)

Peter Salsbury

Roger Aldridge

Robert Colvill

Clara Freeman

Guy McCracken

Alan McWalter(4)

Barry Morris

Joe Rowe

Retired directors

James Benfield

Lord Stone of Blackheath

Sir Richard Greenbury(5)

Derek Hayes

Chris Littmoden

John Sacher

AGE AT
31 MARCH
2000

49

50

53

59

47

51

46

52

52

50

57

63

51

56

59

YEARS OF
SERVICE AT
31 MARCH

INCREASE IN
TRANSFER VALUE 
IN EXCESS OF 

INCREASE IN
PENSION EARNED
IN EXCESS OF
2000 INFLATION(1) DURING INFLATION(1) DURING
THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2000
£000

THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2000
£000

OR DATE OF
RETIREMENT

ACCRUED ENTITLEMENT AT YEAR END
31 MARCH
1999
£000

31 MARCH 
2000(2)
£000

–

29

26

15

25

24

n/a

29

25

29

32

45

29

25

31

–

943

365

381

296

335

9

178

380

717(7)

1,267(7)

n/a

599(7)

1,821(6)

138(7)

–

62

23

20

21

22

1

11

24

(23)(8)

34

n/a

(28)(8)

76

10

–

292

162

109

120

207

1

82

148

116

265

482

107

140

176

–

227

137

89

97

183

n/a

69

123

138

230

465

135

64

166

(1)

Inflation has been assumed to be equivalent to the actual rate of price inflation which was 1.1% for the year to 30 September

1999. This measurement date accords with The Listing Rules.

12 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Remuneration report

4 Directors’ pension information (continued)
(2) The pension entitlement shown above is that which would be paid on retirement based on service to 31 March 2000 or date of

retirement if earlier.
(3)
Luc Vandevelde does not participate in the Company Pension Scheme (see section 1, footnote 4 – Directors’ emoluments).
(4) Alan McWalter joined the scheme on 1 January 2000, and is therefore subject to the statutory pension earnings ‘cap’ (£90,600 at
31 March 2000) which is reviewed by the Government annually. His pension is based on a uniform accrual of two-thirds of that
‘cap’ less the pension which he has accrued from membership of previous employers’ pension schemes (see section 1, footnote 4
– Directors’ emoluments).
Sir Richard Greenbury accrued no further benefit in the scheme since taking a lump sum in July 1997. This year’s accrued
entitlement has increased over last year due to two factors (i) the pension, having been deferred has, in line with normal practice,
been increased by a late retirement factor, (ii) a notional increase has been applied in line with the pension increase for all
current pensions.

(5)

(6) Chris Littmoden was, until immediately prior to his retirement on 31 May 1999, employed in North America, during which time
his pension had ceased to accrue. His accrued entitlement at the time of his transfer to North America was £64,000. On the
cessation of his overseas assignment, his accrued pension entitlement was restored fully, at a value of £140,000. This represents
an increase in pension earned of £76,000 with a transfer value of £1,821,000.

(7) The greater part of the actuarial increase in respect of these directors relates to the effect, on the year, of their full pension being

paid immediately, following their retirement.

(8) The accrued entitlement for James Benfield and Derek Hayes has fallen during the year. This reflects the fact that the reduction

factor due to their early retirement more than offsets any increase in pension for service completed during the year.

(9) The pension entitlement shown excludes any additional pension purchased by the member’s Additional Voluntary Contributions.

5 Payments to former directors

Details of payments made under the Early Retirement Plan and other payments made to former directors during the year are:

Early retirement pensions(1)
James Benfield(2)

Lord Stone of Blackheath(2)

Derek Hayes(3)

Chris Littmoden(3)

John Sacher(4)

Paul Smith

Keith Oates(5)

Don Trangmar

Unfunded pensions
Lord Sieff of Brimpton(6)

Clinton Silver(6)

Other payments
Lord Sieff of Brimpton(7)

Clinton Silver(8)

DATE OF
RETIREMENT

PAYABLE UNTIL

PAID IN YEAR
£000

PAID IN
1999
£000

31 December 1999

22 April 2009

31 December 1999

7 September 2002

31 May 1999

19 November 2008

31 May 1999

28 September 2003

31 May 1999

n/a

31 March 1999

20 December 2000

31 January 1999

3 July 2002

31 March 1998

16 November 1999

30 September 1985

31 July 1994

Death

Death

30 September 1985

31 October 1999

31 July 1994

30 September 1999

17

23

52

70

56

65

197

38

65

84

53

35

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

56

63

82

73

70

(1) Under the Company’s Early Retirement Plan the Remuneration Committee may, at its discretion, offer an unfunded Early Retirement
Pension, separate from the Company pension, which will be payable from the date of retirement to age 60. To ensure that early
retirement does not confer an advantage over continued employment the value of the Early Retirement Pension may not exceed the
value of the individual’s total net Company pension from actual date of retirement to age 60. Each Early Retirement Pension must
be approved individually by the Remuneration Committee. The Early Retirement Pension is fully taxable; it is normally fully
commutable at the election of the recipient. With effect from 31 March 2000, the Early Retirement Plan has been withdrawn.
(2)
James Benfield and Lord Stone were awarded £68,000 and £91,000 respectively pa.
(3) Derek Hayes and Chris Littmoden were awarded £62,000 and £84,000 respectively pa.
(4)
(5) Keith Oates was awarded £166,000 pa. The payment above is for the 14 months since his date of retirement.
(6) The pension scheme entitlement for Lord Sieff and Clinton Silver is supplemented by an additional, unfunded, pension paid 

John Sacher was awarded £53,000 pa and chose to commute this award for a lump sum of £56,000.

by the Company.

(7) Due to the continuing ill health of Lord Sieff the Company has met some costs relating to his necessary daily care assistant. 
(8) Payments made to Clinton Silver in respect of consultancy services provided to the Company. 

13 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

6 Long-term benefits

The Company operates two types of share option scheme:

(i)

a Save As You Earn (SAYE) Option Scheme approved by shareholders in 1981 and renewed by shareholders in 1987 and 1997. 

The Scheme is open to all employees, including executive directors, who have completed one year’s service and who open an

approved savings contract. Inland Revenue rules limit the maximum amount which can be saved to £250 per month. When the

savings contract is started options are granted to acquire the number of shares that the total savings will buy when the savings

contract matures; options cannot normally be exercised until a minimum of three years has elapsed. 

(ii)

an Executive Share Option Scheme, approved by shareholders in 1997, which is open to all senior management. The Company

has operated this type of scheme for over 20 years, following shareholder approval for earlier schemes in 1977, 1984 and 1987.

The 1997 Scheme is a two-tier scheme, comprising first tier options of up to four times annual earnings, and second tier options up to

four times annual earnings, with an overall scheme limit of eight times annual earnings. The Remuneration Committee has imposed

performance criteria for the exercise of all options granted since 1996. The performance criteria for the 1997 Scheme are:

• First tier options will be exercisable between three and 10 years from grant, and will be exercisable if the growth in the Company’s

normalised earnings per share, over the three-year period, has exceeded growth in the Retail Price Index over that period, by an

average of at least 3% per annum.

• Second tier options will be exercisable between five and 10 years from grant, if the Company’s normalised earnings per share

growth, over any five year period, would place it in the upper quartile of the FTSE 100 companies.

All grants in the past 10 years will count towards the overall limit of eight times earnings.

Participants who hold options granted under the 1984 and 1987 Schemes will continue to be bound by their Maximum Option

Value (MOV) of four times earnings, and may only exercise options up to this value. This means that many participants hold more

options than they will be able to exercise. At the discretion of the Committee, MOV can be increased in line with earnings. As soon 

as options have been exercised up to a value of four times earnings, all outstanding options automatically lapse.

Following the 1996 Finance Act, new grants of Inland Revenue Approved Options have been limited to £30,000. Grants in excess

of this limit, under the 1997 Scheme, will be Unapproved Options which confer no tax advantage on the participants. 

At the discretion of the Remuneration Committee, retiring directors can take their options for all schemes into retirement. 

Options held under the 1984 and 1987 Schemes continue to be bound by their MOV and can be exercised subject to the option

period. For options held under the 1997 Scheme the performance criteria and time restrictions are waived but they will lapse if not

exercised within 12 months of retirement.

Directors’ long-term benefits

The options detailed in the table below may not be exercisable for any one of the following reasons:

(i)

(ii)

their value is in excess of the MOV

the options have not been held for three years and therefore cannot be exercised under scheme rules

(iii)

the options have not met the appropriate performance criteria.

The market price of the shares at the end of the financial year was 250.5p; the highest and lowest share prices during the financial

year were 461p and 222.75p respectively.

Luc Vandevelde(2)

Not exercisable 

Peter Salsbury

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

SAYE

AT 1 APRIL
1999
OR DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

GRANTED
DURING
THE YEAR

EXERCISED/
LAPSED DURING
THE YEAR

AT 31 MARCH
2000
OR DATE OF
RETIREMENT

OPTION
PRICE
(PENCE)

EXERCISE
PRICE
(PENCE)

OPTION PERIOD

–

3,984,674

204,824

435,134

–

–

–

439,476

5,550

–

–

–

–

–

–

3,984,674

261.0

– Mar 03 – Mar 10

351,895

727,539

–

5,550

359.0(1)

421.0(1)

358.0

351.0(1)

– May 94 – May 05

– May 98 – Jun 09

–

–

Jun 02 – Jun 09

Jan 03 – Jun 04

(1) Weighted average price.

(2) Grant based on anticipated total earnings up to 31 March 2001 (including 100% bonus).

14 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Remuneration report

6 Long-term benefits (continued)

AT 1 APRIL
1999
OR DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

GRANTED
DURING
THE YEAR

EXERCISED/
LAPSED DURING
THE YEAR

AT 31 MARCH
2000
OR DATE OF
RETIREMENT

OPTION
PRICE
(PENCE)

EXERCISE
PRICE
(PENCE)

OPTION PERIOD

Roger Aldridge

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

Lapsed

SAYE

SAYE exercisable

Robert Colvill

Exercisable

Not exercisable 
Lapsed

SAYE

SAYE exercised

Clara Freeman

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

Lapsed

SAYE

Guy McCracken

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

SAYE

SAYE grant

SAYE exercised

Alan McWalter

Not exercisable 

Barry Morris

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

SAYE

Joe Rowe

Exercisable

Not exercisable 

Granted

SAYE

SAYE exercisable

(1) Weighted average price.

–

–

67,068

–

–

–

168,478

366,099

–

170,959

309,923

–

–

6,915

–

162,270

204,130
–

10,355

–

70,949

223,077

–

–

4,728

46,386

472,823

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

57,424

–

–

–

–

–

46,136

6,624

–

–

–

–

1,513

–

721,310

49,736

227,414

–

–

–

76,471

4,601

111,523

280,066

–

–

–

–

83,761

4,776

–

–

–

299.0(1)

482.0(1)

358.0

371.0(1)

257.0

321.0(1)

452.0(1)

467.0

257.0

373.0(1)

490.0(1)

358.0

13,373

–

–

–

–
24,316

–

8,268

5,262

1,653

213,751

128,333

2,087

–

–

–

–

107,292

232,000

–

12,158

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,322

4,728

374.0(1)

46,386

518,959

–

6,815

–

–

340.0(1)

475.0(1)

358.0

336.0(1)

223.0

257.0

– May 94 – May 04

– May 97 – Jun 09

–

–

–

Jun 02 – Jun 09

Jan 02 – Jun 05

Jan 00 – Jun 00

– May 94 – May 04

– May 97 – May 05

–

Jan 01 – Jun 01

259.0

– May 95 – May 05

– May 98 – Jun 09

–

–

Jan 04 – Jun 09

Jan 02 – Jun 03

– May 95 – May 03

– May 96 – Jun 09

–

–

–

Jun 04 – Jun 09

Jan 02 – Jun 05

Jan 05 – Jun 05

259.0

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

721,310

305.0

–

Jan 03 – Jan 10

49,736

303,885

–

4,601

111,524

363,826

–

3,705

1,071

335.0(1)

438.0(1)

358.0

375.0(1)

337.0(1)

467.0(1)

358.0

372.0(1)

322.0

– May 95 – May 03

– May 96 – Jun 09

–

–

Jun 04 – Jun 09

Jan 01 – Jun 03

– May 95 – May 03

– May 96 – Jun 09

–

–

–

Jun 04 – Jun 09

Jan 01 – Jun 02

Jan 00 – Jun 00

15 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

6 Long-term benefits (continued)

AT 1 APRIL
1999
OR DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

GRANTED
DURING
THE YEAR

EXERCISED/
LAPSED DURING
THE YEAR

AT 31 MARCH
2000
OR DATE OF
RETIREMENT

OPTION
PRICE
(PENCE)

EXERCISE
PRICE
(PENCE)

OPTION PERIOD

Retired directors

James Benfield(3)

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)

44,984

Exercisable (97 scheme)

Not exercisable 

Granted

Lapsed

SAYE

Lord Stone of Blackheath(3)

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)
Exercisable (97 scheme)

Not exercisable 

SAYE

Sir Richard Greenbury(3)

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)

Not exercisable 

Derek Hayes(3)

–

318,190

–

–

6,915

96,335
–

442,784

5,429

87,458

881,290

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)

59,343

Exercisable (97 scheme)

Not exercisable 

Lapsed

Chris Littmoden(3)

–

285,151

–

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)

67,542

Exercisable (97 scheme)

Not exercisable 

Lapsed

John Sacher(3)

Exercisable (84/87 scheme)

Not exercisable 

Lapsed

(1) Weighted average price

–

339,690

–

190

309,436

–

–

–

–

37,004

–

–

–

–

44,931

187,267

152,175

–

329.0(1)

518.0(1)

412.0(1)

358.0

15,805

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

12,158

–

–

–

3,589

6,915

343.0(1)

96,335
155,513

287,271

5,429

87,458

881,290

67,732

98,138

166,466

67,542

120,479

215,622

345.0(1)
557.0

435.0(1)

359.0(1)

329.0

390.0(1)

344.0(1)

557.0

435.0(1)

265.0(1)

557.0

401.0(1)

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3) All SAYE options for retired directors lapsed six months after their date of retirement.

– May 95 – May 03

–

–

–

–

Jan 00 – Dec 00

Jan 00 – Dec 00

Jan 00 – Jun 00

– May 96 – May 04
Jan 00 – Dec 00
–

–

–

Jan 00 – Jun 00

– May 95 – May 02

–

– May 95 – May 04

Jun 99 – May 00

–

–

– May 94 – May 02

Jun 99 – May 00

–

–

–

–

190

291,199

254.0

377.0(1)

– May 94 – May 01

–

18,237

16 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Directors’ interests

Directors’ interests in shares

The beneficial interests of the directors and their families in the shares of the Company, together with their interests as trustees of 

both charitable and other trusts, are shown below in sections (i) and (ii). These include shares held under the Delayed Profit Sharing

Scheme. Options granted under the Save As You Earn (SAYE) Share Option and Executive Share Option Schemes are shown on pages

30 and 31. Further information regarding employee share option schemes is given in note 10D. There has been no change in the

directors’ interests in shares or options granted by the Company and its subsidiaries between the end of the financial year and 

one month prior to the notice of the Annual General Meeting. The Register of Directors’ Interests (which is open to shareholders’

inspection) contains full details of directors’ shareholdings and options to subscribe for shares. No director had any interest in any

subsidiary at the beginning or end of the year.

(i) Ordinary shares in the Company – beneficial and family interests

Luc Vandevelde(1)

Peter Salsbury

Roger Aldridge

Robert Colvill

Clara Freeman

Guy McCracken

Alan McWalter

Barry Morris

AT 31 MARCH
2000

808,080

90,474

55,566

53,228

80,929

68,875

12,000

6,781

AT 1 APRIL 1999
OR DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

AT 31 MARCH
2000

AT 1 APRIL 1999
OR DATE OF
APPOINTMENT

–

Joe Rowe

62,836

Brian Baldock

41,770

Sir Martin Jacomb

21,761

Sir Michael Perry

59,147

Dame Stella Rimington

58,101

Sir Ralph Robins

41,823

70,000

22,425

8,357

3,209

2,613

29,795

50,000

21,845

8,357

3,086

2,514

–

Sir David Sieff

306,381

308,322

3,753

(1) Award of restricted shares (see page 10 – Recruitment of directors).

(ii) Ordinary shares in the Company – trustee interests

Sir David Sieff

22,000

45,951

22,000

43,789

AT 31 MARCH 2000

AT 1 APRIL 1999

CHARITABLE
TRUSTS’
SHARES

OTHER
TRUSTS’
SHARES

CHARITABLE
TRUSTS’ 
SHARES

OTHER
TRUSTS’
SHARES

Directors’ responsibilities

Directors’ responsibilities for preparing the financial statements

statements, supported where necessary by reasonable and

The directors are obliged under company law to prepare

prudent judgements.

financial statements for each financial year and to present them

The directors confirm that the above requirements have 

annually to the Company’s members in Annual General Meeting.

been complied with in the financial statements.

The financial statements, of which the form and content is

In addition, the directors are responsible for maintaining

prescribed by the Companies Act 1985 and applicable accounting
standards, must give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of

adequate accounting records and sufficient internal controls 
to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect

the Company and the Group at the end of the financial year, and

fraud or any other irregularities, as described more fully on

of the profit for that period.

pages 6 and 7.

The directors are also responsible for the adoption of suitable

accounting policies and their consistent use in the financial

17 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Auditors’ report

Auditors’ report to the members of 

Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Basis of audit opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards

We have audited the financial statements on pages 20 to 45.

issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes

examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors

amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also

The directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report. 

includes an assessment of the significant estimates and

As described on page 16, this includes responsibility for

judgements made by the directors in the preparation of the

preparing the financial statements, in accordance with applicable

financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies 

United Kingdom accounting standards. Our responsibilities, as

are appropriate to the Company’s circumstances, consistently

independent auditors, are established in the United Kingdom 

applied and adequately disclosed.

by statute, the Auditing Practices Board, the Listing Rules of 

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all 

the Financial Services Authority and our profession’s ethical

the information and explanations which we considered

guidance.

necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to 

We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial

give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free

statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared 

from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other

in accordance with the United Kingdom Companies Act. 

irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated

We also report to you if, in our opinion, the directors’ report 

the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the

is not consistent with the financial statements, if the Company

financial statements.

has not kept proper accounting records, if we have not received

all the information and explanations we require for our audit, 

Opinion

or if information specified by law or the Listing Rules regarding

In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view

directors’ remuneration and transactions is not disclosed.

of the state of affairs of the Company and the Group at 31 March

We read the other information contained in the Annual

2000 and of the profit and cash flows of the Group for the year

Report and consider the implications for our report if we

then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance

become aware of any apparent misstatements or material

with the Companies Act 1985.

inconsistencies with the financial statements.

We review whether the statement on pages 6 and 7 reflects

the Company’s compliance with the seven provisions of the

Combined Code specified for our review by the Financial

Services Authority, and we report if it does not.

We are not required to consider whether the Board’s

statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or to

form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s corporate

governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors

London

22 May 2000

18 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Directors’ report

Principal activities

Major shareholders

The principal activities of the Group are Retailing and 

As at 14 May 2000, the Company’s share register of substantial

Financial Services. 

shareholdings showed the following interests in 3% or more of

Retailing consists of the Group’s retail activities under the

the Company’s shares:

Marks & Spencer, Brooks Brothers and Kings Super Markets

brand names and includes the activity of M&S Direct.

ORDINARY 
SHARES

% SHARE 
CAPITAL

Financial Services consists of the operations of the Group’s

Brandes Investment Partners, L.P.

214,237,570

7.45%

Retail Financial Services companies, which provide account

cards, personal loans, unit trust management, life assurance 

and pensions. The Group’s Captive insurance company is also

included in this segment as a significant part of its business is

generated from the provision of related insurance services.

Review of activities and future performance

A review of the Group’s activities and of the future development

of the Group is contained in the Chairman’s Statement and the

Chief Executive’s Review within the Annual Review and

Summary Financial Statement.

Profit and dividends

The profit for the financial year, after taxation and minority

interests, amounts to £258.7m. The directors have declared

Franklin Resources, Inc.

169,299,710

5.89%

In addition, JP Morgan have notified us that they are holding

122,828,784 ordinary shares (4.27%) as American Depositary

Receipts, 111,358,482 of which are included in above figures

for Brandes Investment Partners and Franklin Resources.

Directors and their interests

The current directors are listed on page 25 of the Annual Review

and Summary Financial Statement.

Derek Hayes, Chris Littmoden and John Sacher retired as

executive directors on 31 May 1999.

Sir Richard Greenbury retired as Chairman on 22 June 1999.

James Benfield and Lord Stone of Blackheath retired as

executive directors on 31 December 1999.

dividends as follows:

Ordinary shares

Interim paid, 3.7p per share (last year 3.7p)

Proposed final, 5.3p per share (last year 10.7p)

£m

106.3

152.3

Alan McWalter and Luc Vandevelde were appointed to the

Board on 1 January 2000 and 28 February 2000 respectively.

The beneficial interests of the directors and their families in

the shares of the Company and its subsidiaries, together with

their interests as trustees of both charitable and other trusts, 

Total ordinary dividends, 9.0p per share (last year 14.4p)

258.6

are given on page 16.

The final dividend will be paid on 28 July 2000 to shareholders

Employee involvement

whose names are on the Register of Members at the close of

We have maintained our commitment to employee involvement

business on 5 June 2000.

Share capital

(i) Issue of new shares

During the year ended 31 March 2000, 3,964,345 ordinary

shares in the Company were issued as follows:

A 264,240 under the terms of the 1984 Executive Share Option

throughout the business.

Employees are kept well informed of the performance and

objectives of the Group through personal briefings, regular

meetings and e-mail. These are supplemented by our employee

publication, On Your Marks, and video presentations. ‘Focus

teams’ in stores, distribution centres and head office provide

opportunities for employee representatives to contribute to the

Scheme at prices between 175p and 254p each.

everyday running of the business.

B 28,331 under the terms of the 1987 Executive Share Option

Scheme at prices between 329p and 341p.

C 3,671,774 issued into the Qualifying Employee Share

Ownership Trust of which 3,203,511 were issued under the

terms of the United Kingdom Employees’ Save As You Earn 

Share Option Scheme at prices between 229p and 467p.

(ii) Purchase of own shares

The directors are authorised by the shareholders to purchase, in

the market, the Company’s own shares, as permitted under the

Company’s Articles of Association. Although no such purchases

have been made, the directors will seek to renew the authority

from its shareholders at the AGM.

The fifth meeting of the European Council took place 

last July. This council provides an additional forum for

communicating with employee representatives from the

countries in which we trade in the European Community.

Directors and senior management regularly visit stores and

discuss, with employees, matters of current interest and concern

to the business. 

We have long-established Employees’ Profit Sharing and
Savings-Related Share Option Schemes, membership of which 

is service-related, details of which are given on page 30.

19 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Equal opportunities

Trade creditor days of the Company for the year ended 31 March

The Group is committed to an active Equal Opportunities 

2000 were 14.9 days (10.7 working days), based on the ratio of

Policy from recruitment and selection, through training and

Company trade creditors at the end of the year to 

development, appraisal and promotion to retirement.

the amounts invoiced during the year by trade creditors.

It is our policy to promote an environment free from

discrimination, harassment and victimisation where everyone

will receive equal treatment regardless of gender, colour, 

ethnic or national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual

orientation or religion. All decisions relating to employment

practices will be objective, free from bias and based solely 

upon work criteria and individual merit.

The Company is responsive to the needs of its employees,

customers and the community at large and we are an organisation

that uses everyone’s talents and abilities to the full.

Employees with disabilities

It is our policy that people with disabilities should have full 

and fair consideration for all vacancies. During the year we

continued to use the Government’s ‘two tick’ disability symbol 

to demonstrate our commitment to interviewing those people

with disabilities who fulfil the minimum criteria, and

endeavouring to retain employees in the workforce if they

become disabled during employment. We will actively retrain

and adjust their environment where possible to allow them to

maximise their potential.

Creditor payment policy

For all trade creditors, it is the Company’s policy to:

– Agree the terms of payment at the start of business with 

that supplier,

– Ensure that suppliers are aware of the terms of payment,

– Pay in accordance with its contractual and other legal

obligations.

Charitable and political contributions

During the year, we spent £14.1m in the UK in support of 

the community. Within this, direct donations to charitable

organisations amounted to £4.0m. These figures include £6.9m

for our programme of Millennium events and activities, of which

£0.5m is a donation to the Children’s Promise. No contributions

were made to any political party.

Annual general meeting

The Notice of the Annual General Meeting to be held on 19 July

2000 (together with explanatory notes) is given in the booklet

which accompanies this Report. The Special Business of the

Meeting includes resolutions to adopt a new Executive Share

Option Scheme and a new All-Employee Share Plan.

The Company’s policy concerning the payment of its trade

By order of the Board

creditors is as follows:

Luc Vandevelde, Chairman

General Merchandise is automatically paid for 11 working

London

days from the end of the week of delivery. Foods are paid for

22 May 2000

13 working days from the end of the week of delivery (based 

on the timely receipt of an accurate invoice).

Distribution suppliers are paid monthly, for costs incurred in

that month, based on estimated annual contracts, and payments

are adjusted quarterly to reflect any variations to estimate.

20 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Consolidated profit and loss account

53 WEEKS ENDED 1 APRIL 2000

52 WEEKS ENDED 27 MARCH 1999

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

AFTER
EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

NOTES

Turnover – continuing operations

2

8,195.5

Cost of sales

Gross profit
Net operating expenses

(5,402.8)

2,792.7
(2,249.7)

–

–

8,195.5

8,224.0

(5,402.8)

(5,450.7)

–
(72.0)

2,792.7
(2,321.7)

2,773.3
(2,172.8)

Operating profit – continuing operations

Loss on termination of Canadian operation

Losses arising on closure
Goodwill previously written off to reserves

2,3

4B

(Loss)/profit on sale of property and other fixed assets 4C
5
Net interest income

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Taxation on ordinary activities

Profit on ordinary activities after taxation
Minority interests (all equity)

Profit attributable to shareholders
Dividends

Retained profit/(loss) for the period

Basic earnings per share
Fully diluted basic earnings per share
Adjusted earnings per share
Fully diluted adjusted earnings per share
Dividend per share

2
6

7
8

9
9
9
9
8

543.0

(72.0)

471.0

600.5

–
–

–
–
14.2

557.2
(177.2)

380.0
(0.6)

379.4
(258.6)

(21.0)
(24.4)

(45.4)
(22.3)
–

(139.7)
19.0

(120.7)
–

(120.7)
–

(21.0)
(24.4)

(45.4)
(22.3)
14.2

417.5
(158.2)

259.3
(0.6)

258.7
(258.6)

–
–

–
–
27.9

628.4
(183.7)

444.7
2.1

446.8
(413.3)

120.8

(120.7)

0.1

33.5

9.0p
9.0p
13.2p
13.2p
9.0p

–

–

–
(88.5)

(88.5)

–
–

–
6.2
–

(82.3)
7.6

(74.7)
–

(74.7)
–

(74.7)

AFTER
EXCEPTIONAL
ITEMS
£m

8,224.0

(5,450.7)

2,773.3
(2,261.3)

512.0

–
–

–
6.2
27.9

546.1
(176.1)

370.0
2.1

372.1
(413.3)

(41.2)

13.0p
12.9p
15.6p
15.5p
14.4p

Note of historical cost profits and losses

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Realisation of property revaluation surplus
Revaluation element of depreciation charge

Historical cost profit on ordinary activities 

before taxation

Historical cost retained profit/(loss) for the period

NOTES

25
25

417.5
74.2
1.9

493.6

76.2

53 WEEKS ENDED
1 APRIL
2000
£m

52 WEEKS ENDED
27 MARCH
1999
£m

Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses

NOTES

Profit attributable to shareholders
Exchange differences on foreign currency translation 25
Unrealised surpluses on revaluation of investment 

properties

25

Total recognised gains and losses relating to the period

53 WEEKS ENDED
1 APRIL
2000
£m

258.7
(16.8)

3.0

244.9

546.1
7.8
1.4

555.3

(32.0)

52 WEEKS ENDED
27 MARCH
1999
£m

372.1
15.0

34.1

421.2

21 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Balance sheets

AT 31 MARCH 2000

Fixed assets
Goodwill
Tangible assets:

Land and buildings
Fit out, fixtures, fittings and equipment
Assets in the course of construction

Investments

Current assets
Stocks
Debtors:

Receivable within one year
Receivable after more than one year

Investments
Cash at bank and in hand

Current liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Net current assets

NOTES

12

13
14

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1.3

2,774.1
1,386.7
81.3

4,242.1
55.0

1999
£m

–

2,954.4
1,317.6
115.5

4,387.5
61.2

2000
£m

–

2,458.5
1,145.3
44.8

3,648.6
450.4

1999
£m

–

2,629.3
1,094.6
105.5

3,829.4
406.7

4,298.4

4,448.7

4,099.0

4,236.1

474.4

514.7

315.1

354.0

15A
15B
16
17

988.3
1,566.9
386.4
301.1

969.0
1,386.7
204.0
281.5

795.2
80.3
–
89.8

696.7
96.6
–
36.1

3,717.1

3,355.9

1,280.4

1,183.4

19

2,162.8

2,029.8

1,554.3

1,326.1

736.0

544.4

827.3

356.1

Total assets less current liabilities

5,852.7

5,774.8

4,643.4

4,592.2

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges

20
22

804.3
126.6

772.6
105.0

–
113.0

–
96.3

Net assets

4,921.8

4,897.2

4,530.4

4,495.9

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

Shareholders’ funds (all equity)
Minority interests (all equity)

Total capital employed

Approved by the Board
22 May 2000
Luc Vandevelde, Chairman
Peter Salsbury, Chief Executive
Robert Colvill, Group Finance Director

24

25

718.6
369.4
457.9
3,359.4

4,905.3
16.5

717.7
358.5
531.0
3,276.7

4,883.9
13.3

718.6
369.4
458.9
2,983.5

4,530.4
–

717.7
358.5
533.2
2,886.5

4,495.9
–

4,921.8

4,897.2

4,530.4

4,495.9

22 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Consolidated cash flow information

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2000

Cash flow statement

Operating activities
Received from customers
Payments to suppliers
Payments to and on behalf of employees
Other payments

NOTES

£m

£m

£m

£m

2000

1999

7,989.9
(5,357.1)
(1,138.3)
(803.8)

7,884.1
(5,464.2)
(1,153.9)
(793.1)

Cash inflow from operating activities before exceptional items
Exceptional operating cash outflow

28A

Cash inflow from operating activities

Returns on investments and servicing of finance

Taxation

Capital expenditure and financial investment

Acquisitions and disposals

Equity dividends paid

27

28B

28C

28D

28E

Cash outflow before management of liquid resources and financing

Management of liquid resources and financing
Management of liquid resources
Financing

28F
28G

(162.5)
260.3

Increase/(decrease) in cash

690.7
(49.2)

641.5

15.2

(145.7)

(167.0)

(21.1)

(413.5)

(90.6)

97.8

7.2

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt (see note 29)

Increase/(decrease) in cash 
Cash outflow/(inflow) from increase/(decrease) in liquid resources
Cash inflow from increase in debt financing
Exchange movements

Movement in net debt
Net debt at 1 April

Net debt at 31 March

472.9
(0.6)

472.3

29.0

(345.9)

(628.1)

1.0

(412.6)

(884.3)

685.6

(198.7)

1999
£m

(198.7)
(180.6)
(482.8)
(0.2)

(862.3)
(319.3)

180.6
505.0

2000
£m

7.2
162.5
(250.9)
11.4

(69.8)
(1,181.6)

(1,251.4)

(1,181.6)

23 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Accounting policies

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with
applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom. 
A summary of the more important Group accounting
policies, applied consistently, is given below. 

Basis of accounting
The financial statements are drawn up on the historical cost
basis of accounting, modified to include the valuation of
certain United Kingdom properties at 31 March 1988 and
the valuation of investment properties. Compliance with
SSAP19, ‘Accounting for Investment Properties’ requires a
departure from the requirements of the Companies Act 1985
relating to the depreciation of investment properties as
explained below.

Basis of consolidation
The Group financial statements incorporate the financial
statements of Marks and Spencer p.l.c. and all its subsidiaries
for the year ended 31 March 2000.

Current asset investments
Current asset investments are stated at market value. 
All profits and losses from such investments are included 
in net interest income or in Financial Services turnover 
as appropriate.

Deferred taxation
Deferred taxation is accounted for at anticipated tax rates 
on differences arising from the inclusion of items of income
and expenditure in taxation computations in periods
different from those in which they are included in the
financial statements. A deferred tax asset or provision is
established to the extent that it is likely that an asset or
liability will crystallise in the foreseeable future.

Fixed assets 
a Capitalised interest
Interest is not capitalised.

b Depreciation
Depreciation is provided to write off the cost or valuation 
of tangible fixed assets, less residual value, by equal annual
instalments as follows:

Land: not depreciated.
Freehold and leasehold buildings over 50 years:
depreciated to their estimated residual value over their
estimated remaining economic lives (see also c below).

Leasehold land and buildings under 50 years: over the
remaining period of the lease.
Fit out: 10-25 years according to the estimated life of 
the asset.
Fixtures, fittings and equipment: 3-15 years according 
to the estimated life of the asset.

Depreciation is charged on all additions to or disposals of
depreciating assets in the year of purchase or disposal.

Any impairment in value is charged to the revaluation

reserve or the profit and loss account as appropriate.

c Land and buildings
The Company’s freehold and leasehold properties in the
United Kingdom were valued on the basis of open market
value for existing use in 1982. At 31 March 1988, those
same properties (excluding subsequent additions and
adjusted for disposals) were revalued. On adoption of
FRS15, the Group followed the transitional provisions to
retain the book value of land and buildings which were
revalued in 1988, but not to adopt a policy of revaluation 
in the future.

These values are retained subject to the requirement to

test assets for impairment in accordance with FRS11.

d Investment properties
Investment properties are revalued annually and included in
the balance sheet at their open market value. In accordance
with SSAP19, no depreciation is provided in respect of
investment properties. This represents a departure from 
the Companies Act 1985 requirements concerning the
depreciation of fixed assets. These properties are held for
investment and the directors consider that the adoption of
this policy is necessary to give a true and fair view.

Long-term assurance business
The value of the long-term assurance business consists of 
the present value of surpluses expected to emerge in the
future from business currently in force, and this value is
included in prepayments and accrued income. In determining
their value, these surpluses are discounted at a risk-adjusted,
post-tax rate. Changes in the value are included in the profit
and loss account grossed up at the standard rate of
corporation tax applicable to insurance companies.

Operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight
line basis over the lease term.

24 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Accounting policies

Derivative financial instruments
The Group uses derivative financial instruments to manage
its exposures to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
rates and interest rates. Derivative instruments utilised by 
the Group include interest rate and currency swaps, forward
rate agreements and forward currency contracts. Amounts
payable or receivable in respect of interest rate swaps are
recognised as adjustments to net interest income over the
period of the contract. Forward currency contracts are
accounted for as hedges, with the instrument’s impact on
profit deferred until the underlying transaction is recognised
in the profit and loss account. 

Foreign currencies
The results of international subsidiaries are translated at the
weighted average of monthly exchange rates for sales and
profits. The balance sheets of overseas subsidiaries are
translated at year-end exchange rates. The resulting 
exchange differences are dealt with through reserves and
reported in the consolidated statement of total recognised
gains and losses.

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are

translated at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction.
Foreign currency assets and liabilities held at the year-end
are translated at year-end exchange rates or the exchange
rate of a related forward exchange contract where appropriate.
The resulting exchange gain or loss is dealt with in the profit
and loss account.

Goodwill
Prior to 31 March 1998, goodwill arising on consolidation
was written off to reserves in the year of acquisition. 
As permitted by FRS10, this goodwill has not been 
reinstated in the balance sheet and remains written off to
reserves. Goodwill arising on subsequent acquisitions is
capitalised and amortised over its useful economic life. 
The profit or loss arising on the sale of a previously 
acquired business includes the attributable goodwill.

Pension contributions
Funded pension plans are in place for the Group’s UK
employees and the majority of employees overseas. 
The assets of these pension plans are managed by third 
party investment managers and are held separately in trust.

Regular valuations are prepared by independent

professionally qualified actuaries. These determine the level
of contributions required to fund the benefits set out in the
rules of the plans and to allow for the periodic increase of
pensions in payment. The contributions and any variations
from regular cost arising from the actuarial valuations are
charged or credited to profits on a systematic basis over 
the estimated remaining service lives of the employees.

Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value using the retail method.

25 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Notes to the financial statements

1. TRADING PERIOD
The results for the year comprise store sales and related costs for the 53 weeks to 1 April 2000 (last year 52 weeks to 27 March 1999).
All other activities are for the year to 31 March 2000. All results are derived from continuing operations.

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION
A Classes of business
The Group has two classes of business: Retailing and Financial Services.

Retailing: Turnover represents goods sold to customers outside the Group, less returns and sales taxes.

Financial Services: Turnover represents the interest and other income attributable to the Financial Services companies and the Captive
insurance company and arises wholly within the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands.

TURNOVER

OPERATING PROFIT

OPERATING ASSETS

Retailing activities

Before exceptional operating charges
Exceptional operating charges (see note 4A)

Financial Services(1)

Total operating activities
Add: excess interest charged to cost of sales 

of Financial Services(1)

Total operating profit
Loss on termination of Canadian operation
(Loss)/profit on sale of property and other fixed assets
Net interest income

Profit on ordinary activities before taxation
Unallocated liabilities

Net assets

B Geographical segments(2)

United Kingdom
Retail(3)

Before exceptional operating charges
Exceptional operating charges (see note 4A)

Financial Services(1)

International Retail
Europe (excluding UK)(4)

Before exceptional operating charges
Exceptional operating charges (see note 4A)

The Americas
Far East(4)

Total operating activities
Add: excess interest charged to cost of sales 

of Financial Services(1)

Total operating profit

2000
£m

1999
£m

7,830.9

7,875.4

364.6

348.6

8,195.5

8,224.0

2000
£m

355.1
427.1
(72.0)

115.9

471.0

–

471.0
(45.4)
(22.3)
14.2

417.5

1999
£m

375.8
464.3
(88.5)

110.7

486.5

25.5

512.0
–
6.2
27.9

546.1

2000
£m

1999
£m

4,494.5

4,518.7

448.7

388.7

4,943.2

4,907.4

(21.4)

(10.2)

4,921.8

4,897.2

TURNOVER

OPERATING PROFIT

OPERATING ASSETS

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

6,482.7

6,601.1

364.6

348.6

6,847.3

6,949.7

555.6

554.0

691.4
101.2

629.5
90.8

1,348.2

1,274.3

356.8
420.1
(63.3)

115.9

472.7

(14.8)
(6.1)
(8.7)

16.4
(3.3)

(1.7)

454.4
478.9
(24.5)

110.7

565.1

(90.8)
(26.8)
(64.0)

15.7
(3.5)

(78.6)

3,905.2

3,965.8

448.7

388.7

4,353.9

4,354.5

387.8

354.1

201.2
0.3

589.3

192.2
6.6

552.9

8,195.5

8,224.0

471.0

486.5

4,943.2

4,907.4

–

471.0

25.5

512.0

(1) Financial Services operating profit is stated after charging £105.5m (last year £102.3m) of interest to cost of sales. This interest

represents the cost of funding the Financial Services business as a separate segment, including both intra group interest and third
party funding. The amount of third party interest payable by the Group amounted to £107.4m (last year £76.8m) (see note 5). 
Intra group interest of £nil (last year £25.5m), being the excess of third party interest payable, has been added back in the
segmental analysis to arrive at total operating profit.

26 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION (continued)
(2) The geographical segments disclose turnover and operating profit by destination and reflect management responsibility. Following
the closure of the Canadian operations and a realignment of management responsibility, franchise turnover and operating profits
previously included within the Americas are now included within Europe. Comparatives have been restated accordingly.
(3) UK Retail turnover including VAT comprises clothing, footwear and gifts £3,948.7m (last year £4,196.0m); home furnishings
£319.1m (last year £308.0m) and foods £2,880.4m (last year £2,787.6m). VAT on UK Retail turnover was £665.5m (last year
£690.5m). 

(4) Operating profit includes pre-opening costs of £2.0m (last year £14.4m) for Europe and £nil (last year £0.1m) for Far East.
(5) Turnover originates in the following geographical segments: United Kingdom £6,990.4m (last year £7,082.2m); Europe £436.0m 

(last year £440.5m); The Americas £691.4m (last year £629.5m) and Far East £77.7m (last year £71.8m).

(6) The value of goods exported from the UK, including shipments to international subsidiaries, amounted to £460.2m (last year

£440.2m).

Turnover and operating profits for the Americas and Far East comprise:

The Americas
Brooks Brothers (including Japan)
Kings Super Markets
Corporate expenses

M&S Canada

Far East
Stores 
Other(1)

TURNOVER

OPERATING PROFIT

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

395.5
273.7
–

669.2
22.2

691.4

101.2
–

101.2

345.9
245.5
–

591.4
38.1

629.5

90.8
–

90.8

7.9
11.1
(2.6)

16.4
–

16.4

(3.2)
(0.1)

(3.3)

12.4
10.0
(2.0)

20.4
(4.7)

15.7

(14.5)
11.0

(3.5)

(1) The profits generated from sourcing merchandise and technological services in Hong Kong, together with the costs of 
research into new markets in the region, are grouped within Far East under ‘Other’. Due to changes affecting sourcing 
from the Far East, sourcing income for the year has fallen by £12.7m compared to last year, with a corresponding reduction 
in UK Retail operating costs.

The results of international subsidiaries have been translated using average rates of exchange ruling during the year. The movements 
in exchange rates used for translation, compared to the same period last year, have reduced international sales (excluding Canada) 
by £5.7m. The effect on the results of international operations is not significant.

3. OPERATING PROFIT

Turnover
Cost of sales

Gross profit

Employee costs (see note 10)
Occupancy costs
Repairs, renewals and maintenance of fixed assets
Depreciation
Other costs(1)

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

8,195.5
(5,402.8)

2,792.7

1,096.2
287.8
89.5
261.6
514.6

2000

EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

TOTAL
£m

1999

EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

–
–

–

68.2
–
–
–
3.8

8,195.5
(5,402.8)

8,224.0
(5,450.7)

2,792.7

2,773.3

1,164.4
287.8
89.5
261.6
518.4

1,083.4
288.3
103.6
236.4
461.1

–
–

–

24.5
–
–
64.0
–

TOTAL
£m

8,224.0
(5,450.7)

2,773.3

1,107.9
288.3
103.6
300.4
461.1

Total net operating expenses(2)

(2,249.7)

(72.0)

(2,321.7)

(2,172.8)

(88.5)

(2,261.3)

Operating profit

543.0

(72.0)

471.0

600.5

(88.5)

512.0

The directors consider that the nature of the business is such that the analysis of expenses shown above is more informative than that
set out in the formats of the Companies Act 1985.

27 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

3. OPERATING PROFIT (continued)
(1) Included in ‘Other costs’ is the remuneration to the auditors for audit and non-audit services as follows:

Audit fees

Non-audit services

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1.1

2.8

1999
£m

0.9

0.5

2000
£m

0.4

2.2

1999
£m

0.4

–

Fees paid for non-audit services are for taxation advice, corporate finance and consulting services.

(2) Included in ‘Total net operating expenses’ are rentals under operating leases, comprising £2.3m for hire of plant and machinery 

(last year £8.9m) and £123.4m of other rental costs (last year £111.4m).

4. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS

A Exceptional operating charges

UK redundancy costs(1)
European restructuring costs(2)
Provision for impairment(3)

Total exceptional operating charges

2000
£m

63.3
8.7
–

72.0

1999
£m

24.5
–
64.0

88.5

(1) The £63.3m charge for the year (of which £16m was reported at the half year) is in respect of the restructuring of UK Retail into
customer business units, the rationalisation of store management and the refocussing of existing store roles to customer facing
activities, and the closure of two distribution centres. The £24.5m charge last year represents the cost of rationalising the Group’s
head office functions.

(2) The European restructuring costs are in respect of store closures in France and Germany announced during the year.
(3) The £64.0m charge last year was in respect of the provision made to adjust the carrying value of European fixed assets in

accordance with FRS11 ‘Impairment of Fixed Assets and Goodwill’.

B Loss on termination of Canadian operations
On 28 April 1999 the Group announced the closure of its Canadian operations. As a consequence its subsidiary, Marks and Spencer
Canada Inc, ceased to trade in the first half of the year to 31 March 2000.
The loss on closure of the operations of £45.4m arises as follows:

Trading losses since 28 April 1999
Net closure costs

Loss before goodwill previously written off to reserves
Goodwill previously written off to reserves

Loss on termination of operations

C (Loss)/profit on sale of property and other fixed assets

Loss on sale of properties relating to European store closures(1)
Loss on sale of investment properties(2)
Profit arising on other disposals

(Loss)/profit on sale of property and other fixed assets

2000
£m

0.6
20.4

21.0
24.4

45.4

2000
£m

(8.3)
(16.1)
2.1

(22.3)

1999
£m

–
–

–
–

–

1999
£m

–
–
6.2

6.2

(1) The loss of £8.3m relates to the European store closures announced during the year. Including the restructuring cost of £8.7m

disclosed in note 4A above this gives rise to total closure costs of £17.0m.

(2) The loss on the sale of investment properties is in respect of the disposals of The Gyle Shopping Centre and a property in Newcastle.
Overall, the Group has realised a profit of £58.1m based on the original purchase cost which has not been reflected in the profit and
loss account. The properties have been revalued annually since their acquisition by the Group and the cumulative revaluation
surplus of £74.2m has been recognised through the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses in previous years. 

28 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

5. NET INTEREST INCOME

Bank and other interest income
Less: amounts included in turnover of Financial Services

Interest expenditure
Less: interest charged to cost of sales of Financial Services
Intra group interest charged to cost of sales of Financial Services (see note 2)

Net interest income

Interest expenditure comprises:
Amounts repayable within five years:

Bank loans, overdrafts and other borrowings
Medium term notes
73⁄8% Guaranteed bonds 1998
US$ Promissory note 1998

6. TAXATION ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

The taxation charge comprises:
Current taxation

UK corporation tax at 30% (last year 31%):
Current year
Prior years

Overseas taxation

Deferred taxation (see note 22)

Current year
Prior years

2000

1999

£m

£m

£m

£m

309.3
(293.2)

(107.4)
105.5
–

306.1
(278.2)

(76.8)
102.3
(25.5)

16.1

(1.9)

14.2

(33.2)
(74.2)
–
–

(107.4)

27.9

–

27.9

(30.5)
(36.2)
(8.1)
(2.0)

(76.8)

2000

1999

£m

£m

£m

£m

151.1
2.7

169.2
(3.5)

153.8
6.4

160.2

(2.0)

158.2

165.7
2.8

168.5

7.6

176.1

9.1
(1.5)

(1.9)
(0.1)

Included in the tax charge for the year is a credit of £19.0m (last year £7.6m) which is attributable to exceptional operating charges.

7. PROFIT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR
As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985, the profit and loss account of the Company is not presented as part of these
financial statements.

The consolidated profit for the financial year of £258.7m (last year £372.1m) includes £280.6m (last year £371.6m) which is dealt

with in the financial statements of the Company.

8. DIVIDENDS

Ordinary shares

Interim paid of 3.7p per share (last year 3.7p)
Proposed final of 5.3p per share (last year 10.7p)

Total ordinary dividend of 9.0p per share (last year 14.4p)

2000
£m

1999
£m

106.3
152.3

258.6

106.1
307.2

413.3

29 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

9. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on earnings after tax and minority interests and the weighted average number
of ordinary shares in issue during the year.

An adjusted earnings per share figure has been calculated in addition to the earnings per share required by FRS14, ‘Earnings 
per Share’ and is based on earnings excluding the effect of the exceptional charges. It has been calculated to allow the shareholders 
to gain a clearer understanding of the trading performance of the Group. Last year, adjusted earnings only excluded exceptional
operating charges and comparatives have therefore been restated accordingly. Details of the adjusted earnings per share are set 
out below:

Basic earnings 
Exceptional restructuring costs
Exceptional fixed asset provision
Loss on disposal of Canadian operations
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property

Adjusted earnings 

2000

1999

BASIC
pence per share

DILUTED
pence per share

£m

BASIC
pence per share

DILUTED
pence per share

£m

258.7
53.0
–
45.4
22.3

379.4

9.0
1.8
–
1.6
0.8

9.0
1.8
–
1.6
0.8

13.2

13.2

372.1
16.9
64.0
–
(6.2)

446.8

13.0
0.6
2.2
–
(0.2)

15.6

12.9
0.6
2.2
–
(0.2)

15.5

The IIMR earnings per share has also been calculated in addition to the basic earnings per share and is based on earnings adjusted to
eliminate certain capital items as follows.

Basic earnings 
Exceptional fixed asset provision
Loss on disposal of Canadian operations
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property

IIMR earnings 

2000

1999

BASIC
pence per share

DILUTED
pence per share

£m

BASIC
pence per share

DILUTED
pence per share

£m

258.7
–
45.4
22.3

326.4

9.0
–
1.6
0.8

11.4

9.0
–
1.6
0.8

11.4

372.1
64.0
–
(6.2)

429.9

13.0
2.2
–
(0.2)

15.0

12.9
2.2
–
(0.2)

14.9

The weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of earnings per share are as follows:

Weighted average ordinary shares in issue during the year ended 31 March
Potentially dilutive share options under the Group’s share option schemes

Weighted average ordinary shares for fully diluted earnings per share

10. EMPLOYEES
The average number of employees of the Group during the year was:

UK stores

UK head office

Management and supervisory categories
Other
Management and supervisory categories
Other

Financial Services Management and supervisory categories

Overseas

Other

2000
m

2,872.1
13.6

2,885.7

1999
m

2,864.7
18.6

2,883.3

2000

1999

3,885
54,545
2,379
1,441
320
1,127
11,960

75,657

4,105
52,931
2,485
1,626
280
988
13,077

75,492

If the number of hours worked was converted on the basis of a normal working week, the equivalent average number of full-time
employees would have been 52,156 (last year 51,306).

The aggregate remuneration and associated costs of Group employees were:

Wages and salaries
UK profit sharing (see note 10C)
Social security costs
Pension costs (see note 10A)
Employee welfare and other personnel costs

Classified as:
Employee costs (see note 3)
Manufacturing cost of sales

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

2000

EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

834.4
11.8
59.3
120.5
89.1

1,115.1

1,096.2
18.9

1,115.1

52.4
0.6
1.0
4.0
10.2

68.2

68.2
–

68.2

BEFORE
EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

1999

EXCEPTIONAL
CHARGES
£m

TOTAL
£m

886.8
12.4
60.3
124.5
99.3

813.7
14.2
61.5
122.1
88.5

1,183.3

1,100.0

1,164.4
18.9

1,183.3

1,083.4
16.6

1,100.0

TOTAL
£m

829.0
14.8
62.0
129.2
89.5

1,124.5

1,107.9
16.6

1,124.5

15.3
0.6
0.5
7.1
1.0

24.5

24.5
–

24.5

30 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

10. EMPLOYEES (continued)
A Pension costs
The total pension cost for the Group was £124.5m (last year
£129.2m) of which £112.1m relates to the UK Scheme (last year
£112.3m), £2.6m relates to the Early Retirement Plan (last year
£6.6m) and £9.8m relates to overseas schemes (last year
£10.3m).

The Group operates a number of funded defined benefit

pension schemes throughout the world.

The latest actuarial valuation of the UK Scheme was carried

out at 1 April 1998 by an independent actuary using the
projected unit method. The key assumptions adopted were:

Price inflation
Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in payment
Rate of return on investments
Rate of increase in dividend income
Rate of interest applied to discount liabilities

3.5%
5.25%
3.5%
8.25%
4.5%
8.25%

The latest actuarial valuation revealed a shortfall of £74m in 
the actuarial value of the assets of the UK Scheme of £2,047m
compared to the actuarial liability for pension benefits. 
(The market value of assets at 1 April 1998 was £2,709m.) 
This represents a funding level of 97%.

The shortfall of £74m together with the unamortised
accounting deficit relating to prior periods gives a total
unamortised deficit of £169.4m. This is being amortised over 
a period of 12 years from 1 April 1998, being the remaining
estimated service lives of the current scheme members.

The next actuarial valuation of the UK Pension Scheme 

will be carried out as at 1 April 2001.

The total UK pension cost is analysed as follows:

Normal pension cost(1)
Amortisation of deficit
Net interest elements

Total

2000
£m

93.9
14.1
4.1

1999
£m

92.7
14.1
5.5

112.1

112.3

(1) At standard contribution rate of 15.9% (last year 15.9%).

As shown in note 15, the Company has pre-paid pension costs
of £175.0m. This includes the partial funding of the deficit, offset
by the amortisation and interest elements shown above, with the
balance being pre-paid contributions to the UK Scheme.

The pension costs relating to overseas schemes have been

determined in accordance with the advice of independent
qualified actuaries.

B Post-retirement health benefits
The Company has a commitment to pay all or a proportion 
of the health insurance premiums for a number of its retired
employees and their spouses, the last of whom retired in 1988.
There is no commitment in respect of current employees or
those who have retired since 1988.

At 31 March 1999, the Company re-assessed this liability in
accordance with the advice of an independent qualified actuary.
The discounted present value of £27.7m (see note 22) has been
fully provided. The valuation assumed a premium inflation of
7.5% and an after-tax discount rate of 7.0%. There is a matching
deferred taxation asset of £8.3m.

The next actuarial valuation will be carried out as at

31 March 2002.

C United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland profit sharing
schemes
The amount of profit which will be allocated this year, in the
form of ordinary shares in the Company, has been fixed at
£12.4m (last year £14.8m), representing 2.5% (last year 3%) of
the earnings of 44,145 (last year 43,550) eligible employees.
These shares are now purchased in the market: 3,154,036
ordinary shares were purchased by the Profit Sharing Trustees 
in respect of the 1998/1999 allocation.

D United Kingdom employees’ save as you earn share option
scheme
Under the terms of the Scheme, the Board may offer options to
purchase ordinary shares in the Company once in each financial
year to those employees who enter into an Inland Revenue
approved Save As You Earn (SAYE) savings contract. The price 
at which options may be offered is 80% of the market price 
for three consecutive dealing days preceding the date of offer.
The options may normally be exercised during the period of
six months after the completion of the SAYE contract, either
three, five or seven years after entering the Scheme.

Outstanding options granted under the United Kingdom

Employees’ Save As You Earn Share Option Scheme are 
as follows:

Options granted
January 1992
January 1993
January 1994
January 1995
January 1996
January 1997
January 1998
January 1999
January 2000

NUMBER OF SHARES
1999

2000

OPTION
PRICE

471,247
Expired
3,231,374
1,390,015
3,185,585
2,559,142
8,245,124
7,146,133
7,189,225
8,896,346
7,209,963 10,463,786
5,901,130 10,630,202
11,282,225 15,560,138
–
36,500,221

229p
257p
319p
322p
330p
389p
467p
324p
223p

31 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

10. EMPLOYEES (continued)
E Executive Share Option Schemes
Under the terms of the 1997 Scheme the Board may offer options to purchase ordinary shares in the Company to executive directors
and senior employees at the market price on a date to be determined prior to the date of the offer. No further options may be granted
under the 1984 and 1987 Schemes. Outstanding options under each of the 1984 and 1987 Schemes continue to be bound by the
Maximum Option Value which is limited to four times remuneration on exercise (further details are set out in the Remuneration Report
on page 8). Outstanding options granted under all executive share option schemes are as follows:

Options granted
(1984 Scheme)
May 1990
May 1991
May 1992
May 1993
October 1993
May 1994
October 1994
May 1995
May 1996
November 1996
June 1997

(1987 Scheme)
May 1993
October 1993
May 1994
October 1994
May 1995
May 1996
November 1996
June 1997

(1997 Scheme – Tier 1)
June 1998
November 1998
June 1999
November 1999
January 2000
March 2000

(1997 Scheme – Tier 2)
June 1998
November 1998
June 1999
November 1999
January 2000
March 2000

NUMBER OF SHARES
2000

1999

OPTION PRICE

OPTION DATES

133,346
748,546
1,652,102
1,233,053
19,576
1,878,391
21,541
1,566,969
58,950
6,172
39,844

961,837
30,701
1,138,068
9,288
1,425,660
1,654,620
39,507
2,032,282

385,355
265,785
985,394
95,323
360,655
1,992,337

211,154
780,681
1,652,102
1,258,712
26,989
1,916,384
21,541
1,606,315
58,950
6,172
51,228

972,669
46,114
1,171,729
9,288
1,465,006
1,714,111
39,507
2,116,225

414,282
265,785
–
–
–
–

4,979,790
117,825
2,491,935
59,352
360,655
1,992,337

5,637,154
117,825
–
–
–
–

206p
254p
329p
341p
399p
404p
402p
414p
458p
486p
527p

341p
399p
404p
402p
414p
458p
486p
527p

557p
404p
358p
278p
305p
261p

557p
404p
358p
278p
305p
261p

May 1993 – May 2000
May 1994 – May 2001
May 1995 – May 2002
May 1996 – May 2003
Oct 1996 – Oct 2003
May 1997 – May 2004
Oct 1997 – Oct 2004
May 1998 – May 2005
May 1999 – May 2006
Nov 1999 – Nov 2006
June 2000 – June 2007

May 1996 – May 2000
Oct 1996 – Oct 2000
May 1997 – May 2001
Oct 1997 – Oct 2001
May 1998 – May 2002
May 1999 – May 2003
Nov 1999 – Nov 2003
June 2000 – June 2004

June 2001 – June 2008
Nov 2001 – Nov 2008
June 2002 – June 2009
Nov 2002 – Nov 2009
Jan 2010
Jan 2003 –
Mar 2003 – Mar 2010

June 2003 – June 2008
Nov 2003 – Nov 2008
June 2004 – June 2009
Nov 2004 – Nov 2009
Jan 2005 –
Jan 2010
Mar 2005 – Mar 2010

11. DIRECTORS
A Emoluments
Emoluments of directors of the Company are summarised below. Further details are given in the Remuneration Report on pages 8 
to 15.

Aggregate emoluments
Aggregate gains on exercise of share options
Termination payments

2000
£000

6,534
–
–

1999
£000

6,375
116
587

B Transactions with directors
During the year there was no contract of significance to which the Company, or one of its subsidiaries, was a party and in which a
director of the Company was materially interested.

32 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

12. GOODWILL
Goodwill arising in the year relates to the Group’s acquisition of a 65% interest in Splendour.com for a cash consideration of £3m. 
Net assets at the time of acquisition were £2.7m, including £3m of cash. There were no fair value adjustments. The goodwill is being
amortised on a straight line basis over five years.

13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
A Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation

At 1 April 1999
Additions
Transfers
Disposals
Revaluation surplus
Differences on exchange

LAND &
BUILDINGS
£m

3,037.9
85.0
61.2
(286.1)
1.8
(31.1)

THE GROUP

ASSETS
FIT OUT,
IN THE
FIXTURES,
FITTINGS &
COURSE OF
EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION
£m

£m

TOTAL
£m

LAND &
BUILDINGS
£m

THE COMPANY

ASSETS
FIT OUT, 
IN THE
FIXTURES,
COURSE OF
FITTINGS &
EQUIPMENT CONSTRUCTION
£m

£m

2,545.7
186.6
149.3
(103.0)
–
(21.7)

115.5
179.0
(210.5)
–
–
(2.7)

5,699.1
450.6
–
(389.1)
1.8
(55.5)

2,698.8
30.3
59.8
(253.0)
1.8
–

2,034.9
152.1
102.1
(51.9)
–
–

105.5
101.2
(161.9)
–
–
–

TOTAL
£m

4,839.2
283.6
–

(304.9)
1.8
–

At 31 March 2000

2,868.7

2,756.9

81.3

5,706.9

2,537.7

2,237.2

44.8

4,819.7

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 April 1999
Depreciation for the year
Disposals
Differences on exchange

At 31 March 2000

Net book value
At 31 March 2000

83.5
14.2
(1.9)
(1.2)

94.6

1,228.1
247.4
(94.4)
(10.9)

1,370.2

–
–
–
–

–

1,311.6
261.6
(96.3)
(12.1)

1,464.8

69.5
11.0
(1.3)
–

79.2

940.3
201.3
(49.7)
–

1,091.9

–
–
–
–

–

1,009.8
212.3
(51.0)
–

1,171.1

2,774.1

1,386.7

81.3

4,242.1

2,458.5

1,145.3

44.8

3,648.6

At 1 April 1999

2,954.4

1,317.6

115.5

4,387.5

2,629.3

1,094.6

105.5

3,829.4

Analysis of land & buildings

At valuation
At cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net book value
At 31 March 2000

At 1 April 1999

FREEHOLD
£m

868.3
1,001.7

1,870.0

19.7

1,850.3

2,071.5

THE GROUP

LONG
LEASEHOLD
£m

SHORT
LEASEHOLD
£m

437.9
421.4

859.3

8.5

850.8

800.4

13.5
125.9

139.4

66.4

73.0

82.5

TOTAL
£m

FREEHOLD
£m

1,319.7
1,549.0

868.3
728.5

2,868.7

1,596.8

94.6

13.7

2,774.1

1,583.1

2,954.4

1,802.8

THE COMPANY

LONG
LEASEHOLD
£m

SHORT
LEASEHOLD
£m

437.9
409.8

847.7

8.3

839.4

786.2

13.5
79.7

93.2

57.2

36.0

40.3

TOTAL
£m

1,319.7
1,218.0

2,537.7

79.2

2,458.5

2,629.3

B Investment properties
Freehold land and buildings include investment properties as follows:

Cost or valuation
At 1 April 1999
Disposals (see note 4C)
Revaluation surplus

At 31 March 2000

THE GROUP
£m

THE COMPANY
£m

284.8
(232.1)
1.8

54.5

284.8
(232.1)
1.8

54.5

33 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (continued)
C Tangible fixed assets at cost
Gerald Eve, Chartered Surveyors, valued the Company’s freehold and leasehold properties in the United Kingdom as at 31 March
1982. This valuation was on the basis of open market value for existing use. At 31 March 1988, the directors, after consultation with
Gerald Eve, revalued those of the Company’s properties which had been valued as at 31 March 1982 (excluding subsequent additions
and adjusted for disposals). The directors’ valuation was incorporated into the financial statements at 31 March 1988.

The Company’s freehold interests in three investment properties have been valued at open market value in accordance with the
RICS Appraisal and Valuation Manual as at 31 March 2000 by external valuers, Gerald Eve, Chartered Surveyors and DTZ Debenham
Tie Leung, Chartered Surveyors. The valuations of these investment properties are based on the apportionment of larger valuations to
exclude an owner occupied Marks & Spencer store in each case. They exclude any income or outgoings attributable to the owner
occupied Marks & Spencer stores which have been assumed to continue trading.

If the Company’s land and buildings had not been valued as set out above their net book value would have been:

At valuation at 31 March 1975(1)
At cost

At 31 March
Accumulated depreciation

Net book value at 31 March

2000
£m

333.6
1,478.9

1,812.5
117.1

1999
£m

333.6
1,567.5

1,901.1
109.3

1,695.4

1,791.8

(1) The Company also valued its land and buildings in 1955 and in 1964. In the opinion of the directors unreasonable expense would

be incurred in obtaining the original costs of the assets valued in those years and in 1975.

14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
A Investments

At 1 April 1999
Additions
Disposals
Share of joint venture’s property 

revaluation

Repayment of loan

At 31 March 2000

THE GROUP

JOINT
VENTURE(1)(2)

OTHER

INVESTMENTS(3)

£m

24.2
0.5
–

1.2
(0.5)

25.4

£m

37.0
15.4
(22.8)

–
–

29.6

LOANS TO
SHARES IN
GROUP
GROUP
TOTAL UNDERTAKINGS(4) UNDERTAKINGS
£m

£m

£m

61.2
15.9
(22.8)

1.2
(0.5)

55.0

362.7
0.4
–

–
–

27.6
41.9
–

–
–

363.1

69.5

THE COMPANY

JOINT
VENTURE(1)

£m

16.4
–
–

–
(0.5)

15.9

OTHER

INVESTMENTS(3)

£m

–
7.8
(5.9)

–
–

1.9

TOTAL
£m

406.7
50.1
(5.9)

–
(0.5)

450.4

(1) The joint venture represents a 50% interest in Hedge End Park Ltd, a property investment company. The partner in the joint 

venture is J Sainsbury plc.

(2) The Group’s investment in the joint venture includes £9.8m (last year £10.3m) of loans and accumulated reserves of £9.5m 

(last year £7.8m).

(3) Other investments include listed securities held by a subsidiary. The difference between their book value and market value is

negligible. Other investments also include 708,263 shares in the Company held by employee share trusts (‘the Trusts’). Of these
shares, 468,263 were held by the Marks and Spencer p.l.c. Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trust (see note 24) and 240,000
shares were held by other trusts. At 31 March 2000, shares held by the Trusts had a book value of £1.9m.

(4) Shares in Group undertakings of £363.1m (last year £362.7m) are stated after cumulative amounts written off of £543.6m (last year

£543.6m).

34 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS (continued)
B Principal subsidiary undertakings
The Company’s principal subsidiary undertakings are set out below. A schedule of interests in all undertakings is filed with the 
Annual Return.

PRINCIPAL
ACTIVITY

COUNTRY OF
INCORPORATION
AND OPERATION

PROPORTION OF VOTING RIGHTS
AND SHARES HELD BY:

THE COMPANY 

A SUBSIDIARY

Holding Company
Holding Company
Holding Company
Holding Company
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing
Retailing

Marks and Spencer International Holdings Limited
Marks and Spencer (Nederland) BV
Marks & Spencer Finance Inc
Marks and Spencer Ventures Limited
Marks & Spencer (France) SA
SA Marks and Spencer (Belgium) NV
Splendour.com Limited
Marks and Spencer (España) SA
Marks and Spencer (Portugal) Lda
Marks and Spencer Stores BV
Marks and Spencer (Deutschland) GmbH
Marks and Spencer (Ireland) Limited
Brooks Brothers Inc
Brooks Brothers (Japan) Limited
Kings Super Markets Inc
Marks and Spencer (Hong Kong) Limited
Marks and Spencer Retail Financial Services Holdings Limited Holding Company
Financial Services
Marks and Spencer Financial Services Limited
Financial Services
Marks and Spencer Unit Trust Management Limited
Financial Services
Marks and Spencer Savings and Investments Limited
Financial Services
Marks and Spencer Life Assurance Limited
Financial Services
MS Insurance Limited
Finance
St Michael Finance p.l.c.
Finance
Marks & Spencer Finance p.l.c.
Property Investment
Marks and Spencer Property Holdings Limited

Great Britain
The Netherlands
United States
Great Britain
France
Belgium
UK
Spain
Portugal
The Netherlands
Germany
Republic of Ireland
United States
Japan
United States
Hong Kong
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain
Guernsey
Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain

100%
–
100%
100%
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
100%
–
–
–
–
–
100%
100%
100%

–
100%
–
–
100%
100%
65%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
51%
100%
100%
–
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
–
–
–

15. DEBTORS

A Amounts receivable within one year

Trade debtors
Customer advances
Amounts owed by Group undertakings
Other debtors(1)
Prepayments and accrued income(2)

B Amounts receivable after more than one year(3)

Customer advances
Other debtors(1)
Prepayments and accrued income(2)

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

44.4
663.3
–
61.9
218.7

988.3

45.1
653.0
–
62.2
208.7

969.0

1,478.1
17.1
71.7

1,282.2
20.5
84.0

1,566.9

1,386.7

26.5
–
599.1
21.9
147.7

795.2

–
12.5
67.8

80.3

26.2
–
488.3
27.6
154.6

696.7

–
15.6
81.0

96.6

(1) Other debtors include an interest free loan to an officer of the Company of £55,735 (last year £38,094).
(2) Prepayments and accrued income includes £175.0m (last year £188.2m) in respect of the UK Pension Scheme. Of this, £67.8m

(last year £81.0m) is included in amounts receivable after more than one year.

(3) Amounts receivable after more than one year include £76.0m (last year £84.7m) of non-financial assets which have been excluded

from the analysis in note 18.

35 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

16. CURRENT ASSET INVESTMENTS

Listed investments:

Government securities
Listed in the United Kingdom
Listed overseas
Unlisted investments
Short-term deposits(1)

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

74.0
47.0
59.8
11.6
194.0

386.4

1999
£m

69.0
39.4
54.4
41.2
–

204.0

2000
£m

1999
£m

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

(1) Short-term deposits comprise deposits with banks and other financial institutions with initial maturity of more than three months.

17. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash at bank includes commercial paper and short-term deposits with banks and other financial institutions with initial maturity of
three months or less.

18. ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS
After taking into account the various interest rate swaps entered into by the Group, the currency and interest rate exposure of the
Group’s financial assets is set out below. There are no financial assets other than short-term debtors excluded from this analysis.

A Interest rate and currency analysis

Currency
Sterling
US dollar
Other

2000

FIXED RATE
£m

FLOATING RATE
£m

NON-INTEREST
BEARING
£m

TOTAL
£m

FIXED RATE
£m

FLOATING RATE
£m

NON-INTEREST
BEARING
£m

1999

THE GROUP

96.7
17.0
21.2

1,912.0
29.4
39.7

134.9

1,981.1

77.1
4.0
10.9

92.0

2,085.8
50.4
71.8

2,208.0

112.6
9.9
32.1

154.6

1,525.3
62.4
36.2

1,623.9

29.3
3.1
13.6

46.0

TOTAL
£m

1,667.2
75.4
81.9

1,824.5

The floating rate sterling and US dollar assets are at interest rates linked to LIBOR. The non-interest bearing cash is predominantly cash
in tills and uncleared deposits.

B Analysis of fixed interest rates

Currency
Sterling
US dollar
Other

C Analysis of financial assets

Cash at bank and in hand
Current asset investments
Customer advances falling due in more than one year
Fixed asset investments
Other amounts receivable after more than one year

Financial assets as defined by FRS13

Customer advances falling due in less than one year

Financial assets including short-term customer advances

FIXED RATE FINANCIAL ASSETS

2000

1999

WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
INTEREST RATE
%

INTEREST RATE
%

2000

1999
WEIGHTED AVERAGE WEIGHTED AVERAGE
PERIOD FOR WHICH
PERIOD FOR WHICH
RATE IS FIXED
RATE IS FIXED
YEARS
YEARS

7.0
6.0
4.4

6.7
6.4
6.2

7.5
7.3
6.1

2000
£m

301.1
386.4
1,478.1
29.6
12.8

5.1
8.9
3.0

1999
£m

THE GROUP

281.5
204.0
1,282.2
37.0
19.8

2,208.0

1,824.5

663.3

653.0

2,871.3

2,477.5

36 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

19. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Bank loans and overdrafts
Medium term notes (see note 21B)
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Taxation
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors(1)
Accruals and deferred income
Proposed final dividend

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

469.0
700.4
219.3
–
112.8
30.1
254.3
224.5
152.4

1999
£m

445.8
466.8
214.7
–
98.3
14.1
244.5
238.4
307.2

2,162.8

2,029.8

2000
£m

29.3
–
180.8
9.3
82.9
21.6
138.3
121.4
152.4

736.0

1999
£m

–
–
163.7
–
72.7
2.3
146.4
135.0
307.2

827.3

(1) Other creditors include £27.1m (last year £22.1m) which is shown in the calculation of the Group’s net debt and is treated as

financing within the cash flow statement. 

20. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Medium term notes (see note 21B)
Other creditors(1)(2)

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

686.1
118.2

804.3

1999
£m

665.4
107.2

772.6

2000
£m

–
–

–

1999
£m

–
–

–

(1) Other creditors include £56.3m (last year £67.0m) which is shown in the calculation of the Group’s net debt and is treated as

financing within the cash flow statement.

(2) Other creditors include £58.2m (last year £33.0m) of non-financial liabilities which have been excluded from the analysis in

note 21.

21. ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES
A Interest rate and currency analysis
After taking into account the various interest rate and currency swaps entered into by the Group, the currency and interest rate
exposure of the Group’s financial liabilities are set out below. There are no financial liabilities other than short-term creditors excluded
from this analysis.

Currency
Sterling
US dollar
Other

FIXED RATE
£m

FLOATING RATE
£m

THE GROUP
2000
TOTAL
£m

FIXED RATE
£m

FLOATING RATE
£m

1999
TOTAL
£m

100.0
–
–

100.0

1,408.3
183.8
250.5

1,508.3
183.8
250.5

1,842.6

1,942.6

100.0
–
–

100.0

1,189.0
203.6
181.7

1,289.0
203.6
181.7

1,574.3

1,674.3

The floating rate sterling and US dollar borrowings are linked to interest rates related to LIBOR. These rates are for periods ranging
from one month to six months. The fixed rate sterling borrowings are at a weighted average rate of 6.8% and the weighted average
time for which the rate is fixed is 3.3 years. 

37 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

21. ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL LIABILITIES (continued)
B Maturity of financial liabilities

Repayable within one year:

Bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper
Medium term notes
Other creditors

Repayable between one and two years:

Medium term notes
Other creditors

Repayable between two and five years:

Medium term notes
Other creditors

Repayable in five years or more:

Medium term notes
Other creditors

THE GROUP

2000
£m

1999
£m

469.0
700.4
27.1

1,196.5

95.2
23.3

118.5

571.0
31.5

602.5

19.9
5.2

25.1

445.8
466.8
22.1

934.7

165.1
24.9

190.0

500.3
36.9

537.2

–
12.4

12.4

1,942.6

1,674.3

(1) Financial liabilities include £3.7m (last year £7.2m) of other creditors which is excluded from the reconciliation of net debt in

note 29.

C Borrowing facilities
At 31 March 2000, the Group had an undrawn committed facility of $50m (last year $50m) linked to its commercial paper programme
and subject to annual review. The Group also has a number of undrawn uncommitted facilities available to it. At 31 March 2000 these
amounted to £533.3m (last year £691.7m).

38 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

22. PROVISIONS FOR LIABILITIES AND CHARGES

Post-retirement health benefits(1)
At 1 April 1999
Utilised during the year
Interest charged

At 31 March 2000

UK and European restructuring(2)
At 1 April 1999
Additions during the year
Utilised during the year
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2000

Canadian closure(3)
At 1 April 1999
Additions during the year
Utilised during the year
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2000

Deferred taxation(4)
At 1 April 1999
Credited to the profit and loss account (see note 6)
Exchange differences

At 31 March 2000

Total at 31 March 2000

Total at 31 March 1999

THE GROUP
£m

THE COMPANY
£m

27.8
(2.2)
2.1

27.7

24.0
72.0
(49.2)
(0.1)

46.7

2.6
20.4
(19.2)
0.2

4.0

50.6
(2.0)
(0.4)

48.2

126.6

105.0

27.8
(2.2)
2.1

27.7

24.0
63.3
(44.7)
–

42.6

–
–
–
–

–

44.5
(1.8)
–

42.7

113.0

96.3

(1) The £27.7m provision for post-retirement health benefits represents the estimated value of the Company’s subsidy of the 

Marks & Spencer Health Insurance Scheme, in so far as it relates to private medical benefits for retired employees and their
dependants, for whom the Company meets the whole, or part, of the cost (see note 10B for further details).

(2) The provision for UK and European restructuring costs relates to the ongoing costs of restructuring the Group’s UK and European
operations. The balance at 31 March 2000 primarily relates to the restructuring of UK Retail into customer business units and the
refocussing of existing store roles to customer facing activities. The majority of these costs are expected to be incurred during the
next financial year.

(3) The Canadian restructuring costs relate to the costs incurred in closing the Group’s Canadian operations. The balance at 31 March

2000 primarily relates to surplus properties and is expected to be utilised over the next three years.

(4) The deferred tax provision consists of £56.5m (last year £58.9m) arising on short-term timing differences offset by £8.3m (last year

£8.3m) arising on post-retirement health benefits.

Unprovided deferred taxation

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

Excess of capital allowances over depreciation on tangible fixed assets

155.7

219.7

141.5

204.3

In the opinion of the directors, the revalued properties will be retained for use in the business and the likelihood of any taxation
liability arising is remote. Accordingly the potential deferred taxation in respect of these properties has not been quantified.
Deferred tax is not provided in respect of liabilities which might arise on the distribution of unappropriated profits of

international subsidiaries.

39 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

23. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
A Fair values of financial instruments
Set out below is a comparison of current and book values of all the Group’s financial instruments by category. Where market prices 
are not available for a particular instrument, fair values have been calculated by discounting cash flows at prevailing interest rates and
exchange rates.

Assets/(liabilities)
Customer advances falling due in more than one year
Current asset investments(1)
Fixed asset investments(2)
Cash at bank and in hand(1)
Borrowings due within one year(1)
Financial liabilities due after more than one year(1)
Interest rate swaps(3)
Forward foreign currency contracts(3)
FTSE 100 put options(4)

THE GROUP

2000

1999

BOOK VALUE
£m

FAIR VALUE
£m

BOOK VALUE
£m

FAIR VALUE
£m

1,478.1
386.4
29.6
301.1
(1,196.1)
(746.1)
–
–
2.2

1,474.2
386.4
29.6
301.1
(1,199.6)
(737.4)
(2.6)
20.2
3.1

1,282.2
204.0
37.0
281.5
(934.7)
(739.6)
–
–
4.2

1,300.2
204.0
37.0
281.5
(936.1)
(745.4)
(12.7)
9.7
8.4

(1) Current asset investments and cash at bank are predominantly short-term deposits placed with banks, financial institutions and 
on money markets, and investments in short-term securities. Borrowings are at floating rates. Therefore, fair values closely
approximate book values.

(2) Fixed asset investments comprise listed securities held by a subsidiary.
(3) Interest rate swaps and forward foreign currency contracts have been marked to market to produce a fair value figure.
(4) FTSE 100 put options provide no loss guarantees on certain Unit Trust offers. The options are on a fully matched basis and are 

not traded. They have been marked to market to produce a fair value figure.

B Hedges of future transactions
As described in the Financial Review on page 5, the Group’s policy is to maintain foreign exchange cover in respect of exports from
the UK to subsidiaries. It does this using forward foreign currency contracts. At 31 March 2000, the Group had hedged approximately
80% of the foreign currency exports expected in the following 12 months.

At 31 March 2000, there were £20.2m of net gains on forward foreign currency contracts (last year £9.7m of net gains). None of
these were recognised at the balance sheet date. All outstanding net gains are expected to be dealt with in the profit and loss account
for the period ending 31 March 2001.

During the period ended 31 March 2000, all of the net gains not recognised at 31 March 1999 were dealt with in the profit and

loss account.

C Currency risk
The effect of currency exposures arising from the translation of overseas investments is mitigated by Group borrowings in the local
currencies of its main operating subsidiaries. Gains and losses arising on net investments in overseas subsidiaries are recognised in 
the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses.

After taking into account the effect of any hedging transactions entered into to manage transactional currency exposures, no Group
company had any material monetary assets or liabilities in currencies other than their functional currencies at the balance sheet date.

24. CALLED UP SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised:

3,200,000,000 ordinary shares of 25p each

Allotted, called up and fully paid:

2,874,587,298 ordinary shares of 25p each (last year 2,870,622,953)

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1999
£m

800.0

800.0

718.6

717.7

3,964,345 ordinary shares having a nominal value of £0.9m were allotted during the year under the terms of the Company’s share
schemes which are described in note 10. The aggregate consideration received was £10.7m. Contingent rights to the allotment of
shares are also described in note 10.

Of the 3,964,345 ordinary shares referred to above, 3,671,774 ordinary shares were subscribed for by the Marks and Spencer p.l.c.
Qualifying Employee Share Ownership Trust (the ‘QUEST’) at market value of £11.2m. Of these shares, 3,203,511 were allocated to
employees, including executive directors, in satisfaction of options exercised under the Marks and Spencer United Kingdom Employees’
Save As You Earn Share Option Scheme. The Company provided £1.1m to the QUEST for this purpose. The cost of this contribution has
been transferred by the Company directly to the profit and loss account reserve (see note 25). At 31 March 2000, 468,263 shares were
held by the QUEST (see note 14).

40 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

25. SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

Called up share capital (see note 24)

Share premium account:

At 1 April
Shares issued under the Company’s share schemes

At 31 March

Revaluation reserve:

At 1 April
Surplus on revaluation of investment properties
Share of joint venture’s movement in revaluation reserve
Revaluation surplus realised on disposals
Revaluation element of depreciation charge

At 31 March

Profit and loss account reserve:

At 1 April
Revaluation element of depreciation charge
Revaluation surplus realised on disposals
Goodwill reinstated in respect of closure of Canada
Amounts deducted in respect of shares issued to the QUEST (see note 24)
Retained profit/(loss) for the year
Exchange differences on foreign currency translation

At 31 March

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

1999
£m

2000
£m

1999
£m

718.6

717.7

718.6

717.7

358.5
10.9

369.4

531.0
1.8
1.2
(74.2)
(1.9)

457.9

325.7
32.8

358.5

506.1
32.7
1.4
(7.8)
(1.4)

531.0

358.5
10.9

369.4

533.2
1.8
–
(74.2)
(1.9)

458.9

325.7
32.8

358.5

509.7
32.7
–
(7.8)
(1.4)

533.2

3,276.7
1.9
74.2
24.4
(1.1)
0.1
(16.8)

3,306.3
1.4
7.8
–
(12.6)
(41.2)
15.0

2,886.5
1.9
74.2
–
(1.1)
22.0
–

2,931.6
1.4
7.8
–
(12.6)
(41.7)
–

3,359.4

3,276.7

2,983.5

2,886.5

Shareholders’ funds at 31 March – all equity

4,905.3

4,883.9

4,530.4

4,495.9

Cumulative goodwill of £428.9m (last year £453.3m) arising on the acquisition of US and Spanish subsidiaries has been written off
against the profit and loss account reserve. As permitted by FRS10, this goodwill has not been reinstated in the balance sheet and
remains written off to reserves.

26. RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN GROUP SHAREHOLDERS’ FUNDS

Profit attributable to shareholders
Dividends

Other recognised gains and losses relating to the year
New share capital subscribed
Amounts deducted from profit and loss account reserve in respect of shares issued to the QUEST
Goodwill transferred to profit and loss account on closure of Canada

Net additions to shareholders’ funds
Shareholders’ funds at 1 April

Shareholders’ funds at 31 March

THE GROUP

2000
£m

258.7
(258.6)

0.1

(13.8)
11.8
(1.1)
24.4

1999
£m

372.1
(413.3)

(41.2)

49.1
34.9
(12.6)
–

21.4
4,883.9

30.2
4,853.7

4,905.3

4,883.9

41 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

27. RECONCILIATION OF OPERATING PROFIT TO NET CASH INFLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Operating profit
Exceptional operating charges (see note 4A)

Operating profit before exceptional charges
Depreciation (excluding £64.0m impairment provision last year)
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
Increase in customer advances
Decrease/(increase) in other debtors
Increase in creditors

Net cash inflow before exceptional items
Exceptional operating cash outflow (see note 28A)

Net cash inflow from operating activities

THE GROUP

2000
£m

471.0
72.0

543.0
261.6
40.3
(206.2)
0.9
51.1

690.7
(49.2)

641.5

1999
£m

512.0
88.5

600.5
236.4
(7.6)
(363.0)
(8.0)
14.6

472.9
(0.6)

472.3

28. ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS GIVEN IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT

THE GROUP

2000
£m

A Exceptional operating cash flows
UK redundancy costs paid
European restructuring costs paid

Exceptional operating cash outflow

B Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Interest received
Interest paid
Dividends paid to minorities

Net cash inflow from returns on investments and servicing of finance

C Taxation
UK corporation tax paid
Overseas tax paid

Cash outflow for taxation

D Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Sale of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of fixed asset investments
Sale of fixed asset investments

Net cash outflow for capital expenditure and financial investment

E Acquisitions and disposals
Closure of Canadian operations
Repayment of loan by joint venture
Acquisition of minority interest

Cash (outflow)/inflow for acquisitions and disposals

F Management of liquid resources
Decrease in cash deposits treated as liquid resources
Net purchase of government securities
Net purchase of listed investments
Net sale of unlisted investments
Net increase in short-term deposits

Cash (outflow)/inflow from (increase)/decrease in liquid resources

1999
£m

(0.6)
–

(0.6)

29.8
–
(0.8)

29.0

(44.7)
(4.5)

(49.2)

17.8
(2.0)
(0.6)

15.2

(143.5)
(2.2)

(145.7)

(337.2)
(8.7)

(345.9)

(447.5)
266.0
(1.9)
16.4

(167.0)

(15.4)
0.5
(6.2)

(21.1)

18.4
(5.0)
(12.9)
31.0
(194.0)

(162.5)

(663.0)
25.5
–
9.4

(628.1)

–
1.0
–

1.0

140.2
(14.2)
(0.7)
55.3
–

180.6

42 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Notes to the financial statements

28. ANALYSIS OF CASH FLOWS GIVEN IN THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT (continued)

G Financing
Increase in bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper treated as financing
Repayment of 73⁄8% Guaranteed bonds
Repayment of US$ Promissory note
Issue of medium term notes
(Decrease)/increase in other creditors treated as financing

Debt financing as shown in analysis of net debt (see note 29)
Shares issued under employees’ share schemes

Net cash inflow from financing

THE GROUP

2000
£m

1999
£m

2.3
–
–
254.3
(5.7)

250.9
9.4

260.3

29.5
(150.0)
(268.7)
859.3
12.7

482.8
22.2

505.0

29. ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT

Net cash:
Cash at bank and in hand (see note 18C)
Less: deposits treated as liquid resources (see below)

Bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper (see note 21B)
Less: amounts treated as financing (see below)

Net cash per cash flow statement

Liquid resources:
Deposits included in cash (see above)
Current asset investments (see note 16)

Liquid resources per cash flow statement and note 28F

Debt financing:
Bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper treated as financing (see above)
Medium term notes (see note 21B)
Other creditors (see note 21B)

Debt financing (see note 28G)

Net debt

AT 1 APRIL
1999
£m

CASH FLOW
£m

EXCHANGE
MOVEMENT
£m

AT 31 MARCH
2000
£m

281.5
(178.6)

102.9

(445.8)
384.7

(61.1)

41.8

178.6
204.0

382.6

(384.7)
(1,132.2)
(89.1)

(1,606.0)

20.5
18.4

38.9

(34.0)
2.3

(31.7)

7.2

(18.4)
180.9

162.5

(2.3)
(254.3)
5.7

(250.9)

(0.9)
0.1

(0.8)

10.8
(5.0)

5.8

5.0

(0.1)
1.5

1.4

5.0
–
–

5.0

301.1
(160.1)

141.0

(469.0)
382.0

(87.0)

54.0

160.1
386.4

546.5

(382.0)
(1,386.5)
(83.4)

(1,851.9)

(1,181.6)

(81.2)

11.4

(1,251.4)

43 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

30. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

A Commitments in respect of properties in the course of development
B Guarantees by the Company in respect of debt instruments issued by subsidiaries
C Guarantees made in the ordinary course of business on behalf of 

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

2000
£m

103.9
–

1999
£m

151.5
–

2000
£m

1999
£m

101.1
1,780.8

134.8
1,258.3

overseas subsidiaries

–

–

129.2

161.7

D Marks and Spencer (Ireland) Limited and its subsidiary Aprell Limited have availed themselves of the exemption provided for in 

S17 of the Companies (Amendment) Act 1986 (Ireland) in respect of the documents required to be annexed to their annual returns.

E Other material contracts 

In the event of a material change in the trading arrangements with certain warehouse operators, the Company has a commitment 
to purchase, at market value, fixed assets which are currently owned and operated by them on the Company’s behalf.

F Commitments under operating leases 

At 31 March 2000 annual commitments under operating leases were as follows:

Expiring within one year
Expiring in the second to fifth years inclusive
Expiring in more than five years

THE GROUP

THE COMPANY

LAND &
BUILDINGS
£m

6.2
28.0
80.0

114.2

OTHER
£m

1.2
2.2
–

3.4

LAND &
BUILDINGS
£m

0.6
4.3
41.6

46.5

OTHER
£m

1.1
1.8
–

2.9

31. FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES
The principal foreign exchange rates used in the financial statements are as follows (local currency equivalent of £1):

Republic of Ireland
France
Belgium
Germany
The Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
United States
Canada
Hong Kong
Japan

SALES AVERAGE RATE
1999
2000

PROFIT AVERAGE RATE
1999
2000

BALANCE SHEET RATE
1999
2000

1.24
10.29
63.39
3.07
3.41
–
262.20
1.62
2.35
12.57
177.16

1.15
9.64
59.24
2.85
3.24
–
243.90
1.66
2.51
12.83
209.16

1.24
10.24
63.55
3.08
3.45
–
257.33
1.61
2.35
12.51
175.88

1.15
9.74
60.00
2.87
3.28
–
246.01
1.66
2.51
12.84
206.75

1.31
10.94
67.27
3.26
3.68
334.34
277.48
1.60
2.32
12.43
163.91

1.18
9.81
60.32
2.92
3.30
–
248.79
1.61
2.44
12.51
191.18

32. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no material transactions with related parties as defined by FRS8, ‘Related Party Transactions’.

44 Marks and Spencer p.l.c.

Group financial record

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH

Profit and loss account(1)(2)
Turnover:
General
Foods
Financial Services

Total turnover (excluding sales taxes)

Retailing – continuing

– discontinued

Financial Services

Operating profit

United Kingdom
Europe (excluding UK)(3)
Americas(4)
Far East
Excess interest charged to cost of sales of 

Financial Services

Total operating profit
Analysed as:

Before exceptional operating (charges)/income
Exceptional operating (charges)/income

Retailing – continuing

– discontinued

Financial Services
Excess interest charged to cost of sales of 

Financial Services

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations
Loss on closure of Canadian operation
(Loss)/profit on disposal of property and other fixed assets
Net interest income

Profit before taxation
Taxation on ordinary activities
Minority interests

Profit attributable to shareholders
Dividends

Profit/(loss) for the year

Balance sheet(1)
Intangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets

Total assets
Creditors due within one year

Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors due after more than one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges

2000
£m
53 weeks

1999
£m
52 weeks

1998
£m
52 weeks

1997
£m
52 weeks

1996
£m
52 weeks

4,629.6
3,201.3
364.6

8,195.5
7,830.9
–
364.6

4,765.1
3,110.3
348.6

8,224.0
7,875.4
–
348.6

472.7
(14.8)
16.4
(3.3)

–

471.0

543.0
(72.0)

355.1
–
115.9

–

–
(45.4)
(22.3)
14.2

417.5
(158.2)
(0.6)

258.7
(258.6)

0.1

565.1
(90.8)
15.7
(3.5)

25.5

512.0

600.5
(88.5)

375.8
–
110.7

25.5

–
–
6.2
27.9

546.1
(176.1)
2.1

372.1
(413.3)

(41.2)

1.3
4,242.1
55.0
3,717.1

8,015.5
(2,162.8)

5,852.7
(804.3)
(126.6)

–
4,387.5
61.2
3,355.9

7,804.6
(2,029.8)

5,774.8
(772.6)
(105.0)

4,811.4
3,157.1
274.8

8,243.3
7,968.5
–
274.8

1,014.1
31.9
16.7
18.3

4,601.7
3,024.1
216.1

7,841.9
7,625.8
–
216.1

931.3
37.3
20.7
32.7

4,181.4
2,871.3
181.0

7,233.7
7,030.3
22.4
181.0

852.4
31.7
13.9
26.0

22.7

–

–

1,103.7

1,022.0

924.0

1,050.5
53.2

1,022.0
–

991.6
–
89.4

22.7

–
–
(2.8)
54.1

1,155.0
(338.7)
(0.4)

815.9
(409.1)

406.8

–
3,964.8
69.7
3,401.5

7,436.0
(2,345.0)

5,091.0
(187.2)
(31.0)

946.3
–
75.7

–

–
–
(1.8)
65.9

1,086.1
(346.1)
(1.3)

738.7
(368.6)

370.1

–
3,412.0
36.6
3,203.0

6,651.6
(1,775.1)

4,876.5
(495.8)
(31.8)

924.0
–

867.2
(2.2)
59.0

–

(25.0)
–
(4.2)
57.6

952.4
(312.0)
(1.2)

639.2
(320.9)

318.3

–
3,246.4
46.0
2,874.3

6,166.7
(1,674.9)

4,491.8
(497.8)
(35.0)

Net assets

4,921.8

4,897.2

4,872.8

4,348.9

3,959.0

(1) Restated for 1998 and prior years for the change in accounting policy relating to the depreciation of fit out.
(2) Restated for 1997 and prior years to include turnover and operating profit by destination, the results of the Captive

insurance company within turnover and cost of sales and the results of the Treasury company within net interest income.

(3) 1999 reflects £64m provision for impairment of fixed assets.
(4) Inclusive of discontinued operations.

45 Annual Report and Financial Statements 2000

Cash flow(1)(2)
Net cash inflow from operating activities
Returns on investments and servicing of finance
Taxation
Capital expenditure and financial investment
Acquisitions and disposals
Equity dividends paid

Cash outflow before management of liquid resources 

and financing

Management of liquid resources
Financing

Increase/(decrease) in cash

Decrease in net funds defined by FRS1

Key performance measures(1)

Gross margin(3)(4)

Net margin(3)(4)

Gross profit

Turnover

Operating profit

Turnover

2000
£m
53 weeks

641.5
15.2
(145.7)
(167.0)
(21.1)
(413.5)

(90.6)
(162.5)
260.3

7.2

69.8

1999
£m
52 weeks

472.3
29.0
(345.9)
(628.1)
1.0
(412.6)

(884.3)
180.6
505.0

(198.7)

862.3

1998
£m
52 weeks

967.7
56.1
(342.3)
(788.3)
2.6
(325.8)

(430.0)
226.6
307.4

104.0

380.8

1997
£m
52 weeks

903.1
65.4
(318.6)
(419.1)
(0.2)
(305.6)

(75.0)
91.3
64.7

81.0

35.5

1996
£m
52 weeks

804.1
55.7
(296.8)
(325.1)
(4.9)
(271.3)

(38.3)
(127.7)
113.5

(52.5)

4.3

34.1%

33.4%

35.2%

34.9%

34.7%

5.7%

5.9%

13.1%

13.0%

12.8%

Net margin excluding exceptional items(5)

6.6%

7.0%

12.5%

13.0%

12.8%

Profitability(3)

Profit before tax

Turnover

5.1%

6.6%

14.0%

13.8%

13.6%

Profitability excluding exceptional items(6)

6.8%

7.6%

13.4%

13.9%

13.6%

Earnings per share
(Defined by FRS14)

Standard earnings(7)

Weighted average ordinary
shares in issue

9.0p

13.0p

28.6p

26.1p

22.8p

Earnings per share adjusted for exceptional items

13.2p

15.6p

27.4p

26.2p

23.8p

Earnings per share
(Defined by IIMR)

Headline earnings(8)

Weighted average ordinary
shares in issue

Dividend per share

Dividend cover

Profit attributable to shareholders

Dividends

Return on equity(3)

Profit after tax and minority interests

Average shareholders’ funds

11.4p

15.0p

28.7p

26.2p

23.8p

9.0p

14.4p

14.3p

13.0p

11.4p

1.0

0.9

2.0

2.0

1.9

5.3%

7.6%

17.8%

17.9%

17.1%

Capital expenditure(1)

£450.6m

£683.1m

£750.2m

£431.6m

£309.0m

(1) Restated for 1998 and prior years for the change in accounting policy relating to the depreciation of fit out.
(2) Figures for 1996 have been restated in accordance with the revised version of FRS1, ‘Cash Flow Statements’.
(3) Based on results reported as continuing operations.
(4) Based on segmental results.
(5) Figures for 2000 exclude exceptional operating charges of £72.0m in respect of UK and European restructuring costs.

Figures for 1999 exclude exceptional operating charges of £88.5m in respect of impairment provision in Europe and the
provision for UK restructuring costs (see note 4A). 1998 excludes exceptional operating income of £53.2m in respect of VAT.

(6) Excludes operating exceptional items referred to in (5) above together with non-operating exceptional items.
(7) Standard earnings are defined as profit after tax and minority interests.
(8) Headline earnings are standard earnings adjusted for certain capital items.

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